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Agents' Manual
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CONTENTS:
Introduction
What's New in 2004
General Information
Bookings
Confirmations
Arrival Information
       Where to Go
       The First Day
       Payment
       Accommodation
Payment
       Cancellations/Withdrawals
Advice to Students Paying IH Directly
       Bank Drafts/Transfers
Commission Rates
Payment of Commissions
Group Bookings
Brief Information on Courses
       General English
       Academic English Program
       Cambridge Examinations Courses
       Other Examinations
       Executive Courses in Business English
       Summer in America Young Learners
Travel Information
       Arrival
       Emergency Numbers
       Taxi/Shuttle Services
Medical Emergencies
Visas
Accommodations
       Homestay Code of Practice
       Accommodation Options
       General Information
Social Program
Appendix: Other IH Centers

INTRODUCTION
International House offers three locations: Portland, Oregon, San Francisco and Santa Monica, California. All schools are small to medium-sized, year-round schools of English, Teacher-Training, and Modern Languages. All three locations also offer a comprehensive program of Executive Courses.

IH Portland and Santa Monica are recognized in each state by the Department of Education, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (to issue I-20 authorization for F-1 student visas), are members of TESOL and NAFSA, and are members of the International House World Organization.

International House offers:

  • General English Courses for adult learners (year-round)
    » Portland and Santa Monica
  • Let’s Talk (Conversation course)
    » All locations
  • Academic English Program
    » Portland and Santa Monica
  • Cambridge Examination Courses
    » Portland and Santa Monica (January, March, September)
  • Young Learners Courses Summer in America—Summer residential
    » Portland & Santa Monica
  • Groups—Homestay or Apartments
    » All Locations
  • Executive Courses in Business & General English
    » All locations
  • InHouse Tuition—(In-home learning)
    » All locations
  • Teacher Training Courses
  • Cambridge—CELTA
    » All locations
  • Cambridge—DELTA
    » Portland
  • Foreign Teachers
    » Portland
  • Courses in Modern Languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
    » Portland and Santa Monica

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WHAT'S NEW IN 2004
IH World Organization looks forward to an exciting year—celebrating 51 years! Plans are being made around the world to mark the occasion with special offers, workshops, special events, and parties. We hope to see many of you this year at the IH Agents’ Workshop in Seville and hope you will come join the fun at IH this year!

What's New in Portland:
IELTS continues strong growth in the United States. We expect a candidature of at least 600 this year. General English is holding, and there are renewed signs of growth after two very sluggish years. New INS regulations and oversight have had an impact on enrollments, but things seem to have settled down now, and we expect the system to work smoothly and without some of the difficulties we all experienced last year. Teacher Training is strong again and expected to grow. We have added one course to the schedule of each center this year. Some of you have the notion that Portland is rainy—we can’t deny this, but did you know that we usually get 1/2 the rain of Florida—and we think we are twice as beautiful!

What's New in San Francisco:
The sale of San Francisco to TALK was reversed in June of 2003. Unfortunately, not before the school was temporarily closed. IH is again teaching in San Francisco, but with premises that are rented as needed. We continue to hire former IH staff and teachers on as-needed basis. We welcome all clients for these programs: Executive One-to-One, Closed-group Executive, General One-to-One, InHouse Tuition, group bookings, Let’s Talk in February, March, October, November, and December.

What's New in Santa Monica:
Students continue to flock to this wonderful beach town. Since ELS has moved out of Santa Monica, IH remains the only school that remains in this ideal location. Students can walk to the beach after class and enjoy all that this city has to offer, nestled in a safe, clean, pocket of Los Angeles—and all it has to offer as a world-class city. There have been some staff changes this year: Natalina was brought on board in summer to take over housing and activities duties and she is doing a spectacular job. Students love her. Chris Atkins is managing the business side of things as well has being a CELTA and DELTA trainer. Angela McChesney is the English language program coordinator and DOS. It’s our Dream Team!

In the Classroom
In addition to our well-established programs, we want to invite our valued agents to ask us for special proposals to suit special groups. This area is a growing sector of our business and one that we feel sets us apart from other schools. We are dedicated to meeting market need in order to help you sell the courses that your clients want.

Who's New?
San Francisco:
Many of the same staff and teachers teach on our San Francisco courses. Facilities are arranged prior to each course.

Santa Monica:
Jenna Roper has been appointed as a teacher and housing coordinator. Simon Smith has come on board as a teacher and activities coordinator. Fabian Rawnsley has been promoted to DOS. Genevieve Fenster has been appointed as Office Administrator. In December 2003, we have welcomed a transfer teacher from IH Mexico City.

Portland:
Mary Pickett has been appointed as Director of Teacher Training. Valerie Anctil, who trained with us and then went to teach in Korea and the Czech Republic has joined us as Registrar replacing Kirstin Bill who left to have her baby) and Corporate Development Administrator. Lindsay Wills has returned from teaching in Spain to head up the AuPair training program and children’s language program. Yusuf Sucuru, formerly with IH Istanbul, is our intern.

