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English as a Second Language
The AUM English as a Second Language Program offers a variety of English language courses and services designed to help non-native speakers of English improve and assess their English language proficiency. These programs include an Intensive English Program, Communicative English Program, and TOEFL ITP Assessment Series testing.
Communicative English Program
The Communicative English Program (CEP) offers evening English language courses two nights per week to visitors and residents who want to improve their English language ability for everyday situations as well as gain a better understanding of American life and culture.
All CEP courses are taught on the campus of AUM by experienced and qualified ESL faculty members with master’s degrees in TESOL, ESL, or an English related field. CEP courses are offered in accordance with student interest. Submit the General Intensive English Application by emailing it to [email protected].
TOEFL iTP Assessment Series
The ESL Program offers an institutional paper-based and internet-based version of the TOEFL ITP Assessment Series. All scores received from the TOEFL ITP test are only valid for admission into AUM or Auburn University programs. For a list of testing dates, please visit our registration portal or contact the ESL office for more information.
Intensive English Program (IEP)
The Intensive English Program (IEP) offers high-quality English language courses to international students, visitors, and residents, so that all second-language speakers may feel confident in their English language abilities and possess a knowledge of American culture.
All IEP courses are taught on the campus of AUM by experienced and qualified ESL faculty members with master’s degrees in TESOL, ESL, or an English language related field. All IEP students will have many opportunities to participate in a variety of on and off campus cultural events as well as interact with other internationals and U.S. citizens from diverse cultures. The IEP is open to all individuals who are 16 years of age or older.
Application Process for Students Seeking an F-1 Visa
In order to ensure the safety of your personal identifying information, we are making changes to our application process.
| Term | Dates | Placement Test Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 | May 31 - July 27 | May 26 |
| Fall 1 2023 | August 16 - October 5 | Aug 11 |
| Fall 2 2023 | October 16 - December 14 | Oct 13 |
| Spring 1 2024 | January 8 - Feb 29 | Jan 5 |
| Spring 2 2024 | March 5 - May 2 | Mar 1 |
| Summer 2024 | TBD | TBD |
Application Process for Residents & Visitors
Students, visitors, and residents who are not in the United States on an F-1 VISA can also participate in AUM’s Intensive English Program part-time. Students select classes based on the skills to be developed. Submit the General Intensive English Application by emailing it to [email protected].
Course Information
The IEP offers (3) English language courses taught at (4) language proficiency levels across an (8)-week term. There are (5) IEP terms per calendar year. All IEP classes last 90 minutes. Upon arriving to AUM ESL, students will take a free English language placement test. Based upon the test results, students are then placed into a class of 10-14 students with similar language proficiency levels.
| Time | Course | Meeting Days | Language Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 - 10:00 AM | Reading and Discussion | Monday - Thursday | Beginner & Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced |
| 10:15 - 11:45 A.M. | Grammar and Writing | Monday - Thursday | Beginner & Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced |
| 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. | Listening and Speaking | Monday - Thursday | Beginner & Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced |
Tuition and Fees
Students, visitors, and residents who are not in the United States on an F-1 VISA should contact the ESL office for current pricing information.
International students who wish to receive an I-20 to study abroad at AUM ESL on an F-1 VISA must provide proof of financial support in the amount of $18,220 in order for the I-20 to be issued. F-1 students can expect to pay the following in tuition, fees, and other services related to study abroad:
| Expense | 1 IEP Term (8-weeks) | 2 IEP terms (16 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| IEP Tuition | $1,700 | $3,400 |
| I-20 Processing Fee | $100 | |
| Administrative Fee | $190 | $380 |
| Student Acculturation Education Fee | $50 | $100 |
| Textbooks (estimated) | $150 | $300 |
| Health Insurance (estimated)* | $375 | $750 |
*All international students studying abroad whose health insurance plans are not valid in the United States must purchase student health insurance provided by AUM.
**On-campus housing is available for all F-1 students who enrolled in the IEP. For the current rates and information, please visit AUM Housing.
ESL Refund Policy
Refunds of tuition and fees are based on the date you formally drop a course. You will be eligible for a refund of all tuition and fees, minus an administration fee, if you drop a course before the first day of class. Please note that if you pay for an ESL class but do not ever attend, you are not exempt from this policy. For all refunds, regardless of circumstance, there will be a $25 administrative fee. To qualify for a full or partial refund of tuition and fees, you must formally drop a course by stopping by the ESL office and filling out a Request to Withdraw from ESL Course.
| Withdrawal Date | Refund Amount | Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Before the first day of the term | 100% | Tuition and Fees |
| On the first or second day of the term | 80% | Tuition Only |
| After the second day of the term | 0% |