Monday, August 29, 2011
Classes Cancelled August 29 for Northern Virginia VTLCI Students
Due to a 3rd floor water leak at the Northern Virginia Center, all Language and Culture Institute (LCI) classes are cancelled for Mon., 8/29/2011. Further information on VTLCI classes for the balance of the week 8/30 through 9/2/11 on will be made once more information is known and shared via the Director of the VTLCI.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Fall I Term Reminders
Announcements
PID: All Students should report their PIDs to Michelle in the Main Office. All students at both Blacksburg and Falls Church locations are now required to have a Virginia Tech e-mail account. This account can be set up after you report to the school, when you will obtain your student ID number. For more information, see the posting on “How to Create your Virginia Tech E-mail Account” on the VTLCI blog: http://vtlci-bb.blogspot.com/.
Book Credit: Beginning at the start of the fall semester, book fees will be separated from tuition as the VT Bookstore takes over our book distribution. The VTLCI has grown to a size that we are unable to manage the number of books that we have to distribute each term. To compensate students for this change, a $100 credit will be applied to each student’s bill through the end of the Spring I, 2012 term. You will receive a list of the books you will need from your teachers.
IMMIGRATION UPDATE
If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must report your new address to your immigration advisor. Students must update addresses with either Diana or Beth in the Annex.
SAFETY
Students, please use caution when crossing the street. Prices Fork Rd and University City Blvd have a lot of traffic and the cars may not always see you. Please remember to cross at the corner!
TUITION PAYMENTS
Self-pay students will receive a pre-bill for tuition payments in their classes the week of September 6. Payment will be due within 5 days of receipt. Payments may be paid online at: https://www.lci.vt.edu/elp/Pay/IntensiveEnglishCourse/
Join us on FaceBook: “Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute” (student group) https://www.lci.vt.edu/elp/Pay/IntensiveEnglishCourse/
Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission scholarship students are now required to take an elective course. Please see Professor Linda Sanford to enroll. Direct any questions to your Advisor at SACM.
Events
First day of classes
Wednesday, August 23
Gobblerfest
When: August 26th, 4:00pm – 1:30am
Where: Outside Squires Student Center (Downtown Blacksburg)
Welcome Festival, Live Music
Job Fair
When: August 26th, 4:00pm – 1:30am
Where: Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Eid Holiday
Wednesday, August 31st
Movie Night: Ratatouille
When: Friday, September 2nd, 8:30 pm
Where: Alexander Black House, 204 Draper Road.
Free admission and popcorn
Labor Day- NO CLASSES
Monday, September 5th
DMV 2 Go
When: September 28th, 9am-4pm
Where: Cranwell International Center (Main Campus)
Driver’s License Test, ID Cards, Vehicle Registration
Please see the International Student Advisor for more information
Comedian Bill Cosby
When: October 20th, 7:00pm
Where: Burruss Auditorium (Main Campus)
Cost: Students - $20 Faculty/Public - $45
PID: All Students should report their PIDs to Michelle in the Main Office. All students at both Blacksburg and Falls Church locations are now required to have a Virginia Tech e-mail account. This account can be set up after you report to the school, when you will obtain your student ID number. For more information, see the posting on “How to Create your Virginia Tech E-mail Account” on the VTLCI blog: http://vtlci-bb.blogspot.com/.
Book Credit: Beginning at the start of the fall semester, book fees will be separated from tuition as the VT Bookstore takes over our book distribution. The VTLCI has grown to a size that we are unable to manage the number of books that we have to distribute each term. To compensate students for this change, a $100 credit will be applied to each student’s bill through the end of the Spring I, 2012 term. You will receive a list of the books you will need from your teachers.
IMMIGRATION UPDATE
If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must report your new address to your immigration advisor. Students must update addresses with either Diana or Beth in the Annex.
SAFETY
Students, please use caution when crossing the street. Prices Fork Rd and University City Blvd have a lot of traffic and the cars may not always see you. Please remember to cross at the corner!
TUITION PAYMENTS
Self-pay students will receive a pre-bill for tuition payments in their classes the week of September 6. Payment will be due within 5 days of receipt. Payments may be paid online at: https://www.lci.vt.edu/elp/Pay/IntensiveEnglishCourse/
Join us on FaceBook: “Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute” (student group) https://www.lci.vt.edu/elp/Pay/IntensiveEnglishCourse/
Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission scholarship students are now required to take an elective course. Please see Professor Linda Sanford to enroll. Direct any questions to your Advisor at SACM.
