Click on any question below to see the answer.
ABOUT CIES AND FSU
- Does CIES prepare students for the TOEFL or IELTS exam?
- How long will it take to learn English?
- How big are your classes?
- Does CIES have computers for student use?
- Do you have an activities program?
- What are the English Language Proficiency requirements needed to enter Florida State University?
- Can I take classes at FSU while attending CIES?
- Is admission to the Center for Intensive English Studies the same as admission to Florida State University?
- Is it possible for an international student to apply to both FSU and CIES?
COST & EXPENSES
- When must I pay for my tuition?
- What is the cost of living in Tallahassee?
- Is CIES expensive to attend?
BEFORE ARRIVING
- Must I purchase health insurance before my arrival or will I be able to buy insurance through CIES?
- Do I need to bring any documents with me to CIES?
ARRIVAL
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
- Where should I stay until I have found an apartment or room?
- Do you provide housing?
- Will I need a car in Tallahassee?
- Can I park my car on campus?
ABOUT CIES AND FSU
Does CIES prepare students for the TOEFL or IELTS exam?
Yes. We usually have a TOEFL or IELTS preparation class twice a week in the afternoon that is available for all CIES for an additional fee. In addition to this, students at CIES study five different English skills each day-Listening, Speaking, Composition, Reading, and Grammar in Use. In this way, we prepare students for the TOEFL or IELTS and for university-level work at the same time.
How long will it take to learn English?
That depends on students' levels when they arrive at CIES, how hard they work once they arrive, and what their academic goals are. Depending on the individual, it can take from several months to a year and a half.
How big are your classes?
CIES classes are small, so students receive personalized instruction. The average class size is 10 to 12 students.
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.
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.
What are the English Language Proficiency requirements needed to enter Florida State University?
Florida State University requires a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL exam or 6.5 on the IELTS exam. Some departments at the graduate levels may require a higher score on the TOEFL or IELTS. A graduate applicant may meet the English Language Proficiency requirement of FSU by successfully completing the Advanced Level (Level 8) in all of his or her subject areas at CIES and does not have to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. See details in the "Graduate Student Admission Policies" section of the FSU General Bulletin .
Can I take classes at FSU while attending CIES?
Students must meet the English Language Proficiency requirements 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 libraries, buses, and the Leach Student Recreation Center on campus.
Is admission to the Center for Intensive English Studies the same as admission to Florida State University?
No, they are two separate admissions processes. Admission to CIES does not guarantee admission to Florida State University. 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. A graduate applicant may meet the English Language Proficiency requirement of FSU by successfully completing the Advanced Level (Level 8) in all of his or her subject areas at CIES and does not have to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. See details in the "Graduate Student Admission Policies" section of the FSU General Bulletin .
Is it possible for an international student to apply to both FSU and CIES? If I transfer from CIES to FSU will I need to get a new visa?
If you are academically admissible to the university but need more work in developing your English skills, you should apply to CIES. While studying English at CIES, you can complete the application process for the University. If admitted to the University, we will assist you with transferring your visa status from CIES to FSU. You do not need to apply for a new student visa.
COST & EXPENSES
When must I pay for my tuition?
You must pay your CIES tuition by the first day of classes each session. You can pay at the FSU Student Business Services Cashier's Office with a check, money order, or cash, or you can pay online by credit card, electronic check, or wire transfer. We do not accept any payments directly at CIES.
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).
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, test prep. classes, computer lab self-study, etc. If you attend CIES for 7 weeks, you are only paying $13.00 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.
BEFORE ARRIVING
Must I purchase health insurance before my arrival or will I be able to buy insurance through CIES?
All students must have valid health insurance that meets the FSU requirements. You may buy health insurance in your home country (if available) or online before your arrival, or you can buy it when you arrive at CIES. See more information about health insurance on our website HERE.
Do I need to bring any documents with me to CIES?
Please bring your I-20, passport with visa, proof of immunizations, and proof of health insurance to CIES when you arrive. If you are a sponsored student, please also bring a copy of your financial guarantee (scholarship) letter.
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 reserved motel, hotel, apartment or dormitory. CIES is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (we are closed on the weekend). The taxi ride should cost about $20.00 to get from the airport to Florida State University and CIES. See more details on our Arrival Information page.
Where is CIES located?
We are located on northeast end of the Florida State University (FSU) campus at the historic Hecht House. Our building is within easy walking distance to many restaurants, the University Inn and Suites Hotel, and student parking. Our official address is 634 West Call Street. VIEW ON CAMPUS MAP
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
Where should I stay until I have found an apartment or room?
You should make a reservation at one of the local hotels. Please see our list of Hotels near CIES and Florida State University.
Do you provide housing?
CIES does not provide housing, but will help students make living arrangements once they arrive. We can also send information about housing to you 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 the Housing page on our website for more information.
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 Tallahassee city bus service is clean, efficient, and affordable.
Can I park my car on campus?
Yes, but you will need to notify the CIES office staff immediately in order to purchase an FSU student parking permit before you park. Parking on campus without the proper permit may result in an expensive ticket or towing charge.
