School

Virginia Tech - Blacksburg Main Campus Location

Overview

Established in 1974, Virginia Tech's Intensive English Language 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. Located in the New River Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, the university area features a reasonable cost of living, a moderate climate, and abundant leisure activities.

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 Blacksburg

The university community is set in Blacksburg, a small town close to scenic and historic Virginia tourist attractions. Here international students become familiar with many practical aspects of daily life and culture in the United States: shopping; enjoying golf, tennis, hiking, and canoeing; attending plays and concerts; and socializing. Because of the town's award-winning services, reasonable cost of living, safety, moderate climate, and abundant leisure activities, Blacksburg is consistently ranked among the country's best places to live and has a nationwide reputation as a well-managed, stable, and forward-looking community.

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 10 levels according to language proficiency. Core classes are 20 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 that 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:

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 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.

Housing

Special Programs

ETS Certified TOEFL® iBT Administration Site
TOEFL® preparation course
Undergraduate conditional admissions program
Pre-MBA program
University placement counseling