ELA/ESL FAQ

1. Who can apply to UW-Eau Claire's English Language Academy (ELA)?

   The ELA is open to professionals as well as students eighteen years of age and older whose first language is not English. Participants need two years of English language preparation and a high school diploma or its equivalent. US residents, as well as international students, are welcome to apply.

2. How do I register?

   There are several ways to register for this program:

   1. Visit our office and apply in person
   2. Fill and print our PDF application form (213kb) and fax or mail it to us.

      Continuing Education
      University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
      English Language Academy - English as a Second Language Program
      210 Water Street, PO Box 4004
      Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
      Phone: (715)836-3606 or toll free 1-866-UWEC4CE
      Fax: (715)836-5263
      

   3. Submit your application using our online registration form
   
   

3. Can I still register after the deadline?

   The deadlines suggested allow time for processing the application, program payment, and I-20 paperwork. Depending on your personal situation, applying to the program after the suggested deadline may be possible. Please contact us for details.

4. When can I expect my I-20 document?

   After you submit your application and pay for the program in full, an I-20 will be requested. You should receive the document in approximately 2 weeks.

5. How can I pay for program?

   We accept payment by cash, check, credit card (Visa or Mastercard), or wire transfer. All payments must be made in US dollars. Checks and money orders must be made payable to University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Please do not send cash in the mail. To make payment by wire transfer, please contact us for more information.

6. How do I arrange transportation to Eau Claire?

   Participants are expected to make his/her own travel arrangements to and from Eau Claire. Eau Claire can be reached by air with Northwest Airlink flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport to the Eau Claire Regional airport. Eau Claire can also be reached by shuttle service. The Eau Claire Passenger Service provides ground transportation to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport. Additional information can be found at http://www.airportpassenger.com/.

   Summer participants should inform Ms. La Vone Sneen (sneenl@uwec.edu) of your travel plans as soon as possible. Transportation from the Eau Claire Regional Airport or the Eau Claire Passenger Service to campus will be provided by the program.

   Academic Year participants should contact the Center for International Education regarding their arrival.

7. Where will I live?

   All ELA participants are housed on campus. Summer participants are housed in Chancellor's Hall with other program participants.

   Academic Year participants will be housed on campus in double-occupancy university housing arranged by UW-Eau Claire. Students will be placed with an American roommate who has requested an international roommate when possible.

   Housing is covered for the dates of the program only. Students arriving before the start of the program or departing after the program ends must make individual housing arrangements. The ELA staff can provide hotel information as needed.

8. Can I live off-campus?

   We prefer that you live on-campus to fully experience university life. However, participants can arrange their own off-campus housing. Students living off-campus must provide their own transportation to and from and campus for classes and program related activities.

9. Are meals included?

   Both the summer ELA and academic year program include a meal plan. Participants in the summer program will be provided with one (1) meal a day, Monday through Friday. Breakfast and evening meal will be the responsibility of the participant. Academic year participants will be provided with a full university meal plan for all days of cafeteria operation.

10. What can I expect in the ESL program?

    The English Language Academy at UW-Eau Claire is an academic program with cultural components. Classes are rigorous and homework outside of class is given. Local and cultural excursions accompany the regional academic content.