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English Language Program for International Spouses

Connect. Learn. Grow.

The first concern of many newcomers to the United States is their ability to communicate in English. With more than 40 years of experience teaching English, the  Language and Culture Institute will help you improve your English and gain the confidence necessary to communicate with others in Blacksburg and beyond.

Students in a classroom

All our classes are taught by experienced instructors who create a safe and friendly environment for spouses and family members of international students and scholars.

Who Is Eligible?

Our English Language Program for International Spouses provides instruction to individuals in F-2, H-4, J-1, and J-2 statuses.

It is available to all spouses of Virginia Tech employees, faculty members, graduate students, undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and researchers.

Virginia Tech employees themselves also may enroll.

About the Program

Our Intensive English Program offers classroom instruction in all skill areas — including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and pronunciation — from beginning through advanced proficiency levels. Your level will be determined by a placement exam during the first week of classes.

Classes are offered during two 8- or 9-week terms each semester, plus two 6-week terms during the summer. Class typically begins at 8:00 a.m. and, if you take both classes, you should finish by noon. 

Each of the core classes costs $2,500 per semester. (For the entire program, participants would pay $5,000 per semester)

You will take classes with students from the Language and Culture Institute and will be eligible for a certificate from the institute upon successful completion of the program.

A Community of Learners

At the Language and Culture Institute, you will meet people from different countries with different backgrounds. As part of your classes and during social activities, you will have the chance to share ideas and opinions with these new friends as you learn more about their cultures and worldviews.

You will also learn about the oppor­tunities available at the university, increasing your confidence dealing with life here and obtaining greater benefit from your time in this country.

Benefits of the Program

  • Participants only pay for the classes; no comprehensive fees.
  • The program involves only two classes, each lasting approximately two hours per day. 
  • NON-F-1 visa holders can take just one class.

 Pre-requisites

Applicants must provide an existing TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report.  Refer to this chart to determine the minimum score for the test you plan to use.

If you do not have a score report, you can take the Duolingo test online for $49 and have the results within two business days.

Enroll Now

You can get more information or register for a course by calling 540-231-9192.

Program admission is subject to appropriate testing placement and space availability.

Classes take place at the Language and Culture Institute in Gilbert Place.