Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Intensive English 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 ten 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:

ㆍFull-time, intensive instruction in all language skill areas

ㆍTen levels of instruction from low-beginning to advanced

ㆍConcentrated preparation for university studies

ㆍAn advanced computer-assisted learning center

ㆍConcurrent graduate-level university enrollment for qualified students

ㆍUp to 18 months of study, depending on placement The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI) is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. Form I-20 A/B, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, is issued to all students originating from outside the United States. This form is used to obtain a student visa.

TOEFL Preparation TOEFL is the most widely recognized test of English proficiency in the United States, accepted for admissions purposes by colleges and universities throughout the country. The Internet-based TOEFL, or TOEFL iBT is administered in secure testing locations throughout the world. Unlike previous versions of the TOEFL, this newest test measures all four language skills, speaking, listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on assessing the ability to communicate in English. TOEFL iBT Preparation features:

ㆍComplete overview of the course format, sections and question types

ㆍVocabulary-building and extensive grammar review

ㆍExtensive computer-based practice, including timed sample tests

ㆍSpeaking and writing drills under actual test conditions

ㆍSkill-building tips

ㆍOpportunity to take the TOEFL iBT on-site during the course (main Virginia Tech campus location only) TOEFL iBT Preparation is a featured elective in the Intensive English course series. High-intermediate language proficiency and concurrent enrollment in Intensive English core courses are required.

Pre-MBA Course The Pre-MBA Course is designed specifically for international students to strengthen English language skills prior entering into MBA studies. Pre-MBA Course Features:

ㆍIntense practice in giving oral presentations with accompanying visual displays

ㆍReadings and case studies from introductory MBA courses

ㆍParticipation in class discussions using the business case study method

ㆍA team research project utilizing acquired presentation and English language skills

ㆍExtensive vocabulary development around terminology found in business school courses

ㆍPractice in American pronunciation, stress and intonation The course is open to all international students with advanced English proficiency. Incoming international MBA students are required to take the Pre-MBA Course unless they have:

ㆍA PBT TOEFL score of 600

ㆍAn iBT total score of 100 with a speaking score of 26 or higher and a listening score of 26 or higher MBA students meeting these requirements may still be referred into the program at the discretion of the department if, based on the oral interview, the department feels further English instruction would be beneficial. Admitted international MBA students who have obtained either a bachelor's or a master's degree from an accredited university in the United States are exempt from this course. MBA students with a degree from an accredited university in another country where English is the native language may be exempted at the discretion of the MBA department. Domestic students do not have to take this course.