-
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
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!
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. |
BOOKINGS
Bookings may be made:
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.
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.
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.
PAYMENT
Two methods of payment are possible:
-
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.
-
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).
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.
-
Students should ask for money to be
sent by the fastest route, this is usually referred to
as ‘urgent transfer’.
-
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.
-
In the appropriate section of the transfer
document/instructions it should state:
- student's full name
- student's invoice number
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
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.
-
Application forms (where used) should
be clearly marked with the agent's name, or accompanied
by a covering letter.
-
The Marketing Department at IH must
have clear instructions on how to pay commission. This
can be done:
-
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.
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.
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.
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:
-
Meet the school representative at
the Information Counter in the baggage claim area or customs
exit of each terminal.
- The greeter will be holding a bright pink
sign with the student's name on it.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Agent failed to provide arrival information
less than five business days in advance
- Agent provided incorrect information
- 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.
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 |
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.
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.
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
APPENDIX:
OTHER IH CENTERS
Partial list of
International House schools:

|