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When can I start classes?
How do I apply to IELC?
What is a Statement of Financial Support?
What happens after I apply for admission?
What class level will I be in?
How many hours of class per week?
What type of classes will I be taking?
Am I allowed to take University classes?
What is TOEFL?
When can I take the TOEFL exam?
Who is going to pick me up at the airport?
Where can I live?
What is Home Stay?
How can I get to CSUB from where I live?
When and how do I pay my tuition?
When and how do I purchase my textbooks?
Why do I need health insurance?
What is the Health Center fee?
Why must I purchase health insurance and also pay the health insurance fee?
Why must I show proof of immunization?
What must I do to maintain my F-1 Student Visa status?
When can I start classes?
IELC has four sessions a year: Winter Session (January-March), Spring Session (March-June), Summer Session (June-August), and Fall Session (September-November).
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How do I apply to IELC?
You must complete an application for enrollment form to begin the application process. If you need to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy, you should complete the appropriate immigration information on the IELC Enrollment form. The completed application should be mailed to the IELC, along with the $100.00 application fee, proof of high school graduation, a copy of your picture passport page showing your legal name and birth date and your financial support documents. When all necessary materials have been received and approved, a letter of acceptance will be sent to you, and if requested, the appropriate documentation to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy will also be sent.
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What is a Statement of Financial Support?
Applicants to IELC must provide evidence of adequate financial resources for their period of study in the United States. The usual amount of time to complete studies at the IELC is three (4) sessions. Therefore, the IELC issues immigration paperwork for a period of three (4) sessions, typically 11-12 months, depending upon the starting date. Tuition, school fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and health insurance for this period total approximately$21,000 USD. Married applicants who plan to bring a spouse and/or children must certify an additional $6,000 USD for each dependent (4 sessions x $1,500 each) to cover living expenses and health insurance.
Applicants must indicate how their expenses will be paid during their studies at the Intensive English Language Center in the Financial Section of the IELC Application for Enrollment. In addition, an original bank statement, a letter on bank stationary stating that the funds are available, or other official financial documentation must be attached to verify funding. Photocopies of financial documents will not be accepted. Applications will not be processed without original financial documents. All documents must be in English.
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What happens after I apply for admission?
After receiving your completed application, application fee, and the required financial documents, if everything is in order, you will be mailed an acceptance package and letter of acceptance. If requested, immigration paperwork to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate will also be sent.
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What class level will I be in?
Placement testing is done for new students on the first day of each quarter to determine English proficiency. Results of the test determine the level of academic study at IELC.
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How many hours of class per week?
The full-time IELC program is 23 hours per week. Students with F-1 student visas must attend the program full-time in order to maintain immigration status.
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What type of classes will I be taking?
IELC offers morning classes in Reading, Oral Communication, Writing/Grammar and TOEFL iBT. Afternoon enrichment classes are offered in a variety of interesting courses that change each session. Past afternoon classes have included the following subjects: Academic Preparation, Pronunciation Practice, Culture Shock, Debate, Hot Topics, Writing to Win, Short Stories, Newspaper, American Cinema, Idioms & Slang, Self Awareness, Popular Music, Art & Design, and Computer Lab.Back to top
Am I allowed to take University classes while attending IELC?
IELC has a Bridge Program for advanced-level students who have demonstrated above-average grades and test scores in their IELC classes and who wish to pursue an academic degree. The Bridge Program consists of morning classes at IELC (Reading Skills and Oral Communication), English 90 (offered through IELC) and one or two university classes in the afternoon or evening. Students in the IELC Bridge Program register for university classes through Extended University and do not need to be fully admitted to CSUB. Students usually move on to CSUB full-time after completing one session in the IELC Bridge Program. All students must have approval from the IELC Academic Coordinator to participate in the Bridge Program. First quarter students are not eligible for the Bridge Program.
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What is TOEFL?
TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language required to enter academic programs at CSUB. Most universities and colleges in the United States require a minimum TOEFL score for international students to enroll. CSUB requires a minimum score of 500 written/173 computer/61 internet for undergraduate and 550 written/213 computer/79 internet for graduate students. IELC does not require a TOEFL score for admission to the language center.
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When can I take the TOEFL exam?
IELC administers the official TOEFL iBT (internet based test) approximately once each month. Students can log onto the Education Testing Service (ETS) website at http://www.ets.org/ for upcoming TOEFL iBT testing dates at IELC and registration information.
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Who is going to pick me up at the airport?
You should notify the IELC office of your arrival information as soon as possible after making your flight arrangements. If requested, IELC will arrange for someone to meet you upon arrival at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, or at one of the bus stations serving the Bakersfield area.
You must make your own arrangements for travel to Bakersfield if arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). University policy does not allow IELC staff to transport students from LAX. The Airport Bus of Bakersfield offers a low-cost bus service between LAX and Bakersfield. Information on this service is sent with each student€™s acceptance package.
