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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have an orientation program for new ESL students?

What countries do the ESL students come from?

What is the usual class size?

Who teaches in your program?

Is a TOEFL score required to be admitted to the Haggerty English Language Program?

Can I attend HELP part-time?

Can I apply for a degree program at SUNY New Paltz?

When do I have to pay my bill?

Does SUNY offer Health Insurance for international students?

Is Financial Aid available?

I'm currently studying ESL at another U.S. academic institution and I want to transfer to SUNY New Paltz. How can I transfer?

Can Permanent Residents/U.S. citizens participate in the program?

How long may I stay in the US after I finish my studies?

I have other questions. How can I reach you?

 


 

Do you have an orientation program for new ESL students?

SUNY New Paltz provides an orientation program for all new students at the start of each semester. The orientation introduces the services and facilities of the school so that students can get the most out of their studies. In addition, students receive testing and placement services as part of their orientation.


 

What countries do the ESL students come from? 

Over the past year, students have come from 22 different countries including Albania, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela.


 

What is the usual class size? 

Our classes have typically held between 8 and 12 students.  However, actual class size may depend on the number of students enrolled.


 

Who teaches in your program? 

For a full list of our faculty and staff, click here.


 

Is a TOEFL score required to be admitted to the Haggerty English Language Program?

You will be tested upon arrival to determine your placement. However, if you have test scores, you may submit them with your application. Your test scores may be evaluated and you may be eligible for pre-placement into our Advanced or Academic Purposes level.

In fact, you may be able to take advantage of our Pathway programand receive conditional admission to a degree program.


 

Can I attend HELP part-time? 

Students in F-1 and J-1 visa status must be enrolled as full-time students to maintain visa status. If you are on another visa you may have the option of part-time study.  Please e-mail esl@newpaltz.edu for more information.


 

Can I apply for a degree program at SUNY New Paltz? 

Yes!

If you are interested in Undergraduate admission, contact intadmissions@newpaltz.edu or click here for more information. 
If you are interested in Graduate admission, contact gradstudies@newpaltz.edu or click here for more information.


 

When do I have to pay my bill? 

Students are billed when they register for classes. You will be registered for your classes after orientation. The student advisor will contact you when you can pay your bill through the Office of Student Accounts.


 

Can I pay in installments? 

Yes, students may prefer to use a Time Payment Plan which allows students to make equal monthly payments to cover the costs of their education (Spring and Fall semesters only). Click here for more information. 


 

How can I pay my bill? 

You can pay your bill online or in-person at the Office of Student Accounts located in Wooster Hall 114. 

To pay your bill online, login to my.newpaltz.edu and click on the “Money” section. Then, choose “My Student Account” and follow the instructions. You can pay online using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. ACH check or international wire transfer is also available. 

To pay your bill in-person, visit the Office of Student Accounts in Wooster Hall 114 during office hours. You can pay by check, traveler’s check, certified check, postal money order payable to SUNY New Paltz, or by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.


 

Does SUNY offer Health Insurance for international students? 

International students in F-1 and J-1 visas status must purchase SUNY's health insurance plan while studying. SUNY offers an affordable Insurance Plan with excellent accident and illness coverage. Click here for more detailed information about the health coverage plan.


 

Is Financial Aid available?

Scholarships and financial aid are not available for intensive English study. All F-1 student applicants must document that they have all funding needed to cover living and school expenses before being accepted.

For international students applying for an Undergraduate program at SUNY New Paltz, there is one scholarship available. Click here for more information.
For international students applying for a Graduate program at SUNY New Paltz, there are some funding opportunities depending on your department of study. Click here for information about scholarships by department, and click here for information about assistantships.


 

I'm currently studying ESL at another U.S. academic institution and I want to transfer to SUNY New Paltz. How can I transfer? 

You can get information on how to transfer by clicking here.


 

Can Permanent Residents/U.S. citizens participate in the program? 

Yes! And, since you do not need us to sponsor a visa, you only need to submit the application and proof of high school completion. 

In addition, Permanent Residents/U.S. citizens may apply up until the end of the Add/Drop period. Please contact esl@newpaltz.edu for more information.  


 

How long may I stay in the US after I finish my studies? 

Students on an F-1 visa may stay in the US on their I-20 for up to 60 days after the program's end date. For more detailed information, please contact international@newpaltz.edu to speak with an International Student Advisor. 


 

I have other questions. How can I reach you? 

Please email us at esl@newpaltz.edu or call us at +1-845-257-3595. 

We are also happy to speak with you through Whatsapp, or you can speak with one of our Student Ambassadors. Check our Contact Us page for more information.


 

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