At CESL, we have a strong commitment to providing the best possible academic intensive English language training, helping our students understand the culture of the United States and preparing our students for the university.
Haven't arrived in the U.S. yet? Read our Pre-Departure Information below.
On the International Student Services website, you will find helpful information about immigration, including important documents, transfer information, session break information and the process of moving from being a CESL student to taking classes at OU.
CESL students must attend CESL's new student orientation at the start of each session. The orientation covers many important topics.
OU ISS provides important immigration information on the first day of orientation. Please bring your passport to orientation, so we can make copies of your documents. If there is a problem with your documents, OU ISS can help you.
All CESL students are required to read and follow the guidelines in the Student Handbook. If any part of the handbook is unclear, please ask your instructor for help. Note: This document is subject to change. You should re-read this document at the beginning of every session.
To request a transcript for your CESL coursework only, please provide the following:
Digital transcripts will be sent via email.
Send transcript request to: esl@ou.edu.
NOTE: If you have any unpaid accounts with CESL, transcripts will not be produced until all payments have been made.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to assisting all members of the OU community in providing for their own safety and security. The website and report contain information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as crime prevention, fire safety, university police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus.
We realize that traveling to a foreign country is a huge event — it makes you excited and nervous at the same time. We hope to dispel some of your anxiety with the links below, outlining items and information you’ll need before your trip.
Center for English as a Second Language
Farzaneh Hall
729 Elm Avenue, Rm 114
Norman Oklahoma 73072
Telephone: (405) 325-2351
We have an expression here in Oklahoma:
"If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes. It will change!"
Bring a major credit card (like Visa or MasterCard) with you, if possible. Obtaining a credit card in the U.S. can be difficult or very expensive for an international student.
It is wise to have a budget (a plan showing how much money you will spend for each major aspect of your life while in the U.S.) and to know where that money will come from. In your application for admission and for a visa, you provided documents assuring that you have enough money for all of your expenses. If you do not actually have the money or access to it, you should not come to the United States.
Medical, dental, and vision care are very expensive in the United States. The student health insurance at OU does not cover dental and vision care. You can save money and get service in a more familiar setting if you receive medical, dental, and vision examinations and treatments before you leave your country.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security personnel at the port of entry are authorized to search you and your luggage when you seek admission to the U.S.
When you arrive at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), you will have access to many options to get from the airport to Norman.