Frequently Asked Questions

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Click on a category to see the questions.

• Classes and Programs
• Instructors
• Registration and Testing
• Fees and Books
• Visas and Vacation
• College Prep.
• Housing and ID Cards

CLASSES & PROGRAMS

1. Who studies at The English Language Center?

We accept students, age 17 and above, from all backgrounds. We have an English course for each person’s needs. All you need is interest in learning English!

2. Where are students in The English Language Center from?

Students come from approximately 70 different countries. The countries include Bolivia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Mali, Poland, Peru, Thailand, and Turkey.

3. How many students are in each class?

At TELC we believe in small classes. The average number of students in each class is 22.

4. How are students placed in a level? Do I need to take the TOEFL to enter The English Language Center?

Students are given a placement test in each of the programs in the English Language Center. The tests are different for each program based on the general focus of the program. Based on the results of the test, students are placed in an appropriate level. The TOEFL is not required for any classes in TELC.

5. When do I know which level I am in?

On the first day of class you will come to the office, Room C354, and find your class level and room number on a list.

6. I was a student in one of The English Language Center ESL programs at LaGuardia in the past. Do I need to take the placement test again?

Students who are registering for the same TELC program and only missed one or two quarters, do not need to take a test again. They will be placed in the class that the last teacher recommended. If students register for another TELC program (for example, from the Evening Intensive to the AM or PM Day Intensive Program or from the Non-Intensive to the Evening Intensive Program), they need to take the placement test again before beginning the new program. Click here to see the Continuing Students Page, Changing Programs.

7. How many levels are there?

There are ten levels in the Day Intensive Programs. In the Evening Intensive and Non-Intensive Programs, there are six main levels.

8. What is the difference between the Morning and Afternoon Day Intensive Programs?

The Morning (AM) and Afternoon (PM) Day Intensive Programs have the same academic focus. Both Morning and Afternoon Programs meet the requirements for F-1 students.
The differences are
1) the number of days per week: AM is 5 days and PM is 4 days,
2) time: AM is 8:30 am - 1:00 pm and PM is 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm, and
3) cost: the PM program is a little less expensive than the AM program.
Students usually choose the program that best suits their time schedule.

9. What is the difference between the Day Intensive and Evening Intensive Programs?

The Day Intensive Programs offer 18-20 hours per week of academic ESL instruction. These programs meet in the morning and afternoon and are ideal for full-time international students. Classes focus on writing, reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar. The Day Intensive Programs also meet the requirements for I-20s.
The Evening Intensive Program offers 10 hours per week of academic ESL instruction. This program only meets in the evenings and is ideal for part-time students who might work during the day. Classes focus on writing, reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar. The Evening Intensive Program does NOT meet the requirements for I-20s.

10. Do the programs in The English Language Center provide certificates?

At the end of the quarter, students receive grade reports which show their hours of attendance, grades, and recommendations for promotion. If students have adequate attendance, they receive a certificate of attendance. In the Day Program, adequate attendance is 80%. In the Evening programs adequate attendance is 90%.

11. Will we use computers to learn English?

Most of our teachers use computers as a part of their classes. It is not guaranteed that your class will use computers, but it is possible.

12. Will we use a language lab to learn English?

Our classes use a state-of-the-art language lab for listening, speaking, and pronunciation practice. There is also open lab time when Day, Evening, and Saturday students can use the lab for independent practice (for example, TOEFL preparation).


INSTRUCTORS (back to top)

13. What kind of training do the English Language instructors have?

The majority of our teachers have a masters degree in TESOL, English or a related field and several years of teaching experience. Many of our teachers have also taught and worked in other countries. Please see the Faculty & Staff page for more information about our instructors.

14. What is the teaching method?

Each program has a curriculum created specifically for the needs of the students in that program. Teachers use a variety of language teaching methods and techniques to achieve the goals of the class and rely on the use of authentic materials including books, newspapers, videos, television, radio, and web-based resources. Teachers use a communicative approach to language learning and teach all skill areas including writing, reading, listening, speaking, pronunciation and grammar. The classes are student-centered. Students are encouraged to be active in their learning while working collaboratively and cooperatively in pairs and small groups.

REGISTRATION & TESTING (back to top)

15. What do I need to bring to registration?

The only thing you need to bring to register is payment. If you are an F-1 student, you will also need to submit certain documents. Click here to see the requirements for F-1 students.

16. Is there a placement test?

Yes, there is a placement test for each program. You will receive test information when you register.

17. Do I need to pay before I take the test?

Yes. Click here for information about payment.