Hope to see many of you this year in our marketing travels! Please visit us!

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GENERAL INFORMATION
PORTLAND (Headquarters) SAN FRANCISCO SANTA MONICA
International House
200 SW Market Street Suite 111
Portland, OR 97201
USA
Tel: 1 (503) 224-1960
Fax: 1 (503) 224-2041
  International House
1148 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
USA
Tel: 1 (310) 394-8618
Fax: 1 (310) 394-2708
General email for all centers: info@ih-portland.com
Website: www.ih-usa.com
NB: For all bookings and marketing information contact the Portland head office.


FOR SPECIFIC DEPARTMENTS
Department Contact Person E-mail
Bookings/I-20s Kirstin Bill info@ih-portland.com
Housing/Arrivals Coordinator Portland: Dianne Barrett
San Francisco: Dianne Barrett
Santa Monica: Jenna Roper
housing@ih-portland.com
housing@ih-portland.com
housing@ih-santamonica.com
Invoicing/Billing Linda Galas lgalas@ih-portland.com
Marketing Lindsay Wills marketing@ih-portland.com
DOS Portland: Linda Galas
San Francisco: Linda Galas
Santa Monica: Fabian Rawnsley
lgalas@ih-portland.com
lgalas@ih-portland.com
dos@ih-santamonica.com

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BOOKINGS
Bookings may be made:

  • By completing an IH Enrollment Form online or requesting one
  • By using your own booking form if it includes the same information as the IH booking form. Then send it to us by: (a) telephone (b) fax (c) email (d) web

Checklist of booking information needed:

  • Center
  • LAST NAME, First name
  • Gender
  • Date of Birth (Day, month, year)
  • Place of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Profession
  • Course type / hours per day
  • Course start date
  • Number of weeks of study
  • Level of English
  • Type of accommodation (Homestay /Halfboard or B&B, Furnished Apartment, Residence Hotel, etc.)
  • Single or shared room (two people must book at the same time)
  • Smoker/Non-smoker
  • Allergies/Dietary restrictions
  • Hobbies/Sports
  • Other interests or information that will help us make a good homestay match

All students will be tested upon arrival and placed at an appropriate level. Examination students are encouraged to complete the placement test prior to booking a course so we can advise the student of his/her suitability. A test and answer key can be sent to you on request.

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CONFIRMATIONS
All bookings need to be confirmed. Agent's may not send students onto a course without confirmation. If you book a course and do not receive a Confirmation within two business days, please re-fax the booking. If we are unable to book the student because the course that the student is applying for is full, we will send you a notice that we are not able to accept the student. We will then tell you the first available course date or offer alternative solutions. It is impossible for IH to notify individual agents that a course is full in advance of a booking. We will try to post this information on the website when possible.

Bookings will be confirmed in the following way:

  • Fax/Email/Web: We will confirm the booking by return fax within two business bookings: days. F-1 student visa authorization forms (I-20) will be posted within two business days after confirmation for those students who require them, and invoices will be faxed within seven business days after confirmation.
  • Postal bookings: We will confirm the booking either by return post or fax within two business days. F-1 student visa authorization forms (I-20) will be posted within two business days following confirmation for those students who require them, and invoices will be faxed or posted within seven business days following confirmation.

Additional notes:

  • If you require an original invoice, please note this at the time of booking. Otherwise, only the I-20 Form will be posted.
  • If you are booking a course less than 30 days before the start date, please note that you need 'Urgent' handling. We will inform you immediately if we can accept the student. If we can we will then process the booking the same day and send the documentation via Federal Express or DHL. These charges will appear on the booking invoice.
  • We will confirm accommodation at the time of booking; however, we cannot usually book accommodation more than 30 days prior to the student's arrival. We will fax details at least 30 days prior to the course start date.

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ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Where to go:

  • Portland: We are located on SW Market Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues downtown. Bus numbers 35, 36, 38, 54, 56, 92x, 95, 96x, and 98x stop directly in front of the school. All other buses stop within 2 - 6 blocks of the school. The center is located on the first mezzanine level. You may enter the center through the exterior entrance to the left of the escalators or enter from inside the lobby, first entrance to your left.
  • San Francisco: We are located Market street where the Cable Car turns around and goes back to Fisherman's Wharf. Buses and the metro line are one block from the school. The center occupies the southwest corner of the 6th floor.
  • Santa Monica: We are located on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and 6th Street. Most buses stop within a block of the school on Wilshire Blvd. The center is on the lobby level of 530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 105.

The First Day:
Students will have an oral and written placement test on their start date. The Director of Studies will advise them which classes they should study. Following the placement test students will have an Orientation session. Depending on the number of new students this may take up to three hours. Students may or may not begin classes the first day, depending on the number of new students. Students will also need to bring a passport-size photo for their Student ID Card.

