MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Lingua Franca Institute is to provide a nurturing English learning experience which fosters confident interactions for everyday life.

Welcome to the Lingua Franca Institute!

Thank you for your interest in the Lingua Franca Institute (LFI), an intensive English language program at the Washington University of Virginia (WUV). Established in 1992, the Lingua Franca Institute is an SEVP-certified ESL program in Annandale, Virginia, located just outside Washington, DC. LFI provides an affordable education taught by fluent English instructors in small class sizes with a student-centered approach. We know that studying another language can be a challenging experience, especially as an adult. At LFI, we make that experience more comfortable with a relaxed, friendly, and supportive classroom atmosphere.
‘Lingua Franca’ means “a language used among people who speak various different languages” (Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary). English is the “lingua franca” for our diverse group of students, representing approximately 20 countries. We value and respect each student’s language and culture, and promote the same for English and American culture, through sharing of ideas and experiences. Some of our instructors know other languages and WUV is primarily bilingual – English and Korean.
The majority of our students have F-1 visas; however, any eligible visa holder or resident is welcome to take classes. Our students’ goals vary from wanting to improve their communication for daily living in the U.S. to studying English to eventually transfer to degree programs. Whatever your reason, we hope LFI can meet your educational goals. Note: Completion of the advanced levels of LFI serves as your proof of English skill for WUV degree programs. See Academics for more information about WUV’s degree programs.
INTERNATIONAL F-1 STUDENTS ONLY
For F-1 students, your I-20 will be issued for approximately 24 months, depending on your start date. Taking two classes fulfills your minimum requirement of 18 hours/week to maintain your I-20. More information about applying to the college, obtaining your I-20, and registering for classes can be found in the International Student Handbook under Resources.
CONTACT US
Washington University in Virginia
Phone E-mail Address
703-333-5904 info@wuv.edu 4300 Evergreen Lane Annandale, VA 22003
Director
Name Phone E-mail
Deanna D’Arcy 703-333-5904 (Ext.314) ddarcy@wuv.edu
PROGRAM
  • Located in Annandale (Virginia) near Washington, DC.
  • Six (6) start dates throughout the year, including mid-semester FLEX program and Summer program.
  • Two (2) Advanced levels
  • Two courses available for each level to fulfill F-1 requirements.
  • Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (18 hours per week)
  • Day Program: 9:15 am – 1:45 pm. (4 ½ hours per day)
  • Evening Program: 5:30pm – 10pm (4 ½ hours per day)
  • Small class-sizes: Teacher/student ratio = 1 instructor for 10 students (average)
  • Skilled and supportive faculty and staff
TUITION
  • Tuition includes: two required courses and placement testing.
  • Tuition rates vary depending on your status. (See below)
  • Other college fees for applying, registering, etc. can be found under Tuition & Fees or in the ESL Application.
International student (F1/J-1)
Semester Length Beginning Date Ending Date F-1 / J-1 Tuition
Fall 15 weeks early September mid December $ 2360
Spring 15 weeks early February mid May $ 2360
** For specific beginning and ending dates, see the Academic Calendar.
Resident & Non F1/J-1 Student
Semester Length Beginning Date Ending Date Resident & Non F1/J-1 Tuition
Fall 15 weeks early September mid December $ 1050
Spring 15 weeks early February mid May $ 1050
** For specific beginning and ending dates, see the Academic Calendar.
REFUND POLICY
Washington University of Virginia (and the Lingua Franca Institute) complies with the cancellation and refund policies of SCHEV. Please contact the Admission’s Office for more specific information.
CLASS SCHEDULE
LFI offers two courses at each level: Language Arts and Oral Communication. Both courses must be taken to meet F-1 visa requirements for full-time study. For other eligible visa holders and residents, you can take one or both courses. Each course focuses on the basic 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Language Arts course emphasizes reading and writing skills while the Oral Communication course emphasizes listening and speaking skills.
PLACEMENT TESTING
When you apply to our program, you will need to be placed in the appropriate level. Transfer and Change of Status applicants should make an appointment with the Director. If you transfer from another Intensive English school, please provide a certificate(s) of completion. Students must show that they have at least a low-advanced level of English skill when they apply. Please contact the Director for more information.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is important for learning a new language and developing relationships with teachers and classmates. Attendance is 20% of your semester grade. In addition, we enforce an Attendance Policy that you must follow to maintain your F-1 visa status. International students at LFI are required to maintain normal progress for F-1 requirements. ‘Normal progress’ means that students:
  1. study full-time (minimum of 18 hours/week), and
  2. attend at least 75% of the classes each semester, and
  3. comply with all school policies and financial obligations.
Percentage Number of Absences PER COURSE Result
100% – 80% 5 or fewer absences Good Standing
79% – 75% 6 absences Not Good Standing
Under 75% more than 6 absences I-20 Termination
This is for the entire Fall and Spring semester only. Totals are different for Flex and Summer sessions. Absences can be excused if you provide a note from a medical doctor. Excused absences are not counted in your total absences. If the college is closed due to bad weather or emergency, that day is excused. “Not Good Standing” = If your attendance percentage is between 75% – 80%, you are put on Probation at the college only. If you are on Probation for two (2) consecutive semesters, your I-20 may be terminated.
GRADES
Grades are calculated the same way for both courses.
Attendance PBR Quizzes/Homework Mid-term Exam Final Exam
13% 12% 30% 20% 25%
Grading Scale
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
100-95 94-90 86-89 83-85 80-82 76-79 73-75 70-72 66-69 63-65 62-60 below 60
Students are expected to maintain a “C+” or better in both courses. If your grade falls below a “C+”, you will be placed on Probation at the college. After two consecutive semesters on Probation, your I-20 may be terminated.
HELPFUL LINKS
GOALS OF LFI
  • Respect the learning needs and well-being of each student
  • Build on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the students in our program
  • Prepare meaningful lessons so that students may comprehend and communicate in written and spoken English at each level
  • Create a supportive and encouraging community of learning in which each student is valued and respected
  • Create an interactive, communicative class environment to give students the opportunity to learn, think, and develop English communication skills
  • Provide students with cultural knowledge and awareness recognizing that language and culture are closely related
  • Cultivate a diverse community of students and teachers, in which members learn from experience and practice
  • Encourage students to discuss issues in English outside the classroom
  • Balance variety and routine in instructional activities to accommodate the range of multiple learning styles of the students
  • Provide an educational environment built upon the values of LFI and characterized by consistent, ethical treatment
  • Create a teaching community holding shared values with LFI and appropriate academic and experiential credentials
  • Foster a diverse community of learners who are supported, encouraged, and valued
  • Create a curriculum that utilizes the English-speaking environment as a context and motivator for improving language proficiency of non-native speakers
PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAM
LFI’s instructional methodology is based on the communicative language teaching method. This method, supported by second language acquisition research, focuses on engaging students in a range of activities that involve meaningful, relevant communication. Simply put, it’s based on the idea that the primary goal of learning a language is to communicate. Making use of real-life, authentic situations encourage students to use and understand the English language. What changes from level to level is the growth and complexity of the communication and an increase in fluency and independence in the ability to respond in English in various settings to a wider range of speakers.
LFI’s curriculum is based on implementing these principles of learning:
  1. Students remember and understand English best through a hands-on, learning by doing approach.
  2. Activities need to be as rich, varied, and meaningful as possible.
  3. Classes are designed to promote cooperative and collaborative learning.
  4. Grammar is taught throughout the context of communicative tasks.
  5. Feedback to student’s errors should always be positive and need not be excessive.
  6. The classroom atmosphere should be relaxed, friendly, and supportive.