Overview

Established in 1974, Virginia Tech’s Intensive English program enables students to meet their personal, academic, and professional goals through English language study. Faculty hold master's degrees or doctorates, are professionally active and are current in language teaching trends. In the Washington, D.C., area, the program is located in a new 12,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Fairfax, Va. The center is just a block away from the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station.

About the University

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is a comprehensive, top-ranked research university with the largest full-time student population in Virginia. The university offers 150 master's and doctoral programs and 65 bachelor's degree programs. Its engineering, architecture, and MBA programs are particularly well-known and respected both within and outside the United States. The university has been ranked among the top 25 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Virginia Tech's more than 2,300 international students represent more than 110 countries.

About the Fairfax/Merrifield Area

The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute National Capital Region center falls within the newly developed Mosaic District, encompassing apartments, shops, restaurants, the Angelika Film Center, a 150-room Hyatt House hotel, and extensive office space. Named Mosaic in reference to the many different Northern Virginia neighborhoods, the area hosts an untraditional combination of markets, local shops, and restaurants of all types; much of the community is walkable. Close to Washington, D.C., convenient to public transportation, and near highway access, this location is ideal for exploration of the nation’s capital. New York City is less than three hours away by train, and Philadelphia can be reached in under two hours.

Program

The Intensive English course series is designed to assist students in acquiring the language skills necessary for successful study at an American university.

Students enroll in two required core classes and an optional elective each term and are engaged in these classes 20 to 24 hours per week. Classes are divided into eight levels according to language proficiency. Core classes are twenty hours per week and include instruction and practice in reading and writing, listening and speaking, grammar, and pronunciation. Our highest levels make up a concentrated preparation program to help students transition to university classes.

Four hours per week are devoted to special interest electives which may be taken optionally and at extra cost. TOEFL® iBT Preparation, offered each term, is available to students who have high-intermediate to advanced language proficiency. The elective offerings vary by session, but typically include American Idioms, Orientation to American Culture, Skills for University Success, Advanced Academic Listening, American Media and Business English.

Intensive English Features:

• Conditional undergraduate admission for qualified students
• Full-time, intensive instruction in all language skill areas
• Eight levels of instruction from high-beginning to advanced
• Concentrated preparation for TOEFL® and university studies
• An advanced computer-assisted learning center
• Concurrent graduate-level university enrollment for qualified students
• Up to 18 months of study, depending on placement

Professional Affiliations

The Intensive English program is part of the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute. The institute is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and has endorsed and conforms to TESOL standards for postsecondary intensive English programs and the NAFSA Code of Ethics/ Principles for English Programs and Determination of English Proficiency. The Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

Housing

Students are typically housed in homestays and area apartments.

The Northern Virginia Center is a two-block walk from the Dunn Loring Metro station. Fairfax County has an extensive bus system within easy reach of the school and popular tourist and shopping venues.

Special Programs

• Undergraduate conditional admissions program
• TOEFL® preparation course
• University placement counseling
• Specialized group programs