If students cannot arrive on the first day, they must telephone or send us a fax to say when they will be arriving so their space in the class can be reserved. If we do not hear from the student, their space may be given to the next student on the waiting list.


Payment:
All fees are due and payable one week before the student's start date. Students whose fees have not been received by the Friday of the first week of the course will either have their credit cards charged for the fees or, if no payment can be made they may be asked to discontinue their courses and leave their accommodation if it was booked through the school. The school reserves the right to charge 1.5% per month interest on all late payments.

Accommodation:
Agents should receive details of student's accommodation 30 days before the course. Bookings made with fewer than thirty days remaining before a course start date will receive a housing placement as soon as possible after the booking. In the event of any questions, agents should contact the Housing Coordinator at the appropriate center by using one of the numbers listed on page 4.

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PAYMENT

Two methods of payment are possible:

  1. Student pays center directly — The student pays the school in full on arrival. The commission is credited in US $ by check or bank transfer (see page 14). In this case a pro-forma invoice for tuition fees will be sent to either the student or agent as instructed, along with the letters of confirmation. Accommodation charges must be paid directly to IH. Please see pages 10 and 11 for details regarding advice to students paying IH directly.
  2. Agent pays center — IH will send an invoice in US $ to the agent. The invoice will be for net tuition fees plus accommodation fees and all other non-commissionable booked services. The invoice will be faxed or mailed within seven days of booking. The terms of payment are 7 days prior to the student's start date. IH imprints student credit cards on the first day of classes. These are kept in the student’s file and used only if there is an unpaid balance at the time of the student’s departure. If this occurs, all unpaid fees will be charged. Once payment is received from the agent, the student’s credit card will be credited.

Payment should be made either by:

  • Check in US$. Checks payable to IH must be either drafts or drawn on a US bank account. Checks drawn on an overseas bank account cannot be accepted due to prohibitive charges.
  • Wire transfer in US$ through an overseas bank. The sender must pay all charges in advance.
  • International Money Order in US$.
  • Credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Optima.

Essential Details:
With all payments it is essential to quote student's name, invoice number, and invoice date.

Payment to: International House (specify: Portland, San Francisco, or Santa Monica)

BANK DETAILS:
Portland Bookings U.S. National Bank
321 SW Sixth Street
Portland, OR 97201

Account name:
Coast Language Academy
dba: International House

Account Number:
1 536 0000 1785
Bank Code: 1230-00220
San Francsico Bookings See Portland details
Santa Monica Bookings Bank of America
1301 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Account name:
IH Santa Monica

Account Number:
02182 09820
Bank Code: 1220 00661

The booking becomes valid and binding once it has been confirmed in writing by International House. International House undertakes to provide the course according to the fees and conditions confirmed, except in cases outside our control or arising from social or industrial conflicts.

Agents who delay payment in no way lessen the liability to pay. IH reserves the right to collect credit card guarantees on registration day and charges to a students credit card for any unpaid fees will be made in the event all fees have not been settled in accordance with the terms of invoiced fees. A 1.5% per month interest fee is charged for all late payments.

Cancellations
All cancellations must be notified in writing to IH. In cases where cancellation is made on short notice (fewer than two weeks before a course is due to start) we must charge a cancellation fee of: application fee (non-refundable) housing placement fee and one week's accommodation fee. Student who cancel a course once the course has begin are charged the above fees plus four weeks tuition and accommodation fees from the date of written notification.

Withdrawal, Late Arrival, Non-attendance
Once a course has begun fees are only refundable if the school receives written notice of the student's intention to withdraw. Four week's notice is required in all but proven emergency cases. Only two-weeks fees will be retained in emergency cases. Students must prove the emergency and provide a copy of a return airline ticket. There are no refunds available for late arrival, or non-attendance. Students who withdraw from a Long-Term program will be charged at the regular course fee rate if the withdrawal occurs before 20 weeks have been completed. All other cancellation fees and conditions still apply.

Dismissal
International House reserves the right to dismiss a student from the program in case of serious misconduct. In this case, a refund of unused tuition and accommodation will be made less the standard withdrawal fees (four weeks notice).

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ADVICE TO STUDENTS PAYING IH DIRECTLY
We would ask that agents advise their clients of the following when clients pay their fees directly to IH.

Bank Drafts/Draft Charges:
Bank drafts are generally much less expensive than a bank transfer/direct credit ($5 as opposed to $25 for a bank transfer)

Bank drafts can be easily purchased at most banks. They are completely safe (providing they are properly made out) as they can only be cashed by payment through the school's bank account.

They should be in US $ and made payable to International House.

The student may bring the draft with him/her to give to the school on arrival. Alternatively, if time allows, the student may post it to us by registered post. A covering note must be enclosed referring to the student's name and invoice number.

Bank Transfers/Direct Credits:
Students seeking to pay their fees by bank transfer should only do so if they are able to start the process about one month in advance of their course starting date.