We ask that you submit a request for pick-up service at least two weeks prior to your arrival. There is a $25.00 charge for this service.
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Where can I live?
You may stay with an American host family arranged by IELC, stay in campus dormitory housing (limited number available), or rent one of the moderately priced apartments that are within walking distance of the campus. IELC does not provide assistance with apartment rentals. IELC is not required to place students in homestay or otherwise arrange housing for them. IELC Housing Information
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What is Homestay?
Homestay is a privilege and something offered to IELC students who wish to have experience living with an American family. Students must complete a Homestay application and request a Homestay placement at least four weeks before the beginning of the session in order to secure a placement. If approved for Homestay, a student will be notified of their host family€™s information before coming to the U.S.
Homestay students reimburse their host families $25.00 per day for expenses. Host families are responsible for providing a private room with study accommodations, meals, and transportation to and from campus for classes and school related activities. Host families do not make money from students staying in their homes; rather, they are reimbursed for their expenses. Host families invite students into their homes because they want to show international students about American life and they want to learn about other cultures.
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How can I get to CSUB from where I live?
Bakersfield has a public bus system, Golden Empire Transit (GET), which has routes from most areas of the city to CSUB. Route maps are available in the IELC office.
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When and how do I pay my tuition?
Your tuition must be paid during the first week of classes. You may pay with credit card, personal check or traveler's checks (exact amount). Cash is not accepted in the IELC office; however, you may pay with cash at the CSUB Cashier's office.Back to top
When and how do I purchase my textbooks?
Textbooks are purchased during the first week of classes from the CSUB Runner Bookstore. The bookstore accepts cash, personal checks, travelers€™ checks, and major credit cards.
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Why do I need health insurance?
Health care in the United States is very expensive. Even minor medical needs can become very costly to individuals without insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory for all F-1 visa students enrolled in classes at the Intensive English Language Center (IELC). The mandatory policy available for IELC students costs approximately $237.00 per session and is equal to or exceeds the standards as set forth by the California State University Executive Order #622. This order requires that F-1 visa students obtain and maintain insurance coverage for health, medical evacuation, and repatriation during their period of enrollment at CSU, Bakersfield. CSU Medical Insurance Requirements
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What is the Health Center fee?
Students enrolled in CSUB classes are required to pay a $72.00 Health Center fee at the time of enrollment each quarter. This allows students to visit a doctor at the campus Health Center when needed for routine services such as colds or allergies. Routine visits are free after the quarterly fee is paid. Doctor-ordered lab tests, immunizations, X-rays, and pharmacy services are available at no additional charge or for a minimal fee.
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Why must I purchase health insurance and also pay the health insurance fee?
The CSUB Health Center is for basic minor medical needs such as colds, allergies, and immunizations. Health insurance is used for more serious problems or emergencies which the Health Center is not equipped to treat.
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Why must I show proof of immunization?
The Chancellor of the California State University requires all students born on or after 1 January 1957 to present proof of immunity to mumps, measles and rubella in order to attend any program on a CSU Campus. Mumps, measles, and rubella are serious diseases, and vaccination is the best way to protect against being infected. If you do not have proof of immunization from your home country, you may obtain the vaccination from the CSUB Health Center for a small fee. Students will not be allowed to start classes until they show proof of MMR vaccination.
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What must I do to maintain my F-1 Student Visa status?
Attendance must be full-time with only a few absences allowed. You must attend 90% of IELC classes in order to maintain your student status.
- Do I have to make good grades and pass my IELC classes? Yes - you must make progress in your studies to maintain your student status. Consistently failing IELC classes show that you are not making normal progress in your studies.
- What if I move? €“ Come to the office and fill out a €śChange of Address€ť form within 10 days as required by immigration regulations.
- What should I do if I want to travel outside of the United States and then return to IELC to study? €“ Come to the office and fill out a travel form. Get your I-20 signed.
- I want to leave the United States forever. What do I do? €“ Come to the office and fill out a form stating that you have completed your studies.
- Sick? Go to the Health Center or a doctor and get a note. If you bring the note to the office your absences will be excused for immigration purposes.
- Can I take a vacation after 3 quarters? €“ Yes - come to the office and fill out a vacation request form. After vacation, you must study 1 more quarter at IELC.
- Transferring to a new school? €“ Bring a transfer form and an acceptance letter from the new school to our office BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT SESSION.
- What do I do if my I-20 is expiring? €“ If you wish to continue your studies at IELC, come to the office and fill out a request for program extension form BEFORE YOUR CURRENT I-20 EXPIRES. You must also bring a new bank statement and sponsor form (if you have a sponsor) to the office. If your request is approved, we will extend your I-20.
If you have further questions please contact us via email: ielc@csub.edu
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