Mississippi State University

Through the intensive English program at the Mississippi State University (MSU) ESL Center, international students take more than 20 hours of English classes per week in a traditional Southern atmosphere. We hope that students will learn English while engaging with the local community, and after completing the program will either complete a degree at MSU or return home and build a career based on the English skills and American cultural experience gained through this program. ESL Center: The ESL Center, one of the academic departments within Mississippi State University, offers eight levels of English classes, from low beginner to advanced. All students take writing and grammar, listening and speaking, reading, and American culture classes. They also take part in service-learning projects that involve various parts of the community. Advanced-level students complete an internship as part of the curriculum, which allows them to acquire the English skills and professional skills needed in their field. Conversation Partners and Social Programs: All ESL students are paired with American students to practice everyday conversation and enjoy recreational activities. Most partners have lunch or coffee together and attend sports and cultural events. ESL students also have the opportunity to join the Conversation Connections program, a weekly social hour where they chat in English with American students and professors. Terms and Sessions: The ESL program consists of 3 terms (5 sessions) per year, with classes five days a week. The fall and spring terms are 16-week courses beginning in August and January respectively, and the summer term begins in June and runs for 8 weeks. Alternatively, you can begin the ESL Center program through an 8-week session (March or October). Each of the 8 levels normally consists of one session (8 weeks) of classes. Admission to Mississippi State University and TOEFL Waiver: MSU, an outstanding research university, has 8 colleges and many undergraduate and graduate programs. ESL students who have completed all 8 levels and meet the admission requirements can enter MSU degree programs without a TOEFL score. MSU's undergraduate and graduate programs also offer conditional admission, in which students with insufficient English take ESL courses to gain English proficiency. The ESL Center works with MSU to make admission easier for students. Faculty: The ESL teaching staff consists of Mississippi State University faculty who hold master's degrees in language teaching. In small classes of 10-12 students, you can learn from excellent instructors. Students have ample opportunity to practice their newly learned English under the individual guidance of the faculty. Students: ESL enrolls many students from countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela. Many students take classes at the ESL Center while simultaneously pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at Mississippi State University. Housing and Recreation Facilities: Many students live in Mississippi State University dormitories and enjoy state-of-the-art recreation facilities such as an indoor pool, basketball and racquetball courts, a gym, an indoor track, a sauna, and a café. Southern Life: Starkville, Mississippi, where Mississippi State University is located, combines the vitality of a college town with the warm charm of a safe, friendly Southern city. Many students travel to famous Southern cities such as Memphis, Atlanta, and New Orleans during session breaks. Services: We do our best to help you adjust to life at Mississippi State University. Through our student services program you can get help finding housing, banking, and other needs. We will help make your school life easier and more comfortable.