Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Intensive English Program (IEP) at East Carolina University Language Academy (ECULA) cost?
Program tuition and fees depend on enrollment status (full-time / part-time full semester, full-time / part-time 8-week session). Also, tuition and fees for students and faculty from Partner Universities may differ from what is posted on the Program Fees and Expenses page. Contact ECULA (ecula@ecu.edu) to see if your university is a Partner University.
How much does it cost to live in Greenville?
The total cost of participating in an ECU Language Academy program is:
- Cost of program tuition and fees.
- Cost of Housing and Dining.
- Cost of living expenses. This amount varies and depends on lifestyle, taste, travel plans and many other things. Approximate living expenses for a full semester are $4000 and $2000 for 8-week sessions.
- Click here for a welcome guide to living in Greenville, North Carolina.
Can I work while I study?
Yes! As an F-1 student visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Our intensive English students currently have 100% job placement with our student employment partners.
Please note, these jobs are for an hourly wage. They cannot be secured prior to arrival to ECULA and your intention to work while you study cannot count towards the financial evidence required to issue a Form I-20. Additionally, any job secured while you study should be to work outside your scheduled class times.
Are there scholarships available?
ECULA works with Partner Universities to provide a limited number of scholarships of varying amounts each semester/session for visiting students. Contact the ECU Language Academy representative at your university for information on how to apply. Contact ECULA (ecula@ecu.edu) to see if your university is a Partner University.
Does ECULA offer an I-20?
Yes. After you complete ECULA’s Intensive English Program application and submit all the required paperwork, including the Confidential Financial Information Form, you will be sent an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Form by international post. You will not be able to apply for an F-1 student visa without an I-20.
How do I get a visa?
Please remember that F-1 student visas are issued by the U.S. government, not the school you plan to attend.
To get a visa to study in the Intensive English Program, you first need to apply and to submit all required paperwork. Once all documents have been received, the Intensive English Program will send you an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Form. Once you have this form, you can apply at your nearest U.S. Consulate for an F-1 visa.
Your visa appointment is something you should definitely plan ahead for; it’s not something to leave for the last minute. In some cases, it can take weeks or even months to secure a visa appointment.
Why do I need to take a placement test?
Before beginning courses, you will be given a placement test so that we can put you in the level that best fits your needs. There is no “good” or “bad” level; all levels are equally beneficial and will help you in your acquisition of English.
Can I take classes part-time?
Yes! Part-time options are available for both full semester and 8-week sessions. See the Program Fees and Expenses page for more information. The application fee for Visiting Scholars at ECU wanting to study part-time in the IEP is waived. Contact ECULA (ecula@ecu.edu) for more information.