How to apply to the English language Institute of The University of Alabama

To register for an English course at the University of Alabama you need to complete the application and send it by email or fax.

The "Intensive English Program" students must also show a financial verification

Financial support document (Only for IEP Program)

A document showing that your sponsor has at least $4,744 in US dollars available for each session you plan to attend. The document used most often is a letter from a bank which shows the amount of funds your sponsor has in his/her bank account. We must have the original document before the I-20 can be issued, but we can begin processing your application once we receive a copy of the document by fax or email.

If you plan to bring family members with you, please provide the following information for each of them by email or on another sheet of paper and enclose it with your application: full name / date of birth / place of birth / relationship to student. The estimated cost per session will increase by $585 for each dependent accompanying the student.

Additional Information

Payment of Tuition and fees

All tuition and fees are scheduled to be paid on the second day of the session. Please plan to pay by money order, travel checks, personal check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Students can pay by bank wire prior to the beginning of the session.

Students who enter the country on ELI’s I-20 form should enroll in and attend ELI classes. Any student who wants to transfer to another school before attending at least one session of ELI will be required to pay a no-attendance/transfer-out fee of $500.

Immunizations

The University of Alabama requires all new students to have had 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine (Rubeola, MR, MMR) and a Menengitis immunization. If you are bringing an immunization record from your home country, documentation of the following vaccinations is required: You will need to take that record to the Student Health Center.

If your immunization records do not indicate that these requirements have been met, you must be vaccinated upon your arrival to The University of Alabama. This immunization is available on campus at the Russell Student Health Center.

Tuberculosis Screening: All new students admitted to UA must be screened for tuberculosis (TB). Please note that in the case of TB testing, only U.S. test results are valid. This testing can be provided upon your arrival on campus at the Russell Student Health Center. International students will have a PPD skin test unless they have had a positive PPD skin test. In that case, a chest x-ray is required. Note: You must pay the cost for all the immunizations, skin test, and/or chest x-rays that you need. Insurance normally does not cover these charges.

Health insurance

The University of Alabama requires that students have medical and hospitalization insurance. Students who do not have evidence of sufficient health insurance for the United States must purchase this insurance at registration.

An envelope labeled “IMPORTANT: Medical Insurance Information” is included with your admission packet. Please read this information carefully. If you want to be covered by your own insurance company, you must have the insurance company complete and fax the waiver form to ELI prior to the beginning of the session.

What to bring

Money:

In addition to the funds you bring with you for tuition and fees, housing and meals, insurance, books, etc., we suggest that you bring at least $300 with you to cover the cost of one or two nights in a hotel (approximately $40 per night), your meals for the first few days, and other personal items that you may need.

We advise students to get a check card or debit card that can be used in the U.S. This will give you easy access to your funds without having to bring large amounts of cash with you.

Personal Items:

You should also plan to bring with you or buy in Tuscaloosa the items listed below since they are not included with campus housing. If you prefer to buy these items after you arrive in Tuscaloosa, you can do this on the first day of the ELI session. You will need the following:

pillow and pillowcase
blanket
sheets for a twin (single) bed
soap and shampoo
towels and wash cloths
alarm clock

Weather:

Tuscaloosa has a warm, temperate climate. The list below shows average temperature ranges in Celsius:

Summer (June-August): 20° – 38°
Fall (September-November): 10° – 30°
Winter (December-February): 0° – 20°
Spring (March-May): 5° – 27°

Cool, lightweight clothing is needed for summer, although when you are inside you may need a sweater because almost all buildings use air-conditioning. Sweaters and jackets are occasionally needed in the fall and spring, and a heavy coat will be necessary in the winter. Student clothing is casual; it is common for both men and women to wear blue jeans to class.

Holidays:

The University of Alabama observes several holidays when classes are not held. Please see the purple form included with your admission papers. This form has the schedule for the first few days of the session on one side and session dates (including holidays) on the other side.

Some UA dormitories are closed for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break holidays. Campus housing will be available during these holidays at no extra cost, although students may have to move to a different residence hall.

Food options:

Students who would like to eat their meals on campus in University dining halls may purchase weekly meal plans or simply pay for each meal separately. Students who live in housing with kitchen facilities may, of course, choose to prepare their own meals at home.

If you have any question, please contact us Contact Page