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University of Houston-Victoria

International Programs

Jaguar Language Center

The Jaguar Language Center (JLC) offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program on the campus of the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV), located in the beautiful city of Victoria, Texas. In the JLC, we prepare students to have a foreign language ability that enhances their academic programs and enables them to live, work, study, and research in the United States. The JLC specializes in English as a Second Language for international students and others whose native language is not English. Eventually, the Jaguar Language Center hopes to introduce additional languages from around the globe.

English as a Second Language Program

In this face-to-face program, students develop the language skills they need in order to succeed on campus and within the community. The ESL program admits students from all English levels: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. While in the program, students are able to fully experience the academic, social, and cultural life of the university.

Included in the ESL Program cost:

  • Immigration advice and visa issuance assistance
  • Health insurance
  • Orientation
  • Airport pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Room and board in a dormitory or residence hall on campus
  • Graduation and reception for award ceremony
  • Cultural programs showcasing the Texas American culture

Students have 3 options based on their ESL needs (explained below):

  • English Only
  • Conditional Admissions Studies
  • Customized Groups

Pay for ESL On Demand 

English Only (Temporarily paused)

Students may choose this on-campus program if they want to develop their English skills and experience student life on a university campus. Students who want this option can only take JLC classes. If they want to take university classes, they must apply separately and meet the university English Proficiency Requirements.

This may be a good option for you if:

  • You want to improve your English for better job or school opportunities
  • You want to experience studying for a semester or more in the U.S.
  • You are in the U.S. as a dependent or spouse of a community member, staff, faculty, or student and want to make friends with others in the Victoria community

English Only Program Application Process:

  • Complete the ApplyTexas application
  • Submit official transcripts to international@uhv.edu
  • Meet other International Student Requirements as instructed by the International Programs Office

Conditional Admissions Studies (Temporary paused)

This option is for students who want to enroll to the university in an academic program. These students have all of the required admissions documents, but they do not have any proof of the English Proficiency Requirement. Students can be admitted to their academic field as F-1 seeking students, but they must complete the JLC program before beginning their university classes.

This may be a good option for you if:

  • You want to apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree at UHV, but you do not have language scores

Terms
Spring Semester: January to May
Summer Semester: June to August
Fall Semester: August to December 

Conditional Admissions Application Process:

Customized ESL Programs for Groups (Open)

The JLC offers short-term, customized programs for groups. This program combines English language training along with unique cultural experiences. This gives each student opportunities to improve their communication skills through interaction with local community members. Customized programs start as low as $2,660 (airline cost not included) per person. The costs vary depending on the length of the program, the number of class hours, and the number of students and services selected. We recommend groups of 10 or more to make the program cost effective. 

English Language and Culture

We can create this program based on the needs of your group. This program combines classroom lessons and coursework for English improvement as well as through cultural excursions outside of class in Texas. This program covers a variety of topics including English language, American Culture, academic skills, and more if requested. Dates are flexible and programs range in length from 2 weeks to a full semester. 

Teacher Trainings

Our Masters in Education with ESL/TESOL Concentration is a great option for future ESL/TESOL professionals. UHV is able to provide classes for groups of teachers. If you or your organization/institution is interested in sending groups of teachers for this program, UHV is able to accommodate. For more information, visit our ESL/TESOL Concentration webpage in the link above.

Customized Programs for Groups Applications Process:

  • Complete the ApplyTexas application
    • Email international@uhv.edu for instructions or assistance
    • Once the student enrollments are finalized, the International Programs Director is able to confirm the cost for the program.
  • Submit transcripts and evaluation reports
  • Group leader/organizer: Email the International Programs Director with the list of student names and UHV IDs for each interested student. We need this information in order to move forward with the application process, such as creating the customized program and enrolling students in their courses.
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