What is The English Island?
The English Island is an English language school in Atlanta, Georgia, USA offering English programs for adult learners, including F-1 visa students, local students, professionals, and specialized groups.
Is The English Island accredited?
Yes. The English Island is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll eligible F-1 international students.
What types of English programs does The English Island offer?
Programs include F-1 Visa English Courses, Group ESL Classes, Dentistry English for Brazilians, Accent Reduction, and Business English Grammar and Writing.
Who can study at The English Island?
The school serves adult English learners, including international students, local residents, professionals, and students with different English proficiency levels.
Where is The English Island located?
The Atlanta campus is located at 2030 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite 130, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, USA.
Courses Overview
What English courses are available?
The English Island offers group programs and private-course options, including F-1 Visa English Courses, Group ESL Classes, Dentistry English for Brazilians, Accent Reduction, and Business English Grammar and Writing.
How do I know which English course is right for me?
The best course depends on your goals, visa status, schedule, current English level, and whether you prefer group or private instruction. Contact the school if you are unsure which program fits your needs.
Do you offer both group and private English instruction?
Yes. We have group programs as well as private-course options for students and professionals who want more individualized instruction.
Do you offer English programs for professionals?
Yes. The English Island offers specialized options such as Business English Grammar and Writing, Accent Reduction, and Dentistry English for Brazilians.
F-1 Visa English Courses
How many hours per week do F-1 students study?
The International Student Program is 18 hours per week: 9 hours of General English plus three 3-hour specialty classes.
How often do F-1 program terms begin?
Terms begin every 10 weeks.
What attendance is required for F-1 students?
Students must attend class regularly and maintain at least 80% attendance each term.
What grade do students need to remain in good academic standing?
Students must maintain a weighted average of at least 75% in their classes.
How do students graduate from the program?
Students are eligible to graduate after completing the school’s highest level in the 18-hour program while meeting the required grade and attendance standards.
How long do I need to study to become fluent in English or to speak better?
For our International Student Program students, you should see results within the first few weeks of attending class. To become fluent (CEFR C1 level), it generally takes 20-40 weeks of full-time study for an intermediate level student (CEFR B1/B2) who progresses through our General Program or 60-80 weeks for a beginner level student (CEFR A1/A2).
Group ESL Classes
How many hours are General English group classes?
General English group classes are 9 hours per week.
What specialty ESL classes are available?
Specialty classes include areas such as grammar, pronunciation, conversation, vocabulary, reading, and writing.
How are students placed into the correct English level?
Students complete speaking and written placement testing before entering class so the school can determine the appropriate level.
What English levels are offered?
The program includes levels from beginner through advanced/proficient levels and is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
What are the admission requirements for group classes?
Students must generally be at least 18 years old, have completed high school, and be literate in their first language. Students who do not meet the group-program requirements may be eligible for private lessons.
How many students do you have per class?
From 2023 to 2026, our General English group classes have had an average of about 10 students per class each term. Classes have a minimum of 3 students and maximum of 20.
Dentistry English for Brazilians
Who is the Dentistry English for Brazilians program designed for?
It is designed specifically for Brazilian dentistry professionals who want to improve their English for professional and academic communication.
What does the Dentistry English program teach?
The program focuses on fluency, dentistry vocabulary, pronunciation of dental terminology, public speaking and presentations, grammar, and common pronunciation challenges for Portuguese speakers.
Is there a visa and a non-visa version of the dentistry program?
Yes. We offer both a visa program and a non-visa program with different required weekly hours.
Can the Dentistry English program be taken privately?
Yes. The course may be taken in group classes or private classes.
Is online instruction available for this dentistry program?
Yes. The current Dentistry English program may be taken in person or online.
Accent Reduction
What is an Accent Reduction course?
Accent Reduction instruction focuses on clearer pronunciation, speech patterns, intonation, and oral communication so speakers can be understood more easily.
Who can benefit from Accent Reduction classes?
The course is especially useful for non-native English speakers and professionals who want clearer spoken communication in business or everyday settings.
Are Accent Reduction classes private?
Yes.
Will Accent Reduction completely remove my accent?
The goal is clearer, more understandable pronunciation and communication. Results vary by student, and the focus should be on intelligibility and confidence rather than promising that an accent will disappear completely.
Business English Grammar & Writing
What do Business English Grammar and Writing classes cover?
Classes focus on grammar, sentence structure, organization, and professional writing for communication such as emails, memos, reports, and other business documents.
Who should take Business English Grammar and Writing classes?
The course can benefit both native and non-native English speakers who want to write more clearly and professionally.
Can these classes help with professional emails and reports?
Yes. The course is designed to strengthen grammar and organization for common forms of workplace communication.
Do I need to be an advanced English speaker to take this course?
Not necessarily. The appropriate format and level depend on the learner’s current skills and professional goals, so prospective students should contact the school for placement guidance.
Academic Calendar
How long is each term?
Each International Student Program term is a 10-week period, with 18 hours per week of instruction for 9 weeks totaling 162 hours.
How often do new terms start?
The school schedules multiple terms throughout the year. Students should use the Academic Calendar page(opens in new tab) for the current start dates and deadlines.
Where can I find school holidays and days with no class?
The Academic Calendar lists holidays and school-closure dates for each term.
Is there a deadline to join a term after it starts?
Yes. The Academic Calendar lists the last day to add new students for each term.
When is your “summer vacation”?
The English Island holds classes all year round. Instead of a "summer vacation," F-1 visa students are allowed to take 1 term (10 weeks) of vacation after completing 3 terms (30 weeks) of study.
