THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Get Answers To Your Questions!
ABOUT THE SCHOOLS COST & EXPENSES BEFORE ARRIVING ARRIVAL HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
ABOUT THE SCHOOLS

Does CIES prepare students for the TOEFL and the new IBTOEFL?

Yes. We have a TOEFL preparation class twice a week that is free for all CIES students.  In addition to this, students at CIES study five different English skills each day -- Listening, Speaking, Composition, Reading, and Grammar Use. In this way, we prepare students for the ib-TOEFL and for university-level work once they have the appropriate TOEFL score.

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How long will it take to learn English?

That depends on students' levels when they arrive at CIES and on how hard they work once they arrive. Depending on the individual, it can take from several months to a year.

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How big are your classes?

CIES classes are small, so students receive personalized instruction. The average class size in 2009 was ten students.

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Does CIES have computers for student use?

Yes! Computers and free wireless are available for all students at CIES, so students can communicate with their friends and families. In addition, students may use the computers at Strozier Library and other locations on campus.  However, we do encourage that students bring their own laptop to school with them.

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Do you have an activities program?

Yes. CIES has an activities coordinator who plans trips and activities both on and off campus. These activities help students to learn about American culture and provide an opportunity for them to interact with native speakers of English in a safe environment.

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Can I take classes at FSU while attending CIES?

Students must receive an appropriate TOEFL score before applying to FSU and being permitted to attend regular university classes. However, CIES students receive many of the same privileges as FSU students, such as use of the library and, for a small additional fee, the Leach Student Recreation Center.

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Is admission to the Center for Intensive English Studies the same as admission to Florida State University?

No, there are two separate admissions processes. CIES teaches English to international students. Many students who wish to study for a degree at Florida State University prepare to meet the university's English requirement by attending CIES. Florida State University requires a TOEFL score of 80 on the ib-TOEFL exam.  Some departments at the graduate levels may require a higher score on the ib-TOEFL.

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Is it possible for an international student to apply to both FSU and CIES?

If you are academically admissible to the university but need more work in developing your English skills, you should apply to CIES. When you complete your English studies, it is easy to complete the application process for the university. If admitted to the University after completing CIES, your visa is easily transferred from CIES to FSU. You do not need to apply for a new student visa.

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COST & EXPENSES

When shall I pay for my tuition?

You will pay your tuition at CIES by the first day of classes. You can pay with a check, money order or credit card. We do not accept cash payments.

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What is the cost of living in Tallahassee?

It is much less expensive to live in Tallahassee, Florida, than in most of the United States. If you use the number 100 to represent the U.S. average cost of living, Tallahassee's cost of living is 94 (and Miami, Tampa and Orlando are 110-115).

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Is CIES expensive to attend?

No, CIES is less costly than most intensive English programs. To compare the costs for instruction at two intensive English programs, you must first determine the hourly cost of instruction. CIES offers students 24 academic hours of live classes per week. This does not count other CIES activities, computer labs, etc. If you attend CIES for 7 weeks, you are only paying $11.00 per hour. In addition, CIES tuition includes all books, photocopies, activities and free coffee and tea!  These are usually "extra" costs at other intensive English programs.

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BEFORE ARRIVING

Must I purchase health insurance before my arrival or will I be able to buy insurance through CIES?

All students must have health insurance. You may buy health insurance in your home country (if available) before your arrival or you may buy insurance at http://studentinsure.com/fsu . The cost per session is approximately $150.00 for one 7-week session. Please bring proof of your insurance if you buy it in your country.

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Do I need to bring any documents with me to CIES?

Please bring your stamped I-20, passport, I-94 and visa, proof of immunizations and proof of health insurance if you have it to CIES when you arrive.

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ARRIVAL

What do I do when I arrive at the Tallahassee Airport?

The Tallahassee Airport is very small so don't worry! You can take a Taxi to CIES or to your pre-arranged motel, hotel, apartment or dormitory. CIES is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. (We are closed Saturdays and Sundays). The Taxi ride should cost about $20.00 to get to Florida State University and CIES.

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Where is CIES located?

We are located on east end of the Florida State University (FSU) campus on the fourth (4th) floor of the Eppes Building which is right next to the Westcott Building on Copeland Street. Our building is within easy walking distance to many restaurants, the University Inn and Suites Hotel, and student parking. Our official address is 145 Convocation Way. However, the front entrance of the building faces Copeland Street between College and E. Park Avenue.  We are building #5 on this map.

 Look for the sign out front that says "Eppes Building" and then walk up to the 4th floor.

HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION

Where should I stay until I have found an apartment or room?

You should make reservations at one of the local hotels. We recommend the University Inn and Suites (850) 224-8161. Other hotels near FSU are: the Residence Inn ( 850) 329-9080 the Double Tree Hotel (850)224-5000, Collegiate Village Inn (850) 576-6121 and Holiday Inn Select (850) 222-9555.

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Do you provide housing?

CIES does not provide housing, but we can help students make living arrangements once they arrive. We strongly encourage you to make housing arrangements before you arrive.  We have provided several links below so that you can select the housing that is best for you. Many dormitories and apartments are available either on or nearby the FSU campus. Most apartments require a 6 to 12 month lease. See below for links to housing resources.

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Will I need a car in Tallahassee?

If you live on or near campus, you will not need a car. If you live farther away, you might want one, although the city bus service is clean and efficient.

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Can I park my car on campus?

Yes, but you will need to notify us immediately in order to purchase a parking permit.

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