Frequently Asked Questions

finances | scholarships | class levels | dependents | traveling to Columbus | housing/hotels | tests | medical insurance | tuition | food

How much money do I need to cover everything?

That is a good question.  You can always use our Estimate of F1 Costs sheet to get a good idea of what costs you will incur during your time at the English Language Institute.

However, for international students applying for an F1 (I-20) visa from Columbus State University, you will need to show proof on your Financial Guarantee and supporting bank letter of $14,638 USD available in either your, your parent's, or your sponsor's current bank account to cover a complete fall semester and spring semester of expenses.  Even if you only plan to study with us for one semester, you will need to show proof of this amount on your Financial Guarantee and supporting bank letter.  We do this for several reasons:

1) It protects the student who may not be aware of the costs of living in our particular city. Whether he or she lives on campus, with a friend, etc., there are still costs involved with living in Columbus that will amount to about $14,638 over 2 semesters' time.

2) It protects the English Language Institute and CSU learning environment. We know that a student with this amount of money available is a good candidate to get the best possible experience out of our program. Happy, well prepared students create a better learning environment for all of us. We do everything we can to preserve and protect the learning environment in order to provide the best possible service to our students.

We realize that showing the necessary funds is a challenge for many of our students, and our program is a significant expense. We promise to do everything in our power to ensure those who do take the steps to invest in their future at the English Language Institute at Columbus State University will get the best experience possible.

Do you offer scholarships?

The Center for International Education (CIE) at CSU maintains a website with complete information about scholarships available to international undergraduate and graduate students.  Check their website for specific scholarship details and requirements:  http://cie.colstate.edu/internationalstudentscholarships.asp.

How do I know which level of classes I should take?

Once you have completed the application process, you will be required to take a placement test.  After your test results are received by the Program Coordinator, you will be placed according to your level in each of our 6 class disciplines and matched with the appropriate classes for the upcoming semester.

For instructions on making your placement test appointment, visit http://eli.colstate.edu/compass.asp.

Can I bring my family to the English Language Institute?

Yes.  For F1 students coming in the Fall or Spring semesters, you will need to note that you will be bringing dependents with you on your application and you will need to account for an additional amount for them on your Financial Guarantee.  There is no childcare sponsored directly by the university.  So you should make plans in advance for your children's care while you are in classes.

During the summer, Columbus State University's Continuing Education department offers Activ8 summer camps for children ages 5-14 that can be arranged in conjunction with English Language Institute courses for a family English immersion experience.  Contact Rachel Wilcox directly for more details on this exciting new program which can include on-campus housing, meals, English immersion courses for adults and children, plus Family Fun Friday field trips, and more.

What do I need to know before I leave my country?

• Visa

If you applied to the English Language Institute (ELI) as a non-immigrant student, you must hold an F1 visa (I-20). CSU will issue you immigration documents upon acceptance of your application. Bring your immigration documents and passport to your local consulate to obtain an F1 Visa.

• Travel

Since Columbus has no direct international flights, you will need to book a flight into a nearby city and take a short flight into Columbus or take ground transportation. The nearest city with an international airport is Atlanta. Shuttle service is available from Atlanta to Columbus via Groome Transportation - http://www.groometransportation.com/ or (800) 584-6735. Try to make your travel arrangements as soon as you receive your immigration documents. CSU is open during the week and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please remember this when making your travel arrangements.  Your travel to CSU is your responsibility.  We do not offer travel arrangement services.

• Weather

The climate in Georgia is mild. May through September, Georgians enjoy hot temperatures ranging from 80F to 105F, which is approximately 27C - 40C. During the winter, the temperatures typically drop to 30F to 60F (0C - 16C). Spring and fall weather might be a bit unpredictable and changes significantly from one day to the next. Students need to make sure to bring both summer and winter clothes.

• Money

Be sure to bring enough money for your first few days in Columbus until you can open a bank account. Carry a little of your money in cash to pay for transportation, phone calls, etc., but keep most of your cash in a safer form (traveler's checks).  Be aware you may need as much as $1,800-$3,000 available within a week of arrival to pay deposits or in-full for your housing and tuition, depending on whether you stay on or off-campus.  For a complete estimate of costs, download our F1 Costs Worksheet.

