We are a program offering intensive English
instruction, cultural orientation, and academic preparation for students,
scholars, and professionals on a year-round basis. We prepare people for success
in academic and professional situations. Many, though not all, of our students
begin study in undergraduate or graduate 
programs at UNCG as they complete INTERLINK.
In our program, students work hard. There are challenging assignments, sometimes involving interviews, internet searches, and library research. Most writing assignments now involve computers. We show students how to do all these things.
INTERLINK is well-known and respected in
INTERLINK is not only about language tools
for success. We also want you to meet people from other countries and cultures,
and to learn about them and about yourself. We open doors for you to the people
and facilities of the University, with opportunities to meet students and
professors there, to visit their classes, to and experience life on a university
campus. We have field trips to other places in our city and community so that
you see other parts of
It is our mission to foster communication between people from very different backgrounds. We live in a world of global communication, but that does not automatically create a global community. We need to work together to enable understanding of differences between people and respect for their different traditions to grow and bring us really together.
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INTERLINK Language Centers
Intensive English, Academic Preparation, Cultural Orientation, and Assistance with University Placement
Committed to serving the needs of its students, INTERLINK provides a secure learning environment rich in linguistic and cultural opportunities for international students, scholars, and professionals who already have some background in English.
Highly motivated and
academically qualified students, scholars, business people, and
professionals.
A select group of full-time, dedicated
faculty with MA degrees in ESL or Linguistics, cross-cultural training and
experience, and commitment to a student-centered philosophy,
A five-level curriculum
emphasizing content-based learning, academic & cross-cultural skills, and
the communicative use of English.
Small classes to allow for individualized instruction.
Academic preparation to develop critical and analytical thinking skills and strategies necessary for success at American universities.
Experiential learning to increase self-confidence and independent learning skills.
Cultural orientation to reduce culture shock and encourage awareness, understanding, and respect for other cultures.
High standards and expectations (rigorous assignments, near perfect attendance, weekly progress reports, and rapid student progress)
Academic courses for audit or credit at the upper levels to give students experience in listening to academic lectures and note-taking.
Conditional admission for qualified students to UNCG and to other selected universities.
TOEFL waiver (no TOEFL requirement) for academically qualified students at INTERLINK's host universities.
Full access to campus facilities such as the library, computer and multi-media labs, swimming pool, tennis, volleyball, and racquetball courts, soccer fields, etc.
Competitive prices in affordable, safe locations.
The INTERLINK center is located in Foust Building, Administration Drive on the campus of THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, (UNCG) Greensboro, North Carolina.
UNCG offers a comprehensive range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
IV. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prospective students often have similar questions.
Applicants considering studying at INTERLINK will find the following questions
and answers helpful.
WHAT ARE THE INTERLINK PROGRAMS LIKE?
The INTERLINK programs are designed for
carefully screened, serious, and disciplined students. All full-time students
receive a minimum of 21-23 hours of instruction per week. Most students spend
3-5 additional hours per day studying and doing homework assignments. They also
participate in co-curricular activities such as concerts, lectures, and field
trips to local places of interest. In-depth orientation to academic and social
life in the
WHAT CHARACTERIZES THE INTERLINK CURRICULUM?
The well-defined, five-level curriculum is specifically designed for university-bound students. Therefore, it emphasizes the communicative use of English, academic skills, and cultural orientation.
WHO TEACHES THE STUDENTS AT INTERLINK?
INTERLINK courses are taught by professionally trained teachers, with MA degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language, who have taught in the U.S. and in other countries.
INTERLINK is not a program for beginners in English. The majority of INTERLINK students are undergraduate or graduate students preparing to attend colleges and universities in the U. S. A few are professionals who enroll in the program to improve their language proficiency for personal and professional reasons. All students have studied English already for at least a short time.
Students come from all major geographic
regions of the world, including the
HOW LONG DO STUDENTS STUDY AT INTERLINK?
This depends on a student's prior knowledge of English. A student's duration of stay at INTERLINK may range from nine weeks to fourteen months.
ARE CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AND TEST-TAKING PREPARATION AVAILABLE TO INTERLINK APPLICANTS?
Yes. Applicants with strong academic records may receive conditional admission without TOEFL to INTERLINK's host institutions and a select number of other universities. This service is provided free of charge to students planning to attend INTERLINK.
