How do I apply? When do I apply? What are the costs of the program? How do I get a student visa? Do I need a TOEFL score before being admitted to the ELI? How will I be placed into the correct level of study? How many hours of study are provided? When are classes held? Will I receive grades? Who is eligible for the program? Is there an age requirement? What is SEVIS? Where will I stay? How do I apply? (back to top) Click here to go to the application page. You can also request a complete information/application packet by contacting us via one of the following ways:
Tel: (410) 772-4740
(International: 001-410-772-4740) E-mail: eli@howardcc.edu
Mail:
Howard Community College
English Language Institute
Hickory Ridge Building
10650 Hickory Ridge Rd.
Columbia, MD 21044 When do I apply? (back to top) Overseas applications should be received two and a half months before classes begin. All other applications should be received six weeks prior to the start of classes. What are the costs of the program? (back to top)
The costs are detailed in the application materials and on our website. How do I get a student visa? (back to top) When you produce the proper documentation as detailed on the application form, the Institute will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility (SEVIS I-20 form). You can then use this form to apply to a United States Embassy, Consulate, or Immigration Services for your F-1 visa/status. The ELI issues the SEVIS I-20 for admission into fall, spring, and summer terms. Click here for more information on how to get a student visa. Do I need a TOEFL score before being admitted to the ELI? (back to top) Having a TOEFL score report is very helpful when applying for a student visa. If you live outside the United States, you will need to take the TOEFL examination OR you need to have graduated from high school.
If you live in the United States, you may take the college entrance examination instead of the TOEFL.
If you score 537 (203) or above on the TOEFL, you do not need to attend the Institute; instead, you will be referred to Howard Community College’s degree program. How will I be placed into the correct level of study? (back to top) The ELI offers 4 levels of study. Upon your arrival at our school, you will be required to take our college placement tests; these tests will determine your level. How many hours of study are provided? (back to top) A student in this program is expected to undertake a full-time course of study. The student will attend approximately 18 hours of English classes per week. The fall and spring semesters each last approximately 15 weeks and the summer session lasts 8 weeks. When are classes held? (back to top) Classes are offered on a semester basis: | Fall: | Late August - Early December (15 weeks) | | Winter / Spring: | Late January - Early May (15 weeks) | | Summer: | Mid May - Early August (8 Weeks) | | |
Most ELI students will have classes Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm. Will I receive grades? (back to top) Your classes will be English Language credits (not graded or degree-driven). The only grades you’ll receive will be Pass/No Pass. Who is eligible for the program? (back to top) International students from abroad who have proper documentation Permanent residents who are non-native speakers of English International business professionals/groups Groups from abroad interested in a customized, intensive English program All other non-native citizens who would like an intensive English program
Is there an age requirement? (back to top) Students must be at least 18 years of age, but there is no upper limit on age.
International students are not eligible for senior tuition waiver. What is SEVIS? (back to top)
The "Student and Exchange Visitor Information System" (SEVIS) is a U.S. government, computerized system that maintains and manages data about international students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visa) during their stay in the United States. SEVIS allows authorized program sponsors to send student information through the Internet to the different U.S. government offices that require this information. Where will I stay? (back to top) Although Howard Community College does not have on-campus housing available, our Office of Student Life maintains a Housing Book and also has Apartment Guides available. Many of our students stay with relatives or friends, but the Columbia, Maryland community has many kinds of temporary housing available. Also, if you are interested in a homestay option with an American host family, click here. | 
