The Language Institute FAQ

Following is a summary of topics and questions that generally interest Language Institute students. If you find a topic or question that is not addressed, please contact us.

How do I pay for the classes and the placement exam?

Payment for our classes and our placement exam must be made with a check, money order or credit card. Sorry, no cash is accepted.

Do I need to enroll in an entire level every session?

No. Students may enroll in one, two, three or four classes all at one time. Different circumstances, such as educational objectives, financial status or student visa requirements, will guide students to enroll in one or all classes offered in a level. We will be glad to discuss options for all students.

What documents do I need to enroll in The Language Institute?

As a United States citizen or resident, you need an identification document, such as a driver's license or voter registration card. As an international student, a student visa is required. We will be more than glad to assist you with the procedures to obtain a student visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate.

Do I need to get a student VISA to enroll in the Language Institute if I am only attending part time?

Only Mexican nationals may attend part-time under a border commuter student VISA. These students must reside in Mexico and commute throughout the period of study.

Do I have to start from level one if I enroll in your program?

No. After you take the placement exam, the score will determine your appropriate level. However, if you feel that you need academic reinforcement, you may start at any level below the level you placed regardless of your score if you feel it will benefit you.

How long will I have to take classes before I am fluent in English?

For some students, acquiring language fluency may take two or three semesters. Other students become proficient in English in a matter of months or even weeks. However, please remember that language acquisition and learning will be determined by you, the student. Our program will provide all the necessary tools and resources, but ultimately the student’s effort will be the deciding factor.

Do you guarantee that I will learn English in your program?

The Language Institute program provides dynamic, fun, interactive and student-centered classes, and our instructors are qualified with extensive second language acquisition experience. However, we cannot guarantee that language acquisition and learning will take place if students are not willing to participate. Language acquisition demands extensive practice and involvement inside and outside the classroom on the part of the student. Therefore, the guarantee of learning will greatly depend on the student’s motivation and willingness to learn. We assume the responsibility of providing the resources and educational guidance for success.

Will I get a certificate when I finish my course?

Students may receive a certificate of completion once they complete an entire level, whether registering a class at a time or all at once. Students may receive an overall certificate of completion once they complete the entire program.

Is there financial aid for these classes or some kind of scholarship for me?

Financial assistance is available for U.S. citizens or residents only. International students must pay regular continuing education course cost. Continuing education course costs are relatively lower than academic course costs.

Are the instructors in The Language Institute certified to be English teachers?

Instructors are certified — usually by the state of Texas — in areas such as language arts, linguistics, second language acquisition and general content instruction. We employ individuals with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees who have extensive teaching experience.

What is the size of each class, and what do you do when there is a class that is too large?

We usually try to maintain a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 15 students per class. Since there are variations in specific courses, we split up classes that are too large so that adequate instruction and attention is provided to all students.

Do you have a computer lab?

Yes. We have a computer lab available for our students to use at their convenience while not attending class. Classes sometimes meet with the instructor in the computer lab to complete a particular assignment or task.

Do you offer tutorial sessions on the side?

Can the tuition be paid in payments?

No. Tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration and payment must be made with check, money order or credit card only.

Do I have to take the English Placement Test to enroll?

Although we recommend that all students take a placement test to determine the best level of English language competency, you do not necessarily have to take a placement test. However, we request that you authorize us to enroll you in our program without taking the placement test by signing a voluntary test waiver document that confirms your decision not to take the test.

Can I only take the TOEFL course because I need to get into UTB/TSC by next semester?

We recommend that you take the placement test even if you are only interested in the preparation for TOEFL course. Students who enroll in this course must be at the advanced level to increase the chances of success in this course. It is in your best interest to be fully prepared academically and linguistically if your goal is to enter academic programs.

What academic documentation do I need to enroll in The Language Institute?

If you enroll as a continuing education student, no academic documentation is needed. If you enroll as an academic student, you will need at a minimum a high school diploma or GED. As an academic student, registration would have to take place at main campus where all admissions, advising, testing and financial aid (if selected) requirements would need to be met.

Do these courses count towards my college degree?

No. Courses taken at The Language Institute — whether academic or non-academic — will not count towards any academic degree. These courses are designed to prepare students linguistically and academically for academic programs.

Will these classes appear on my transcript?

Yes. All classes taken at The Language Institute will appear on sudents' transcripts.

Can I get financial aid if I am from Mexico?

No. Financial assistance is only available for U.S. citizens and legal residents.

Can I get financial aid to study only English classes?

No. Financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who are interested in pursuing a degree at the university.

Can I teach with the certificate you will give me once I complete the four levels?

The certificate of completion that we issue students confirms that the student has enrolled in our program, has passed our courses satisfactorily, and has attained an adequate level of English language proficiency to successfully perform in regular university academic programs. Under no circumstances do we certify that students completing our program can teach, as our focus is on language and not pedagogical training.

Do you have dorms if I come to study full time in your university?

The Language Institute offers its classes at the ITEC Center building located about one mile away from UTB/TSC main campus. There are dorms available for students at the UTB/TSC main campus only. Unfortunately, the ITEC Center does not have dorms available for students.

Where do I get the I-20 form? Can the I-20 document be mailed to me?

The I-20 document is generated in our Language Institute office once the appropriate documentation is provided to our staff, such as the bank statement and the international student’s passport. An I-20 document can be mailed directly to the international student in preparation for his or her appointment with the U.S. Consulate in the student’s country of origin.

Are books and material included in the tuition?

Is there a fee for registration?

No. Students pay the course tuition and textbooks needed for each course only. There is no registration fee or any other fee involved.