FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration Questions:
How do I register for the
TOEFL Preparation course?
How far in advance should I
register?
Does Terra Nova have any entry
requirements?
How much should I pay for the TOEFL
Preparation course?
When should I pay my tuition fees?
What should I do if I do not meet the entry
requirements?
When can I start my preparation for the
TOEFL iBT?
Syllabus Questions:
What is the target
audience of the TOEFL Preparation course?
What are the schedule and duration of the
TOEFL Preparation course?
Is there any difference in the syllabus
between the fall and the spring semesters?
Will I have to purchase any books?
Will I study grammar and
vocabulary?
Will I practice model TOEFL iBT
tests?
Will my TOEFL Instructor speak Romanian or
Russian?
Will my TOEFL Instructor check my TOEFL iBT
essays?
Will the TOEFL Preparation course help me
understand American life and Americans better?
Will I get a certificate when I complete my
studies?
School Questions:
What type of educational
institution is Terra Nova?
How is Terra Nova different from other
English schools?
Is TOEFL Preparation the only course taught
at Terra Nova?
What qualifications does Terra Nova's TOEFL
Instructor have?
Where is the school located? Is it close to
public transportation?
What is the classroom like?
What kind of library does Terra Nova
have?
Can I visit Terra Nova to talk to the TOEFL
Instructor?
What are your average class sizes?
Will I get assistance with TOEFL iBT
registration in case I need it?
Will I get assistance with admission to
U.S. colleges and universities in case I need it?
Answers:
How do I register for the TOEFL Preparation course?
All our students are registered on a FCFS (first-come,
first-served) basis, taking into account the level of their
proficiency in English. Before registration, all our prospective
students must fill out the application form and send it along
with all supporting documents by e-mail directly to Terra Nova.
There is no application fee for the TOEFL Preparation course.
After the application documents have been received and carefully
considered by the TOEFL instructor, the applicant will be invited
for registration. At the time of registration, all our
prospective students must pass an evaluation test consisting of a
short written grammar exercise and an oral interview, which is
offered free of charge and obligation. The testing of our new
students is carried out every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our
prospective students can also take the evaluation test by
appointment. There is no testing during the summer break and when
official public holidays are observed in the Republic of Moldova
or in the United States.
How far in advance should I register?
Please consider the fact that the enrollment in our TOEFL
Preparation course is very competitive and you may wish to
register at least several months in advance. All our students are
registered on a FCFS (first-come, first-served) basis, taking
into account the level of their proficiency in English.
Does Terra Nova have any entry requirements?
Enrollment in the TOEFL Preparation course is limited to
students who already have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 65 or an
equivalent level of academic English (upper-intermediate to
advanced). Prior to enrollment, all our prospective students must
pass an evaluation test consisting of a short written grammar
exercise and an oral interview, which is offered free of charge
and obligation. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion
of the TOEFL instructor.
How much should I pay for the TOEFL Preparation course?
It is one of the policies of Terra Nova to keep our tuition
fees at the LOWEST level in Chişinău. The tuition fee
for the TOEFL Preparation course taught in the fall semester of
the 2010/2011 academic year is set at €200. The fee INCLUDES
the cost of provided handouts and other supporting materials, the
cost of TOEFL iBT essay checking (Terra Nova is the only place in
Chişinău where students' essays are regularly checked;
students can bring for checking as many essays as they want), the
cost of out-of-class counseling sessions with the instructor, the
cost of movie sessions (organized on Saturdays), and the cost of
2 textbooks (€15). There is NO APPLICATION FEE for the TOEFL
Preparation course. Our school offers several types of discounts.
The students who have previously studied at Terra Nova have a
discount of 10%. If more members of the same family study at the
school, everyone has a discount of 5%. Groups of more than 5
people are offered a discount of 5% for each member. Groups of
more than 10 people are offered a discount of 10% for each
member. The total discount sum for each person cannot exceed
15%.
When should I pay my tuition fees?
In comparison with all other English schools in Moldova, our
students do not need to pay the tuition fees prior to or at the
time of their enrollment. We give our students 2 weeks to decide
if they want to take our TOEFL Preparation course or not.
However, the tuition fees must be paid in full at the end of the
2-week period.
