The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

English Language Study at FIT

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) offers two full-time intensive English as a Second Language programs. Located in Chelsea, a vibrant, centrally-located neighborhood in the heart of New York City, FIT offers associate, bachelor and graduate programs and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY).

The Intensive English Language program (IEL at FIT) consists of high-quality full-time instruction in English as a Second Language during the fall or spring semester. IEL at FIT capitalizes on the cutting-edge reputation of Professional Studies for fashion-related career education and training.  IEL at FIT offers students the following opportunities:

• learn from faculty members with professional degrees in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or Applied Linguistics
• increase their English proficiency
• gain insight to American culture
• learn to communicate in global work environments
• benefit from a program that offers a level of English complementary to pursuing college-level studies in the United States, including a TOEFL Prep course and specialized English course electives relevant to the fashion-related industries
• gain exposure to New York City as a key fashion resource in the global market place

Requirements:

Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be 18 years of age or older.
• have successfully completed their secondary (high school) education and supply translated transcripts.
• demonstrate at least intermediate proficiency in English. (ability to discuss topics and events in present, past, and future tenses; ability to ask for help and directions; or scored 40 or higher on the iBT TOEFL or scored of 3.5 or higher on the IELTS)
• demonstrate a strong interest in improving one’s English and a desire to live in New York City, a large city with a diverse population.
• obtain an F-1 visa, have an L2 visa, hold a green card or be a US citizen. Students may not participate in this program on a B1/B2 visa.

Course of Study:

In the morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. students have a core program, consisting of Listening & Speaking on Mondays and Wednesdays and Reading/Writing/Grammar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students choose electives for three afternoons a week, which meet from 2-4. Choices include TOEFL Preparation, English for the Fashion Industry, English for Artists and Designers, Pronunciation, Oral Presentation Skills and Conversation. At the end of the program, successful students earn a Professional Studies Certificate of Completion.

There are occasional field trips on Fridays. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to take advantage of FIT’s resources including selected Hot Topics classes, guest speakers, the FIT Museum, Student Life activities and clubs, the fitness center and more.

FIT’s ESL/Fashion Business Program, which has been offered in the summer for over 10 years, attracts students from over 25 countries and has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence. The program runs for three weeks and consists of a combination of an ESL course, activities in fashion business and design topics, and field trips around New York City. Students meet a variety of fashion-related industry experts in the classroom and at special events. At the end of the program, successful students earn a Professional Studies Certificate of Completion.

ESL Program of Study

The curriculum is designed for students with intermediate or advanced English-language skills. Focussing on language relevant to fashion and design, the ESL course concentrates on oral communication skills and/or business writing. Students are tested and placed at an appropriate level ESL course prior to the first class:

ESL Course Levels: Low Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced, or Business Writing Composition, or ESL Elite/Accelerated Level.

Fashion Tracks Program of Study
Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Styling & Reporting
Global Fashion Business Marketing Elite / Accelerated Level 

Course Schedule

ESL course: Daily, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fashion track: Daily, 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. 

Field trips on Fridays and a few special evening events are mandatory.

Requirements:

• Students must be at least 18 years old and have completed their secondary education.
• Students must submit a completed application, including the required essay.
• For the Global Fashion Business Marketing Elite / Accelerated Level tracks students must submit a professional resume and a one page essay in English describing their fashion employment and experience.

Degree