  1. Students should ask for money to be sent by the fastest route, this is usually referred to as ‘urgent transfer’.
  2. In the appropriate section of the transfer document/instructions it should state full details given on page 10 i.e., bank name, address, account number , and bank routing number.
  3. In the appropriate section of the transfer document/instructions it should state:
    • student's full name
    • student's invoice number
  4. They should indicate in the appropriate section of the transfer document/instructions that the sender (the student) is responsible for all transfer costs/fees. If all fees are not paid by the sender, an extra charge will be levied on the student upon arrival at the school.
  5. It is important to point out to students that although a transfer will result in the money disappearing from their account or starting its journey to ours within 24 hours, the money certainly will not reach our account that quickly.

    Bank transfers take, on average, 3 weeks. This is the time required from the transfer being ordered, to our bank notifying us of its arrival in the school bank account. The delay is caused because individual transfers pass through the central international clearing systems both in their country of origin and in the US.
  6. Students paying by bank transfer must bring with them all copies of documents relating to the transfer. If the money is for any reason delayed or 'lost in the system' we can then trace it without too much difficulty.

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COMMISSION RATES
Commission is paid at the following rates:

  • General English Courses — 20% of tuition fees
  • Academic English Courses 20% of tuition fees
  • Examination Courses 20% of course fee
  • Executive Courses 15% of tuition fees
  • InHouse Tuition Courses 20% of course fees
  • Summer in America 15% of total fees
  • Special Group Courses As negotiated
  • Teacher Training Courses 10% of course fees

Non-commissionable fees are any not shown above.

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PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONS
In cases where the agent chooses that students will pay the school the full gross fees on arrival, the commission payable is subject to the following procedure.

  1. Application forms (where used) should be clearly marked with the agent's name, or accompanied by a covering letter.
  2. The Marketing Department at IH must have clear instructions on how to pay commission. This can be done:
    • by US $ check sent by post to the agent
    • by bank transfer in US $ to any US bank account (please supply details)
    • by bank draft in agent's local currency sent via post (agent to bear draft fees)
  3. Commissions are settled quarterly: end of March, June, September, and December

Commission Credits/Debits
Commission credits and debits are calculated quarterly for those students who have either extended their program, modified their program, or terminated their program early. Credits may be deducted against a future invoice, and debits must be added to the next fee bill from the agent. Please review the Credit/Debit Note carefully and report any errors or discrepancies promptly.

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GROUP BOOKINGS
IH welcomes bookings from groups of students for General English, Young Learners, Executive English, and Teacher-Training courses. Terms and conditions affecting group bookings differ from those which apply to individuals.

  • A group is normally regarded as 10 (6 for Executive Courses) or more students enrolled on the same starting date or course.
  • Groups wishing to attend open classes, i.e., to be mixed with other students of other nationalities according to level, must start their course on one of the advertised starting dates.
  • Groups wishing to be taught together as a closed group may begin their course on any date by arrangement.
  • Groups wishing to be taught together as a closed group may be divided into sub-groups according to level.

* Fees for groups are available from the Marketing Department. All inclusive prices are also available and may include:

  • Tuition
  • Accommodation either chosen from the IH list of host families and student guest houses or from a range of budget and reasonably priced hotels
  • Transfers to/from the school on arrival/departure
  • Lunch in the cafeteria near the school during the week
  • Pre-paid social program either chosen from the IH Social Program available to all our students (see sample Program at the end of this Handbook) or an exclusive program designed according to the specific requirements of the group

* Terms and conditions of payment for groups vary according to group size and the type of course and accommodation booked. Normally however, a deposit of 25% of the total fee (course and accommodation) is required 6-8 weeks in advance of the course starting date with the balance due 3 weeks before the course starting date. In principle, deposits and fees for both course and accommodation are non-refundable.

* Free tuition and accommodation places for group leaders may be negotiated as part of a group booking.

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BRIEF INFORMATION ON COURSES

General English Courses

Four-Week Courses (4-wk, 8-wk, 12-wk, etc.)
General English courses are designed in 4-week sessions. It takes two 4-week sessions to complete a level. Students may enter a level any Monday, though it is advised that they enter at week one and week 5 of an 8-week level. In order to derive maximum benefit both linguistically and culturally, students should be encouraged to enroll for a minimum of 4 weeks whenever possible.

There are two courses during the year that are 9-weeks rather than 8. This is so we can balance the calendar.

Courses can be booked for 15, 20, or 25 lessons per week. Students who book 15 or 20 lessons per week will have a morning timetable, those who book 25 hours or more will have both morning and afternoon timetable.

General English Courses do not take place on public holidays. Holidays are noted on the Dates & Fees booklet. There is no reduction in fees for courses affected by a public holiday.

Students who study 20 or 25 lessons per week will take Focus Courses which are designed to give students extended practice in language skills and/or cultural awareness. The 20 lesson per week program includes 1 Focus class per day, while the 25 lesson per week program will include 2 Focus classes per day. There are usually classes to help with Grammar, Speaking Skills, Listening, Idiomatic Usage, Pronunciation, etc. At various times of the year there are also classes that are content based, such as Film, Discussion & Debate, Drama, American Political System, Local History, American Culture, Holidays & Customs, etc. Focus classes change from month-to-month and from level-to-level; therefore, no advance booking is possible.

