Frequently Asked Questions

Each class has students who have about the same level of English competency. When you first arrive, you'll have a face-to-face interview and take several tests to determine your level of English. There is a writing test and a computerized test that measures your ability in reading, grammar and listening. The information from the interview and the tests is used to place you into the appropriate level. There are four levels: Basic, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Advanced.

It depends on your English ability when you enter the program, and it depends on your goals. Many of our students plan to enter an American college or university. For example, a student who is placed into Intermediate II should plan to study for 2 to 4 sessions in order to be prepared for college or university study. A student placed into Basic should plan to study for a minimum of one year (5 sessions). Advanced students who already have acceptance to a university may decide to study English for just one session. Often, these advanced students come in the summer to improve their speaking and listening skills.

Many of our students, on the other hand, come to study English for their job or professional career, or for practical purposes such as travel or communication with friends. The number of sessions these students take often depends on their schedule, as well as progress toward their goals.

Always remember that some students can learn a language more quickly than others, and this affects how long it takes to reach their goals.

You need to send us a completed application, a financial statement, a recent photograph, and the application processing fee. Once these documents have been reviewed, the I-20 Form can be issued. If there is a problem, we will contact you immediately. Otherwise, we can send the I-20 within a few days. If you request express mail, it usually takes at least one week to arrive in your country.

Occasionally we can provide students with the names of families who are interested in hosting an international student. However, the availability of homestay families varies, and sometimes it can be difficult to find a homestay family. Students who live in the campus dormitories have much interaction with American students.

The cost for an apartment varies. We can recommend a good apartment-finding service. Please see the Application Form for more details.

Because we are a wholly self-supporting program, we are not able to offer scholarships.

Our program is very international. During any one session, we typically have students from 15 to 20 different countries. Over the last two years, 55% of our students have been from Asia, 20% from Latin America, 15% from the Middle East, 9% from Europe, and 1% from other regions of the world.