Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to our apply page for detailed instructions about how to apply for admission to the EI.

Please refer to our apply page to view the admission requirements for the EI.

The EI does not require proof of English proficiency for admission, so you do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. We offer courses to help you prepare to prove your English proficiency when you are ready to apply to a U.S. undergraduate or graduate program, including an Advanced TOEFL preparation course. If you wish to enroll in the undergraduate program at Howard Community College and you do not have the required TOEFL score, you can complete coursework at the EI to demonstrate English proficiency, then apply to transfer to the associate degree program.

Visit "Applying for Your F1 Visa & Preparing for Arrival" for detailed instructions on how to apply for your student visa after you have been admitted to the English Institute.

You will receive confirmation of your acceptance by email within 1-3 business days after you have completed your application.

Visit "Program Costs" for information about the cost of attending the EI.

EI courses are not eligible for financial aid, but the EI does offer $250 and $500 scholarships for returning students. Please refer to the “Apply for a scholarship” portion our Student Services page for information about how to apply for a scholarship.

Please refer to the “Enroll in health insurance” portion of our Student Services page for information about how to choose a health insurance plan.

After you arrive, you will complete a placement test. The placement test has 3 parts: (1) a 40-question multiple choice test to assess your reading and language usage level, (2) a writing sample, and (3) a speaking evaluation. During your first week of class, your teachers will also assess you to make sure that you are placed in the correct level.

Each EI class is assigned a number of units based on classroom hours. You will be required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units, which is approximately 18 hours of class each week. Most students enroll in a reading and vocabulary class, a speaking class, a writing class, and a fourth class of their choice. The most common schedule is Monday – Thursday, with a class in the morning and a class in the afternoon, but other day and time options are available. The Spring term is 15 weeks (late January – early May), the Summer term is 10 weeks (mid-May – early August), and the Fall term is 15 weeks (late August – mid-December). Summer study is not required unless you begin your studies during that term.

There is a minimum of 8 students and a maximum of 20 students in each class. The average class size is 15.

You can apply for a degree program at any time, but most degree programs will require that you demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score or completing a placement test. Most students find that they are ready to study in a degree program after completing level 5 at the EI. Students generally complete one level each semester, so if you begin studying at level 1, you would need to study for about 5 semesters to prepare for a degree program.

HCC does not have on-campus housing, but there are many housing options available. Please refer to our Location & Housing page for more information.

Please refer to the “Find Transportation to School” portion of our Student Services page for information about how to get to HCC.

Yes! The EI hosts many activities during each term so that you will have the opportunity to interact with other students and Americans. We also offer a course called Using English in the Community that allows students to practice their English while performing volunteer service in the community.

EI students have access to all HCC facilities, including the Athletic & Fitness Center and the Library.

The English Institute is a special group of students within the English Language Center. To enroll in the English Institute, students must complete an application, provide required documentation, and pay an application fee. Once admitted, EI students have access to an advising team, special activities, and some courses that are not available to other students.