UNCG offers GMAT and GRE preparation at selected times at an additional charge.
HOW BIG ARE INTERLINK CLASSES?
We have intentionally chosen to be small so that individual attention can be given to each student. The maximum number of students in "core" courses is 12 (Writing) or 15 (Speaking); the average class size is 8.
Upon arrival, all students are tested in listening, speaking, reading and writing in order to determine their levels of proficiency. Each student is assigned to appropriate classes. During the term, students are evaluated primarily on the basis of their achievement of proficiency “benchmarks”. Attendance, preparation, homework, and participation are important in achievement of benchmarks, but students promotion is based on demonstration of skills, not these expected behaviors. Teachers evaluate students in every class and meet with students during the term to discuss their progress. At the end of the term, each student receives grades and comments on her/his work, based on teachers’ assessments.
DOES INTERLINK HELP WITH HOUSING?
Yes. On-campus housing is available to all applicants, though it is often not available for students arriving in August. UNCG housing includes: a mixed American-international student hall; a serious, no alcohol hall; traditional halls; or, when available and at extra cost, a suites hall in which four students share a living room and kitchen but have private bedrooms. A private dorm near the campus is a popular option, especially when on-campus housing is unavailable. There are also apartments off-campus which students can find which do not include the university meal plan.
WILL INTERLINK HELP ME IF I GET SICK?
Medical care or counseling is available to all students through college/university health facilities, and students are referred to private doctors or hospitals and professional counselors when there is a need. The INTERLINK directors and staff receive reports from teachers on students needing medical or personal attention and talk with students to see what kind of help is needed. All students are required to have medical insurance. Students can either enroll in the INTERLINK medical insurance plan upon arrival or use their own policy. The INTERLINK policy covers students beyond the end of the term in case they plan to travel between terms or before going home. The plan does not cover everything. Tests, vaccinations,and medications are not covered. It has a $100 deductible. Its purpose is to protect against a major illness or accident, not minor illness.
DOES INTERLINK HELP WITH UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT?
Yes. Students receive assistance in selecting and applying to appropriate colleges and universities. Our special relationship with UNCG makes it especially easy to be considered for admission there. Personal counseling from our faculty and staff help students find appropriate places to study after INTERLINK.
CAN I TAKE UNIVERSITY COURSES?
On a teacher's recommendation and with the director's approval, students in Levels Four and Five may audit one, or sometimes two, university classes (at no additional charge). Students in Level Five may take 1-2 undergraduate classes for credit while they are completing the INTERLINK program, though recent UNCG enrollment has limited the choices.Students who take courses for credit pay directly to the university for those courses. Payment must be made before the courses begin.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I BEGIN THE PROGRAM?
Qualified students may begin study at INTERLINK in January, March, May, August, or October. For application procedure, see the INTERLINK application form.
All students who have been accepted by
INTERLINK receive information about travel to the center, as well as emergency
telephone numbers. Student are asked to send their
arrival information to the center as soon as possible so that we can help
arrange accommodations. INTERLINK assists arriving students by arranging airport
pickup and, when appropriate, overnight stay at a hotel. The "Piedmont Triad
International" airport, located about nine kilometers from the UNCG campus has
service by Delta, USAirways. American, Continental, United,
WHEN DO I COME TO INTERLINK TO REGISTER?
Students report to the center on the day
indicated on their I-20 at
All fees are due on the day of registration. Checks, bank drafts, or traveler's checks drawn on a U.S. bank are recommended. Students may pay for their application fees and tuition by credit card. Other fees must be paid using the forms of payment indicated. Students should expect to spend about $250 for books and personal needs each term. INTERLINK offers assistance to students who want to open bank accounts upon arrival.
V. CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mr. Ahad Shahbaz, President INTERLINK Language Centers
2110 Bonvue Drive Golden, Colorado 80401
Tel: 303-278-8337
Fax: 303-278-4055
Ashahbaz@mines.edu
Dr. David
Parsons, Director INTERLINK Language Center/UNCG
P.O. Box 26170 Greensboro,
North Carolina 27402-6170
Tel: 336-334-4700
FAX: 336-334-4701
d_parson@uncg.edu ormailto:interlink@uncg.edu
www.uncg.edu/ipg/interlink