Students need to be advised that placement testing and Orientation begin at 08:30 on the first day of class. Thereafter students follow the timetable of the center. All course are billed on a weekly basis – not on a daily basis. Students may not begin classes, for example, on Wednesday, nor may they end their classes on a Thursday.

Certificates of Completion are issued to students completing an 8-week level and take a final examination. The certificates include course dates, highest level completed, and course type.

Short-term Bookings
Students who have a limited time to attend a course may book for fewer than eight weeks on a General English Course. Students should be advised that they will not be able to complete a course and that a morning schedule may not be available if we are fully booked.

Students may book a course for 15, 20, or 25 lessons per week.

Students need to be advised that placement testing and orientation begins at 08:30 on the first day of class. Thereafter students follow the timetable of the center. Students may only begin on a Monday and end on a Friday.

TIMETABLES (All Centers)
  From To

Morning Sessions

8:30 9:50
10:00 11:20
Focus Courses 11:30 12:30
13:30 14:30
Afternoon Sessions 14:40 16:00
16:10 17:30


SAMPLE SCHEDULE
  From To

General English 15 lessons:
(These classes have one 10-15 minute break)

8:30 11:20
OR
14:40 17:30
General English 20 lessons:
(These classes have one 10-15 minute break)
8:30 12:30
OR
13:30 17:30
General English 25 lessons:
(These classes have one 10-15 minute break and 1 hour for lunch)
8:30 14:30
OR
11:30 17:30
Optional Self-Study 14:40 15:40


Reduced Tuition Option
Students who pay full tuition and book at least 4-weeks will be guaranteed a morning timetable.

Students who attend on a reduced tuition basis may be assigned an afternoon timetable. (Please contact the Marketing Department for information on the reduced rate Let’s Talk Program).


Academic English Program

Eight-week courses
The Academic English Program is designed for students aged 18 and older who want to prepare for study in an American college or university.

Course starting dates and finishing dates are fixed.

Students may enter the program at these levels: Intermediate, Upper- Intermediate, Pre-Advanced, or Advanced. If on arrival a student is found to be below the Intermediate level, they will be placed in the General English Program until their language skills reach the required level.

25 lessons of tuition per week is required.

Students will meet with his/her Personal Academic Advisor once per week to ensure that study goals are being set and met. A final examination must be passed at the end of each level to advance to the next level.

Timetable:
08:30 - 9:50 Integrated Skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing plus Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation)
10:00 - 11:20 Same as above
11:30 - 12:30 Requisite Module (See brochure for Study Plan)
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 14:30 Requisite Module
14:40 - 15:40 Optional Self-Study (5 hours per week)


Cambridge Examination Courses
Course dates for Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced English and Proficiency are fixed. Courses prepare students for the relevant examinations and may only be attended by those intending to take the examinations.

January: February Course 8-10 weeks exam in March
March: May Course 12 weeks exam in June
September: Nov Course 12 weeks exam in December

Students wishing to attend these courses must take an entrance test at the time of arrival at the center. The students will then be advised as to which exam course is best suited for the student. Students who score below the threshold will be advised to attend a General English Course at the appropriate level and re-enroll for a Cambridge course at a later time. In the event a student cannot be accepted onto an exam course, a refund would be given for the difference since Cambridge courses are more expensive.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of students require a complete year between passing First Certificate and attempting CAE. There are, of course, exceptions, but students should be warned of the difficulties.

Timetable
Same as Academic English Program

Students who wish to sit a Cambridge KET or PET exam may do so as part of a General English Course. Examination preparation is dealt with via a Focus course.

All examinations are held at IH centers. Santa Monica and Portland are the approved Open Centers for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, which means that students taking exams at other centers come to International House to be examined.

For more information on Cambridge Examination Courses please consult the International House Cambridge Examinations brochure.

Other Examinations at IH Portland:

  • IELTS: Offered monthly
  • TOEIC: Offered monthly

Executive Courses in Business English
Executive Courses are offered at all our centers. These courses train business and professional people to communicate confidently with fellow professionals.

Executive Courses are two weeks long. Courses may be booked in multiples of two weeks or by special arrangement.

Clients must be at least 21 and have a minimum of one year of business or professional experience and be at least a Pre-Intermediate user of English.

Each course is based on projects and topics of special interest and concentrates on improving fluency and accuracy in English. Each course is designed for the group that is currently attending based on a Needs Analysis provided at time of booking or soon thereafter.

Accommodation & Meals

  • In Portland
    Private Homes: Standard or executive standard may be booked — single room, private bath, 14 meals per week, Internet access usual.

    IH Apartment: Furnished studio or one bedroom, television, VCR, phone, equipped kitchen, all linens provided, washers/dryers, roof garden, walking distance to school.

