Frequently Asked Questions

What are the IEP Admission Requirements?
Students must have a high school diploma or be at least 16 years old.

What is the tuition for the full-time program?
The tuition for a full-time 7-week session is $1,520. In addition, there is a University Registration fee and students must purchase their textbooks.

Do I have to pay the whole tuition bill immediately or can I pay my tuition bill in installments?
Students pay the complete tuition when they register.

How long is a semester?
Each session is 7 weeks.

How many hours of class are there a day?
On the Manhattan campus, classes run Monday to Thursday, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 1:20 p.m. There are no classes on Friday.
On the Queens campus, classes from from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Are there evening classes?
The full-time program has day-time classes only. Evening hours are available for part-time classes on the Manhattan campus.  Please call (212) 277-5180 or email us at esl@stjohns.edu.

Can I choose my own schedule?
No.

What is the class size?
The average class size is 12 to 15 students.

What qualifications do the teachers have?
All of the ELI teachers have Master's degrees and years of experience teaching ESL.

What countries do the students come from?
The students are from all over the world: Europe, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, etc.

How many levels do you have?
There are beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

How are students placed?
Before students can register, they must take the ELI Placement Test. After students have applied, they must call the ELI office at (718) 990-6845 to register for the test.

Can I study part-time?
Yes. The ELI offers offers part-time classes and private ESL classes. Please call or (212) 277-5180 for the Manhattan campus or (718) 990-6845 for the Queens campus.

Can I choose a particular skill?
You can choose a particular skill as a part-time ESL class.

Do you have a course for TOEFL Preparation only?
The advanced level uses TOEFL preparation material as part of the curriculum. However, we do not have a class that focuses exclusively on TOEFL preparation. We offer TOEFL preparation in private ESL classes.

Is there a registration deadline?
Students should register as early as possible to reserve a seat. However, we do accept late registration if there are seats available. Private ESL students can register at any time.

How do I apply?
You can print the application form for the full-time program only on this Web site, fill it out, and send it with the application fee. You can call us at (718) 990-6845 if you would like to receive one in the mail. Applications for part-time and private classes, please call us.

Can I get a student visa? Do you issue I-20s?
Yes. The Office of International Student Services processes I-20s. Contact that office for information at (718) 990-6083 or via e-mail: iss@stjohns.edu.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A certificate is given provided the student has met academic and attendance requirements.

Is student housing available?
Yes. There are residence halls on the Manhattan campus.

Do you offer scholarships?
No. However, religious workers receive a 50% discount.

Is a TOEFL score required?
No. Students will be given an ELI placement test.

Can I apply to St. John's University for a degree after completing the ELI ?
Yes. Many students apply to St. John's while they are in the ELI. If they are accepted academically to a degree program, no TOEFL is required.

May I take credit courses at the same time as I am taking classes in the ELI?
ELI  students who have been accepted by St. John's University in a degree program may be allowed to take one three-credit course when they are in Level 8  if they arrange it with their academic advisor.

May I take credit courses at the same time as I am taking the
ELI?
ELI students who have been accepted by St. John's University in a degree program may be allowed to take one three-credit course when they are in Level 8.