English Language Institute

The English Language Institute welcomes people from all over the world to study with us and learn English on our beautiful Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Non-F1 students can enter the program every month except December. Applications are accepted all year long.

F-1 students can enter the program in January, March, May, August, and October.  

Go to our application tab for details.

We are accepting new F-1 Applications for  Summer and Fall 2024.

Non-F-1 applications are accepted year round.

Seminole State College's English Language Institute (ELI) is an intensive English language program for international students, residents, and visitors whose native language is not English. This face-to-face, non-credit program focuses on helping students improve their English skills for personal enrichment or in preparation to enter college or university in the United States. 

Request Program Information

Interested in the English Language Institute at Seminole State College?
Request more information about our program.

We provide excellence in English language instruction through our unique combination of a strong academic curriculum and a friendly, welcoming environment.  


Programs

Full-term program - Created for international students on F-1 visas looking for an intensive English language program for a minimum of one semester. Classes are in person on our Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Short-term program - Created for students who plan to study one semester or less and do not have an F-1 student visa. This program enables students to choose their own schedule and length of study. Classes are held face-to-face on our Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Full-term Start DatesApplication Deadline
Fall A
(August - October)
July 1
Fall B
(October - December
September 1
Spring A
(January - March)
November 15
Spring B
(March - April)
February 1
Summer
(May - July)
April 1

Learn more about the Full-term program:

Short-term Start Dates
2024
Application
Deadlines
March 4February 26
April 8April 1
May 13May 6
June 10June 3
July 8July 1
August 26August 19
September 23September 16
October 21October 14
November 18November 11

 Please see application page for details about how to apply.


We Offer

  • Seven levels of intensive English language studies from beginner to college preparation
  • Core academic courses in speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar
  • Elective courses on a variety of fun and useful topics
  • Educational class trips to state parks, museums, historic areas and local businesses
  • Qualified, friendly faculty experienced in teaching English at all levels
  • The latest materials, technology and techniques
  • Personal academic advising with free tutoring and career guidance
  • Pathway to admission into degree programs at the college
  • Diverse student population representing countries from all over the world
  • Ideal location in Central Florida, north of Orlando - near Florida's tourist attractions and beaches
  • Spectacular, warm and sunny weather all year

Application for Full-term F-1 Admission

Summer and Fall 2024:  We are  accepting new and transfer F-1 applications and will be issuing I-20s one to two weeks after receipt of completed application. 

 (New I-20s will not be issued in August or from December 1-January 15.)

You are eligible for full-term admission to the English Language Institute if you:

  • Are 16 years of age or older
  • Can obtain an F-1 student visa 
Study in the States

Step 1: Send Application

Send the following documents by email:

  1. Application
  2. Photocopy of passport (and passports of dependents)
  3. Bank statement or letter in PDF format showing the required amount of money that corresponds to the amount of time that you wish to study.  (See table)

4 months8 months
Tuition$ 2,800$ 5,600
Books$ 300$ 600
Medical insurance *$ 600 (6 months)$ 1,200 (12 months)
Living expenses **$ 4,000$ 8,000
Total$ 7,700$15,400

NOTE: If your spouse and/or children will come with you, you must add $3,735 per year, per adult dependent and $1,665 per year per child dependent to the required amount.         (ex: For a spouse and child, add $5,400  to $15,400.  Total required:  $20,800)

*International students may take a break from their studies for one semester each year and remain in the United States; however, they must have medical insurance while in the U.S.

**Optional: If you will be living with a sponsor, he/she should fill out the Affidavit of Living Expenses so that the amount listed for living expenses can be deducted from the financial requirement.

Step 2: Receive I-20

We will email your official I-20 and acceptance letter to you 

Step 3: Attend Visa Interview

You will receive instructions about how to make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in your country to request your F-1 visa.  If you are approved for an F-1 visa, you may travel to the U.S. a maximum of 30 days before your classes begin.

Application for Short-term Non-F-1 Admission

Non-F-1 students can start every month except December. Applications are accepted year-round.
 

