Frequently asked Questions about TIEP

 

How can I get from the Memphis Airport to Martin?

Look at our calendar. We will take you from the airport to Martin on any "pick-up date". Sorry, we can not do it on any other dates.


How much does the pick up service cost?

The pick-up service is free for all new international Intensive English Program students arriving for the first time who come on the designated pick-up dates. We are sorry we can not do this on any other dates.


If I must arrive a day before the pick-up date, where can I stay?

There is a reasonably priced hotel (The Skyport Inn) in the airport building at the Memphis Airport.


What are the requirements for admission?

To enter TIEP: You should be a high-school graduate with a "C" average. If you are younger than 18, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent or relative) who will reside with you during your entire stay in the U.S. You do not need a TOEFL score to enter TIEP only.

To enter UT (Undergrad): 500/173 TOEFL or completion of all levels of TIEP

To enter UT (Graduate): 525/197 graduate


What is the application process?


How long will I need to study English as a Second Language before I can enter the university?

You can enter the university when you receive 500/173 points on the TOEFL. Or, if you have not attained the above score, you must first successfully complete all levels of the Intensive English Program. It really depends how much English you know before you arrive. You will be tested the first day of orientation. Unfortunately, we can not know which level is appropriate for you until you take the placement test here.


What is the cost?


What is a bank letter?

A bank letter is a simple letter written by an official at the bank of the person who is going to pay for university studies. This could be you or your sponsor. The letter states the amount of money in the bank currently available for use to pay the cost of the program of study. Again, the letter is written by an official at the bank where you or your sponsor have money on deposit.

Other documents of financial support may include a letter from your financial sponsor affirming his or her support while you are studying in the U.S.


Can I work?

Students with an F-1 (student visa) are not permitted to work off campus. However, students are allowed to work on campus (at the university) up to 20 hours per week. It is the responsibility of students who wish to work to find it; the International Programs Office can not do this. Although work on campus can not be guaranteed, many of our students have worked on campus during their stay here.


Is financial aid available?

Although the Tennessee Intensive English Program is developing some limited financial assistance programs such as the John Eisterhold Fund and the Charles Gillon Emergency Fund, unfortunately TIEP is not yet able to offer scholarships to international students who wish to study English. Thus, you should seek financial aid from other sources. There are, however, students already enrolled in UT Martin programs who have won awards of scholarships or financial assistance. TIEP can not provide more information about these awards than that which is available in the past issues of the TIEP E-News.


How can I get a visa?

The best way to obtain an F-1 visa is to prepare all of the necessary documents before you go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Call the Embassy first to ask what documents they require you to bring. Usually you need to have a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, the I-20 document that we send you after receiving your application with fee/deposit, a letter from your bank which shows financial responsibility, and any documented information which would assist in showing that you are a serious student. After you assemble and organize the necessary documents, go to the Consulate or Embassy to request an F-1 visa.

There have been many confusing and often incorrect reports about the new regulations for getting a visa to study in the U.S. The U.S. embassy continues to issue visas -- student visas as well as visitor visas. For accurate information about visa regulations, visit the web site of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, or contact a knowledgeable agent or school representative or the U.S. Embassy.


Back to TIEP