    Residence Hotel: Single rooms or junior suites with en suite kitchen facilities, reading room, afternoon tea, and 12 blocks to the school (20 minute walk).

    Corporate Apartment: Furnished one bedroom, luxury standard, television, VCR, fitness center, sauna, spa, outdoor barbecue and picnic area, maid service available, walking distance to school, minimum one month booking

  • In San Francisco
    Private Homes: Standard or executive standard – single room, private bath, 14 meals per week, Internet access usual.

    Small Hotels: Nicely furnished rooms with en suite baths, daily maid service, some with breakfast rooms, wine bars, and small restaurants (21 day stay maximum)

    Corporate Apartment: Furnished one bedroom, luxury standard, television, VCR, fitness center, sauna, spa, outdoor barbecue and picnic area, maid service available, walking distance to school, minimum one month booking.

Dates and Fees:
In accordance with the Executive Courses in Business English brochure


InHouse Tuition – English in the home
On these courses, students live in a homestay and take their lessons either with a qualified teacher living in the home, or with a teacher who comes to the home to provide lessons. Formal lessons can be arranged from 15 to 30 per week. Each course is customized to fit the client’s needs.

These language courses are particularly suitable for 17 and upwards at all levels of English, and are of particular suitability for business professionals and academics who require a tailor-made product.

Enrollment may be made for one or more weeks, but usually not more than four weeks.

Included in the course fee: Enrollment fee, lessons, home/teacher selection, diagnostic test on arrival, use of study materials, full board and accommodation in a single room and bathroom, certificate of completion, post-course report if required.

Airport transfer is available at the local rate.

NB: F-1 visas are not required for the InTuition program.

(Separate brochure available)


Summer in America - Young Learners
The Summer in America program is a fully inclusive residential program for Young Learners, ages 13 - 15 (16-year-old students may choose either the Young Learners' Program or the regular General English program).

Students can enroll for 2 or more weeks. Each week includes 21 hours of English learning activities, and approximately 6 hours of sport and activities, 15 hours of social activities, 12 hours of excursions, etc.

Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is in double rooms in modern residence halls on campus. Bathrooms are shared. There will be separate boys' and girls' wings with staff members resident on each.

Meals are taken in the campus cafeteria and students may eat as much as they wish.

Dates:
Start dates are in accordance with the Summer in America brochure.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Prior to Arrival:
Agents are required to notify the center of the student's arrival details at least two weeks prior to arrival in order for the center to make arrangements for transfer. We cannot guarantee transfer if these details arrive at the center too late.

It is also important that agents provide accurate information as to arrival time, airline, flight number, and where the flight last departed from.

The agent bears the responsibility for supplying accurate flight information.

On Arrival:
Students may request to be greeted at the airport by a school representative and transferred to their accommodation, or they may take a taxi or airport shuttle which will also take them directly to their accommodation.

Students who request IH transfer should do the following:

  1. Meet the school representative at the Information Counter in the baggage claim area or customs exit of each terminal.
  2. The greeter will be holding a bright pink sign with the student's name on it.
  3. It is very helpful if the student or agent can mail a passport photo to the center prior to arrival so we know who we are looking for.
  4. If your flight is more than 30 minutes late, or you do not find the greeter at the meeting place:
    • Page the greeter at a ‘White Courtesy Telephone’ by asking for the “International House representative” and wait 15 minutes
    • If that does not work, telephone your host family
    • If that does not work or you are not staying in a host family, take a taxi to your accommodation.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
Portland San Francsico Santa Monica
1. Call your host family
2. Call the Housing Officer: (503) 224-3842
3. Call the Director:
(503) 703-0990
1. Call your host family
2. Call the Housing Officer: (503) 224-3842
3. Call the Director:
(503) 703-0990
1. Call your host family
2. Call the Housing Officer: (310) 383-0671
3. Call the Director:
(310) 498-1898

Refund policy for airport transfer:
IH will refund transfer fees if: We failed to meet the student at the scheduled arrival time + 30 minutes.

We cannot refund transfer fees if:

  1. Agent failed to provide arrival information less than five business days in advance
  2. Agent provided incorrect information
  3. School was not informed of changes to arrival plans in time

Hours of service:
IH airport transfer service is available seven days per week between the hours of 08:00 and 22:00. There is no International House transfer service available on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. Students arriving on these days should be advised to take a taxi or shuttle bus.

Taxi service:
Taxis that service airports are controlled by city license and are very reliable. The fares are automatically determined by meters. It is customary to tip the driver $1 for each piece of luggage. A customary fare from the airport to accommodation is approximately $30.

Shuttle Service:
Some shuttle buses will take the student to the accommodation and some will deliver to a central location. Make sure the driver agrees to deliver the student to the exact address before boarding the bus. Prices for shuttle service are usually around $15 but can take a very long time.

During the Course:
Our host families usually have many years experience hosting students. They will explain the route to school to new students. Some drive the student on the first day. If there are other students staying in the house, it is possible that one will already know the way around town and will be more than willing to guide the new student.

