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SECTION ONE: SCHOOL DETAIL

Where is LSI Boston located and what are the schools contact details?

LSI Boston is located less than a five minute walk from South Station, which connects toall major subway, bus, and commuter rail lines.

2. What is the building/area like?LSI Boston is located in an historic brick five story building with an elevator and traditionalarchitecture. The rooms feature large windows with exposed brick walls and beamceilings. We are near the Financial District and Chinatown as well as a five minute walkfrom the Downtown Crossing shopping area.

3. When are the school holidays?

The school is closed for Christmas time and New Years Eve. We are also closed onnational holidays. Please check our current brochure for exact dates on the LSI Bostonpage.

LSI Non-Discrimination Policy

Language Studies International does not discriminate in the classroom, on social activitiesor in accommodation placements on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin,age or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the practice of LSI and its staff toprovide equal opportunities for a quality English language and cultural immersionexperience to all individuals involved with the organization: students, teachers,administrators, hosts, and all who provide support services to our school.

School Name LSI Boston

Postal Address105 Beach StreetBoston, MA 02111

Telephone (617) 542-3600

Fax (617) 542-1790

Email bos@lsi.edu

Website www.lsi.edu/en/boston.html

Language Studies International 2013

LSI Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

mailto:bos@lsi.edumailto:bos@lsi.eduhttp://www.lsi.edu/en/boston.htmlhttp://www.lsi.edu/en/boston.htmlhttp://www.lsi.edu/en/boston.htmlmailto:bos@lsi.edu

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SECTION TWO: TEACHERS

1. How many teachers do you have?

Though it varies throughout the season, we have between 8 and 12 regular teachers, and3 or 4 additional part-time teachers.

2. What are your teacher qualifications?All of our teachers are fully qualified with a Bachelors degree and at least six months ofteaching experience.

SECTION THREE: STUDENTS

1. Where do your students come from?Nationalities and percentages vary widely during the year, but from January-June 2012our top nationalities included Korean, Japanese, Turkish, Saudi Arabian, Brazilian,

Colombian, and Spanish.

2. How many students do you have during high and low seasons?We have about 70-125 students during the high season (summer months) and about 40-60 students during the low season (winter months).

3. What is the minimum and average age of your students?The minimum age is 16 years old and we accept students up to 65+. The average age ofour students is in the twenties.

SECTION FOUR: FACILITIES

1. What facilities are available to students?We have a comfortable student lounge where students hang out, play games or eat lunch.We also have a rooftop deck for students to use in the summer.

2. Do you have free computers/internet/Wi-Fi internet access?Yes, we have nine computers connected to broadband internet as well as high-speedwireless Internet access, which is free for all our students.

3.How many classrooms are there?We have ten classrooms at LSI Boston.

4.Do you have a cafeteria?No, but we are very close to many affordable cafes; restaurants, sandwich shops andmarkets. Students may also bring a lunch with them to eat in our student lounge. . Wehave a refrigerator and microwave in the kitchen which is available for student use. Thereis also a deli on the first floor that offers drinks, snacks, and inexpensive lunches.

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SECTION FIVE: COURSES

1. What courses do you offer?

Course name Course typeNumber of lessons perweek

Standard 20 General English 20

Intensive 30 General English 30

English for Business General/Business English 30

Plus Courses (additional 5 or10 One to One lessons perweek)

General English/ Individual Lessons 5 or 10

Intensive 30 withTOEFL

General exam on preparation 30

International School Year Academic English 20 or 30

One-to-One Individual Lessons 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50

3. What is the length of each lesson?All lessons are 50 minutes.

4. What is a typical class time table like?

Hours Standard 20Intensive 30 with Afternoon Options:Conversation, TOEFL Prep. orBusiness English

9:00 10:50 Lessons 1 & 2 Lessons 1 & 210:50- 11:10 BREAK BREAK

11:10 -12:50 Lessons 3 & 4 Lessons 3 & 4

12:50 1:50 FINISH LUNCH

1:50 4:05Lessons 5 & 6(Monday Thursday)

5. What is the maximum/average class size?The maximum class size is 15. Our average class size is 10.

6. What levels are offered and how fast does a student progress from level to level?

There are five levels: Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate;and Advanced. Students usually advance levels after 8-12 weeks of study depending onthe level and depending on the student.

