Overview

Established in 1974, Virginia Tech’s Intensive English 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. In the Washington D.C. area, the program is located in Virginia Tech’s Northern Virginia Center, a 9755 square meter, state-of-the-art graduate education facility.

About the University

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is a comprehensive, top-ranked research university with the largest full-time student population in Virginia. At the Northern Virginia Center over 1500 students are currently pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates of advanced study, supported by nearly 100 university faculty and staff. The Center is home to several research and academic departments. Graduate programs offered at the Northern Virginia Center include Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Natural Resources, MBA, and Executive MBA.

About Falls Church

Virginia Tech’s Northern Virginia Center is located in Falls Church, an historic city in the heart of Northern Virginia. Falls Church has the character of a small town. Restaurants, shopping and reasonably-priced, short-term housing options are abundant in the area. Much of the community is walk-able. Proximate Washington, D.C., convenient to public transportation and near highway access, this location is ideal for exploration of the national capital region. The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. is a 20-minute Metro ride.

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 eight 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:

• Full-time, intensive instruction in all language skill areas
• Eight levels of instruction from high-beginning to advanced
• Concentrated preparation for TOEFL® and university studies
• An advanced computer-assisted learning center
• Concurrent graduate-level university enrollment for qualified students
• Up to 18 months of study, depending on placement

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 (AAIEP) 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 (CEA).

Housing

Students are typically housed in homestays, private residence halls and area apartments.

The Northern Virginia Center is immediately adjacent the West Falls Church Metro station. The town of Falls Church has an extensive bus system within easy reach of the school and popular shopping venues.

Special Programs

• Undergraduate conditional admissions program
• TOEFL® preparation course
• University placement counseling
• Specialized group programs