What should I do if I do not meet the entry requirements?
Our TOEFL Preparation course is designed for
upper-intermediate and advanced English students. Prior to
enrollment, all prospective students should pass an evaluation
test consisting of a short grammar exercise and an interview. If
the level of a prospective student is lower than that required
for taking the course, the student is given recommendations on
how to improve the general level of his or her English or a
particular language skill.
When can I start my preparation for the TOEFL iBT?
We have two academic sessions, or semesters, in an academic
year. The duration of each semester is 3.5 months (15 weeks),
which is an optimal period of time for adequate TOEFL iBT
preparation.
2010/2011 ACADEMIC YEAR:
FALL SEMESTER: September 13, 2010 - December 24, 2010 (3.5 months
/ 15 weeks)
SPRING SEMESTER: January 24, 2011 - May 6, 2011 (3.5 months / 15
weeks)
We are planning to teach 5 groups in the fall semester (TOEFL 1
meeting at 9:30 a.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 2 meeting at 4:30 p.m. on
M.W.F.; TOEFL 3 meeting at 7:00 p.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 4 meeting
at 3:00 p.m. on Tu.Th.; and TOEFL 5 meeting at 6:30 p.m. on
Tu.Th.). The fall semester will start on September 13, 2010 (for
TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and September 14, 2010 (for TOEFL 4 and 5) and
will end on December 24, 2010 (for TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and
December 23, 2010 (for TOEFL 4 and 5).
We are planning to teach 5 groups in the spring semester (TOEFL 1
meeting at 9:30 a.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 2 meeting at 4:30 p.m. on
M.W.F.; TOEFL 3 meeting at 7:00 p.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 4 meeting
at 3:00 p.m. on Tu.Th.; and TOEFL 5 meeting at 6:30 p.m. on
Tu.Th.). The spring semester will start on January 24, 2011 (for
TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and January 25, 2011 (for TOEFL 4 and 5) and
will end on May 6, 2011 (for TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and May 5, 2011
(for TOEFL 4 and 5).
What is the target audience of the TOEFL Preparation course?
Our TOEFL Preparation course is designed specifically for
upper-intermediate- to advanced-level non-native English
speakers. This unique, comprehensive study program not only
focuses on the skills that you need to score well on the TOEFL
iBT, but also helps you understand academic English better,
perfect your grammar- and style-related accuracy, significantly
enrich your vocabulary, polish up your listening and speaking
skills, improve your reading speed and comprehension, develop
your writing skills, and increase your knowledge of the United
States. In other words, our unique TOEFL iBT preparation program
is an amalgam of TOEFL iBT preparation, advanced English language
skills acquisition, and American studies.
What are the schedule and duration of the TOEFL Preparation course?
Our academic year is divided into 2 academic sessions, or
semesters. The duration of each semester is 3.5 months (15
weeks), which is an optimal period of time for thorough TOEFL iBT
preparation. However, some of our students choose to take both
semesters for thorough TOEFL preparation since the teaching
materials used in the fall semester are different from those used
in the spring semester. While our course textbooks in the fall
semester are based on Cambridge TOEFL iBT preparation materials,
the books and handouts used in the spring semester are based
entirely on Barron's TOEFL iBT preparation materials.
Our TOEFL Preparation course is taught either 3 times per week -
on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - or 2 times per week - on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. The duration of the lesson is either 2
hours (if there are 3 meetings per week) and 3 hours (if there
are 2 meetings per week). The break is optional.
2010/2011 ACADEMIC YEAR:
FALL SEMESTER: September 13, 2010 - December 24, 2010 (3.5 months
/ 15 weeks)
SPRING SEMESTER: January 24, 2011 - May 6, 2011 (3.5 months / 15
weeks)
We are planning to teach 5 groups in the fall semester (TOEFL 1
meeting at 9:30 a.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 2 meeting at 4:30 p.m. on
M.W.F.; TOEFL 3 meeting at 7:00 p.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 4 meeting
at 3:00 p.m. on Tu.Th.; and TOEFL 5 meeting at 6:30 p.m. on
Tu.Th.). The fall semester will start on September 13, 2010 (for
TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and September 14, 2010 (for TOEFL 4 and 5) and
will end on December 24, 2010 (for TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and
December 23, 2010 (for TOEFL 4 and 5).
