-
General English Courses for
adult learners (year-round)
» Portland and Santa Monica
-
Let’s Talk
(Conversation course)
» All locations
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Academic English Program
» Portland and Santa Monica
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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
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InHouse Tuition—(In-home
learning)
» All locations
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Teacher Training Courses
-
Cambridge—CELTA
» All locations
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Cambridge—DELTA
» Portland
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Foreign Teachers
» Portland
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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. |
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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.
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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:
-
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).
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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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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.
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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:
-
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.
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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:
|