Our intensive ESL institute is offered each summer as well as during the academic year. The institute is designed for students who wish to develop their English language skills and learn more about American culture, and/or prepare for study at an American university.

Our program consists of four hours of in-class English instruction each morning, including pronunciation, conversation, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Equal attention is given to spoken and written language. Language lab, computer facilities, and our state-of-the-art library are available for your use. There will be excursions to nearby points of interest on Saturdays and on some weekday afternoons, for those who wish to participate. During the program you will

• Learn to speak, read, and write American English
• Improve TOEFL scores
• Prepare for U.S. college study
• Earn official university credit
• Experience life on an American university campus
• Visit the cities, mountains, and coastline of New England

Admission to a degree program at the University of New Hampshire requires a TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 80 (internet-based). However, for students who have TOEFL scores of 500 or above, and who are applying for a degree program at an American university, we can provide the opportunity to take one regular UNH course as part of their ESL program. This is an opportunity to "try out" a regular university course in a sheltered, supported situation; the staff of the ESL Institute are available to assist the student with their course assignments and to offer encouragement and advice about strategies for success.

Students who successfully complete the ESL institute will receive official credit from the University of New Hampshire, up to a maximum of 16 credits total.

All students are required to purchase health insurance at a cost of $60 per month. The policy covers any medical expenses in excess of $100 per condition, and provides for emergency evacuation to the student's home country if that should be necessary.

The faculty in the program are all experienced teachers with master's degrees, who have been trained in language-teaching methods that emphasize communication and the use of language in context.

In 2006, we had students from 16 different countries 57% from Asia, 41% from Europe, 3% from the MiddleEast, 6% from Latin America, and 2% from Africa. Many were university students earning vacation credits or preparing to enter American universities. Others were adult students who wanted to improve their English as well as experience life in the New England area.

Our program is small, with individual attention for each student. The average class size is 10 students, with a maximum of 15 students. Students are connected with American students as "conversation partners" and have the opportunity to visit classes and participate in campus activities.

International students who come to UNH must have a student visa. After we receive your registration and payment, UNH's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will issue your immigration documents and tell you how to apply for a visa. As of September 1, 2004 the Department of Homeland Security is charging a fee of $100, called "the SEVIS fee." We will pay this fee for you and send you the receipt along with your other immigration documents. Please take the receipt with you when you go to the U.S. Consulate to apply for your visa. If you have any questions, please contact OISS by phone at (603)862-3491; by fax at (603)862-0169; by e-mail at oiss@unh.edu; or on the web at www.unh.edu/oiss.