Arrive at FIU

Welcome! We are glad you are coming to our Institute. Here is all the information you need to begin your studies at the FIU ELI.

We hope this guide is helpful, but if you should still have any questions, please contact us. We are here to help you!

Reporting

You must report to the English Language Institute’s Registrar’s Office immediately upon your arrival. If you arrive after office hours, please come to the office during the morning the next day. Bring all your documents (passport, I-20, etc.) with you. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Placement Testing

You will take a placement test to determine your level. The placement test is a set of sub-tests that will determine your skills in grammar, reading, vocabulary and conversation. The entire process will take about 4 hours.

If for any reason you cannot be here for the scheduled testing date, you can still take the placement test before you begin classes. Check with the Registration Office for alternative testing days.

Orientation

Orientation usually takes place over a two-day period following placement testing. Orientation is very important. At orientation, you will receive your class schedule showing your level in each skill. You will also receive a book-list and other materials, as well as a student handbook describing the University and the ELI policies.

Representatives from banks and other agencies will be there to help answer your questions, and there will be a tour of the University to familiarize you with all that it has to offer. Remember, orientation is important, so please be there.

Food

If you want to buy a meal plan, you should check with the cafeteria after your arrival. There are many options available. Also, there are many fast-food and full-service restaurants just across the street from the University, as well as in the surrounding area. You will be surprised at how low the price of food in Miami can be! There is also a supermarket (Publix) right across the street from the University.

Medication

If you need to take medication, make sure you bring with you the brand name as well as the medical name or description of the medication you are taking. In all probability, the medication will be available in the U.S., but under a different name, so the medical description will be necessary.

Shopping

If you like to go shopping, you have come to the right place. Miami is a shopper’s paradise. In fact, many people come to Miami just to shop! Everything available under the sun is here. There are four malls within a short distance from the University:

International Mall (10 minutes away)

Dolphin Mall (10 minutes away)

Mall of the Americas (15 minutes away)

Dadeland Mall (20 minutes away)

Local Transportation

While there is a public transportation system and there are buses that leave from the University, most people drive their own cars. Many students rent cars to visit points of interest in the city at their leisure. Around the University, students walk, ride bikes, or take a University shuttle also known as CATS, which stops at various points on campus.

If you wish to drive, you can use your country’s driver license for a short time. However, after that, you must have a valid Florida Driver License. You can obtain your Florida Driver License at the Florida Highway Patrol office conveniently situated right across the street from the University.

More About Miami

Would you like more information about Miami? Contact:

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700
Miami, FL 33131
E-mail: visitor@miamiandbeaches.com
Website: http://www.miamiandbeaches.com