General Program Information

Upon arrival, students are tested and then placed in groups according to their ability. We offer classes for low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, and academic bridge level students. Students whose entering tested proficiency places them at the intermediate level may require two or three semesters of study before gaining admission to the University. Those who enter at the advanced level usually require only one semester at CELAC before gaining admission to regular academic University classes. When a CELAC student reaches a sufficient level of English proficiency, he or she may enroll in some academic credit courses in addition to some CELAC classes as a non-degree student.

While all of the classes focus on raising all aspects of language proficiency, the advanced level class especially stresses the development of those skills which students will need when they begin their regular university studies, such as understanding lectures, taking notes, and writing compositions. The teachers at the Center for English Language and American Culture have had substantial teaching experience in both the United States and other countries, and most speak another language in addition to English. Classes at the Center will meet for four hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 1pm. Classes usually consist of 8-14 students. Students will be encouraged to do additional work in the language laboratory, and meet with American conversation partners in the afternoons.

Admission to CELAC is NOT a guarantee of admission to an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Students who wish to take academic credit classes at the University of New Mexico may do so only if they have passed an approved level of the English exam given in CELAC or after they have reached the equivalent of a 213/550 TOEFL score and have had their application approved by the International Admissions office. Assistance with the application process for admission to a UNM academic undergraduate or graduate program is provided during the CELAC semester. Also, remember that while enrolled in CELAC, students are not permitted to take part in any intercollegiate varsity athletics. However, several recreational level sports are available.

It is easy to apply to our CELAC program. Just follow the directions in the application section of the web page. We have two kinds of applications as listed below.

Regular Admission

This is quick and easy. The processing time usually takes from a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the mail service to your country. The deadline is six weeks before classes begin. Once you are accepted to the regular CELAC program, you will be sent an I-20 non-immigrant visa document for the duration of time you have requested to study in our English program. During the semester if you decide to continue your studies at CELAC or apply for academic studies to UNM, we can extend your I-20 with adequate financial guarantee. Learn how to apply for Regular Admission...

Dual Admission

This is for students that are interested in earning an UNDERGRADUATE degree at UNM after completing their studies at CELAC (sorry, not available for graduate students). Dual Admission involves filling out the UNM undergraduate application at the same time as the CELAC application. The application will be reviewed by the International Admissions office and upon acceptance to the Dual Admission Program, you will be sent a five year I-20 non-immigrant visa document. Please note that this application process takes more time and has an earlier deadline. In the Dual Admission process, you must also complete the required English Proficiency level for UNM before being allowed to begin your academic studies. Learn how to apply for Dual Admission...

To Get Your Student Visa

Once you receive the I-20 non-immigrant document you must go to the nearest American Consulate or Embassy in your country and apply for an F-1 student visa. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate for further visa application requirements and fees. Please note that in some countries you may have to make an appointment a few weeks in advance. Also, it is a new regulation that no one may begin their studies until the F-1 visa is approved. Therefore, if you are on a tourist visa, you will not be allowed to begin your studies until after you have applied for a change of status to F-1, and been given approval by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Please note that this process may take up to 6 weeks or longer.

University of New Mexico
Center for English Language
and American Culture

2111 Mesa Vista Hall
Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Tele: (505) 277-4032
FAX: 505-277-1867
E-mail:celac@unm.edu