Events
First day of classes
Wednesday, August 23
Gobblerfest
When: August 26th, 4:00pm – 1:30am
Where: Outside Squires Student Center (Downtown Blacksburg)
Welcome Festival, Live Music
Job Fair
When: August 26th, 4:00pm – 1:30am
Where: Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center
Eid Holiday
Wednesday, August 31st
Movie Night: Ratatouille
When: Friday, September 2nd, 8:30 pm
Where: Alexander Black House, 204 Draper Road.
Free admission and popcorn
Labor Day- NO CLASSES
Monday, September 5th
DMV 2 Go
When: September 28th, 9am-4pm
Where: Cranwell International Center (Main Campus)
Driver’s License Test, ID Cards, Vehicle Registration
Please see the International Student Advisor for more information
Comedian Bill Cosby
When: October 20th, 7:00pm
Where: Burruss Auditorium (Main Campus)
Cost: Students - $20 Faculty/Public - $45
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fall 2011 Update for New and Continuing Students
Dear students,
We are looking forward to the beginning of the fall semester. If you are studying in Blacksburg, you will find a newer-looking Institute. Our main offices and classrooms are being re-painted and re-carpeted. We are hoping also to open another building with additional classrooms in the spring semester. Following is important information for all students, new and continuing:
1. Blacksburg students: Beginning at the start of the fall semester, book fees will be separated from tuition as the VT Bookstore takes over our book distribution. The VTLCI has grown to a size that we are unable to manage the number of books that we have to distribute each term. To compensate students for this change, a $100 credit will be applied to each student’s bill through the end of the Spring I, 2012 term. This credit will not be applied at our Falls Church location, as books are handled by the VTLCI there. You will receive a list of the books you will need from your class teachers.
2. All students at both Blacksburg and Falls Church locations are now required to have a Virginia Tech e-mail account. This account can be set up after you report to the school, when you will obtain your student ID number. For more information, see the posting on “How to Create your Virginia Tech E-mail Account” on the VTLCI blog: http://vtlci-bb.blogspot.com/.
3. A notice for all Saudi students taking part in the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP): The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) is now requiring that you take an elective class of your choice each term. You are responsible for registering for this class. Instructions on how to register for an elective will be provided when you begin classes.
4. Tuition bills are issued within two weeks of the beginning of each term. Payment is due by the end of the third week of the term. Bills are paid at the university Bursar’s Office in the Student Services Building. Students not paying their bills on time will be removed from class until their bills are settled, so it is important that you pay your bill as soon as you receive it.
Thank you for studying with us here at the VTLCI. We are always interested in improving our English language program. If you have any suggestions, please let me know by writing to lci-info@vt.edu.
Sincerely yours,
Don Back
Director New Students: How to Create your Virginia Tech E-mail Account
Every new student to the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute will need to set up an e-mail account. We will use this e-mail account to send you important notices and bills. You will use this account as long as you are a Virginia Tech student. The e-mail username you choose is also called a PID.
Your PID
Your Virginia Tech PID is a unique Personal IDentifier. With it and the associated password, you can access the online Virginia Tech services that you may be eligible for.
Getting Your PID
You will create your PID from the Generate PID page at https://webapps.es.vt.edu/pidgen/start.html.
Creating your PID requires you to select a character string that is easy for you to remember. PIDs will not normally be changed, so please remember that the PID you select today may be with you for many years.
Your PID is assigned to you and to you alone. Your password should be managed so that you and only you may log on to services with your PID. It is recommended that you change your password periodically, and definitely change it any time you suspect it has been compromised.
Creating Your PID Password
Every PID has a password associated with it. Your password ensures that no one other than you accesses the network using your PID. Because your PID identifies you when you use the network, you should take care not to allow anyone else to know your password.
Choose a Strong Password
For secure password strategies, see Creating Strong Passwords at http://www.computing.vt.edu/accounts_and_access/pickinggoodpasswords.html.
Change Your PID Password Often
To increase the security of your account, change your PID password often. For instructions, see Changing Your PID Password at http://computing.vt.edu/accounts_and_access/pidtool.html.
Your PID
Your Virginia Tech PID is a unique Personal IDentifier. With it and the associated password, you can access the online Virginia Tech services that you may be eligible for.
Getting Your PID
You will create your PID from the Generate PID page at https://webapps.es.vt.edu/pidgen/start.html.
Creating your PID requires you to select a character string that is easy for you to remember. PIDs will not normally be changed, so please remember that the PID you select today may be with you for many years.
Your PID is assigned to you and to you alone. Your password should be managed so that you and only you may log on to services with your PID. It is recommended that you change your password periodically, and definitely change it any time you suspect it has been compromised.
