1. Who studies English at VIU?
2. Please tell me more about your ESL program.  What types of courses can I take?
3. What is the average class size in the ESL program?
4. How much homework do students typically receive?
5. How much is the tuition and other fees for the ESL program?
6. Do I need to take a placement test before enrolling in the ESL program?
7. Is it possible for me to skip a level?
8. Can an international student work?  Who is eligible to work and how long may they work?
9. Do you offer TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT preparation courses?
10. May I join the ESL program at any time?
11. Does VIU offer ESL programs during the summer?
12. What are the qualifications of the ESL faculty at VIU?

What is the average class size in the ESL program?

VIU prides itself on keeping class sizes small.  Therefore, the average class size in the ESL program is 12 students. 

How much homework do students typically receive?

Students typically receive about 30 minutes to an hour of homework per class session.  However, students in the upper levels often have more homework due to the challenging and academic nature of the work assigned.

Do you have open enrollment or is there a deadline for applications?

We enroll students up until one week before the program starts, as stated in our academic calendar. International students must complete all application processes and paperwork at least one month earlier than the program’s starting date. Our admission timetable is somewhat flexible.  However, we urge you to submit all paperwork by the deadline indicated in our Academic Catalog and on our Web site.

Do I need to take a placement test before enrolling in the ESL program?

Yes.  Students participate in a three-part evaluation process to determine the most appropriate level of ESL instruction. The tests are administered at VIU. For more information Click here .

Is it possible for me to skip a level?
Yes. Students who have demonstrated outstanding progress over the course of a semester may request permission from the program director to take the placement test at the end of the term.  If a student achieves scores that are in the appropriate range of the level they wish to move to, and the student instructors recommend that the student is ready to move forward, permission may be granted to skip a level.

Can an international student work? Who is eligible to work and how?

Students with F-1 visas are permitted to work on the VIU campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and for up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.  Students must be “in status” to keep a campus job, which means that they must pass all of their courses and attend at least 80% of their scheduled class hours.

Do you offer TOEFL, SAT, GRE or GMAT preparation courses?

We offer a TOEFL preparation course during the Spring, Fall, and Summer semesters, but we do not offer SAT, GRE and GMAT courses at this time. The TOEFL course is open to students eligible to study at the College Preparatory level as determined by the VIU English placement test.

May I join the English program at any time?

Students who intend to apply for F-1 visas must do so before the beginning of the regular semester.  If students arrive after the add/drop period for that semester, they may pay tuition on a pro-rated basis and audit a class.  However, they will not receive any grades for their work.