The English Language Institute at CSU offers ESL classes for all English learners, including F1 and J1 students.
If you require an I-20 to enter the United States and study at CSU:
How to Apply: International F-1 Visa Students.
All other students:
How to Apply: Local Students
How to Apply: International F1 Students
Follow these instructions if you live outside of the United States and need a student visa to study full-time in the United states or if you already have an F1 visa and wish to transfer your I-20 to Columbus State University.
F-1 students are required to study full-time in the day program, make language progress each semester, and meet the attendance policy in order to be in status. A student visa will be cancelled if any of these requirements are not met.
STEP 1: APPLICATION
Applications are due 8 weeks before the semester begins. See the ELI calendar for deadlines.
Complete the application and send to the ELI office.
- Application (pdf)
- Application fee. A $40 USD non-refundable application fee is required.
- You may send a cashier’s check or money order with your application.
- You may pay with a credit card on-line:
- Flywire (payments being made from abroad)
- Credit Card (payment being made from U.S. credit cards ONLY)
- You may call Student Account Services at 011-706-507-8897.
Mail: English Language Institute
Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
email: learnenglish@columbusstate.edu
Once you have applied, you will be required to submit the following supporting documentation. An I-20 cannot be issued until the following support documents are provided to CSU International Admissions.
- Financial Guarantee (pdf). You must show proof of financial responsibility. An original official bank letter must accompany this form. A sample letter is attached.
- Certificate of Immunization (pdf). A doctor’s signature is required for this form.
- Copy of Passport ID
STEP 2: I-20 AND F-1 VISA
If you are accepted to the English Language Institute, an acceptance letter, I-20 form, and additional documents will be mailed to the address on your application. You should receive these documents 3-4 weeks after the application was received by CSU.
Once you have your I-20, you must apply for a visa and make an appointment with a US embassy or consulate. For more information, see the official website of the US State Department.
STEP 3: APPLY FOR HOUSING
If you want to live on campus, you must apply and pay a deposit. Please visit the CSU website: CSU Residence Life . You will need your student ID number and CougarNet password to fill out the application.
If you want to live off-campus, visit CSU Residence Life for local apartment options.
STEP 4: ENROLLING IN OPTIONAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
This step is optional. All CSU students, including International students, are required to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Students are automatically enrolled in this plan and the charges will appear on the student account. International students have the option of enrolling in an alternative International student plan that is significantly less expensive. Students wishing to enroll in this plan should follow the instructions below. The staff of the ELI can assist you in this process when you arrive in the United States. Students must have a credit card or debit card that can be used in the United States in order to enroll in this plan.
Download step by step instructions in English / Click aqui` para instruciones en Espanol
F1 students click here to begin the enrollment process / J1 students click here to begin the enrollment process
AFTER ENROLLING IN THE INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PLAN, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS BELOW TO HAVE THE DOMESTIC INSURANCE PLAN REMOVED FROM YOUR STUDENT ACCOUNT
Click here for step by step instructions on how to opt-out of the domestic student insurance
Click here to opt-out of the domestic insurance plan
STEP 5: ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
- Email your arrival date, time, and flights to LearnEnglish@ColumbusState.edu
- Use Groome Transportation from the Atlanta airport for ground transportation to Columbus State University. Tell the van driver which dorm you will live in.
- Register for mandatory International Student Orientation. This orientation will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before classes begin on Monday. During orientation you will come to the ELI to take an English placement test and register for classes.
- Learn more about Columbus State University at http://www.columbusstate.edu
How to Apply: Local Students
You are considered a “local student” if you do not require an I-20 to study in the United States. (If you need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa, see How to Apply: International F-1 Visa Student
Depending on the visa restrictions, local students can study full-time or part-time and can enroll in day or night classes. The student is solely responsible for adhering to the study limitations placed on their visa.
STEP 1: APPLICATION
Complete the Application Form. Mail, email, or deliver in person to the ELI office:
Mail: English Language Institute
Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
Email: LearnEnglish@ColumbusState.edu
In-Person: English Language Institute
Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, Room 120
Columbus State University
(Our building is on the corner of East Lindsey Drive and College Drive)
STEP 2: PLACEMENT TEST
All ELI students take a placement test to determine their English level. The test will take 1-1.5 hours to complete and cost $15. Placement tests are given Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the English Language Institute. Appointments are not needed, but preferred.
The ELI is located on CSU’s main campus in the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center. This building is on the corner of East Lindsey Drive and College Drive.
STEP 3: REGISTRATION
After the placement test, you will receive an email regarding your level recommendations and you can then register for classes. All books and testing are included in the cost of the class. A payment plan is available for those who qualify. There is a fee for participating in the payment plan. Students may register for classes at any point in the first 4 weeks of classes for the current semester. After the 4th week, you may only register for the next term.
