Welcome!

The ESL Center at Mississippi State University (MSU) offers international students an intensive English language program, more than 20 hours per week of English language instruction, in a traditional southern setting. We want to help you learn English and get involved in the community so that you can get a degree at MSU or go back home with the advanced English skills and USA culture experiences to advance your career.

The ESL Center

An academic department within Mississippi State University, the ESL Center offers eight levels of English development from high beginning to advanced. All students have classes in writing and grammar, listening and speaking, reading, and American culture. Students also participate in exciting service learning projects, which get them involved in the local community. Advanced students complete an internship as part of their course requirements, which provides them with invaluable English and professional skills.

Conversation Partner and Connections Programs

All ESL students are matched with US students for informal conversation and fun activities. Many partners meet for lunch or coffee and attend sporting and cultural events together. ESL students also have the opportunity to attend Conversation Connections, weekly programs which allow international students to connect with students and faculty from the USA while speaking English.

Semesters & Sessions

ESL classes meet five days per week for three semesters (five sessions) per year. Fall and spring semesters are sixteen weeks each, beginning in January and August. The summer semester is eight weeks, beginning in June. Students may also begin studying at the ESL Center at the beginning of any eight-week session (March or October). Each of the eight levels normally requires one session (eight weeks) for completion.

Admission to Mississippi State University & TOEFL Waivers

As a major research university, MSU has eight colleges and many undergraduate and graduate degree programs. ESL students who complete level 8 can be admitted to a degree program at MSU with a TOEFL waiver if they meet other admission requirements. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs at MSU have conditional admission options, as well, where students without English proficiency can be admitted and take ESL credit classes to finish the English certification. The ESL Center works with MSU to make it easy for students to be admitted.

Faculty

All ESL instructors are Mississippi State University faculty members with master’s degrees in language instruction. They provide excellent instruction in a small classroom setting of usually 10-12 students. Students enjoy plenty of personal attention and opportunities to practice their new English skills.

Students

ESL students come from around the world, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela to name just a few. Many undergraduate and graduate students attend classes at the ESL Center while earning credit through Mississippi State University.

Housing & Recreation

Many students stay in Mississippi State University housing and have access to a state-of-the-art recreational facility, which has an indoor pool, basketball & racquetball courts, weight rooms, indoor track, sauna, and cafe.

Southern Living

Starkville, Mississippi, the home of Mississippi State University, mixes the excitement of a university town with the charm and hospitality of a safe and friendly southern city. Many students also find time to travel during session breaks to famous southern cities such as Memphis, Atlanta, and New Orleans!

Services

We want to help you adjust to life at Mississippi State University in any way we can. Our student services program can help with housing, banking, and other needs that you may have. We want to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible.

Join Us Today

Becoming a student at the ESL Center is very easy. Simply complete and return an application form with financial certification and application fee, and the ESL Center can prepare you an I-20 immediately.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity employer.

We look forward to seeing you in class!