Creating Your PID Password
Every PID has a password associated with it. Your password ensures that no one other than you accesses the network using your PID. Because your PID identifies you when you use the network, you should take care not to allow anyone else to know your password.
Choose a Strong Password
For secure password strategies, see Creating Strong Passwords at http://www.computing.vt.edu/accounts_and_access/pickinggoodpasswords.html.
Change Your PID Password Often
To increase the security of your account, change your PID password often. For instructions, see Changing Your PID Password at http://computing.vt.edu/accounts_and_access/pidtool.html.
BLACKSBURG: FALL SEMESTER ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
New students,
We are looking forward to welcoming you very soon to your English program at the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI). It is time to think about your arrival and housing arrangements while you are here in Blacksburg. Please make your plans now so that you will have time to ask us any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
HOUSING INSTRUCTIONS
You will have three options for housing. All housing is subject to availability, so if you have not already made plans we suggest you do so immediately.
1) Homestay (single students only; strongly recommended for beginning students)
Enjoy a complete cultural experience with additional time to practice your English by staying with an American host. Homestays are convenient to the school or on local bus lines. Ideal for short-term stays. Homestay placements are managed independently by Blacksburg Homestay. A placement fee is required for this service.
Rates and booking assistance are available at: http://www.blacksburghomestay.com.
2)Apartments (single students, couples and families)
Apartments offer private, economical living situations best-suited to long-term students and families. They are abundant in the area surrounding the university. Many are within walking distance of the Institute or are on the town bus routes.
Apartment rooms include cooking facilities and are usually not furnished. Bathrooms are usually shared among roommates. A one-year lease is generally required. Rent may or may not include utilities.
For additional information on apartment housing, please see our Pre-arrival Information Sheet and the following website:
http://www.uusa.vt.edu/uusaservices/och/rentals/vtoch.htm.
Blacksburg Homestay sometimes has furnished apartments available. Rates and booking assistance are available at: http://www.blacksburghomestay.com.
Contact the Language and Culture Institute office at lci-info@vt.edu for housing assistance.
3) Roommate and Boarding Situations
Many Virginia Tech students seek roommates in area homes during the academic year from September through May. Some families also rent out rooms to students. Both of these housing options require research and are best arranged upon arrival. Considerations for finding a suitable roommate or boarding situation include cost, furnishings provided, lease or rent term, utilities included and proximity to bus lines. Postings for these situations can be found at the Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing Office (121 Squires Student Center), in the Collegiate Times student newspaper and on the Craig's List website at http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/roo/.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
Blacksburg is approximately 64 kilometers west of Roanoke, Virginia. There are several daily flights into the Roanoke Airport (ROA) from international airports in New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, and Chicago. Domestic flights from other major U.S. cities are also available.
Ground transportation from the airport to your destination in Blacksburg can be arranged as follows:
1) By Taxi (recommended): Reserve a taxi for your arrival by e-mailing roanokeats@aim.com, calling 1-800-288-1958 or faxing 1-540-362-8006 by 7pm the day before arrival. Upon arrival, go to the Roanoke Airport Transportation desk next to locate your driver. The cost is appoximately $64.
2) By Bus: The Roanoke Airport is also served by the Smart Way Bus (http://www.smartwaybus.com). This bus leaves the Roanoke Airport every hour and a half from 6:35 a.m. to 7:05 p.m. daily and to 8:35 p.m. on Friday
and Saturday. The ride costs $4.00, exact fare in cash only.
Please be sure the Language and Culture Institute office knows your date of arrival and flight number, and that you inform our office of any changes in your arrival plans.
In case of an emergency related to your arrival, call our office at 1-540-231-9814 (from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday) or call the Student Advisor Diana Housein-Salaita after hours by cell at 1-540-557-7821.
Hotel Options
PLACEMENT AND SCHEDULE
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you here in Blacksburg shortly.
We are looking forward to welcoming you very soon to your English program at the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI). It is time to think about your arrival and housing arrangements while you are here in Blacksburg. Please make your plans now so that you will have time to ask us any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
- THE FALL I TERM BEGINS MONDAY, AUGUST 22.WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND EARLY ARRIVAL.ORIENTATION AND TESTING WILL BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 15
- AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL IN BLACKSBURG PLEASE SEE BETH LOAR IN THE LCI ANNEX BUILDING BEFORE SIGNING ANY LEASES OR CONTRACTS FOR HOUSING.
- STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING THEIR OWN HOUSING. A LISTING OF AREA HOTELS AND APARTMENTS ACCOMPANIES THIS E-MAIL.
- PLEASE DOWNLOAD PRE-ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS IN THE NEW STUDENT SECTION OF THE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE INSTITUTE WEBSITE: http://www.lci.vt.edu/elp/students.