We are planning to teach 5 groups in the spring semester (TOEFL 1
meeting at 9:30 a.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 2 meeting at 4:30 p.m. on
M.W.F.; TOEFL 3 meeting at 7:00 p.m. on M.W.F.; TOEFL 4 meeting
at 3:00 p.m. on Tu.Th.; and TOEFL 5 meeting at 6:30 p.m. on
Tu.Th.). The spring semester will start on January 24, 2011 (for
TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and January 25, 2011 (for TOEFL 4 and 5) and
will end on May 6, 2011 (for TOEFL 1, 2, and 3) and May 5, 2011
(for TOEFL 4 and 5).
Is there any difference in the syllabus between the fall and the spring semesters?
Our academic year is divided into 2 academic sessions, or
semesters. Even though most of our students choose to take our
TOEFL Preparation course only once, some decide to study for two
semesters. The teaching materials that are used in the two
semesters are different. While the TOEFL iBT component of the
syllabus in the fall semester is based entirely on the latest,
fourth, edition of Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT,
published by Cambridge University Press, our TOEFL iBT
preparation materials used in the spring semester have been
developed on the basis of the latest, twelfth, edition of
Barron's TOEFL iBT Preparation Guide and other materials
developed by Barron's Educational Series.
Will I have to purchase any books?
In the fall semester, the course textbooks are (1) TOEFL iBT
(based on Cambridge TOEFL iBT preparation materials and materials
developed by the TOEFL instructor) and (2) Grammar, Style, and
Vocabulary Review (written by the TOEFL instructor).
In the spring semester, the course textbooks are (1) TOEFL iBT
(based on Barron's TOEFL iBT preparation materials and materials
developed by the TOEFL instructor) and (2) Grammar, Style, and
Vocabulary Review (written by the TOEFL instructor).
Your tuition fee (€200) INCLUDES the cost of the textbooks
(€15) and other didactic materials.
Will I study grammar and vocabulary?
Yes, you will - you can't have success on the TOEFL iBT
without a very good knowledge of advanced grammar and vocabulary.
But the way the studying of grammatical structures and lexical
units is approached at Terra Nova is very different from that in
a general English course.
Will I practice model TOEFL iBT tests?
Practicing model TOEFL iBT tests borrowed from Barron's TOEFL
iBT, Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT, McGraw-Hill's TOEFL
iBT (The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT), Longman Preparation
Course for the TOEFL iBT, Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT,
Princeton's Cracking the TOEFL iBT, Kaplan's TOEFL iBT, and other
excellent TOEFL iBT preparation guides is crucial for success on
the actual TOEFL iBT. During each step in your TOEFL iBT
preparation course, our TOEFL instructor will familiarize you
with the TOEFL iBT structure, format, and test content. You will
take realistic practice tests with actual TOEFL iBT questions to
measure your progress. You will explore each question type in
detail and learn critical test taking strategies, which will help
you "crack" the TOEFL iBT code. Our single goal is to make you an
expert in the TOEFL iBT and to give you the confidence and skills
you need to achieve your target score.
During the last 2 months of each semester, our TOEFL instructor
administers 3 TOEFL iBT simulations, which closely resemble the
actual TOEFL iBT, in order to evaluate the overall progress of
the students. By taking our TOEFL iBT simulations, our students
can experience the real TOEFL iBT atmosphere, evaluate their
strengths and weaknesses, and estimate the level of their
preparedness for taking the actual TOEFL iBT. All our students
are encouraged to participate in the TOEFL iBT simulations before
taking the actual TOEFL iBT. Upon passing the TOEFL iBT
simulations successfully (with a total TOEFL score exceeding
100), Terra Nova issues a document certifying the completion of
the TOEFL Preparation course by the student. The certificate is
signed by the director of the school and bears the official
stamp, contact information, and the logo of Terra Nova.
Will my TOEFL Instructor speak Romanian or Russian?
No, he will not. At Terra Nova, we have a strict English-only
policy. While our students are in class or participate in school
activities or events, they must speak English and ONLY English.
