A F International School of Languages


Welcome Los Angeles campus Twelve Reasons Why Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs Alumni Student Comments Agents About Us Westlake Village campus Sitemap email us		*Question: I want to prepare for the TOEFL. Do you offer TOEFL classes?* Our Intensive Advanced English classes lead directly to the TOEFL exam. It is a very effective program that combines test-taking strategies with intensive preparation for structure, listening and writing.
		*Question: Where can I stay, and how much does it cost?* For students attending our Los Angeles campus, we offer the followong options: (1) Our local host families (from $650 for 4 weeks) provide room, board and a family environment for international students (2) Student apartments (from $1,296 for 4 weeks) let you enjoy fully furnished housing. (3) Local Hostels (from $18/day) are safely and conveniently located.
		Question: How big are the classes? In our Los Angeles campus, enrollment is limited to 16 students in the Intensive English classes. In Westlake Village, there are only five or fewer students in each class (only three students in TOEFL classes).
		Question: How do I get a student visa? Please refer to ourI-20 Information page
		*Question: When can I start?* Please see "Starting Dates"
		*Question: I've never heard of Westlake Village - what is it like?* Westlake Village comprises the eastern part of the city of Thousand Oaks, situated within the Conejo Valley, a picturesque, mountain-rimmed plateau, 900 feet above sea level at the Ventura/Los Angeles County Line. There are, of courses, lakes in Westlake Village, as there are oak trees in and around Thousand Oaks. There are also many beautiful fountains tucked away in small shopping malls, cozy boulevard cafes and parks, golf course, restaurants,and theaters. You can enjoy hiking and horseback riding , sailing and surfing. Our year-round California sunshine (average of 25 degrees Celcius) makes life here all the more enjoyable. The beaches of Malibu are just a few minutes away, the attractions of Santa Barbara and Los Angeles are a comfortable commute. One cool fact: Thousand Oaks continually ranks as the safest city for its size west of the Mississippi, according to FBI crime statistics.
		*Who should apply for an F-1 Student Visa ?* All students who are planning to attend a full-time course should apply for a student visa. Full-time course = minimum 18 hours of instruction per week; Intensive English Course (24 hrs/wk) = full-time course.
		*What is needed to apply for an F-1 Student Visa ?* A F International is required by law to verify if you qualify for an F-1 student visa. Please mail or fax copies of the following documents to our office (805)496-9622. Enrollment Form Proof of sufficient Financial Support (Bank Statement) As soon as we receive all required documents and the first month payment (details will be on invoice), we will immediately mail the Form I-20 to your home address. Express delivery (2-3 days) is available upon request. Please let us know immediately if you need the rush service (postage/service fee: $50).
		*What is Proof of Financial Support ?* The U.S. Immigration Service and the State Department want to make sure that you have sufficient financial resources to live and study in the Unites States. A F International is required to verify the financial documentation before we issue the Form I-20. Students usually submit a copy of their Bank Statement to show that they have sufficient finances. The financial support can also be provided by your family or your employer. If your parents provide the financial support, you should be ready to document how your family gets its income and how much that income is. Regardless of whose income it is, a letter from an employer with information about salary and employment history can be helpful. Large sums of money in bank accounts may not be sufficient proof of financial support. You should request a letter from the bank that states how long the account has existed and what the average balance in the account has been. All Documents must be in English Please keep in mind that all documents, letters and bank statements for the visa application must be in English and show any account balance on the bank statement in U.S. Dollars. If any document you submit is not in English, please attach a certified and signed translation.
		*What is the Form I-20 ?* (now also called SEVIS I-20) The Form I-20 is proof of your eligibility to apply for an F-1 visa in your home country. This form can only be issued by an authorized school. A F International is authorized by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to accept non-immigrant foreign students. It is our responsibility to collect and review the above mentioned documents before we can issue the Form I-20. You must receive a Form I-20 from the school before you can apply for an F-1 visa.
		*Do you need to make an appointment for a Visa Interview?* Yes. In all countries, visa applicants must make an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an F-1 visa. You will also need proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Now is a good time to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you and ask for the specific requirements in your country. Let us know if you need more help.
		*How long does it take to get a student visa ?* It is more important than ever to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for the visa application process. The U.S. State Department and Immigration Service are carefully verifying all applications in the new SEVIS system and this can take up to 4 - 6 weeks. If you contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, they will give you an estimate of the processing time. Health Insurance is mandatory for all F-1 Students! Medical care in the United States is very expensive. When you register at AF International as a full-time student, you are required to show proof that you have medical insurance when you arrive. Otherwise, you will be asked to purchase insurance coverage through the school. A F International offers complete coverage at only $20 per week. You can sign up and pay on the first day of school. Insurance coverage will start immediately.
		*How do I maintain Legal Status?* It is very important that you maintain legal status while you are in the United States. Students with an F-1 visa who fall "out of status" are considered illegal aliens and are subject to penalties which could render them ineligible for certain benefits associated with their visas. To maintain legal status you must: have a valid passport. attend the school you are authorized to attend (the school which issued your Form I-20). be enrolled and attend full-time (minimum 18 hrs of instruction per week) report address changes. You will jeopardize your legal status if you do not follow proper procedures, so it is always best to consult with the Admissions Director in matters of immigration before taking any action.
		*How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?* When you enter the United States on an F-1 student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status (abbreviated in your passport and on your I-94 card as "D/S"). That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student.
		*What is the Form I-94 ?* The I-94 is your proof of entry and it shows that you have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. The I-94 form is distributed on the airplane prior to landing at the airport. Make sure to complete it correctly! When you pass through Immigration at the U.S. port of entry, the immigration inspector will make a notation of the date of entry and your visa status, and will usually staple the form into your passport. If you have an F-1 Student Visa, the notation D/S (Duration of Status) will be stamped on the card, indicating that you may stay in the U.S. until you have finished your studies. More questions? Call us Monday through Thursday, 9:00a.m. to 4:00pm Pacific Time (Los Angeles time) at 001 805 496 6694. Page last updated: September 9, 2005 Copyright 2005-2007. All rights reserved.