English Language Center

The English Language Center (ELC) prepares students to use English effectively in all situations, whether they are academic, professional, or everyday situations.

Preparing Students

William Carey University is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. Our ELC program is evaluated and authorized to grant official certificates of completion. The certificates are used to waive the language examinations at William Carey University and are a subject of getting a waiver status at the other institutions across the United States and Canada.

By combining small class instruction with the latest in instructional technology, we are able to meet the language needs of all students and assist them with a smooth transition into their studies.

Dedicated Faculty

For years, our dedicated language teachers assisted international students of different nationalities to improve their language: communication, grammar, writing, and social skills. “We`ve had students from all over the world: China, Germany, Chile, Russia, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, France, Ukraine… As our program improves, we will be glad to serve our students and help them out as much as we can. The program is designed to deliver an excellent language education to diverse students,”- says Ms. Laine Bourdene, Director of the William Carey ELC (English Language Center).

Convenient Schedules

The ELC program starts 4 times a year and runs together with regular classes in order to encourage communication between ELC students and full-time students. The students can start the program when it is most convenient for them.

The American Experience

Our international students receive a complete orientation to American culture by participating in the same activities as regular students admitted to William Carey University. They live by the same rules, schedule, and live in the same dorms. It is important for us to ensure that the students get a full experience of American culture while being enrolled in the ELC. Also, the ELC students can participate in all of the university student activities and be a part of William Carey Social/Greek Life by joining different societies and on-campus organizations.

Placement Test

In the ELC, students study in a class with others at the same level of English proficiency determined by the placement test. The test is divided into four parts: grammar, listening, language use, and writing. This test will be provided to an enrolled ELC student on the first day of class. Following testing, students are interviewed and placed accordingly.

Admission Requirements

William Carey University is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. International students who wish to be admitted to the English Language Center (ELC) must meet the requirements listed below.

If the international student resides on campus, housing will be provided during scheduled breaks throughout the academic year, with the exception of Christmas break. Campus housing will close December 21 for Christmas break and reopen January 12. International students should make plans to return home or seek alternate housing for that time period. There are four one-week breaks during the academic year. Housing and meals will be provided during those breaks for an additional charge per week.

In order to receive an F-1 visa, international students are to schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country within 90 days of departure. They must take along their financial documents, letter of acceptance, and I-20 for presentation and review. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends the entering student be honest and have copies of all documents sent to William Carey University available for review by the U.S. custom official at the consulate, embassy, or U.S. port of entry. Custom officials may at any point of a student’s travel to the United States deny him/her entry into the country. Copies of original documents may be faxed or mailed to the Office of International Admissions.