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IIS Intensive English Program (IEP)

[email protected] | Intensive English Brochure

We are still accepting transfer students for spring semester session!

  • Spring Session 1  (16 weeks or 8 weeks), Classes start January 29, 2024
  • Spring Session 2 (8 weeks), Classes start March 25, 2024
  • Summer Session 1 (4 weeks), Classes start June 3, 2024
  • Summer Session 2 (4 weeks), Classes start July 1, 2024

Welcome to the Program

The Institute for International Studies (IIS) provides high-quality ESL instruction in Silicon Valley (IEP) since 1997. We also offer cross-cultural activities, and support services for international students to prepare for college or other personal and professional goals.

We've welcomed students from over 50 countries since opening our doors. IIS students enjoy the same privileges as all other Mission College students.

If you students plan on attending college in the United States, or you simply want to improve your English language skills, don't hesitate to reach out.

Sample Intensive English Class Schedule


About the IIS Intensive English Pogram

  • Six admission dates per year (January, March, May, June, August and October),
  • 8-week or 16-week sessions, 4-week split summer session(s)
  • 20-25 hours a week of instruction with all skill areas taught
  • Instructors who hold at least Master's Degrees and have many years of experience,
  • Four proficiency levels focusing on college preparation,
  • Dual admission to the intensive program and the degree program, so students are assured they can begin college studies after meeting the language requirement,
  • A no-TOEFL/IELTS Mission College admission option available to students who successfully complete our highest level,
  • Small classes with personal attention from instructors,
  • Orientation to and preparation for the transition to full-time college studies,
  • Full-time, full-service office that offers all admissions, advising and counseling support,
  • Cross-cultural activities, field trips, clubs and more,
  • Immigration and transfer assistance.

Admission Requirements
  1. California community colleges are required to admit any California resident possessing a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, California community colleges may admit any nonresident possessing a high school diploma or equivalent or anyone (resident or nonresident) over the age of 18 without a high school diploma or equivalent who, in the judgment of the board, is capable of profiting from the instruction offered.
  2. No TOEFL or IELTS score required for the IIS Intensive English Program
  3. Students who wish to enroll in the IIS Intensive English Program only may be below 18 years of age.

Program Dates
  • Spring Session 1  (16 weeks or 8 weeks), Classes start January 29, 2024
  • Spring Session 2 (8 weeks), Classes start March 25, 2024
  • Summer Session 1 (4 weeks), Classes start June 3, 2024
  • Summer Session 2 (4 weeks), Classes start July 1, 2024

View Application Dates and Deadlines 

Students interested in applying for "IIS Only" to study in our intensive English program may apply for one single session or multiple sessions.


IIS Tuition/Fee Information

Tuition and fees are due prior to the start of the program. Please see the tables below for tution and fees for your visa/immigration status categories. Students paying with Mastercard or Visa may submit their tuition/fee payments for the Intensive English Program using our online payment forms. Pay your IIS tuition and fees on its respective page.


Tuition and Fees (F1 Visa)

Learn more about the F1 application to registration timeline.

Fee Breakdown - F1

Duration 8 weeks* 16 weeks* 8 weeks
(summer term)*
4 weeks (summer term)* 1 Academic Year
Tuition $3,000 $5,000 $3,000 $1,700 $10,000 (Two 16-week sessions)
Health Insurance***, housing, books, etc estimated
$3,700
estimated $6,440 estimated
$2,900
estimated $3,300 estimated
$13,100
Estimated Total $5,900 $10,640 $5,900 $5,000 $21,500
$20 Student Services fee (added to tuition) covers Student ID, Student Health Services and VTA Smartpass fees.
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Note: Estimated Total and the amount required on financial statements in order to receive admission and travel documents.

* Students may register for 4 (summer), 8 or 16 weeks. If a student will be enrolling for more than one session, the amount on the financial statement must reflect the total amount of the session(s) added together. If a student wishes to enroll for one academic year, then the financial statement must show a total of $21,500.00.

