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Information for: Visitors | Applicants | Current Students | Teachers | Alumni | |||
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English Language Institute
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Arrival InstructionsStep 1: Before you LeaveVisaIf you applied to the English Language Institute (ELI) as a non-immigrant student, you must hold an F-1 visa. The ELI will issue you immigration documents upon acceptance of your application. Bring your immigration documents and passport to your local consulate to obtain an F-1 Visa. TravelSince Gainesville has no direct international flights, you will need to book a flight into a nearby city and take a short flight into Gainesville. Most flights to Gainesville are routed through Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, or Atlanta. Shuttle service is available from Orlando or Jacksonville to Gainesville via Gator Express Inc. (www.gatorexpress.com). Try to make your travel arrangements as soon as you receive your immigration documents. The ELI office is open during the week and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please remember this when making your travel arrangements. MoneyBe sure to bring enough money for your first few days in Gainesville until you can open a bank account. Carry a little of your money in cash to pay for transportation, phone calls, tips, etc., but keep most of your cash in a safer form (traveler's checks). See the finances section below for information about banking while you're in Gainesville. What to Expect
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Step 2: Arriving in GainesvilleHotelsWhile the ELI does not have personalized airport pickup, there are several hotels in the area that have free airport pick-up. The list below shows hotels that may offer airport pick-up. If you make reservations at any of these hotels, be sure to ask for the University of Florida rates. Arrival DateThe date on your immigration document is the first date of your arrival. You have one day after this date to check-in at the ELI office. The check-in period runs during the first two days (Monday and Tuesday) of the ELI's first week of the term. Be sure to check-in on time, since you will receive valuable information from our friendly office staff. There will also be a late fee if you arrive after the check-in period. Housing and FoodIf you report to the ELI on one of the check-in days, a member of our staff will assist you in finding housing near the ELI. There are several different types of housing available. The cost ranges from $400-$500 per month. These prices are based on a shared 2-4 bedroom apartment. In addition, you may have to pay for utilities (electricity, telephone, and cable TV). These costs range from $75-$150 per month. When you move into your new apartment you will need to have enough money (cash, personal check, money order or traveler's checks) to pay the first and last month's rent and a security deposit. Security deposits range from $250-$500 and are returned after you move out upon inspection of the apartment. Most students spend between $200-$400 per month on food. Preparing meals at home and bringing a lunch to school can help lower food costs. The ELI Cultural Immersion Program also organizes a shopping trip at the beginning of the term to help you find what you need in the grocery stores. FinancesSince cash is not accepted for housing, tuition, and some other expenses, you'll want to open a bank account once you arrive in Gainesville. We recommend Your Campus Federal Credit Union, which has a branch directly across the street from the ELI. At the bank, you will be able to open a checking account, get an ATM card, get free-of-charge money orders and cashier's checks, as well as keep your money safe.
Step 3: Welcome to the ELIPlacement TestingDuring the check-in days, you will also be taking the CELT placement test. The results of this test will be used to place you in classes with other students who are at the same level as you. Levels are assigned for each skill, so you may have different levels in your grammar, listening/speaking, and reading/writing classes. During the first week of classes, your teachers will double-check to make sure you are in the appropriate level, and there will be a meeting at the end of the week to move students that were placed inappropriately. Welcome SeminarOn Wednesday of the term's first week, be sure to attend the ELI Welcome Seminar. At this seminar, you will not only get a chance to meet some of the ELI staff, but you will also get some valuable information about the term. An Insurance Workshop, Activities Overview, and Campus Tour all follow the Welcome Seminar. Medical InsuranceBecause of the high cost of medical care in the US, all students must have health insurance. The university offers a student rate that costs approximately $200 per term. If you already have health insurance that is valid in the US, you will need to show proof (insurance card or letter) when you check-in. We will give you more insurance information during the Insurance Workshop after the Welcome Seminar. ImmunizationAll ELI students are required to get immunizations that are common in the US. You will have the opportunity to get these immunizations at the University Infirmary once you arrive at the ELI. You will get more information about immunizations during the Welcome Seminar and following sessions. Fee PaymentsTuition payment must be made by traveler's check, cashier's check, money order, or credit card. We cannot take personal checks or cash for tuition payment. If you pay by cashier's check, it should be made out to the University of Florida. Please make checks payable only for the amount of your ELI tuition. Housing and insurance must be paid using separate checks. Tuition payment is due 2 days after classes begin. There will be a late fee if tuition is paid after this date. |
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