English Schools in USA - How to choose the right one
Learning English in the USA will challenge you to excel - to be the best you can be. Whether your goal to learn English is for career development, further study or personal interest - your course will take you to the next level. English is the language of the future - you can learn it and live it for your purpose right away!
There are a lot of English Schools in USA and here are some important guidelines to consider when selecting the right one for you:
1) INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
What is the history of the schools you are considering?
o How long have they been operating?
o Who is the owner? Other Staff: The Education Director? Admissions Manager? Recruitment Director?
o How many and what qualifications do the Instructors have? How long have they been teaching ESL?
o What is the methodology of instruction?
o What feedback do other students have who are attending or have graduated?
o What type of English Programs are available? General Purpose? Intensive? TOEFL?
2) ACCREDITATION AND ASSOCIATIONS
IS THE SCHOOL ACCREDITED? DOES IT BELONG TO ANY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
There are several accrediting agencies and associations for English Schools in USA:
o SEVIS approved school to issue I-20’s
o AAIEP -American Association of Intensive English Programs).
o ACCET- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training).
o Colorado Department of Education
o National Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
o Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
All schools approved by SEVIS have to renew their accreditation with the U. S. Department of Immigration every two years. They are recognized as providing excellent standards of teaching and facilities. There are schools which do not belong to these groups, but you should use caution when evaluating these.
3) ACADEMIC QUALITY
o What is the format of instruction and curriculum?
o What types of textbooks are used?
o Is homework required?
o What is the grading system?
o What is the attendance policy?
o Is there a student handbook?
o Is a curriculum and syllabus provided?
o What is the ratio of teacher to students?
o What percent of students graduate?
o What other measurements of success are offered?
4) PRICE
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
o Is the price only for instruction?
o How many hours of instruction per day are included? How many days per week? For how many total weeks?
o Is accommodation and food included?
o Does the price include teaching materials and books? If not, what is the cost for these materials?
o Does the price include any social visits or field trips?
o Does the price include any local taxes?
o Is private tutoring available?
o Is assistance provided for obtaining a student visa?
o Is a certificate awarded upon successful completion? Or college credits?
A typical price to pay would be from $220 to $400 per week, depending on the number of tuition hours. Accommodation costs range between $150 to $250 per week including some meals if staying with a host family . Accommodations may be an apartment or host family.
All prices are in USD as of July 2008.
5) SCHOOL FACILITIES
WHAT TYPE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
o Is there a language lab?
o A Computer room with Internet access?
o A Library?
o Is the building safe and are emergency procedures provided?
o Is building security needed or provided?
6) ACCOMMODATIONS
What types of accommodations are offered?
o Are they on-campus at the college?
o Are they in local family’s homes in the area?
o How big are the rooms? Smoking or non?
o Are all meals included in the price?
7) LOCATION
Is the school located in:
o A big city?
o A surrounding suburb?
o In the country?
o Will you require transportation, either by car, bus or light rail?
o What will be the approximate cost and time required to travel to campus?
SOCIAL PROGRAMS or ACTIVITIES
Are visits to interesting places included in the program, such as:
* Local restaurants? * Popular sightseeing attractions?
* Musical Performances? * Cultural events?
9) OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
o Is assistance offered in the event of an emergency?
o Is information provided for medical clinics, doctors, dentists, lawyers, hospitals, or other related contacts?
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens from countries outside the United States will need a visa to study in the U.S. Apply for this early. For more details on obtaining your student visa, see our section on”Obtaining Your Visa”.
We welcome you to our beautiful city of Denver and our LCI family. And wish you much success with learning English, making new friends and advancing in your career.
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