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English Language Development Program

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About The English Language Development Program

International students at IMG Academy represent more than 80 countries who come together to study, train and develop into complete student-athletes. Because we know every student is unique, we provide an English Language Development (ELD) program and give each student personalized attention and individualized learning.

English Language Development Program Overview

IMG Academy offers multiple levels in its English Language Development (ELD) program for international students that help nonnative English speakers reach the same level of English-language proficiency as native speakers. All students are evaluated on their competency during the admissions process using standardized test scores, ie. TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, iTEP, etc. Upon enrollment and arrival, a final assessment in reading, writing, listening, and grammar helps place students in the appropriate ELD level or mainstream courses.

After testing and evaluation assigns students to the appropriate level, additional evaluation is conducted at the end of each term to determine ability level to progress to the next level:

Level 1 - Non-credit

  • English Composition 1
  • Literature (Academic Reading 1)
  • Grammar 1 (one class every day)
  • Content Support 1 (Science & Social Studies)
  • Math Vocabulary 1
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​​​​​​Level 2 - Non-credit

  • English Composition 2
  • Literature (Academic Reading 2)
  • Grammar 2
  • Content Support 2 (Science & Social Studies)
  • Mainstream Pre-algebra or Algebra 1
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​​​​​​Level 3, 6-8th Grade - Earn Credit

  • English Composition 3
  • Literature (Academic Reading 3)
  • Content Support 3
  • Mainstream Science
  • Mainstream Social Studies
  • Mainstream Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1
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Level 3, 9-12th Grade - Earn Credit

  • English Composition 3
  • Literature (Academic Reading 3)
  • Content Support 3 (Science and Social Studies)
  • Mainstream Geography
  • Mainstream Algebra 1 or Algebra 2
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Level 4, 10-12th Grade - Earn Credit

  • English Composition 4
  • Literature (Academic Reading 4)
  • Mainstream World History
  • Mainstream Biology
  • Mainstream Algebra 2 or higher
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International

International Student Resources

  • F-1 Student Visa

    You will need to obtain an F-1 Student Visa in order to attend IMG Academy. We will issue each student-athlete an I-20 form with the fulfillment of the following requirements; enrolling as a full-time student at IMG Academy, providing a copy of your passport, completing required deposit, and providing financial verification that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the United States

    Requirements for the Form I-20

    • Enroll as a full-time student at IMG Academy. This includes completing all parts of the application before being offered admission.
    • Provide a copy of your passport.
    • Complete the required deposit and the international student fee if applicable.
    • Provide financial verification stating that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the U.S.A. We may receive a fax or a copy. The US Embassy will require the original.

    Financial Information & I-20 Verification for International Students

    U.S. immigration regulations require that you demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living and educational expenses for study on a full-time basis. All international applicants must meet our financial documentation requirements to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20), and to apply for your F-1 visa.

    What is acceptable financial verification?

    All documents must be in English, or include a certified English translation. (Choose 1)

    • Bank statements from past 3 months showing regular deposits accompanied by an Affidavit of Support
    • Letter from bank (see sample)
    • Letter from employer stating salary accompanied by an Affidavit of Support

    Funds in your bank account must equal annual tuition plus living expenses. We calculate living expenses at $1,000 per month.

    When You Get Here:

    • Bring your passport, and I-20 form to school, and present to the International Student Advisor or a Designated School Official (DSO)
    • The DSO will sign your I-20 on page two and make copies of all your legal documents: I-20, visa, and passport.
    • Students who are boarding on campus will be required to bring their visa documents to IMG Academy’s front desk in order to be secured.
    • Students who are non-boarding will be required to provide an American address where student will be living.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Aga Cram at [email protected] with any concerns or questions.

    Have any questions? Contact us at [email protected]

  • Maintaining F-1 Visa Responsibilities
    • While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain to F-1 student status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for why you want to come to the United States. International students must attend classes while school is in session and maintain satisfactory progress towards graduation-taking minimum of 4 credit bearing classes every semester.
    • If an international student decides to withdraw from IMG Academy, he/she must inform the International Student Advisor or Designated School Official (DSO).
    • If the student will be attending another school within the United States, the DSO will transfer the SEVIS (I-20) record to the new school via the SEVIS computer system. The student must provide DSO with new school information.
    • If the student will not be attending another school within the United States, the DSO will be required to terminate the SEVIS (I-20) record.
    • It is the student’s responsibility to communicate withdrawal decisions or transfer requests to IMG Academy in a timely manner. 

