ABOUT THE ELC

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TOEFL? When is the next TOEFL? How do I register?
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language and is used by most American universities to decide when a student knows enough English to begin university courses. For both undergraduate and graduate programs, Old Dominion University requires a score of 550 on the paperbased TOEFL, and a 79-80 on the iBT.

The TOEFL is administered worldwide. You can find more information about the TOEFL test and test centers at www.toefl.org.

Is there another way I can be admitted to Old Dominion University?
If you receive a score between 500 (iBT 61) and 550 (iBT 79-80), you may apply to ODU through the Office of International Programs. Once you have been provisionally admitted to the university, you may enroll in the Bridge Program, which will allow you to take some of your classes in the University and some of your classes at the English Language Center. For more information, please contact the Office of International Programs.

Who can be admitted to the ELC?
Admission to the ELC is open to non-native speakers of English who are 18 or older or who have high school diplomas or the equivalent. 

How much do classes cost? How many hours per week do classes meet?
The English Language Center has 6 sessions. Each session is 7 weeks long; classes meet 20 hours per week. Tuition is $2,010.50 per session. The required expenses for a year include the following: Tuition and Fees ($8,000.00), Living and Personal ($10,000.00), and Health Insurance ($1,000.00). (TOTAL=$19,000.00). Expenses for accompanying spouses and children are additional. Fees and expenses are subject to change.

Do you have TOEFL Prep classes?
Yes, the English Language Center has both a TOEFL preparation class.

What time are your classes?
Classes are Monday through Friday. Although each level can have a different schedule, you will be in class about 4 hours per day. ELC classes run from 8:00am to 8:00pm during the academic year, and from 9:30am to 4:00pm in the summer.

What is an I-20? Why do I need one? How can I get one?
The I-20 is necessary for a visa. The I-20 is issued by the school to which you have applied. The ELC requires the following:

• A letter from your bank showing that you have enough funds for the length of time you want to study at the school. If your name is not on the account, the account holder must fill in a Financial Certificate (sent with the ELC's brochure) which shows us that he or she will be responsible for your expenses while you are studying in the United States.
• The application fee for the English Language Center

Once you have received your I-20, you can then go to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to apply for your visa. Obtaining an I-20 does not guarantee that the embassy or consulate will give you a visa.

What is the process for applying to the English Language Center?
You may write, call or fax a request for an application or download it here. You will need to pay the $50 application fee and, if you would like an I-20, send in the necessary documents. Please allow adequate time for our office to process your application and send off the I-20. Remember that it may take several weeks or even months before the embassy will grant you a visa, so plan ahead.

How can I use the gym and the swimming pool?
The Student Activities fee that other University students pay is not included in the English Language Center's tuition rates. If you wish to use the pool, gym, etc., you must pay an additional fee.

When does the next session begin?
We have sessions beginning six times a year. See the Calendar section.

Do you offer home stays?
The ELC does not currently have a home stay program.

How big are your classes?
The average class size at the ELC is 15 students.

Do you have classes for business people?
We do not ordinarily have special classes for business people, but we can arrange for special programs for groups of business people or other special interest groups.

Where is the ELC located?
The ELC is located on the first floor of the Dragas Hall on the campus of Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.

How long can I stay at the English Language Center?
Students with I-20 visas can study here in the U.S. for 1 year. If a student needs to study longer, an extension can be requested.

Where can I live?
Housing for the ELC students varies according to the time of the year. Students attending our Fall I or Fall II sessions usually live in off-campus apartments. An ELC staff member helps the students look for apartments near campus. On-campus housing is available for all students who are studying at the ELC for a year or more, and for students attending one or both of the summer sessions. Optional meal plans are available.