Your FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Do I have to apply to a TCU degree program to be admitted to the Intensive English Program (IEP)?
No. You may apply only to the IEP.
Q2. Does TCU have conditional admission to degree programs through the IEP?
Yes. The undergraduate degree programs offer conditional admission. If you meet all of the admission requirements other than the TOEFL requirement, then you will be admitted first to TCU's IEP. The University will issue you a 5-year I-20 if you need an F-1 (full-time student) visa; the first year will be for IEP and the other 4 years will be for your undergraduate degree.
Some graduate departments may admit you conditionally through the IEP. For example, the MBA Program may require its students to spend a Summer in IEP before entering the MBA Program in the Fall Semester.
Q3. What level of English do I need to be admitted to the Intensive English Program at TCU?
You should apply to the IEP at TCU after you have at least a high beginner level of English. For a $50 fee, we can send you tests to determine your level (and you will need a telephone or PC phone to make a long-distance call to the US plus a PC with an internet connection). If you have taken another standardized test such as TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or PTE, then please send us your score when you apply. Absolute beginners who apply to our Program (without any effort to indicate their level of English) will be charged double tuition. All new IEP students are given standardized exams as part of their orientation when they arrive.
Q. Do I need TOEFL to get into the degree programs at TCU?
No. You may study in the IEP instead of providing a TOEFL score. If your degree program at TCU or at any other US college or university does require TOEFL, then we in the IEP at TCU will reimburse you the TOEFL fee once you pass the test and are admitted to the college or university. In other words, you do not need TOEFL if you come through our IEP. But if you do, we'll pay for it once you pass. (In fact, we will pay up to $150 if you pass TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or PTE and are admitted to a degree program in the USA because of it).
Q4. What level of English do I need to be admitted to the degree programs at TCU?
Q5. Will the instructors use my native language to teach me English as a second language?
No. Your instructors are trained to teach you English by using English only. Of course, the teachers do use many pictures and gestures also; and they allow you to use bilingual dictionaries. However, the students in the IEP at TCU collectively speak more than a dozen different languages. Although the instructors may be proficient in some of these languages, all effectively use English only for intensive English study and practice.
If you need information about life at TCU and in Fort Worth, then of course we can provide that to you in your first language. The language of the classroom at TCU is English.
Q6. Can I study for just one month?
Yes. You may study for one 4-week session or for as many as eleven 4-week sessions in the year. We will provide you with a Form I-20 that allows you to study up to twelve months. You may choose to end your program after just one session.
Q7. Can I study for more than one year in the IEP?
Yes. If you would like to continue in the IEP after a year of study here, then we will readmit you for a second year. However, we highly encourage students seeking degree programs in the USA to study for as short a time as possible.
Q8. How long does it take to become proficient in English so I can begin full-time degree studies?
For most people, a 16-week semester in the IEP is all that is needed to become proficient in English. Some individuals only need 4-weeks. For those who need longer than a semester, there is opportunity to take classes for degree credits while enrolled in the IEP.
Q9. May I take classes for degree credit while also studying the IEP?
Yes. You must have scores of at least 5 on both the Test of Written English and the Versant Spoken English Test (or a TOEFL iBT equivalent of 77) to enroll in degree classes while studying in the IEP.
Q10. Will professors in the degree classes allow me to audit informally?
Yes. We can help you find professors who will welcome you into their classes so that you can listen informally to their lectures.
Q11. Is Texas Christian University a religious school or a Christian Bible college?
No. While TCU does have both (a) a Religion Department in Addran College of Liberal Arts and (b) a school to train ministers and scholars in the Christian church (Brite Divinity School), TCU is not a Bible college. Students, staff, and faculty members of many different faiths and of no faith at all are part of TCU. TCU encourages active participation in all faiths. Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and those of any conviction may practice their religion. There are religious organizations and secular organizations for students.
Q12. Who should I talk to about visa questions?
You should talk with the Director of the Intensive English Program about all visa questions. He may refer you to TCU's experts in the International Student Services office for additional help.
Q13. I have a Visitor Visa OR I have a Visa Waiver. Can I study in the IEP at TCU?
You must obtain an F-1 (full-time student) visa to study even if you have a B visa or a visa waiver to enter the US for other purposes.
Q14. How long must I study if I obtain the F-1 (full-time student) visa?
You must study for a TCU "academic term" of 9 months. After completing this academic term, then you may take a "summer vacation" or continue studying either part time or full time. If you arrive in August, then you must continue studies in IEP through the May Session. If you arrive to start the September Session, then you must study through the June Session, and so forth. You may take a short break from study after two full semesters of IEP studies. However, you must let the IEP Director know of your plans for a break in advance.
Q15. How many days do I have to stay in the US after I stop studying in the IEP?
