Intensive ESL Program

  • Intensive ESL Policies and Procedures

    As a newly accepted student in the Intensive English Language Institute’s Intensive ESL Program, now is a good time to get to know our program. Below, we’ve listed several important aspects of being a student and part of the close-knit IELI community. We encourage you to review each topic to help you plan your arrival to the Worcester State campus.
     

  • Orientation and Placement
    Before enrolling in Intensive English Language Institute classes, you will take a placement test and have a brief oral interview with instructors. There are 8 levels of classes at IELI and students are placed according to their skill level. Each day, a core skill is addressed using an integrated skills method, so you may find you are placed in different levels for different skills. Orientation and placement testing dates are listed on the Intensive ESL Program Calendar.
    Tuition
    Tuition is payable in full before the first day of classes. You can save money by paying your tuition in full 2 weeks before classes begin. If you pay your tuition in full by the early payment date, you save $100 USD for the full-time program or $25 for individual classes. If you pay your tuition after the placement test date, you will be charged a late fee of $100 for the full-time program or $25 for individual classes.

    Tuition can be paid by credit card, check, money order, or using peerTransfer.
    Provisional Placement
    Class changes are permitted up to the second week of classes during the fall and spring semesters and the first week during the summer semester. Changes are based on teacher recommendations and are granted with the director’s permission.
    Late Registration
    You can register up until the second week of classes during the fall and spring semesters and the first week of class during the summer semester.
    Attendance
    Regular attendance to ESL classes is essential and will help you to improve your English language skills more rapidly. When you are absent for even one class, you may miss important material. Your attendance is important to the other students in the class for collaborative work and group projects.

    Students holding F-1 student visas are expected to attend all assigned classes. If you have excessive absences, your absences may be reported to the International Programs Office at Worcester State University, which will report it to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This may cause you to be out-of-status.

    You should report any medical issues or other problems that may affect your attendance to the IELI coordinator.
    Evaluation

    At the beginning of the semester, you will receive a course syllabus for each class. Each class has specific learning objectives, and your instructors will assess your achievement based on whether you have mastered these objectives. Achievement is based on many things, including test scores, writing samples, and in-class performance.

    You will receive an evaluation form assessing your performance for each class at the end of the semester.

    • If you master a skill at a specific level, you will receive a Pass (P) and move to the next level.
    • If you need more time to practice a skill, you will receive an In Progress (IP) and remain in your current level.
    • If you show no effort, do not complete your assigned work, or have poor attendance, you will receive a Non-Performance (NP) and will not be allowed to move to the next level.

    Learning a language takes time, and students learn at different rates. We want to make sure that you master the skills you will need to be successful!

    Refunds
    Refunds only will be given within the first week of class. IELI offers no refunds for late arrival, early withdrawal, or dismissal. Application fees and deposits are non-refundable.
    Certificates
    Official certificates are presented at the end of each semester at a certificate ceremony. Students who receive two or more evaluations of NP (non-performance) in a semester will not receive a certificate.
    Health Insurance
    All full-time IELI students are required by Massachusetts state law to have adequate health insurance from a United States-based insurance provider for the duration of their studies. Health insurance should cover you through the expiration date of your I-20.

    You are required to provide a copy of your medical coverage to the IELI office before you begin classes.

    Learn more about our Medical Requirements.
    Vacations
    According to Department of Homeland Security law [8 CFR 214.1 (f)(5)(iii)], students may take a summer vacation only after they have attended one full academic year (2 semesters) of school.

    Worcester State University requires a $200 deposit toward the next semester’s tuition in order to ensure your continued attendance.

    In some cases, if you are returning home, you may need to show a copy of your plane ticket.

    You must notify the International Programs Office of your intentions to take a summer vacation or you may become out-of-status.
    Parking
    As an IELI student, you will need a C parking decal if you want to park on campus. (IELI students are issued C decals because they are classified as commuter students.) For up-to-date parking information, please visit our parking page.