English as a Second Language

Apply to the ESL Program!

In Savannah and Atlanta, the Savannah College of Art and Design offers an intensive English program for non-native speakers of English who need academic proficiency in the English language before progressing into the academic programs of the college. This English as a Second Language instruction also is available for those who would like to improve their English skills without enrolling in the academic programs of the college. The ESL program is approved by the American Association of Intensive English Programs.

All new international students for whom English is not a first language are required to pass an English language proficiency test administered by the ESL department or meet one of a number of specific conditions before enrolling for their first academic quarter at the college. Students who do not meet the requirements for ESL waiver must take the proficiency test. Read the specific requirements for the ESL waiver.

Classroom Structure

Classes are small, providing maximum opportunity for active student participation and personalized instructional support. Focusing on the essentials of English language learning, ESL instructors place a special emphasis on artistic vocabulary, American culture and presentation skills.

ESL coursework is supplemented by an ESL peer tutoring program focusing on conversation and pronunciation skills through listening, pronunciation, grammar and conversation. Tutorials are required in ESL levels II, III and IV and are highly recommended for ESL levels V and VI. Peer tutors are native English speakers trained in the tutorial process.

Field trips, guest speakers and cultural activities augment the ESL curriculum and provide creative insights into American art and design vocabulary and cultural trends.

International Student Services

Students from approximately 80 countries attend SCAD. To ease the transition into American culture, the college provides a staff of international student services advisers. Orientation for new international students takes place at the beginning of each quarter. International student services advisers may address questions concerning academics, college life, communication with the home country, cross-cultural issues, employment, health care, housing, safety, immigration, insurance, scholarships, taxes, travel and personal matters. The advisers also provide information on upcoming events and changes in immigration or visa-related regulations.

ESL Tuition 2008–09

Ten-week regular session

• Levels II, III and IV (four ESL courses) — $2,080
• Level V (two ESL courses)* — $1,040
• Level VI for graduate students (one ESL course)* — $520

*ESL course fees only. Does not include regular academic course fees.

Regular Tuition

Learn about SCAD tuition and fees.


Housing and Meals

• Learn about Savannah housing and meals.
• Learn about Atlanta housing and meals.

Security

SCAD strives to provide students, faculty and staff with a safe college environment. Security officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week around residence halls and academic buildings. Emergency call boxes are located at many SCAD buildings. The call boxes are equipped with hand-activated push buttons that alert college security dispatchers to an emergency situation. Security officers are posted at SCAD buildings to check IDs and log in visitors. The college security department works closely with the local police department to conduct safety programs for students living at SCAD and to educate all students about safety precautions they should take as private residents.

Student Visas

Non-immigrants entering the United States must enter on an F-1 visa in order to enroll in SCAD’s ESL program. Students must present a valid Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-20 to their nearest U.S. consulate in order to apply for an F-1 visa. Read a list of U.S. consulates worldwide.

In addition to the valid SEVIS I-20, students may be required to present the following:

• Current, valid passport
• Current, dated financial documentation
• A non-immigrant visa application
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment.
• Current passport photograph
• Proof of permanent address in home country and proof of plans to return to home country

NOTE: The non-immigrant visa section officer may request additional documents prior to making a decision regarding the issuance of a student’s F-1 visa.

Transfer Students

Students who are transferring F-1 status from another institution in the United States to SCAD must be properly transferred by their current college/university to SCAD through the SEVIS system. Once the student’s record has been received through SEVIS and he or she arrives at SCAD, the transfer process is complete.

Entering the United States

Non-immigrants in F-1 status may not enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start of the ESL program. Applications received later than two months before the start date will be accepted and processed; however, students who apply later may find it difficult to secure the necessary F-1 visa for entry into the United States. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Web site or SCAD’s international student services office. Students may contact a SCAD international student adviser by calling 912.525.7303 or e-mailing to isso@scad.edu.