The IEP-JMU Collaboration

IEP: Intensive English Program, providing you with efficient, academically oriented language instruction on a small friendly campus with a big global outlook

JMU: James Madison University, our good neighbor, a state university with 15,000 students, providing you with world-class preparation for your career

Collaboration: working together, especially in a joint intellectual effort

What is the IEP-JMU collaboration?

Students who are conditionally admitted to JMU’s undergraduate or graduate degree programs may fulfill their English language requirements by enrolling in EMU’s IEP.

The IEP provides 20 hours of classes per week to develop students’ academic language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are evaluated at the end of each session and may move on to their JMU degree program when the IEP staff recommends it. The recommendation to continue in IEP or move on to JMU depends on the student’s performance in IEP classes and on IEP placement tests. No further testing (e.g. TOEFL) is required.

Students typically complete the IEP in 4 to 16 months depending on their English proficiency at the time of entry. If students feel they are able to exit the program earlier, they are welcome to take a TOEFL exam and present that score to JMU.

How can you join this collaboration?

1. Obtain admission from James Madison University by completing their admissions procedure. Visit www.jmu.edu/admissions/process/international.shtml for detailed information.
2. Request the JMU admission office to share your file with IEP.
3. Read and sign Eastern Mennonite University’s Community Lifestyle Commitment.
4. You will receive from EMU a letter of admission and a form I-20 for obtaining your student visa from the US Embassy or Consulate nearest you.

Where will you live while you are studying at the IEP?

1. If you are under age 21 you should apply to live in EMU dormitories or apartments. In some special cases, students under 21 may live in an off-campus apartment by paying a special fee for exemption from EMU housing rules.
2. If you are 21 or older, you may choose an apartment that is conveniently located where you may stay during your entire period of study at both IEP and JMU.
3. If you are interested in living with an American host family, please request IEP to help you find a family.

Who will be your classmates at IEP?

1. The IEP teaches English to people who have a variety of purposes in mind. These include students who wish to:
   • complete an academic degree program at EMU, JMU or some other institution
   • develop their proficiency in English in order to strengthen career qualifications
   • improve their English skills while also learning about and experiencing American culture
2. Students from about 15 different countries enroll in IEP every semester.
3. You will have a maximum of only 12 classmates in any one IEP course, and some of your classes will be smaller than this.

Important IEP facts that you should know

1. Courses in the IEP are not credit bearing. This program prepares students to begin studying for a degree in the university. We award a certificate at the end of study.
2. Students who have an F-1 student visa must maintain full-time status, meaning that they must be enrolled in 18-22 hours of language classes per week. It is required that students attend classes regularly not only to make fast progress but also to be in legal compliance with visa regulations. Students who do not attend classes may be removed from the program and their visas will be terminated.
3. IEP students enjoy full university privileges and student body membership. They may become members of the International Student Organization, among other student groups, play intramural sports, participate in musical ensembles, use the fitness center, counseling services, library, computer labs, and so on.

Course levels and program

Writing and Grammar 8-10 hours/week
Reading 3-4 hours/week
Listening & Speaking 3-4 hours/week
Content course 4-6 hours/week

TOTAL 18-22 hours/week

This curriculum is offered each semester on each of these levels according to demand: Level I Basic, Level II Intermediate, or Level III Advanced. Students admitted to the Basic level are not true beginners in English. They may have had several years of English study in the past. If they have taken the TOEFL, their score might be 350 or a little higher (or 63 on the computer-based TOEFL). The level is basic in the sense that the level of English expected is considerably below what is needed to succeed in a college course of study. (Click here for descriptions of all IEP courses.)

You may also read about our LILAC program (Lively Intercultural Learning Across the Curriculum).

IEP class expectations

In all IEP classes you are expected to be an active participant. You are expected to do the following:

• Speak only English in the IEP house.
• Interact with your teachers and classmates. Interacting includes listening and talking. You will not be allowed to sit or to sleep in class.
• Keep a positive attitude about your classes & your English. Think about all that you are learning rather than what you wish you were learning.
• Remember that different students have different language levels and needs. In each class there is a range of levels. Some students are at a higher level and may think a class is easy, while some students are lower and may think the same class is difficult. Some students have studied a lot of grammar in the past; others have not. Do not expect everyone to be like you. Have patience with others while they learn.
• Be responsible for your own learning. Review what you are learning regularly. Know what things you need to practice the most. Because every student is different, everyone will need to review and practice different things. Don’t wait for the teacher to tell you what to review. Don’t wait to review until you have a test.
• Do all homework assignments. Submit them on time.
• Attend all classes. Arrive on time.

Health insurance

All students are required to have health insurance coverage. When you arrive on campus be prepared to show proof or purchase the university plan that costs approximately $615 for 12 months’ coverage.

Getting from the airport to our campus

Plan to arrive at the Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. or Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport in Charlottesville, VA by the date indicated on your admission letter. We will arrange for a driver to meet you there and bring you to Harrisonburg near the international arrivals exit. Please tell us your exact arrival time, flight number and airline no later than two weeks before your arrival.