• In-Town Transportation

Columbus has limited public transportation. Some international students purchase an automobile while they are here, however it can be difficult and expensive to do so. Living on campus makes it easier for those who do not own a car, since housing is in walking distance to lecture halls and the cafeteria. Students also purchase bicycles and share rides with roommates and friends.

• Life in Columbus and Traveling Opportunities

Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia after Atlanta, the state's capital. It is located fewer than 100 miles south of Atlanta, on the Alabama/Georgia border. Just an hour and a half drive away, you are in the heart of Atlanta. During the day, Columbus offers several parks, the Riverwalk, and other cultural and tourist spots, as well as Callaway Gardens, Providence Canyon, Six Flags, the Georgia Aquarium, the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Zoo all within 2 hours. Drive three and a half hours south and you are at the beautiful Panama City beach in Florida.

You can also check out the official Columbus, Georgia website.

Where will I stay when I get to Columbus?

• Housing

You may choose to live on-campus or off-campus. CSU operates two apartment complexes, Courtyard I and Courtyard II. If you choose to live on-campus, we cannot guarantee the availability of a room, so we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible to get your first choice of apartment or special roommate request.

Students who choose to live on-campus MUST apply for housing through the Residence Life office, and a $325 damaged deposit, which includes a $25 non-refundable application fee, must accompany the housing application. After Residence Life receives your application, you will receive the exact moving date by mail. Generally, check-in begins one week before classes begin for the semester. Check the Residence Life web site for more information.

If you choose to live off-campus, you will probably need to pay a security deposit and sign a lease or rental agreement. In addition, you will need to pay utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and cable or DSL service. For more information, visit the International Students web site and click on the "International Students Handbook".

• Hotels

While the ELI does not have personalized airport pickup, there are two hotels within walking distance of Columbus State University. If you make reservations at any of these hotels, be sure to ask for the “Columbus State University” rates. You may need to show some documentation that you are a newly accepted student here since you will not have a student ID yet. These are the La Quinta Inn at (706) 323-4344 and Super 8 Motel at (706) 322-6580 located on Warm Springs Road. You can reach them from the Columbus Airport with a quick $5-$8 cab ride or have Groome Transportation shuttle you there from the Atlanta Airport.

Will I have to take any tests when I arrive?

• Placement Test (Required for all new students)

Starting Fall 2008, all new students will be taking the COMPASS ESL (Cost $30.00 USD) test during Pre-Registration and Placement Testing Appointments within the 2 months prior to each semester's start. The results of this test will be used to place you in classes with other students who are at the same level as you. Levels are assigned for each skill, so you may have different levels in your grammar, listening/speaking, and reading/writing classes. During the first week of classes, you and your teachers will double-check to make sure you are in the appropriate level. If you are not, you may request to be moved to the appropriate level within the first 3 days of classes only.

Will I need Medical Insurance?

Because of the high cost of medical care in the US, all international students must have health insurance. The university offers a student rate that costs $358 for the fall term and $472 for the spring and summer terms together. If you already have health insurance that is valid in the US, you will need to show proof (insurance card or letter with all benefits indicated) when you check-in and complete an online request for a waiver with our insurance company Pearce & Pearce. Local residents can also obtain this insurance but it is optional. More information

What do I need to know about paying my tuition?

Tuition payment must be paid by cash, traveler's check, cashier's check, money order, or credit card at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center between 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday. University fees, housing, and medical insurance must be paid separately at the Cashier's Office located in University Hall. Checks should be made to "Columbus State University".

Housing and meals plan are optional. Tuition payment is due before classes start.

What about food?

A meal plan is required when residing in the Courtyards on-campus. As indicated on the Estimates of Costs there are 3 different meal plan options. For example, Option 1 is 8 meals per week so that means that you can eat at the cafeteria 8 times in one week. You can choose to eat at the Patio Grill, Blimpie, or the cafeteria for those meals. If you happen to run out of meals for a given week, you can use your Cougar Cash. Other options include various combinations of meals + Cougar Cash per week. You will also have a full kitchen available in your on-campus apartment for other meals not covered in your meal plan allotment.