Writing, reading, speaking, or listening to any language other
than English are not permitted. Our strict English-only policy
promotes a serious studying atmosphere, facilitates learning
test-taking strategies, and accelerates the process of acquiring
advanced English language skills.
Will my TOEFL Instructor check my TOEFL iBT essays?
Believe it or not, Terra Nova is the only place in
Chişinău where students' essays are regularly checked.
Every Saturday our students can bring as many essays for checking
as they want. Those students who work or study on Saturdays or
just cannot come to our office on Saturday for any other reason,
can send their TOEFL essays by e-mail.
Will the TOEFL Preparation course help me understand American life and Americans better?
While preparing for the TOEFL iBT, which is an American
English test, our students explore American history, geography,
politics and government, health care, education, legal rights and
responsibilities, consumer behavior, social customs and values,
etc. Our course books are full of interesting facts about many
different facets of living in the U.S. Sometimes the TOEFL
instructor invites guest speakers from the U.S. and other
English-speaking countries. Our TOEFL Preparation course helps
our students understand American life and Americans better and
avoid many cultural problems while in the U.S.
Will I get a certificate when I complete my studies?
Upon passing 3 TOEFL iBT simulations successfully (with a
total TOEFL iBT score exceeding 100), Terra Nova issues a
document certifying the completion of the TOEFL Preparation
course by the student. The certificate is signed by the director
of the school and bears the official stamp, contact information,
and the logo of Terra Nova.
What type of educational institution is Terra Nova?
Terra Nova is a private educational institution providing
advanced English language studies. It is the only specialized
TOEFL preparation center in the Republic of Moldova. Founded in
September 1998, Terra Nova began its journey with only 10
students and a mission to provide intensive TOEFL preparation and
advanced English education of high quality. At present, Terra
Nova boasts an annual enrollment of more than 100 students.
Different courses used to be taught at Terra Nova. In 2005, when
the TOEFL iBT was introduced, the school decided to focus on
teaching only one course, TOEFL Preparation.
How is Terra Nova different from other English schools?
Many English schools exist in Chişinău, about half a
dozen of them offering TOEFL preparation classes. Some of those
schools are well known in the city as a result of their incessant
aggressive advertising campaigns. They boast of their high
enrollments and earnings. They teach everybody, from beginners to
advanced students, and everything, from English for Kids to
Business English. According to an old proverb, the big fish eat
up the small... This is not our case! Why do people choose Terra
Nova? Why do they prefer our small and highly specialized school
to those versatile linguistic monsters? Our students give many
cogent reasons for having enrolled in our school to prepare for
the TOEFL iBT with us. Read about "OUR STRENGTHS" (the link is in
the left frame on this page) to understand what makes Terra Nova
different from other English schools existing in
Chişinău.
Is TOEFL Preparation the only course taught at Terra Nova?
Yes, it is. Different courses used to be taught at Terra Nova.
In 2005, when the TOEFL iBT was introduced, the school decided to
focus on teaching only one course, TOEFL Preparation.
What qualifications does Terra Nova's TOEFL Instructor have?
Our TOEFL Instructor has native English speaker competence.
His considerable American experience is perfectly blended with
his broad educational and professional backgrounds, which is
extremely important to any TOEFL instructor. In 1996, he received
a research assistantship to be able to study at Purdue University
in West Lafayette, IN, USA. In the summer of 1997, while a
student at Purdue, he interned at the U.S. Forest Service Pacific
Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR, USA. In May 1998, he
successfully completed his graduate program and got his master's
degree from Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural
Resources. In August-December 2001, he did research on natural
resource management, policy, and conservation issues, conducted
research trips to Hawaii, Colorado, and Ohio, and attended
classes at the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and
Management of the College of Natural Resources at the University
of California at Berkeley, CA, USA. Since then, he has
participated in a number of programs and projects sponsored by
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S.
Department of State. Our TOEFL instructor has extensive English
teaching experience. Since 1998, he has been preparing students
of different ages and cultural and linguistic backgrounds for
taking the TOEFL. Enthusiastic and creative, he will also help
YOU master English!
Where is the school located? Is it close to public transportation?