- DIRECT QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR ARRIVAL TO: lci-info@vt.edu.
- IF YOU ARE NOT PLANNING ON ATTENDING, OR NEED TO DELAY YOUR ENROLLMENT, PLEASE E-MAIL US AT lci-info@vt.edu.
- NEW STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED AFTERNOON SCHEDULES.
HOUSING INSTRUCTIONS
You will have three options for housing. All housing is subject to availability, so if you have not already made plans we suggest you do so immediately.
1) Homestay (single students only; strongly recommended for beginning students)
Enjoy a complete cultural experience with additional time to practice your English by staying with an American host. Homestays are convenient to the school or on local bus lines. Ideal for short-term stays. Homestay placements are managed independently by Blacksburg Homestay. A placement fee is required for this service.
Rates and booking assistance are available at: http://www.blacksburghomestay.com.
2)Apartments (single students, couples and families)
Apartments offer private, economical living situations best-suited to long-term students and families. They are abundant in the area surrounding the university. Many are within walking distance of the Institute or are on the town bus routes.
Apartment rooms include cooking facilities and are usually not furnished. Bathrooms are usually shared among roommates. A one-year lease is generally required. Rent may or may not include utilities.
For additional information on apartment housing, please see our Pre-arrival Information Sheet and the following website:
http://www.uusa.vt.edu/uusaservices/och/rentals/vtoch.htm.
Blacksburg Homestay sometimes has furnished apartments available. Rates and booking assistance are available at: http://www.blacksburghomestay.com.
Contact the Language and Culture Institute office at lci-info@vt.edu for housing assistance.
3) Roommate and Boarding Situations
Many Virginia Tech students seek roommates in area homes during the academic year from September through May. Some families also rent out rooms to students. Both of these housing options require research and are best arranged upon arrival. Considerations for finding a suitable roommate or boarding situation include cost, furnishings provided, lease or rent term, utilities included and proximity to bus lines. Postings for these situations can be found at the Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing Office (121 Squires Student Center), in the Collegiate Times student newspaper and on the Craig's List website at http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/roo/.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
Blacksburg is approximately 64 kilometers west of Roanoke, Virginia. There are several daily flights into the Roanoke Airport (ROA) from international airports in New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, and Chicago. Domestic flights from other major U.S. cities are also available.
Ground transportation from the airport to your destination in Blacksburg can be arranged as follows:
1) By Taxi (recommended): Reserve a taxi for your arrival by e-mailing roanokeats@aim.com, calling 1-800-288-1958 or faxing 1-540-362-8006 by 7pm the day before arrival. Upon arrival, go to the Roanoke Airport Transportation desk next to locate your driver. The cost is appoximately $64.
2) By Bus: The Roanoke Airport is also served by the Smart Way Bus (http://www.smartwaybus.com). This bus leaves the Roanoke Airport every hour and a half from 6:35 a.m. to 7:05 p.m. daily and to 8:35 p.m. on Friday
and Saturday. The ride costs $4.00, exact fare in cash only.
Please be sure the Language and Culture Institute office knows your date of arrival and flight number, and that you inform our office of any changes in your arrival plans.
In case of an emergency related to your arrival, call our office at 1-540-231-9814 (from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday) or call the Student Advisor Diana Housein-Salaita after hours by cell at 1-540-557-7821.
Hotel Options
If at all possible, plan to arrive before 8:00 P.M. If you must arrive late, plan to spend the night in a Roanoke Airport hotel that has airport shuttle service. We strongly recommend that if you think you will need a hotel, you make your reservation in advance.
Quality Inn, Airport | $59-69/night | 1-540-366-8861 | |
Comfort Inn, Airport | $119-139/night | 1-540-527-2020 | |
Mainstay Suites, Airport | $104-164/night | 1-540-527-3030 | |
Holiday Inn, Blacksburg | $99-149/night | 1-540-552-7001 |
PLACEMENT AND SCHEDULE
- Class placement depends on the student's placement test results, size of classes, availability of teachers, classrooms, etc., and student requests for a particular schedule cannot be guaranteed.
- Schedule preference requests from current students have priority over those from incoming students. New students should anticipate being given an afternoon schedule in their first term: from 1:00 to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday or from 12:00 to 5:45 Monday through Thursday, if an optional elective course is added.
- Please also note if couples with children are both F-1 students, they must do their placement testing (approx. 3 hours) at the VTLCI at different times.THE VTLCI DOES NOT PROVIDE CHILDCARE, NOR DO WE HAVE FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE CHILDREN IN THE BUILDING.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you here in Blacksburg shortly.
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