18. What do I need to bring to the test?

You need to bring your receipt and a pencil.

19. Do I get to see the results of the test? When will I know my level?

You will learn your level on the first day of class.

20. Is there a separate fee for the test?

No, there is no fee for the test.

FEES & BOOKS (back to top)

21. Do I have to pay the full amount of the tuition?

All new students need to pay the full amount of the tuition before the placement test. You can register without paying, but need to pay the full tuition before the test. Returning students in either the morning or afternoon day intensive programs can make a partial payment (50%) during pre-registration and must pay the balance before the first day of class.

22. How can I pay the tuition?

You can pay with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), a debit card, a money order made payable to LaGuardia Community College, traveler’s checks, or cash. We do not accept personal checks.

23. Can I get financial aid?

The classes in TELC are non-credit, therefore we do not offer financial aid.

24. I’m a US citizen or permanent resident. Do I have to pay the full tuition?

All students pay the same tuition. There is no discount for U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

25. Where do I buy books for class? Which books do I buy?

Students are responsible for purchasing books at the LaGuardia bookstore. Your teachers will tell you on the first day of class which books are required.

26. How much are the books? Are books included in the tuition?

The price of books varies from class to class. It depends on which books your teachers want you to buy. The price of books is not included in the tuition. Many teachers give our photocopies, so it might be useful to have a binder.

VISAS AND VACATION (back to top)

27. What is an I-20?

An I-20 is an official document issued by a school. This document is used to apply for a student visa in the student’s home country or a change of status to F1 in the United States.

28. What is a visa?

A visa is a travel document stamped in your passport. It gives permission to apply for entry into the United States when you arrive at the airport. The only place a student can obtain a visa is in his or her home country.

29. What is status?

Immigration status is given by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on the form I-94 either when you enter the United States or after changing status . It is not a visa.

30. What is full-time study?

Students studying English full-time must enroll in an English Language program at least 18 hours per week. Both the Morning Day Intensive Program (20 hours/wk) and the Afternoon Day Intensive Program (18 hrs/wk) meet that criteria.

31. Can I change my visa?

You cannot change your visa in the United States. However, if you want to attend school, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to change your status. If your application for a change of status is approved, you must attend classes.

32. Can I get an I-20 if I transfer to your school?

You must follow transfer procedures to get an I-20. First notify your current school that you want to transfer to The English Language Center. Click here for information about how to transfer.

33. When can I take vacation?

Vacation eligibility varies from student to student. If you want to take a vacation, please complete the vacation request form and submit it to The English Language Center. Always complete the form if you plan on taking vacation or if you plan to be out of the United States for an extended period of time.

COLLEGE PREPARATION (back to top)

34. Will The English Language Center help me prepare for college in the United States?

Yes, the Day Intensive Program and the Evening Intensive Program provide English language classes, which focus on the academic skills that students need to be successful in college or graduate school in the United States.

35. Can I get help with applying to LaGuardia Community College?

While you are studying English with us, you have access to free college preparation workshops and college counseling services. The English Language Center helps students with the entire college application process (choosing a college major, application, tests, documents, etc). Many of our students have successfully entered LaGuardia Community College as well as other well-respected colleges and graduate schools, where they excel in their classes and internships, and earn scholarships and assistantships.

36. Do I need to take the TOEFL exam to get into LaGuardia Community College?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident and you completed your secondary school education in a country where English is not the primary language, you need to take the TOEFL exam.

However, if you complete level 10 in the Day Intensive Program or level 6 in the Evening Intensive Program, you do NOT have to take the TOEFL exam to get into LaGuardia Community College.

37. Do you offer TOEFL preparation classes?

TOEFL Preparation Workshops are available for high intermediate to advanced level ESL students. These classes are offered in the Non-Intensive ESL program.

HOUSING & ID CARDS (back to top)

38. Is housing available for students at The English Language Center?

We do not have housing available for students and do not provide housing assistance. We do, however, have listings of housing in nearby YMCAs or YWCAs that students can explore. We suggest that students arrange for housing and transportation from the airport before they come.

39. Can I get a LaGuardia photo ID?

Students in the Day Intensive or Evening Intensive Programs can get a LaGuardia photo ID. Students in the Non-Intensive Program cannot get a photo ID, but are given a non-photo ID. See the Continuing Students Page for more information.

40. What are some of the college facilities that I can use with a LaGuardia ID?

With a LaGuardia ID, you can use the LaGuardia library and open computer labs. The ID also lets you use the gym and swimming pool for an additional fee. See the LaGuardia Recreation Department for more information about the gym and pool.