Frequently asked questions

• ELIC Mission
  Our mission is to equip our students with the academic knowledge necessary to gain entrance to and achieve success at Oklahoma State University or any other institute for higher education in the US. Through outreach, professional programs, and intercultural support we promote and foster the intercultural awareness and interaction that students from all backgrounds need to succeed as global citizens.
• ELIC Handbook
  Click here to view the ELIC Handbook
• What programs do you offer?

  We offer the English Language Institute (for pre-matriculation students), the Outreach and Professional Program (for non-matriculating students and community), and the Intercultural Program (for OSU students and faculty).

• What are the start dates of each program?

  For the English Language Institute, we have two 16-week sessions each year that start in August and January. Our four 8-week sessions start in August, October, January, and May. We also offer two 4-week sessions in June and July. 

   

  For the Outreach and Professional Program, the start dates depend upon the request of the sponsoring party. 

  
  For the Intercultural Support Program, the start dates vary throughout the semester.

• How much does tuition cost?

  Tuition for a 16-week session is USD 4,800. We are always finding ways to make our education the most affordable program with the highest standards of quality. Contact us for latest learning investment opportunities (osu-eli@okstate.edu).

• Who is eligible to apply?

  To be admitted to the English Language Institute:  

   

  New students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. The documents needed for admission are listed on the application form (see link below). While we accept students with no prior study of English, please realize that the lower your level of English, the longer it will take you to become proficient.

   

  Transfer students must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have maintained a 2.0 average in your classes in your previous program;
  • You must have had excellent attendance;
  • You must have completed the last level in your previous program in good standing (i.e., not have been suspended or withdrawn).

  Conditionally admitted OSU graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to do their English language training in this program, owing to test scores lower than the established cutoff (TOEFL 48-60 61, IELTS 5.0)

  All students: Must achieve pre-beginner English literacy in all skill areas; the student should be able to read, write, listen, and respond to simple English sentences and questions such as "Where are you from?" and "My name is Michael.".

• How do I apply?

  Applying to study at the English Language Institute is easy. Apply online today!

  International partners can contact us about special programs within our Outreach and Professional Program.

  The Intercultural Support Program is free to all OSU and OSU-affiliated faculty, staff, and students! No need to apply.

• How many students are in each class?

  An average of 12 students per class with the maximum being 20.

• Who are your program instructors?

  Instruction is provided by experienced doctoral students in the TESOL & Linguistics program, who hold master’s degrees in TESOL or closely related field. Our advanced-degree instructors have won numerous awards in teaching and research.

• When is it the best to arrive?

  Students must arrive at least one week prior to the beginning of the session in order to complete their registration, take placement exams, and attend required orientation sessions. Upon request, assistance will be provided in locating housing, establishing bank accounts, and shopping for initial necessities.

  Airport options include:  

  Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO)

  Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City 

• Do I need health insurance?

  Health insurance is mandatory for all English Language Institute students. The cost varies per semester; it is offered through the university. Updated costs are listed on the ELIC website. Information for dependents (spouse, children) can be found on the UnitedHealthcare website. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, everyone must now have insurance. Sponsored students (only) may sign a waiver form.

• What are the housing options?

  Oklahoma State University requires all students under the age of 21 to live on campus. For more information, visit OSU Residential Life.

  On-campus 

  There are many housing options on campus to choose from. Please visit the OSU Residential Life website for more information. Contact ELIC with any questions.

  Off-campus 

  The ELIC does not provide off-campus housing services. However, there are a number of sources available on the OSU Off-Campus Housing website.

• What resources do I have on campus?

  English Language Institute students have many of the same privileges of regularly enrolled OSU students. These include access to University Health Services, the Edmon Low Library, the Student Union and the Colvin Recreation Center for an additional fee. ELI students are also eligible to attend sports and cultural events at student rates.

• Where are you located?

  The English Language and Intercultural Center is housed in the beautiful Wes Watkins Center, a state-of-the-art facility which is a hub of international activity on the OSU campus. Numerous workshops, seminars, lectureships, and global briefings are presented in the building throughout the year by national and international figures. Our students are often invited to participate in these events and thus have excellent opportunities to interact with guests from the Stillwater and OSU communities, representatives of business and industry, and government officials.

  English Language and Intercultural Center

  Oklahoma State University

  307 Wes Watkins Center 

  Stillwater, OK 74078