Program Information

Placement

Upon arrival, students take a placement test, which contains four areas of assessment: writing, oral/aural, reading, and grammar. Through this leveling, students are situated to improve their English language proficiency and develop skills to understand the United States and its culture.

IEP Non-Credit Classes and Levels

Students take a variety of non-credit courses that balance the importance of academic achievement as well as cultural needs. These courses help students develop their critical thinking skills, their communicative ability, and their overall language proficiency. The courses include reading with an intensive reading lab, writing and grammar, listening and speaking, and an integrated skills course focusing on culture.

The curriculum is specifically designed for students to learn important aspects that will help them with their academic and professional goals.

Credit English Language Classes for MSU Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The ELI offers five courses specifically designed for international students and faculty at Mississippi State University who are talented academically but may need English language support. These credit courses are offered in the fall and spring, and some are offered in the summer. They are:

ESL 5110 American Language and Culture I

This variable credit (3 - 12 hours) course consists of four different classes (5-20 hours per week) at a high-beginning to low-intermediate English language level. Courses cover reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking skills, and culture.

ESL 5120 American Language and Culture II

This variable credit (3 -12 hours) course consists of four different classes (5-20 hours per week) at a low-intermediate to high-intermediate English language level. Courses cover reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking skills, and culture.

ESL 5313 Classroom Communication and Presentations

This three-hour credit course (3 hours per week) focuses on improving interpersonal and intercultural communication skills as well as effectively participating in classroom discussions and oral presentations in English. Students will:

  • improve their understanding of cultural expectations in the classroom.
  • improve their use and understanding of idioms and proverbs.
  • learn to avoid miscommunication and to clarify their intentions.
  • learn to be successful in group discussions and projects.
  • learn techniques for presenting or teaching information.

EAP 5323 Academic Research & Writing

This three-hour credit course (3 hours per week) focuses on improving learner’s ability to compose and document reports and research papers. Students will:

  • become familiar with the mechanics and formats of formal writing.
  • learn the technical aspects of organizing and composing research papers.
  • learn various documentation styles used in different academic and professional fields.
  • develop sentence structure and writing skills.
  • practice critical reading.
  • become familiar with the resources in the library.

EAP  5333 Critical Reading

This three-hour credit course (3 hours per week) focuses on improving understanding and discussing the content of authentic academic reading materials and classroom lectures. Students will:

  • learn American classroom (cultural) norms.
  • practice reading skills at the level that is expected of college students.
  • develop professional reading skills for authentic reading exercises.
  • expand professional and academic vocabulary.

Medical Requirements

All part- and full-time international students studying at MSU must complete four medical requirements. They are:

Chest X-rays

Students must provide proof of tuberculosis screening with a chest X-ray. The X-ray must be performed and read by a U.S.-licensed physician, and it must be performed in the United States not more than six weeks prior to the first day of class. The MSU Longest Student Health Center will verify documentation. The ELI will make appointments for students needing X-rays.

IGRA Test

Students must provide proof of tuberculosis screening with the Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) test. The IGRA test must be performed by a U.S.-licensed physician to confirm negative indications for tuberculosis, and it must be performed in the United States not more than six weeks prior to the first day of class. The MSU Longest Student Health Center will verify documentation. The ELI will make appointments for students needing the IGRA test.

MMR Vaccinations

Students will receive their first MMR vaccination on campus, along with their chest X-rays and IGRA test, unless they can provide proof they have been vaccinated before arriving on campus. Students who have had the vaccinations need to bring the completed immunization form as proof.

Click here for more information about the MMR vaccination.

Health Insurance

All international students enrolled in the ELI are required to purchase the MSU Student Association Sponsored Student Insurance Plan which is made available through the Longest Student Health Center. Exchange Visitors with alternate health insurance will need to present proof of insurance to the ELI. Government sponsored students with insurance must show proof of coverage each session in order to be exempt from this requirement. The preferred providers for this plan are John C. Longest Health Center, Oktibbeha County Hospital, and United Healthcare Choice Plus.

Permanent Residents are classified as Resident Aliens and are not considered to be an international student.

Students are not required to purchase the MSU health insurance for their dependents, but it is highly recommended.