Q. My university does not finish until February but I really want to attend CELCIS. Can I still apply even though your semester has already begun?

A. Yes, we will allow students to apply for half a semester (Fall and Spring). Students will be required to pay 3/4 of the tuition and fees.

Q. I wish to apply to CELCIS for the Spring Semester but my university will begin in March. Can I attend CELCIS for only half a semester?

A. Yes, we will allow students to attend half a semester (Fall and Spring). Students will be required to pay 3/4 of the tuition and fees.

Q. Does CELCIS offer any student discounts?

A. Yes. Students who register and pay in advance for two consecutive semesters/sessions, will receive a 5% tuition discount on the second semester/session.

Q. How can I apply to CELCIS?

A. To be admitted to the Career English Language Center for International Students (CELCIS) at Western Michigan University, you must submit the following documents to our office:

1. A completed application form
   
2. If you are transferring from another U.S. school to CELCIS, a completed Transfer-In Form
   
3. A copy of your passport identification page
   
4. A completed Financial Guarantee and Support Statement Form
   
5. A completed Health History Form
   
6. An official bank statement from your financial sponsor showing proof that you will have $8,500 per semester (4 months) IN U.S. DOLLARS (Note: F-1 students enrolled in CELCIS are not eligible for financial aid) A non-refundable $70 application fee, plus a non-refundable $100 tuition deposit - a total of (U.S.) $170. If you will have a scholarship from an agency that has an office in the United States, you may send us an official letter from your sponsor that is valid for use at WMU, which states the beginning and ending dates of validity, instead of the $100 tuition deposit.
7. A copy of your high school or university transcripts, IN ENGLISH

Q. How much does it cost to study in CELCIS?

A. Students have to provide proof that they will have at least $8,500 per semester (4 months) for their educational and living expenses. Please check 'Course Dates and Fees' page for estimated costs for a specific semester/session.

Q. Is financial aid or scholarships available to CELCIS students?

A. No. Financial aid and/or scholarships are not available to students enrolled in CELCIS.

Q. What type of visa should I apply for?

A. Students must be on an F-1 (student) visa to study in CELCIS.

Q. Can I take classes on a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa?

A. No. People holding a B-1 or B-2 visa are not able to take classes.

Q. How long does it take to get my I-20?

A. CELCIS will issue I-20s between 3~4 business days once a complete application package has been reviewed and been accepted.

Q. When is the application deadline?

A. CELCIS does not have application deadlines. We recommend; however, that you apply at least 2~3 months in advance.

Q. Do you provide airport pick-up service?

A. CELCIS does not officially offer airport pick-up service; however, if you contact our office we will do our best to make arrangements.

Q. How can I apply to Western Michigan University?

A. Students interested in applying to Western Michigan University should visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services web site to get more information. (www.wmich.edu/oiss)

Q. While I study in CELCIS, can I take some classes at Western Michigan University or Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

A. No. Studying in CELCIS is full-time enrollment.

Q. Can I receive a conditional I-20 from Western Michigan University?

A. A conditional admission is granted, if a student has applied to Western Michigan University and has met all academic and financial requirements but has not satisfied the TOEFL requirement.

Q. How can I apply to Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)?

A. You may visit KVCC’s web site for detailed information (http://www.kvcc.edu).

Q. If I successfully complete the Advanced level, do I need a TOEFL score to enter Western Michigan University?

A. Students may meet the English requirement to study in undergraduate and most graduate programs at WMU by successfully completing the advanced level of CELCIS. Students who enter WMU without a TOEFL score must take one five-hour English as second language course at WMU during their first semester. Some graduate programs require students to have either a 550 or a 575 to begin. If you plan to study in these programs, you must have the required TOEFL score and cannot enter WMU without it.

Q. What’s the difference between a restricted enrollment and unrestricted enrollment at WMU?

A. A restricted admission is given to those students who have a TOEFL score of at least 500 (173 CBT). Restricted admission requires students to take one five-hour English as a second language course in their first semester at WMU. An unrestricted admission is given to those students who have a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT). Unrestricted admission means that students are not required to take any English as a second language courses.

Q. If I complete the Advanced level, do I need a TOEFL score to enter Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)?

A. Yes. KVCC requires all students to have a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (173 CBT).

Q. Where can I live while I study in CELCIS?

A. Students have the choice of staying in the dormitories (www.reslife.wmich.edu) , on-campus apartment (18 years old or older) (www.wmich.edu/apartment) , off-campus apartments (www.ocl.wmich.edu), or with a homestay family (www.azhomestay.com).

Q. Can I stay with an American family while I study in CELCIS?

A. CELCIS is happy to offer a home stay program to students. You may visit the home stay web site at www.azhomestay.com or by email at homestay@ovecs.com for specific questions.
The Home Stay program allows you to:

• Stay with warm & caring American family
  
• Improve your English communications dramatically in their home
  
• Learn real American culture
  
• Have your own private bedroom in a home near WMU
  
• Receive 2 meals (breakfast & dinner), 7 days a week at your home
  
• Pay just $600 for each 4 week stay , which includes meals, lodging & utilities

Q. What is the weather like in Kalamazoo?

A. Kalamazoo has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
During the fall, winter, and spring seasons, warm clothing, coats, gloves, hats, and well insulated, waterproof footwear are necessary.

