Stephen F. Austin State University

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply to the American English Language Institute?
2. May I fax the application?
3. Is there a deadline for application?
4. Is a TOEFL score required for admission to the AELI?
5. How do I arrange a student visa to study in the United States?
6. How Long are the semesters?
7. Will successful completion of the AELI program allow me to enter the university as a matriculated student?
8. How long must I study at the AELI before I can be admitted to a degree program at the university?
9. May I take regular university classes while enrolled in the AELI?
10. Must I live on campus?
11. What is the schedule of daily classes?
12. When are the placement tests administered?
13. What is the average class size?
14. When do I pay my fees?
15. Are there additional fees beyond those listed?

1. How do I apply to the American English Language Institute? TOP
   You may apply by completing the application, which is available through our web site.If you need a paper copy of the application sent to you, please write to us or e-mail us with your request. A complete application packet will include: (1) application form, (2) copy of high school diploma or equivalent, (3) certification of financial support, (4) $40 application fee. These materials should be sent to:

   American English Language Institute
   PO Box 6152
   Stephen F Austin State University
   Nacogdoches, TX 75962

2. MayI fax the application? TOP
   You may fax the application, but we cannot complete your admission until we have received certified copies of the high school diploma and the certification of financial support as well as the $40 application fee. Our fax number is (936) 468-7215.
3. Is there a deadline for application? TOP
   We encourage students to apply as early as possible because of restrictions on class sizes. Also, early application and admission is advisable so that the application for a student visa can be submitted to the US consulate abroad.
4. Is a TOEFL score required for admission to the AELI? TOP
   Yes, we do require you to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge exam score in order to be admitted to the AELI. We recommend the TOEFL. The AELI will administer its own placement tests during the first week of the semester.
5. How do I obtain a student visa to study in the United States? TOP
   After we receive your completed application packet, we will admit you to the AELI. We will send you an official letter of admission and an I-20 form. You need to take the I-20 form to the nearest US consulate and apply for a visa there. It is difficult to predict how long it will take to get a visa. We urge students to complete the application process early.
6. How long are the semesters? TOP
   The AELI follows the unive rsity calendar. The Fall and Spring semesters are each 14-15 weeks long.
7. Will successful completion of the AELI program allow me to enter the university as a matriculated student? TOP
   Yes, successful completion of the AELI program of study will enable a student to enter directly into an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Stephen F Austin State University. It is not necessary to take the TOEFL examination.
8. How long must I study at the AELI before I can be admitted to a degree program at the university? TOP
   The length of study required for admission to a degree program at the university depends on several factors, including the student's language abilities at the beginning of the program. Most students who enter the program with an intermediate knowledge of English can enter the university after a single semester; some students require a full year of study in the AELI.
9. May I take regular university classes while enrolled in the AELI? TOP
   No
10. Must I live on campus? TOP
    We recommend that all students live on campus. Rent in the campus apartments is low and the apartments are extremely convenient to all campus activities. Also, living among US students will provide many opportunities for further practice and development of your English language skills.
11. What is the schedule of daily classes? TOP
    Classes meet daily Monday through Friday. There are no Friday afternoon classes.
12. When are the placement tests administered? TOP
    The AELI placement tests are given during the first week of each term. Students need to arrive one week before the beginning of the term so that placement tests can be administered and all university paperwork completed.
13. What is the average class size? TOP
    The average class size in the AELI is 12 students. Our classes are small so that instructors can work with students individually and in small groups.
14. When do I pay my fees? TOP
    After you receive a letter of admission, you should send a $300 deposit for tuition and housing. This will guarantee your place in the AELI. The balance of your fees should be paid as soon as you arrive on campus. Students who wish to transfer funds electronically are advised to write to us in advance.
15. Are there additional fees beyond those listed? TOP
    No, all program fees are covered in our estimate of costs. This includes textbooks. Of course, personal expenses are not included in the cost schedule.

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