Capital Intensive English Program (CIEP)
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Welcome to the Capital Intensive English Program website. We are pleased that you are considering Capital as a place to improve your English language skills, learn more about American culture, and experience university life on a small and friendly campus in the center of the U.S.
The Capital Intensive English Program has been helping students from all over the world master English since 1992. Our mission is to prepare you to meet the English requirements for admission to a U.S. university or to advance your international communication and business interests.
Whether you are looking to pursue a degree at an American university or improve your English skills for a job in your home country, the CIEP is designed to get results. With four hours of English instruction every day, you will gain confidence and proficiency in your English language skills while also engaging with a diverse student population.
Contacts at the CIEP
Tilloretta Pope, Director, CIEP Program tpope@capital.edu 614-236-6550
Jennifer Adams, Director, the Center For Global Education
jadams@capital.edu 614-236-6170
Apply for Admission Take a Virtual Tour
Why Choose The Capital Intensive English Program?
Curriculum
Sections and placement
- LEVEL 1 Elementary
- LEVEL 2 Intermediate
- LEVEL 3 High-intermediate
- LEVEL 4 Advanced
Placement tests are given during orientation and will determine in which level you will begin. In order to be successful in the CIEP, students should have previous study of English with at least two years in high school (secondary school) or a full year in a university within the past five years. Students entering Level 1(elementary) must be able to speak, understand, write and read simple English sentences before coming to Capital.
Classes
Our 20-hour/week class schedule is Monday - Thursday from 8:30 - 11:00 am and 11:45 am - 2:30 pm
Reading and writing
2.5 hours (Monday - Thursday)
Listening and speaking
1.25 hours (Monday - Thursday)
Grammar
1.25 hours (Monday - Thursday)
Workshops
Lunch time workshops on various topics are offered throughout the semester. TOEFL (ITP) workshops are offered each semester to prepare students for the Administrative TOEFL Exam.
Sample class schedule: Fall & Spring (In-person) 15 weeks
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30a.m.–9:45a.m. | Reading | Reading | Reading | Reading |
| 9:45a.m.–10:50a.m. | Writing | Writing | Writing | Writing |
| 11:45a.m.–1:05p.m. | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking |
| 1:15 – 2:30p.m. | Grammar | Grammar | Grammar | Grammar |
Summer semester (not always offered) 12 weeks
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30a.m.–9:45a.m. | Reading | Reading | Reading | Reading | Reading |
| 9:55a.m.–11:10a.m. | Writing | Writing | Writing | Writing | Writing |
| 11:20a.m.–12:35p.m. | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking | Listening/Speaking |
| 1:15–2:30p.m. | Grammar | Grammar | Grammar | Grammar | Grammar |
New students take the English Placement Test (EPT) and write a sample composition before they begin classes. The results of these tests and an oral interview determine which level in the program is the best placement.
**Occasionally, based on student need, a Basic Level (pre-Elementary) is offered. Detailed descriptions of all IEP classes can be found in the CIEP Student Handbook.
CIEP term dates
The fall and spring semesters are each 16 weeks (20 hours each week.) If the summer term is offered, it is 12 weeks with 25 hours each week.
Fall 2024
International Student Orientation and Placement Testing: August 15 - 16, 2024
Classes begin: August 21, 2024
Spring 2025
International Student Orientation and Placement Testing: January 3 - 4, 2025
Classes begin: January 8, 2025
Tuition and fees
If you wish to study on an F-1 (Student) visa, you must be enrolled full time. If you have a different immigration status, it is possible to study part time. However, please note that currently, all classes meet 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday.
Students who need an I-20 must submit financial documentation for the length of their study which demonstrates money for both tuition, school fees and living expenses. For example, students planning to study English for one semester need to show $16,125. Students planning to study a full academic year one year need to show $32,250. If a student is living with a friend or family member in their Columbus area home, this can be documented through the “Affidavit-of-Support” form.
| Intensive English Program 2024-2025 | Semester | Full year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,600 | $15,200 |
| Mandatory health & wellness fee (for use of Campus Health Center) | $55 | $110 |
| Technology Fee | $140 | $280 |
| Estimated living expenses (Room and Board) | $6,530 | $13,060 |
| Estimated books, insurance, supplies | $1,800 | $3,600 |
| Total | $16,125 | $32,250 |
There is no tuition deposit or pre-payment required for IEP students before classes begin. However, payment is due the first week of the semester. A late fee is assessed for students who pay late.
Housing
ESL students can live in one of the university residence halls or apartments, or they can live off campus. On-campus residence halls are most appropriate for students 17-23 years old. Space is limited, so it is important to apply early. There is limited University housing for married students and families, so an early application is suggested for highest consideration.
For details, see Housing and Transportation or the section on Housing in the tab below, After you are admitted.
Applying to CIEP
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: Apply before June 1
Spring Semester: Apply before October 1
Summer Semester: Apply before March 1
The deadlines are flexible for students already in the U.S.
Application Process
To apply to Capital’s IEP, follow the directions on the application form. A completed English Study application includes:
- A completed application: submit your application online through https://apply.capital.edu/register/nondegreeform
- A $25 nonrefundable application fee; pay online (by credit card only)
- Official records/transcripts from all high school and university study (most recent)
- Photocopy of your passport identification page
For F-1 visa students, proof of funds to study in the form of current bank statements and an Affidavit of Support from the International Student Application Packet. Download the packet on our website. Students who need an I-20 must submit financial documentation. Students planning to study ESL for one semester need to show $16,125. Students planning to study a full academic year need to show $32,250.