    Tournament, Holiday & International Travel Information

    • When an international student leaves the United States, he/she must check with the International Student Advisor or a Designated School Official (DSO) regarding validity of travel documents.
    • The DSO will verify that the student has a valid I-20 and that the I-20 is signed appropriately on page two. If the I-20 is not properly signed, the student might have difficulties with re-entry into the United States.
    • Students must always travel with their legal documents: I-20 and F-1 visa/passport.
  • International Student-Athlete Transition Program

    To give new non-native speaking students a head start on their adjustment to the academic life and environment at IMG Academy.

    Learn More

Choose Your Program of interest

Grades 6-12

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Post-Graduate

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Faculty

Erika Vitiene

Faculty, ELL
Erika Vitiene

Irina Zimmerman

Faculty, ELL
Irina Zimmerman
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ABOUT THE CAMPUS

The IMG Academy campus sits on more than 500 impeccably maintained acres in Bradenton, Florida. There’s an undeniable energy to this campus, and it permeates our 20+ multi-sport fields, 50+ tennis courts, a 5,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium, an 18-hole golf course, two basketball gyms with multiple courts, two 10,000+ square foot weight rooms, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) and so much more. To truly appreciate this special place—and the way it inspires our athletes to compete at the highest levels every day—join us in Bradenton for an unforgettable experience.

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Testimonials

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The golf program at IMG Academy is great, and by far the best program in the world for players under 18 years old. Through IMG [Academy's] english language program, i was able to understand the coaches better, and when something was wrong with my game, i could identify it and fix it, but i was also able to communicate better to get the most out of my training.

- Cheng Tsung Pan Class of 2011, University of Washington Men’s Golf program
ESL participant

I had a fantastic experience during the last 4 months. I think that the English program was a success because it made me work hard, practice every day and also do a fair amount of homework. It was my first time studying English in such a good program and I can say that it was really good because in just 4 months of classes, I was able to score 106 on my TOEFL. I will always be very thankful for this experience.

- Daniela R ESL/TOEFL participant from Venezuela

FAQ

English Language Development

  • How many international students attend IMG Academy?

    Over half of our students come from international backgrounds. Our student-athletes experience different cultures and become friends with others from around the globe. If you are uncomfortable speaking English, you will find that many IMG Academy faculty and staff members are multilingual.

  • Do I need to speak English fluently in order to be accepted?

    International student-athletes are expected to have a basic English proficiency level, dependent on their grade and age.  If you’re an 11th or 12th grader or Post-Graduate applicant, you should be able to provide a TOEFL or Duolingo score to showcase your current English proficiency level. IMG Academy reserves the right to mandate intensive English instruction before beginning the college preparatory program.

  • Do I need a student visa?

    Most academic programs at IMG Academy are considered full-time study by the U.S. government. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need to obtain a student (F-1) visa or check the status of your current visa. Certain categories of visa holders are eligible to enroll.

  • How do I get a student visa?

    After completing our application and enrollment processes, IMG Academy will provide you with the documents needed to present at the Embassy. It is up to you to make an appointment and appear for an interview. Please allow several weeks for the Embassy process. We are always happy to provide guidance and basic instructions; however, we are unable to provide legal advice or assist with change of visa status requests. We take pride in helping our students have as comfortable a visa application process as possible. International Advisors are available to answer your questions or concerns.

  • Which visa should I choose?

    Student Visa (F-1) If you are going to be enrolled in any type of academic full-time program and will be attending a school. Tourist Visa (B1/B2) If you are going to be enrolled in a sports-only program, or will be enrolled in any type of camp. 

  • Are TOEFL or IELTS scores required?

    All boarding school applicants must submit English proficiency scores. Duolingo and iTEP are the preferred scores however TOEFL and IELTS are accepted as well.

  • Are children able to sponsor their parents’ visa?

    Parents of a student are not able to use their child’s visa to enter the U.S. Parents must enter on a tourist visa, the Visa Waiver Program or enroll in their own academic program. Parents are encouraged to contact one of the International Advisors at IMG Academy to discuss their options. For more information, contact Aga Cram at [email protected] or 1-800-872-6425.

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