Our school is located in the very heart of Rîşcani
Sector, Chişinău, at the intersection of Moscova
Boulevard and Miron Costin Street. Our close neighbors are the
largest Rîşcani branch of Agroindbank,
Rîşcani Sector Civil Registration Office, Marks (a
shopping center), Giant (a bicycle retail and service store),
Jardi (a convenience store), Linella (a convenience store), Jar
Pizza (a fast-food restaurant), La Plăcinte (a fast-food
restaurant), and Andy's Pizza (a fast-food restaurant). The
Soviet-Afghan War Memorial is located right across Moscova
Boulevard. A McDonald's restaurant and a Green Hills supermarket
are situated only one block from the center. Shopping...
Restaurants... The best of old and new Chişinău is
within walking distance! Trackless trolley, bus, and minibus
lines are minutes away. We are near everything!
Our classroom is equipped with a computer, a printer, a tape
recorder, a TV set, a DVD player, and headphones, which is
crucial for efficient TOEFL iBT preparation. The room is fully
air-conditioned. There is always potable water (cold and hot) in
the office, and so are complimentary Greenfield
teas and Roshen candies. We make every effort to create a
homey atmosphere in our school, which, we believe, is one of the
keys to fruitful acquisition of advanced English language skills
and efficient TOEFL iBT preparation.
What kind of library does Terra Nova have?
Terra Nova has a library of audio and video materials,
including an impressive collection of movies (in English, with
English subtitles). All our students can check out one or two
video discs at a time. Videos circulate for three days. We do not
charge our students for borrowing videos. All our students can
also attend movie sessions organized on Saturdays.
Terra Nova has a small library of books and periodicals. All our
students can check out one or two books at a time. Most books
have a two-week lending (circulation) period and may be renewed
for an additional one week. Reference books (such as
encyclopedias or dictionaries) circulate overnight only. They may
be picked up at the end of the day and returned the next morning
before the classes begin. Magazines circulate for one week. We do
not charge our students for borrowing books and periodicals.
Terra Nova has a good collection of TOEFL-related computer
programs. All our students can check out one computer program at
a time. Most programs can be checked out for 3 days. We do not
charge our students for borrowing TOEFL-related computer
program.
Can I visit Terra Nova to talk to the TOEFL Instructor?
If you have any questions about Terra Nova, our TOEFL
Preparation course, our TOEFL Instructor, or the TOEFL iBT, stop
by our office. The best time for visiting our school is from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Please note that our school is
closed when official public holidays are observed in the Republic
of Moldova or in the United States.
What are your average class sizes?
We have a high teacher/student ratio, averaging only 7-9
students per class. English is learned with practice; it's only
natural that the smaller the classes, the more rapidly your
language abilities will improve. Likewise, for fruitful TOEFL iBT
preparation, it is crucial that the class size be as small as
possible.
Will I get assistance with TOEFL iBT registration in case I need it?
Registering for the TOEFL iBT is not difficult. The official
TOEFL iBT website provides online registration, which is the
easiest way to register, and payment by credit/debit card (VISA,
American Express, JCB, MasterCard, or Discover cards), which is
the easiest method of payment for the test. If you want to avoid
potential registration problems and if you do not have one of the
aforementioned credit/debit cards, Terra Nova can register you
for the TOEFL iBT for a small fee of U.S. $10.
Will I get assistance with admission to U.S. colleges and universities in case I need it?
Every day our students ask us tens of questions about admission to U.S. colleges and universities: "What is the structure of U.S. higher education?", "What is the difference between a college and a university? What is a community college?", "Where can I find a searchable list of United States institutions of higher education?", "What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees?", "How many universities should I apply to?", "Which colleges and universities are the best? Is there a way to tell?", "What are the requirements for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?", "What documents must I submit for admission?", "Which standardized tests will I be required to take?", "When are the university application deadlines?", "How much does it cost to study in the U.S.?", "Is it possible to study in the U.S. free of charge?", "What type of visa do I need to become an academic student in the United States?", etc. Our TOEFL Instructor will provide you with information about applying to U.S. colleges and universities, answer all of your questions about admission, and give you valuable recommendations on your application documents, including your CV, transcripts, cover or motivation letters, essays, recommendation letters, etc.