Transfer Students: Additional Requirements
In addition to the standard application materials required, students transferring to Capital University from another U.S. institution must submit the following:
- International Transfer Form
- Most recent grade report from your current ESL program
- Copy of your current I-20 or DS-2019
- Copy of your U.S. visa page
If you have additional questions about the Intensive English Admissions process, please contact:
Jennifer Adams, Center for Global Education
jadams@capital.edu 614-236-6170
After You're Admitted
Congratulations on your acceptance! Once you are accepted to study in the CIEP, there are a number things you need to be aware of. To help you prepare to attend Capital University, we will send you the Pre-Arrival Guide for International Students. It will tell you what to expect and how to prepare before you leave home.
For more information, visit The Center of Global Education. And read the information that follows about the steps you now need to take before joining us at Capital.
Next steps after you're admitted
The two-day International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students. During this orientation, you will receive information about living and studying in the U.S., sign up for your campus ID and student account, take an English placement test, and review important information about maintaining your non-immigrant legal status. For dates, times, and location, visit the Center for Global Education or contact Jennifer Adams, Director of the Center for Global Education, or (614) 236-6170.
Health Insurance coverage is required for all international students enrolled at Capital University. Insurance coverage will be automatically included in your tuition bill.
Please complete both Health Information and Immunization form and Confidential Emergency Contact Information Form and bring them with you to the new student orientation. If you do not have immunization records from your doctor (or school), you will need to get immunization shots when you arrive at Capital, which could cost you an additional $200-$500. All international students must show that they have tested negative for T.B. or take a T.B. test during orientation.
After you receive your visa, make your airline reservation with enough time to arrive Columbus.
- Capital University is located in Bexley, a suburb of Columbus OH.
- You can fly directly to Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). This airport is conveniently located just a few miles away from the Capital main campus.
If you will live on campus, the Office of International Education can make arrangements to greet you at the Columbus Airport. Please send your flight information to Jennifer Adams, Director of International Education. Include your arrival date, airline name, and flight number. Email this information as soon as it is available (at least two weeks before your arrival).
You should plan to arrive in Columbus on or before the program starting date listed on your I-20 (item 5). Late registration is not available. If you cannot arrive in time to attend the orientation, please email international@capital.edu and ask to defer your admission to the next available term.
As you make your travel plans, remember that the university doesn’t permit students to move into campus housing until very close to the start of the term and the week before orientation.
On-Campus Housing
If you plan to live on campus, sign up for housing as soon as you are admitted. You will need your Capital email credentials to complete the housing application.
- Submit a housing application.
- Create an account by clicking the “new Capital Students Click Here” link.
- On-campus housing is limited. Capital cannot guarantee housing in a specific style (traditional residence hall, suite, or apartment).
Living on a university campus is an important part of the university experience. It's a great way to make friends. For international students, it's also a great way to learn more about American culture.
- Learn more about living on campus.
- Examine the residence hall options.
- Check Residential and Commuter Life to learn about early arrival requests, what to pack and what not to bring. Or email residencelife@capital.edu.
Off-Campus Housing
Affordable housing in Bexley is limited. However, the greater Columbus area has many types of accommodation available. Find information about apartments or houses for rent and people looking for roommates through the Columbus Dispatch Classifieds Ads.
There are no university-owned apartments at Capital. If you're a married student or graduate student, you must rent a privately owned apartment or house.
If you are outside the U.S and do not yet have a F-1/J-1 visa, make an appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
- Go to www.usembassy.gov for the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.
- Follow the instructions on the website.
When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) I-901 fee before you go to your visa interview or apply for Change of Status.
- For complete information please visit www.fmjfee.com.
- The SEVIS fee is separate and in addition to other visa application fees.
If you are considered a SEVIS-transfer student, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again because you have the same SEVIS number. However, it is important to understand the USCIS rules and regulations related to transfers.
- You must consult with international student advisers at both the old school and Capital University to make sure the F-1 transfer is handled properly.
- You must transfer your record within a specific time frame. If you do not, you could lose your F-1 status.
- SEVIS transfer students may leave and re-enter the U.S. However, you must re-enter with Capital’s I-20 and not the previous school’s document. You also must have a valid visa stamp to re-enter the U.S. If you plan to remain in the U.S., a new F-1 visa stamp is not required.
When your application has been approved, you will receive an email message from the Admissions Office asking how we should send your I-20 to you. Please reply to the email immediately. Choose one of the following options:
- Express mail ($40-$100, depending upon your country)
- Quick delivery (3-5 business days) and with tracking option
- Register with University Express Mail Services (UEMS) at http://study.eshipglobal.com/ and pay for the mailing cost. Use the above website; do not go directly to FedEx or DHL. UEMS will notify us when you have registered and paid a shipment.
- Pay with a credit card. UEMS will use FedEx, DHL, or UPS based on the origin and destination location.
- Air Mail (no charge)
- Slower delivery (4-6 weeks)
- No cost to you
- It will be sent to the mailing address you provided in your application.
- Email international@capital.edu if you would like us to use a different mailing address.