You are eligible for short-term admission to the  English Language Institute if you:

  • Are 16 years of age or older
  • Have any type of visa except F-1
  • Are a U.S. resident or citizen 

To Apply:

  1. fill out the Short-term Application 
  2. select your start date and number of days per week
  3. send completed application and copies of your passport and U.S. visa or proof of permanent U.S. residency to christopherd@seminolestate.edu


Email all completed forms and documents to: christopherd@seminolestate.edu

Students are responsible for finding their own housing while at the English Language Institute. Seminole State College does not have on-campus housing. 

Apartments/Rooms

There are numerous apartment complexes in the Sanford/Lake Mary area.  Average rent for an apartment is from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, not including utilities and food.  The cost of renting a house for a family will be at least $3,000 per month.  Single students may find it easier to rent a room from someone rather than looking for their own apartment.  The average cost to rent a room in a house or apartment is between $800 and $1500 per month.  Rooms for rent are usually advertised online

Homestays

Students who are interested in living with an American family while studying should contact the English Language Institute office for information.  

English Language Institute Location

The English Language Institute is located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus of Seminole State College, which is the largest campus of the college.  ELI students are eligible to use all the facilities on campus such as the Student Center and library and are welcome and encouraged to participate in the many college activities, clubs, and events.  The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus is home to dozens of programs and features key cultural centers, like the Center for Fine & Performing Arts and the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium. It also serves as the college's intercollegiate athletics hub.

Local Area

The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus is located in a suburban area that is approximately 20 miles north of the city of Orlando.  The campus is situated on the border between the cities of Lake Mary and Sanford in Seminole County. Seminole County is called “Florida’s Natural Choice” because of the beauty of the area and proximity to many state parks and wildlife areas.  The campus is also 30 minutes from the cultural areas of Winter Park and Orlando, 45 minutes from the tourist areas and theme parks, and an hour from beaches such as Daytona and New Smyrna. Whether you like nature, beaches, sports, shopping, art, music, eating out, or going to theme parks, there is always something fun to do in our area.

The climate in the area also makes it a great place to live or visit. We have year-round sunshine and warm temperatures! 

Transportation

Like most suburban areas in the United States, the Sanford/Lake Mary area is very spread out, and the best way to get around is by car.  Most residential neighborhoods are not within walking distance of the college or shopping areas.

A used automobile generally costs between $3,000-$10,000.  In the state of Florida, you are required to purchase automobile insurance.

You can apply for a Florida's driver's license once you begin studying and your I-20 becomes active in the SEVIS system.

If you do not own a car, you should inquire about bus routes to the college and other service areas before selecting housing.  Public transportation in Seminole County is very limited.

Full-Term Schedule for F-1 Students

TermApplication byOrientation / TestingTuition
Summer 2024
(12 weeks)
May 13 - August 7, 2024
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

April 1, 2024

May 9, 2024

$2,200
Fall A 2024
(7.5 weeks)
August 26 - October 17, 2024
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

July 1, 2024

August 21, 2024

$1,400
Fall 2024 B
(7.5 weeks)
October 21 - December 12, 2024
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

September 15, 2024

October 16, 2024

$1,400
Spring 2025 A
(7.5 weeks)
January 8 - February 27, 2025
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

November 15, 2024

January 6, 2025

$1,400
Spring 2025 B
(7.5 weeks)
March 3- April 30, 2025
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
*(spring break March 16-23)

February 1, 2025

March 5, 2025

$1,400

Short-Term Schedule for Non-F-1 Students

Short-term Start Dates
2024
Application
Deadlines
March 4February 26
April 8April 1
May 13May 6
June 10June 3
July 8July 1
August 26August 19
September 23September 16
October 21October 14
November 18November 11

 Please see application page for details about how to apply.

 

  • 2 days per week:  $320 per month
  • 4 days per week:  $640 per month

Contact

Diana Christopher
Program Manager, English Language Institute

Sanford/Lake Mary Campus
Building B, Room 220