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Intensive English Program FAQ's
Registration & Payment | Documentation & Visas | Housing & Transportation
Program Placement | Classes & Curriculum | First Day Check-In, Orientation & Activities | Holidays
Registration & Payment
When is the program offered?
Classes run every two weeks from mid-January through November. We offer 2-week, 4-week, and 10-week start dates. Students can stay longer by combining start dates.
Who can be admitted to the IEP program?
Our program caters to students 16 years of age and above, including college students and adult professionals. We can provide instruction to younger students if they come as an organized group through an agent. If you are an agent or are interested in becoming agent please visit our agent information page.
What type of application do I fill out?
- Students applying for an F-1 Visa will need to submit an application.
- For further information, go to : F-1 Student Visa Information
- To download an application, go to: Downloads
- Students entering the country on a B1/B2 Tourist visa do not need to submit an application.
- For information on how to register, go to: How to Register.
If I plan on attending multiple courses, do I need to fill out the
Application Form more than once?
You do not need to fill out an application unless you are applying for an F-1student visa.
I want to study for 10 weeks. Do I have to start on one of the published 10-week starting dates?
No, you may also begin your course on any one of the 2-week or 4-week starting dates.
What forms of payment do you accept?
If the payment originates from outside the United States we prefer that all fees be paid with a credit card. However, we also accept bank checks, money orders, and cash payments made in person. If a refund needs to be issued and mailed outside of the United States, the postal cost will be deducted from the refund.
Who do I make the check or money order payable to?
Valencia Community College .
Do you have financial aid or a payment plan available for these classes?
Valencia does not offer financial aid or payment plans for its non-credit courses.
If I take more than one course, do I have to purchase materials for each one?
In general, you will only need to buy one set of books per language level. In addition, each course requires the purchase of a workbook.
Will you cancel a course if there are not enough students registered?
It is possible that an IEP course may be cancelled before the start date if there are not enough registrations. If your class is cancelled, we will either switch you to another start date or create another solution to the situation.
Documentation & Visas
Do you offer F-1 student visas?
The Center for Global Languages (CGL) issues I-20s to students who register in our Intensive English Program for 10 weeks or longer. You will need to begin the application process at least 2 months prior to your program start date. More information on F-1 Student Visas.
I live abroad and will be traveling to Orlando to take a course. What kind of visa will I need?
This depends on your needs, goals, and home country regulations. The most common types of visas are B-1/B-2 tourist visas and F-1 student visas. You must do research on your country’s laws and apply for whatever visa best suits their needs. You are allowed to study with us on a tourist visa.
What are the chances of getting an F-1 student visa versus a B-1/B-2 tourist visa from the Embassy?
Unfortunately, CGL cannot control who does or does not obtain a visa in their home country. It depends on various factors such as your country’s political situation and the officer’s personal assessment of your situation and documents. The more ties you have to your home country, the greater your chances are of getting approved. More F-1 Student Visa Information.
Housing & Transportation
Do you offer housing?
Housing is offered through American Homestays. For further information, please visit: IHPS Homestays. All arrangements should be made directly with American Homestays by the student or agent.
American Homestays is a privately owned company with no affiliation to Valencia Community College.
Do you provide transportation to and from campus?
No. Students will have to depend upon public transportation or make their own arrangements to get back and forth to class. Bus schedules and maps will be provided during the New Student Orientation.
Program Placement
How is course level placement determined?
All students must complete an oral evaluation by telephone. The system is set up to ask you questions and record your answers. There is no written exam for placement, but students will receive a unit test each week on their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
How do I complete the oral evaluation?
Please call 407-582-6720, 407-582-6721 or 407-582-6722. Press 1 for the English language evaluation. You will hear a series of questions. After each question, answer in a complete sentence. Press # to advance to the next question. The questions get progressively difficult, so you may hang up at any time to complete the evaluation.
Can I wait until I arrive in the US to complete my oral evaluation?
We need to know your language level upon registration so that we can book your classroom space in advance. If you do not complete the oral evaluation at least two weeks prior to the course start date, there may not be a class available in your level.
How will I receive my results?
During the evaluation, you will be asked for your phone number. Please be sure to include the country and city code of the number you are calling from. You will be contacted by someone within 3 to 4 days with your results. You may also obtain your results within 48 hours by visiting: Oral Evaluation Results and typing in the last 4 digits of your telephone number.
What happens if I am placed at the wrong level?
If the Instructor finds that you are higher or lower than the level in which you have been placed, we will make arrangements during the first few days of class to move you to the appropriate course.
Classes & Curriculum
How long are the classes and what is the schedule?
Each course is 32 hours in length and is taught over a period of two weeks. Classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 12:30pm. We also have a computer lab and a language lab that are available for all students. Students on F-1 visas are required to attend an additional 2 hours of computer or language lab each week.
How many language levels do you offer?
We have eight language levels: Low Beginner, Mid Beginner, High Beginner, Low Intermediate, Mid Intermediate, High Intermediate, Low Advanced, and High Advanced.
How many students are there per class?
There is a maximum of 15 students per class.
After I complete one course at my language level, do I move up to the next level?
No. There are several courses within each level and you must complete all of the courses in your level before moving up to the next level.
What will I learn in these English classes?
The curriculum is designed around real-world thematic units such as: In the Workplace, At the Restaurant, Getting to Know You, Public Concerns, etc. Within each theme are specific language functions that students will practice in all four language learning skills. The language functions are specifically designed for real-life communication. This curriculum can be useful for students needing English for Academic Purposes, but the overall goal is to communicate effectively in the real world.
First Day Check-In, Orientation & Activities
What is check-in time?
Check-in is scheduled on the first day of class from 8:00am - 8:30am at the Client Service Center. The purpose of this time is to purchase books and check-in (if necessary) with the IEP Coordinator.
What should I bring with me on the first day?
You must come to class with your books, a pen or pencil, and a notebook. You may also wish to bring a jacket (the rooms can get cold).
What room will be class be in?
On the first day of class, please refer to the room sign in the first building’s lobby or ask security. After classes start, you may check the TV in the lobby for your room number.
What is Orientation?
All students must attend orientation. Orientation takes place at 1:00pm on the first day of class. During this time you will meet other new students, take a campus tour, receive a folder with program and city information, and have the opportunity to ask questions about the program. Check the TV in the lobby for the room number.
Are outside activities scheduled?
Yes. An extensive activities calendar is provided during the orientation which lists events going on in the Orlando area. In addition, CGL will coordinate at least one major group event per month.
Holidays
Will there be any holidays during my program?
Please check our schedule for holidays that may affect your class.
What happens if a holiday falls on a weekday?
Classes will be held that Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm.
