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English Language Program
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Intensive English Language Program Overview

This program offers:
  • A year-round schedule with Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
    • Semester A: 13 weeks    Semester B: 7 weeks
  • Six levels of instruction: Beginning, High-Beginning, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-University.
  • Three classes: Reading/Writing, Grammar, and Listening/Speaking/Vocabulary. 
  • 22 hours of intensive instruction per week for F-1 (student visa) students and "full-time" students.
  • "Part-time" classes for non F-1 students. Some students may take one, two, or all three classes depending on immigration status. 
  • Small class sizes of 12-16 students.
  • Cultural experiences: Field trips, volunteer opportunities, and UNF students as conversation partners.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the ELP application.
    • For the English, العربيـةFrançais, Deutsch, Bahasa, Indonesia, Italiano, Português, Pусский,  ภาษาไทย, Türkçe, and Tiếng Việt application, use the link above. For the Spanish application, click here: ELP application
    • Upload a photocopy of the passport ID page for the student and any dependents.
    • F-1 (student visa) students, complete the Affidavit of Financial Responsibility form and submit a bank statement.
    • F-1 (student visa) transfer students, please have the international student advisor at your current school complete the transfer form and email it with your application to the ELP office (elp@unf.edu).
  2. Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee.
    • Change of Status (COS) students also pay a $600 deposit.
  3. Email elp@unf.edu if you have any questions. 
                        Payments 
* If students would like to defer (come for a different semester after your I-20 has been issued), they will need to pay a deferral fee of $125.
* If a student in initial status transfers to another program before starting in the ELP, they must pay the non-refundable $300 transfer fee before their I-20 can be transferred out. 
* If students would like a Change of Status, please contact our Immigration Specialist, Jane Braglia (j.braglia@unf.edu). 
* If you are 17 years old, your guardian must complete the Minor Consent Form.
Acceptance into the ELP is at the discretion of the program administrators, who reserve the right to decline admission to any applicant.  

Academics

Academic Program: The English Language Program is an intensive program designed to teach various skills of the English Language, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The program has 6 levels of instruction: Beginning, High-Beginning, Intermediate, High-Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-University. All of the students are in class 22 hours a week except the ones who are enrolled as part-time students. Semester A is 13 weeks, and Semester B is 7 weeks- starting halfway through Semester A. All students will take an English placement test to determine the best class/level for them to be in. All instructors are dedicated and highly-qualified to help you learn English.

Description of Classes: The curriculum at the English Language Program combines the formal acquisition of academic skills with the communicative approach to English language learning. Classes are combined by skills: Reading/Writing, Grammar, and Listening/Speaking/Vocabulary.

Preparation for the University: The rigorous academic program is designed to prepare students for the university and other professional English-speaking situations. The institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iTP) is offered once a semester for upper level students.

Cultural Immersion

The ELP provides students with these additional activities to practice English, have fun, and be immersed in American culture:

After-class activities: During the week, students meet to practice English and have fun together outside of class. These activities provide additional opportunities to practice English in a relaxed setting. Students play sports together, go out to eat, get coffee, and visit various places around Jacksonville and the UNF campus.

Friday trips: Each semester, the ELP offers field trips to local Florida attractions such as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, St. Augustine, and others. In addition, the ELP offers volunteer activities which are a great way to learn more about American culture while practicing English. Students who volunteer will receive a volunteer certificate at the end of the semester and use these experiences to enhance their resumes.

Conversation Partner Program: ELP students are paired up with a UNF student to be Conversation Partners. Conversation Partners volunteer with ELP students to help them practice English, teach them more about American culture, and become friends.

Conversation Partners

Are you interested in volunteering with the ELP? Join our conversation partner program! 

In the conversation partner program, UNF students are paired up with one of our ELP students. Pairs meet one hour each week throughout the semester, whenever and wherever works for their schedules. It’s a great opportunity to gain volunteer hours, learn about another culture, help someone practice English, and make a new friend! If you are interested or want more information, email us at volunteerelp@unf.edu.

 

Schedule and Costs

 

Fall A 2024 (Full Semester)
Starts: September 9th
Ends: December 6th
Placement Test: September 3rd

Fall B 2024 (Half-Semester)
Starts: October 21st
Ends: December 6th
Placement Test: October 18th

 

Spring A 2025 (Full Semester)
Starts: January 13th
Ends: April 18th
Placement Test: January 7th

Spring B 2025 (Half-Semester)
Starts: February 24th
Ends: April 18th
Placement Test: February 21st

 

Summer A 2025 (Full Semester)
Starts: May 12th
Ends: August 8th
Placement Test: May 6th

Summer B 2024 (Half-Semester)
Starts: June 23rd
Ends: August 8th
Placement Test: June 20th 

 

Session A (Full Semester)

EXPENSES PER SEMESTER FEES
Tuition Session A (13 weeks) $3,950
Health Insurance (Approximately) $400
Living Expenses (Approximately) $4,000
Books (Approximately) $250
Total: $8,600

 

Session B (Half-Semester)

EXPENSES PER SEMESTER FEES
Tuition Session B (7 weeks) $2,000
Health Insurance (Approximately) $350
Living Expenses (Approximately) $2,000
Books (Approximately) $250
Total: $4,600

 
* If a student does not pay tuition before the end of the current semester, the ELP office cannot extend the student's I-20 for the following semester.