Students should bring several passport-size photos for ID cards, bus passes, entrance to examinations, etc. These cards can help reduce the cost of travel and entertainment considerably.

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
If students need emergency medical treatment while at any or our centers we recommend that they go to the Emergency Room at the following hospitals or clinics:
MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFO:
Portland Oregon Health Sciences University
Emergency Room
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 494-8211
San Francsico Haight Ashbury Free Clinic
558 Clayton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 487-5632

OR
Traveler Medical Group
490 Post Street #225
San Francisco
(415) 981-1102
Santa Monica Santa Monica/UCLA Medical Center
Emergency Room
1250 16th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 319-4000

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VISAS
Some students will require F-1 Student Visas, others may attend school while on B-2 Tourist Visas, and still others may study on the Visa Waiver program.

If you obtain an F-1 Student Visa you must:

  • Attend school full-time (our 25-lesson/week program) even if you enroll for only two weeks.
  • Maintain full-time student status while in the United States on F-1 student visa status.
  • Not travel unless your course is completed or are eligible for a vacation.
If you obtain an F-1 Student Visa you may:
  • Enter the U.S. 60 day prior to the start date on our I-20 and attend another one of our programs until your start date.
  • Remain in the U.S. for 60 days after the completion of your I-20 program and attend another one of our programs until your required departure date.
If come to the school on a B-2 Tourist Visa you may:
  • Study either in our 15-lesson/week program or our 20-lesson/week program.
  • Travel freely when not attending classes without losing your status.
  • Extend your visa up to one year.

If you come from a country that cooperates in the Visa Waiver program you may:

  • Study either in our 15-lesson/week program or our 20-lesson/week program.
  • Remain in the United States for 90 days.
  • Travel freely when not attending classes.

International House will automatically issue an I-20 Authorization to obtain an F-1 visa if a student visa is required. If no student visa is required, International House will send a letter with the Confirmation that the student should present to the Examinations Officer at the port of entry, explaining the student’s entry status.

It is the agent's responsibility to make certain that all terms and conditions of granting a visa are met by the student and to advise the student properly on all visa requirement to enter the United States. If an agent is unsure as to how to advise a student concerning these matters, the agent must ask IH head office in the United States (Portland) for advice.

Once in the United States it is the student's responsibility to maintain his/her visa status at all times and to know the federal regulations governing his/her visit to the United States.

The Director at each center should be consulted regarding any visa matters. Some students will require F-1 Student Visas, others may attend school while on B-2 Tourist Visas, and still others may study on the Visa Waiver program.

Please note that any reasonable suspicion on behalf of an immigration official at the port of entry that a person:

  • is entering the U.S. for some purpose other than allowed by the visa status or
  • is not in possession of sufficient funds to support his/her visit or
  • is carrying any illegal substances or illegal material

may result in the student being denied entry. Where such problems occur, the student has the right to a translator being present at interviews and if refused entry, the right to appeal. IH will, if notified, do everything possible to assist a student, but it should be explained that there is very little we can effectively do.

Students should be especially warned against trying to bring a controlled substance into the United States. If caught the student is sent back to his/her home country and re-entry is usually denied for at least two years.

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ACCOMMODATIONS
Host family accommodation booked by IH should be warm, comfortable, and clean. All families have agreed to abide by the Homestay Code of Practice. Student may choose two payment options: student pays family directly, or student pays IH, and IH will pay the family directly. Please specify which method you would like to choose on the Accommodation application form.

Homestay Code of Practice:

  • Encourage the student to feel at home and to treat the student as a member of the family rather than as a paying guest.
  • Encourage the student to speak English as much as possible in the home.
  • Agree not to host another student of the same native language at the same time unless by special arrangement with the students / school / agent.
  • Provide a clean and comfortable student room which meets the minimum physical requirements of IH: room must have a window to the outside, sturdy box springs and mattress, bed linens, closet, hangers, chest of drawers or shelves for folded clothes, desk, desk chair, desk lamp, bedside lamp, and alarm clock/radio.
  • Provide a home environment in which it is possible for the student to carry on their English studies properly.
  • Provide a balanced and appropriate diet for students.
  • Show due concern for the welfare, safety, and security of the student during their stay.
  • Give the student reasonable and regular access to bathroom and laundry facilities, and allow student to do his/her own laundry.
  • Maintain a close liaison with the student's school/center and so be in a position to help resolve any problems that the student may encounter during his/her stay, and promptly report to the school any unacceptable behavior or activity on the part of the student.
  • Allow reasonable access to a telephone in the home provided the student is prepared to use a credit card or pre-paid calling card for long-distance calls.
  • Respect the student's different cultural background and be sensitive to the particular needs of the student.