** $100 is a non-refundable application fee.

*** F-1 students are required to purchase health insurance that meets or exceeds limits recommended by the U.S. Government. Mission College IIS students are required to purchase the insurance provided by Mission College International Student Center. 


Tuition & Fees ( US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Visa E, H, L and R)

Tuition and Fees for Intensive English Program (US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Visa Types E, H, L and R)

You may take part-time or full-time courses (depending on your visa status). The rates quoted below are for full-time study, which is 20 hours per week. If you only take part-time courses you will be charged accordingly. The program includes courses in Listening/Speaking (4 hours), Reading/Writing (6 hours), Grammar (6 hours), Pronunciation (2 hours). Students will also have access to the program's dedicated computer lab.

Fee Breakdown - US Citizens, Residents, E,H,L R Visas (Full-time 20hrs/week)

Duration 8 weeks* 16 weeks* 8 weeks
(summer term)*
4 weeks (summer term)*
Tutition

$2,000

$3,700 $2,400 $1,400
Textbooks/Fees $300 $300 $300 $300
Student Services Fee* $20 $20 $20 $20
Estimated Total $2,320 $4,020 $2,720 $1,720
* $20 Student Services Fee includes student ID card and VTA Smartpass fees.
Fee Breakdown - US Citizens, Residents, E,H,L, R Visas (Part-time)
Tuition $14/hr $13/hr $12/hr $14/hr
Textbook/Fees $100-300 $100-300 $100-300 $100-300
Student Services Fee* $20 $20 $20 $20
* $20 Student Services Fee includes student ID card and VTA Smartpass fees.
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Tuition & Fees (B1/B2 Visa)

Tuition and Fees for Intensive English Program (B1/B2 Visitors)

B1/B2 visitors can take part-time courses (no more than 12 clock hours per week) in our not-for-credit intensive English program. The program includes courses in Listening/Speaking (4 hours), Reading/Writing (6 hours), Grammar (6 hours), Pronunciation (2 hours). Students will also have access to the program's dedicated computer lab and program activities.

Fee Breakdown - B1/B2 Visa

Duration 8 weeks* 16 weeks* 8 weeks*
(summer term)
4 weeks* (summer term)
Tutition $21.00/hr
up to 12 hours per week
$19.00/hr
up to 12 hours per week
$15.00/hr
up to 12 hours per week
$17.00/hr up to 12 hours per week
Student Services Fee* $20 $20 $20 $20
Textbooks/Fees $100-250 $100-250 $100-250 $100-250
* $20 Student Services Fee includes student ID card and VTA Smartpass fees.
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Tuition & Fees (F2, J1/2 Visa, TN/TD Visa and ESTA)

F2 visa holders, TN visa holders and ESTA can take part-time courses (no more than 16 clock hours per week) in our not-for-credit intensive English program. The program includes courses in Listening/Speaking (4 hours), Reading/Writing (6 hours), Grammar (6 hours), Pronunciation (2 hours) and others.

Students will also have access to the program's dedicated computer lab and program activities.

J1/J2 and TD visa holders can take full-time courses (up to 20 clock hours per week) or part-time courses in our not-for-credit intensive English program. The program includes courses in Listening/Speaking (4 hours), Reading/Writing (6 hours), Grammar (6 hours), Pronunciation (2 hours) and others. Students will also have access to the program's dedicated computer lab and program activities.

Fee Breakdown - F2 and J1 and J2 Visa

Duration 8 weeks 16 weeks 8 weeks (summer term) 4 weeks (summer term)
Tuition $21.00/hr $19.00/hr $15.00/hr $17.00/hr
Student Services Fee* $20 $20 $20 $20
Textbook/Fees (part-time) $150-250 $150-250 $150-250 $150-250
Textbook/Fees (full-time) $300 $300 $300 $300
* $20 Student Services Fee includes student ID card and VTA Smartpass fees.
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