English Language Institute

Application for Short-term Non-F-1 Admission

You are eligible for short-term admission to the  English Language Institute if you:

• are 16 years of age or older
• do NOT have an F-1 visa
• have another type of visa like B1/B2, J-1, F-2, or J-2 or are a resident or citizen

To Apply:

1. Fill out the Short-term Application 
2. Select your start date and number of days per week.
3. Send completed application and copies of your passport and U.S. visa or proof of permanent U.S. residency to eli@seminolestate.edu 

Email all completed forms and documents to: eli@seminolestate.edu.

Students are responsible for finding their own housing while at the English Language Institute. Seminole State College does not have on-campus housing. 

Apartments/Rooms

The ELI program has an agreement with the Westlake Apartment complex to provide 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartments to our students for short-term or long-term stays.  Prices vary depending on the date of rental and other factors.  After you have received your visa, if you are interested in one of these apartments, please contact the ELI office directly.  

There are numerous other apartment complexes in the Sanford/Lake Mary area.  Average rent for an apartment is from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, not including utilities and food.  The cost of renting a house for a family will be at least $3,000 per month.  Single students may find it easier to rent a room from someone rather than looking for their own apartment.  The average cost to rent a room in a house or apartment is between $800 and $1500 per month.  Rooms for rent are usually advertised online. 

Homestays

Students who are interested in living with an American family while studying should contact a homestay placement agency such as IHPS Homestays.

English Language Institute Location

The English Language Institute is located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus of Seminole State College, which is the largest campus of the college.  ELI students are eligible to use all the facilities on campus such as the Student Center and library and are welcome and encouraged to participate in the many college activities, clubs, and events.  The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus is home to dozens of programs and features key cultural centers, like the Center for Fine & Performing Arts and the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium. It also serves as the college's intercollegiate athletics hub.

• Campus Map
• Interactive Campus Map

Local Area

The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus is located in a suburban area that is approximately 20 miles north of the city of Orlando.  The campus is situated on the border between the cities of Lake Mary and Sanford in Seminole County. Seminole County is called “Florida’s Natural Choice” because of the beauty of the area and proximity to many state parks and wildlife areas.  The campus is also 30 minutes from the cultural areas of Winter Park and Orlando, 45 minutes from the tourist areas and theme parks, and an hour from beaches such as Daytona and New Smyrna. Whether you like nature, beaches, sports, shopping, art, music, eating out, or going to theme parks, there is always something fun to do in our area.

The climate in the area also makes it a great place to live or visit. We have year-round sunshine and warm temperatures! 

Transportation

Like most suburban areas in the United States, the Sanford/Lake Mary area is very spread out, and the best way to get around is by car.  Most residential neighborhoods are not within walking distance of the college or shopping areas.

A used automobile generally costs between $3,000-$10,000.  In the state of Florida, you are required to purchase automobile insurance.

You can apply for a Florida's driver's license once you begin studying and your I-20 becomes active in the SEVIS system.

If you do not own a car, you should inquire about bus routes to the college and other service areas before selecting housing.  Public transportation in Seminole County is very limited.

Short-Term Schedule for Non-F-1 Students

 Cost:

• 2 days per week:  $320 per month
• 4 days per week:  $640 per month