Welcome to VIU's School of English Language Studies!

Today, English is the dominant international language in communications, science, business, and entertainment, and a working knowledge of English means better job opportunities worldwide. As a result, the need for English skills is growing, as is the demand for qualified teachers of English.

VIU offers two programs - one for those who want to learn English, and one for those who want to teach English.

Our intensive ESL program focuses on developing and perfecting English proficiency, study skills, and college preparedness. In addition to the traditional language skills (grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing, listening, speaking), our program offers courses on a variety of subjects including academic vocabulary, TOEFL preparation, dramatics, current events, business English, journalism, and American culture, among many others.

VIU also offers a teacher training program. Our graduate certificate in TESOL prepares teachers to work in a variety of educational settings all over the world. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have a solid linguistic and pedagogical base as well as classroom experience gained through observation and supervised teaching.

While the selection of courses in our program can satisfy a diverse student body, it is our teachers who make our program so successful. VIU is proud of its fantastic team of highly qualified instructors who bring their experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to our classrooms day after day.

Students who come to VIU have an opportunity to meet people from over 50 different countries. Whether in the classroom, on a field trip to one of DC's many museums, or while sampling international cuisine during one of our potluck parties, our students talk to and become lifelong friends with classmates from every corner of the world.

Studying at VIU will give you an opportunity to train with great teachers, to acquire valuable skills, and to make new friends while being just a metro ride away from the exciting capital city of this country. If you are thinking about studying in the United States, I hope you will come and join us.

Sincerely,

Masha Vassilieva, Ph.D.,
Dean, School of English Language Studies
Virginia International University
http://elp.viu.edu/