Accommodation Options:

  • Private Homes: about 60% of private homes are with single people or couples, 30% with married couples with children, and 10% with 'alternative life-style' partners. All hosts are American, representing many ethnic groups, whose English may be accented but is of native-speaker fluency.
  • Furnished Apartments: IH can book a furnished studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. This type housing is suitable for Executive clients, families or students who wish to share accommodation with another student. It can be quite expensive for single students living alone.
  • Residence Hotels/Clubs: Students who prefer an independent lifestyle, yet would like one or two daily meals provided may choose this option in San Francisco or Portland. Some rooms include small kitchens, while others have communal dining facilities. Maid service is available. There is a wide variety of offerings, from basic to luxury. Prices are based on the level of comfort required.

General Information:

Meals: IH offers host families on a room only, bed-and breakfast, or half-board basis. There are no arrangements for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Most families offer kitchen privileges which means a student may buy his/her extra food and snacks and store and prepare it in the kitchen. Kitchen privilege does not mean the student is free to eat whatever and whenever s/he wishes of the family food.

Student Habits/Special Needs: We ask that you indicate at the time of booking whether a student smokes, suffers from any allergies, or has any specific dietary needs. Any other information you can give regarding likes/dislikes is also very helpful in finding a suitable match for the student. Students who have many special needs may be best advised to book a studio apartment.

Payment and Notice: Students are required to pay for each 4-week stay in advance. Unless circumstances are exceptional, four week's notice of intention to cancel the accommodation must be given or four week's charges must be paid. Students may opt to pay the family directly or to have IH pay the family after receiving the funds from the student/agent.

Changes of Accommodation: The Housing Coordinators are always ready to help students who are unhappy with their accommodation and to make changes when possible and appropriate. Please impress upon students that they should contact the Housing Coordinator without delay if there are problems. We solicit the opinions of students regarding their accommodation on a regular and frequent basis when they first arrive at the school, but students sometimes fear that complaints will lead to scenes and unpleasantness. Our experience tells us that most problems arise from misunderstandings or fear of misunderstandings. They are usually a lot more painless to deal with than students imagine. We feel we must know immediately if the host family is not in compliance with the Homestay Code of Practice.

Shared Accommodation: Two or more students who want shared accommodation must request this service at the time of booking and indicate who they wish to share with. IH does not arrange shared accommodation for students who do not book together. There is one Residence Club in San Francisco that offers this service at their facility only.

Distance from the Schools: Between September and June almost all host families are within 30 minutes to the school by public transport. In late June through the middle of September some families will be outside the 30-minute perimeter. We must say that the earlier a student is booked the more likely a placement can be made within the 30-minute perimeter. Bookings received with fewer than thirty days will almost always be further away.

Agents should receive details of student's accommodation 30 days before the course. Bookings made with fewer than thirty days remaining before a course start date will receive a housing placement as soon as possible after the booking. In the event of any questions, agents should contact the Housing Coordinator at the appropriate center by using one of the numbers listed on page 4.

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SOCIAL PROGRAM
All students of International House are members of the Student Club. Information on monthly events are posted on the Social Program board in the Common Room, and the Social Program Coordinator is available for at various times to help students obtain information and/or tickets. In addition, students are reminded about upcoming events and activities in the student newspaper, InHouse News, published each Friday.

The Social Program Coordinator will arrange one free activity and at least one paid activity during the week, and one paid weekend activity every other week. Every 6 weeks, students will have the chance to go on a paid overnight trip. All activities arranged by the school will be accompanied by the Social Program Coordinator or another member of staff.

Samples of Social Program activities are:
SAMPLE SOCIAL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
Santa Monica San Francisco Portland

City Tour

City Tour City Tour
Pizza Parties Pizza Parties Pizza Parties
Beach Volleyball Biking in the Park Billiards
Happy Hour Cookie Making Cookie Making
Video Matinee Video Matinee Video Matinee
Rollerblading CyberBowling CyberBowling

Salsa Dancing

Cabaret Dancing Salsa Dancing
Jazz Night Jazz Night Jazz Night
Theatre Theatre Theatre
Los Angeles Weekend San Francisco Weekend Seattle Weekend
Surfing Tennis Rock Climbing
White-water Rafting Horse Racing Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Hood
Outlet Shopping Outlet Shopping Windsurfing (ranked #1 in the world)
Disneyland Muir Woods White-water rafting
Universal Studios Great America Outlet Shopping
Lakers NBA Basketball NBA Basketball Zoo Concert
Pier Concert Yosemite Nat’l Park Skiing at Mt. Hood
Many more Gospel at Glide Blazers NBA Basketball
  Santa Cruz Beach Great Northwest
  Many more Many more

Thank you, and please do visit our website often for announcements, new course information, and updated information that will help you sell IH courses. We appreciate your cooperation with International House USA and thank you very much for representing our schools to your valued clients. We value our partnership with you. Please let us know if you would like information on our website that currently does not appear. Contact: webmaster@ih-portland.com

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APPENDIX: OTHER IH CENTERS

Partial list of International House schools:

 

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IH Santa Monica IH San Diego IH Portland