Counseling
Does The English Island provide academic counseling?
Yes. Teachers provide academic counseling and meet with students to discuss progress and recommendations for improvement.
Can students ask for help with personal or adjustment problems?
Yes. The Student Services Team can provide assistance and referrals for students dealing with adjustment issues or personal problems.
Who can help F-1 students with visa-status questions?
The school’s Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) provide assistance and guidance regarding F-1 visa-status matters.
Student Activities
Does The English Island organize student activities?
Yes. The school organizes on-campus and off-campus social and cultural activities throughout the year.
What kinds of student activities are offered?
Activities include cultural fairs, holiday parties, potlucks, karaoke, board games, movies, picnics, visits to Atlanta festivals and attractions, and attending sports events.
Are activities only held on campus?
No. The school offers both on-campus activities and off-campus experiences in the Atlanta area.
Why are student activities part of the English-learning experience?
Activities give students additional opportunities to build friendships, experience local culture, and practice English outside the classroom.
Housing
Does The English Island provide student housing?
The English Island does not operate its own student housing. The school can provide suggestions and referrals to help students explore housing options.
What types of housing can students look for?
Depending on availability and individual needs, students may explore options such as homestays, hotels, apartments, or roommates in the Atlanta and Marietta areas.
Can the school help me find housing near campus?
The school can provide housing suggestions or referrals upon request, but students should confirm availability, pricing, terms, and suitability directly with the housing provider.
How do I ask for housing assistance?
Contact The English Island and explain what type of housing you are looking for so the staff can direct you to available resources or referrals.
Tuition
What tuition options are available?
Tuition is organized by program type and study load, including the F-1 Visa Program and General Programs with different weekly hours.
How many hours per week are available in the General Program?
General Program includes options of 9, 12, and 15 hours per week.
Where can I see the current tuition prices?
Use the Tuition page(opens in new tab) for the current published prices and multi-term options. Because prices can change, the website’s tuition table should remain the authoritative source.
Are different class schedules available?
Yes. Depending on the program, the Tuition page lists morning, afternoon, night, and certain two-days-per-week schedule options.
F-1 Visa Student Admission
Who is eligible to apply for the F-1 International Student Program?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed high school, be literate in their native language, and demonstrate the financial capability to undertake the program.
What documents are required for an F-1 application?
Required documents include a completed online F-1 student application, proof of high school education, a copy of the passport photo page, an online placement test, and recent proof of finances. Documents may require English translation and financial amounts converted to U.S. dollars.
Is there an F-1 application fee?
Yes. The current F-1 admissions page(opens in new tab) lists a $185 application fee. The school should verify this amount whenever the page is updated.
What happens after my application is reviewed?
The school reviews the application package and, if accepted, provides an offer of admission with a program start date. The student must then complete the required F-1 visa process before beginning the program.
What if I want to bring dependents?
Students bringing dependents must provide additional proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, as applicable.
What is the difference between the Form I-20 and F-1 visa?
The Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It certifies that a student is eligible for an F-1 visa. It is NOT the same as a visa. Students take the Form I-20 with them to the visa interview to obtain an F-1 visa which is necessary to enter the United States. The Form I-20 is part of a student's immigration documentation to be kept with them when traveling.
What happens when my visa is approved? What am I supposed to do?
Refer to the predeparture materials sent with the Acceptance Letter Email. There are detailed instructions there, but in brief, you must inform the PDSO/DSO of your visa approval. Admissions will then send you information about your program start date, paying tuition, and English level placement tests.
Non-F-1 Visa Student Admission
Can I study at The English Island if I am not an F-1 student?
Yes. The English Island offers programs for eligible non-F-1 students, including General English and specialty-class options.
What are the basic requirements for non-F-1 group classes?
Students must generally be at least 18 years old and literate in their first language. The school also lists educational and financial qualifications for its group programs.
Can a student who is not ready for group classes take private lessons?
Yes. Students who do not meet certain group-class qualifications may be eligible for private lessons.
Can students join a group class after the term has started?
In some cases, yes. Students who enter late are responsible for missed material and may request tutoring support if needed.
Student Forms
What student forms are available online?
The current Forms page(opens in new tab) includes a Transfer-In Form, Travel Information, and a FERPA Release Form.
Who should I contact if I am not sure which form to use?
Contact The English Island before submitting a form if you are unsure which document applies to your situation.
Where should F-1 students ask questions about transfer or travel requirements?
F-1 students should contact the school’s PDSO/DSO team for guidance on immigration-status matters before relying only on a general form.
About The English Island
Why was The English Island founded?
The English Island was founded to create an English school focused on strong teaching, personal attention, and helping students achieve meaningful academic, personal, and career goals.
What is The English Island’s mission?
The school’s mission is to provide the level of English instruction necessary for students to achieve their personal and career goals on the pathway to success.
What does The English Island look for in its instructors?
The school emphasizes instructors who are educated, experienced, and passionate about helping students learn.
What makes The English Island’s approach different?
The school describes its approach as personal and student-centered, with an emphasis on quality instruction, student support, devotion, passion, and integrity.
Contact
How can I contact The English Island?
You can contact the school by phone, WhatsApp, email, or the website contact form(opens in new tab).
What is the Atlanta campus address?
2030 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite 130, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, USA.
What are the school’s office hours?
School office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday closed.
What information should I include when I contact the school?
Include your name, contact information, the type of English program you are interested in, and any questions about your goals, schedule, or visa status.