 

Proration/Refund Policy
In cases of early withdrawal, tuition may be prorated or refunded based on the number of weeks
in which the student was enrolled in class(es). If a student withdraws from class(es) during:

  • Week 1 – Week 3: Prorated tuition charged
  • Week 4 – Week 6: Half-semester tuition charged
  • Week 7 – Week 9: Prorated tuition charged
  • Week 10 – Week 13: Full-semester tuition charged

Housing

ELP students are not required to live on campus, but they do have the option to fill out a housing contract to live in UNF housing during their time at the ELP. If students are interested in living on campus, the ELP recommends that they complete their UNF Housing contract when they complete their ELP application. Find more information at UNF Housing. 

Generally, students are responsible for arranging their own housing.  Some popular options are apartment complexes near the campus as well as UNF housing. The English Language Program staff will help you understand your housing options.  For more information, please contact by email at elp@unf.edu before your arrival in the United States.

Meal Plans

ELP students have the option to purchase a meal plan for the various cafeterias and restaurants on campus. Click here to purchase a meal plan: UNF Meal Plan

Customized Courses

The ELP partners with outside businesses and programs to create customized English courses designed to meet the specific needs of your organization. Some of our past partnerships include:
  • The Royal Saudi Navy (Saudi Arabia)
  • The Colombian National Army (Colombia)
  • Meijo University (Japan)
  • Changwon University (Korea)
  • CSX Transportation (Jacksonville, FL)
  • Saudi Airlines (Saudi Arabia)
  • O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy (Kharkiv, Ukraine)
If you are interested in creating customized English courses, please contact us at elp@unf.edu for details.

Student Conduct

ELP students must adhere to the UNF Student Code of Conduct and ELP Student Handbook.

 

If you have questions, please contact the ELP office. 

 

FAQ

  • Who attends the UNF Intensive English Language Program?

    Students from all over the world, age 17 and older, who would like to learn English or improve their English language skills attend the program. 

    Acceptance into the ELP is at the discretion of the program administrators, who reserve the right to decline admission to any applicant.  

  • How do students know what level they will be in?
    New students take a placement test the week before classes begin to determine the best class/level for them. The test consists of the speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and listening sections. 
  • How do I receive an I-20?
    Once you complete the application and pay the application fee, you will receive the I-20 Form via the email provided on your application.
  • Do you offer scholarships?
    The program does not offer scholarships for first time ELP students, but there are some scholarships for exceptionally hard-working and successful current students who are continuing the program. 
  • Can I live on campus?
    English Language Program students have the option to live on campus. In order to secure on-campus housing, students will need to complete UNF housing contracts when they complete their ELP application.
  • How long is each semester?

    Our program has two different semester options. Our Semester A (full semester) option is 13 weeks. The Semester B (half-semester) is 7 weeks and starts halfway through the Semester A. Semester B students take a placement test the week before classes begin to determine the best class/level for them.

    Shorter special programs are available to groups of at least 6 students upon request. 

  • What if I am a transfer student?

    If you are in the United States and transferring from another program, fill out the ELP application and transfer form. Have the international student advisor at your current school complete the transfer form and send it with your application documents to the ELP office by email (elp@unf.edu). 


    * IMPORTANT: All information provided by students must be accurate. Please TYPE your information on the application or WRITE clearly.

  • How do I apply for a F-1 Visa (Student Visa)?

    After the ELP receives your completed documents, you will get your I-20 via email and can schedule an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate to get your F-1 Student Visa. Follow the procedures below to pay the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I-901) fee and schedule an appointment:

    • Find Form I-901 at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Website. You can complete the form online and submit your payment electronically.
    • Print your I-901 receipt immediately.
    • Make copies of all the documents and receipts submitted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement before your visa appointment.
    • Make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the F-1 Student Visa.
    Bring the following documents to the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: 
    • Form I-20 signed by the student (you) and the ELP Immigration Specialist
    • Letter of acceptance from the ELP
    • Receipt for the I-901 fee
    • The Affidavit of Financial Responsibility or bank statement
    • Any other paperwork that may prove your return to your country after the completion of your studies in the U.S., such as proof of future employment, education in your country, or strong family ties. 
    Once you receive your F-1 Student Visa, contact the ELP via email at elp@unf.edu.
  • What is it like studying at UNF?
  • Application Test