Temperature (Average)		F		C
Winter		16 ~ 60		-9 ~ 16
Spring		48 ~ 81		9 ~ 27
Summer		60 ~ 90		16 ~ 32
Fall		22 ~76		-5 ~ 24

Q. What type of public transportation is available in Kalamazoo?

A. Kalamazoo has a train station, a bus depot, and airport. Kalamazoo also offers free public bus transportation for CELCIS and WMU students.

Q. How far is Kalamazoo from Chicago? Detroit? New York?

A. While Chicago, Detroit, and New York appear to be close to Kalamazoo on a map, Chicago is approximately 2 1/2 hours west of Kalamazoo by car, Detroit is approximately 2 1/2 hours east of Kalamazoo by car, and New York City, New York is approximately fifteen (15) hours east of Kalamazoo by car.

Q. How many levels do you offer?

A. CELCIS offers four proficiency levels: Elementary, Intermediate, Pre-Advanced, and Advanced.

Q. How are students placed in levels?

A. Each student must go through the CELCIS Testing and Placement process, which consists of three parts: Oral Evaluation, Writing Test, and Placement Test. Once students are placed in levels from these tests, they are further evaluated to make certain they are correctly placed.

Q. How many hours will I have class?

A. One hour of Speaking/Listening, one hour of Grammar/Communication, and two hours of Reading/Writing.

Q. How many students are in each class?

A. Class sizes range from 8 to 20, with an average class size of 15 and a maximum of 20 students per class.

Q. How will I know my English level?

A. You will be tested when you arrive and placed in the level that is most appropriate for you.

Q. How many instructors do you have?

A. CELCIS currently has 6 full-time instructors that have master’s degrees in teaching English as a second language (TESL) or a related area.

Q. Do I have access to email? Internet? If yes, do I have to pay any money?

A. Students will receive their username and password from the university computer center before classes begin. Students can use the Internet for free in any of the University computer centers.

ResNet is the name of the residential computing project at Western Michigan University. ResNet allows a direct (Ethernet) connection to WMUnet and the Internet, eliminating the need for use of modems and phone lines. It also allows the fastest access to the network so information is retrieved and displayed as quickly as possible. There is a charge of $30/semester, per system registered to connect to ResNet. This charge is billed monthly to the student account. Only those living in WMU residence halls, and some WMU-owned apartments, may connect to ResNet (Elmwood Apartments and Goldsworth Valley Apartments.

Q. What type of activities does CELCIS offer?

A. CELCIS offers a range of activities such as conversation programs, social hours, sports and cultural events on campus, and off-campus field trips.

Q. How long can I study in CELCIS?

A. Students may study in CELCIS for a minimum of one session (7 weeks) or a maximum of four semesters (45 weeks.)

Q. Can I work while I study in CELCIS?

A. Students enrolled in CELCIS are permitted to work on-campus only (maximum 20 hours per week).

Q. Do I have to study full-time?

A. Students must study full-time during the academic year (September-April). A student must complete an academic year of studies before being eligible for a vacation.

Q. When can I take a vacation?

A. Students in CELCIS are eligible for a vacation after completing an academic year (September-April). If a student completes an academic year, he/she is eligible to take Summer I or Summer II off as vacation (NOT BOTH). If a student is in the Advanced level does not study Summer II, he/she is not eligible for a CELCIS recommendation. A student must be enrolled full-time in the Advanced level during the Summer II Session to be eligible for a CELCIS recommendation.

Q. If I want to visit Canada, what should I do?

A. If a student wishes to visit Canada during a semester/session, he/she must bring his/her I-20 (and passport) to the CELCIS office for a signature. Certain countries are required to have a Canadian visa before entry is permitted. The CELCIS office has a list of countries that require a Canadian visa.

Q. Is it necessary for me to attend Orientation?

A. CELCIS requires all new students to attend Orientation. Important information will be given to you during Orientation that will be helpful during your time in CELCIS.
There is a $50.00 penalty fee if you do not attend.

Q. When should I arrive in Kalamazoo?

A. Students should try to arrive in Kalamazoo 1~2 days prior to Registration Day. If you are bringing your family, we recommend 5~7 days prior to Registration Day.

Q. Will we study TOEFL in our classes?

A. All CELCIS class activities develop the language skills that are tested in the TOEFL exam. In addition, CELCIS offers a specific TOEFL Preparation Class during the Spring Semester, Summer II Session, and Fall Semester.

Q. Can I take the International TOEFL exam in Kalamazoo?

A. Kalamazoo has a test center in Kalamazoo for students to take the International TOEFL. The Prometric Test Center is approximately 20 minutes from WMU’s campus by car. CELCIS can help you schedule your appointment.

Q. How much does it cost to ride the public bus in Kalamazoo?

A. CELCIS students can show their bronco card (student ID card) and ride the bus free.

If you have questions that you would like to see listed here, please send us an Email