If you have an F-1 (full-time student) visa, then you must consult with the IEP Director before you make plans to leave. If you have completed two full semesters (9 months) of IEP studies, then you will have a longer post-study stay. If you decide to leave the US before the completion of two full semesters, then you will have just a few days to depart from the country.
Q16. What do I need to do to transfer from the IEP at TCU to another IEP or to a degree program at TCU or another college or university?
If you have the F-1 (full-time student) visa, then you should meet with the IEP Director to discuss your plans. Transfer to another program is generally very easy, if you have kept all the visa regulations. You will need to apply to the other program and be admitted. You will need to make sure your TCU standing is good. You and the IEP Director together will need to complete a transfer clearance form from the other school. And then the new program will issue you a Form I-20.
Q17. Can I get degree credit for English language studies at TCU? What is ENFL? Can I get degree credit for other languages I know?
TCU's IEP is not for degree credits. However, TCU does have ENFL ("English as a Foreign Language"), a set of degree credit courses offered to TCU international students in Addran College of Liberal Arts. These courses are a way to Bridge into TCU for international students whose first language is other than English. In addition, the University offers 12 credits to any TCU undergraduate student who has used a language other than English for a year or more of secondary or post-secondary education.
Q18. What is the Bridge Program?
For IEP students at the advanced level of Writing, Speaking, and other skills, there is the option to take credit courses while studying in the IEP. This option is the Bridge Program. Interested and/ or qualified students should see the IEP Director before the beginning of the Summer or the Fall or Spring semesters to make plans.
Q19. Can I use medical insurance from my country?
No. All IEP students must have medical insurance that is honored by hospitals in Fort Worth and in the US generally. TCU automatically enrolls IEP students in its insurance program at a rate of $24 per week.
Q20. Do I have to live on campus?
IEP students who have been admitted to the undergraduate degree program have to live on campus their first two years. TCU's educational experience is residential. The restaurants and the Library are always open. Campus life is vibrant and fun.
IEP students who are not admitted to the undergraduate degree program may choose to live anywhere.
Q21. Can I work on campus?
Yes. Many IEP students with F-1 (full-time student) visas work on campus. If you are interested in a job at TCU while studying, then please speak with the IEP Director who will assist you in finding work. F-1 visa holders may not work off campus.
Q22. Do I have to buy a parking sticker for my car?
There are different options for parking stickers for TCU students on campus and for commuters. Students will be given information at IEP orientation, and much is available at the campus police website.
Public transportation in Fort Worth and to and within Dallas is available for TCU students, staff, and faculty who are full time. (This is a perk only available to those paying the international student rate of IEP).
Q23. Why are there different prices for the Intensive English Program at TCU?
Students who intend on pursuing a degree program at TCU are given admission preference. International students are assisted in every way to get visa paperwork (the I-20) and then to live on campus (as an option). Such students are full members of the TCU community. Their tuition covers the campus fees and memberships. For a list of these privileges, click here.
There is a financial advantage to starting the IEP in May (at the beginning of the Summer), in August (at the beginning of the Fall semester), and in January (at the beginning of the Spring semester). The Materials Fee of $250 is charged only once per Summer and once per Semester. This Fee applies to all full-time IEP students.
TCU recognizes another group of English learners who do not need full campus membership. Thus, to local US citizens, residents, and immigrants, TCU offers a cut-rate tuition as seats in the IEP come available. TCU employees and family members have an even deeper discount (one-half of the cut-rate tuition). Registration and part-time options are offered through TCU's Extended Education office.
Q24. Does TCU have financial aid for the IEP? How can I cut costs to make the IEP more affordable?
Yes. TCU offers a full refund of IEP tuition to the student who completes the undergraduate program fully at the University. There are several conditions to gaining the rebate: 1) the student must declare to the IEP Director in writing during the first IEP Session his or her intention of enrolling in the undergraduate program for full study at TCU; 2) the student must complete all degree credits at TCU (and may not transfer in or otherwise receive credits not earned on campus); 3) the student must file a request for the refund of IEP tuition to the director during the first week of his or her senior year.
The IEP at TCU offers other ways to make the program work financially. First, students may work on campus to earn money. Second, students who start their IEP studies at the beginning of a semester or the summer cost-efficiently use their Materials Fee (which covers the entire semester or summer). Third, applicants may waive their IEP application fee when they are referred to the IEP by a TCU student or by a TCU faculty member or a TCU staff person. Fourth, IEP students may pay a discounted Tuition and Materials Fee if they meet the following qualifications: 1) if they are an F-1 (full-time student) visa holder who has completed the 9-month "academic term"; 2) if they have an immigration or U.S. residency status that allows them to study part time.
Q25. Do you offer an IEP or even part time classes in the evenings?
Yes. TCU offers classes any time of day or night to groups of at least six students. Although the regular IEP runs Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 1pm, we will offer classes to you when you request them. Online classes are also an option. Anyone with a group of at least six English learners should contact the IEP Director to request the course.