7. When are the start dates?Our General English courses have start dates every Monday (excluding holidays). Startdates for other courses can be found atwww.lsi.edu.

8. Are textbooks included in the fees?Books and materials for class use are provided free of charge. Students use class sets inthe classroom and receive handouts to supplement the lessons. Books are not given outfor students to keep as a variety of different texts are used. Students who would like toown any particular book may receive help in purchasing it through the LSI office.

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9. Do you receive a free certificate once the course has ended?Yes, as long as you have attended at least 80% of the course.

10. Can I switch my course type or length once I have started, or decide to addadditional weeks or courses?Students are welcome to add extra classes or extra weeks to their course. Students mayextend their accommodation too, but it is subject to availability. If they extend late, it ispossible that the host family may be booked up with other students; however it may bepossible to find a newhost family, if available at short notice. For other questions,including questions about dropping or changing classes, please refer to the Cancellation &Refund Policy or ask the Registrar.

11. Can I study at more than one location?Yes. You may combine a course at LSI Boston with courses in LSI New York, San Diego,

Berkeley, or even LSI schools in other countries! Please contact us for more information.

SECTION SIX: ORIENTATION

1.What time should I arrive on my first day and what should I bring?Please arrive promptly at 08:45am.

The schedule for the first day is as follows:

8:45 Arrival 9:00 Paperwork with Registrar 9:30 Placement Test with Academic Director 11:00 Orientation with Student Services Coordinator 1:50 Afternoon classes begin for those with the Intensive 30 program

For orientation, please bring a pen and notebook. You will also need to bring yourpassport. If you have a student visa or tourist visa, you will need to bring your I-94 card(the small white card that Immigrations gave you at the airport). If you are on ESTA, thevisa waiver program, you will not have an I-94 card. If you have a student visa, pleasebring your I-20 and U.S. address.

SECTION SEVEN: ACCOMMODATION

1. What types of accommodation do you offer?LSI Boston offers accommodation year round in host families, and residences.

Our carefully selected host families offer friendly, comfortable surroundings. Students maychoose Bed & Breakfast (breakfast only) or Half Board (breakfast and dinner). Studentsmust choose a single room if they book individually. When two students book together forthe same dates, they may choose a twin room to share together if they wish, anddepending upon availability.

Hosts provide a single room with linens plus the meals booked. There is a $30 per weeksupplement in the busy summer months. As an alternative to staying in a host family, we

also offer residential accommodation. Here, students stay in a residence with otherInternational students. Please contact us for more information and prices.

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There are two residences; one residence, the International Guest Hotel, is located on aresidential street in Bostons historic Back Bay only a twenty minute walk across theBoston Common to the school. It offers shared rooms (2 - 4 people) and breakfast and

dinner every day. The second residence, the ESL Townhouse is located indowntownBoston near public transportation, and it offers single and double rooms as well as privatestudio apartments. Each apartment has a private kitchen. Please contact us for moreinformation on residence availability and prices. Please contact us for more informationon residence availability and prices.

2. How far will my homestay be from the school?Our families live within a 45 minute commute to the school. Most of our families are in thesuburbs, but they are located near bus or subway lines.

3. Are the homestays inspected by the school?

Yes, our Accommodation Coordinator inspects all homestays!

4. When do I arrive at my homestay and when do I leave?Students may stay with their host families from Sat-Sat, Sun-Sun or Sun-Sat.

5. What do the families provide?A private room, bed linens and towels are provided by the family. Many host families havelaundry facilities, and there are also Laundromats readily available.

6. When do I have to pay for the accommodation fees?

We require full payment for accommodation prior to arrival. If a long-term student wishes

only to book four weeks of accommodation, to start and then add more after arrival, it ispossible, but not recommended, because the host may not have availability. Also, in thesummer, all accommodations are very limited, and we strongly suggest booking the fullnumber of weeks in advance.

7. Do I need to pay for my homestay over Christmas break or if I take a holiday?Yes there is an $80 supplement for staying during the week of Christmas. In addition,please note that not every host family is able to accept students over the Christmas breakdue to family commitments and travel, so it is best to book Christmas accommodations inadvance.

8. What if I need to cancel my accommodations? Can I have a refund?Students may cancel host family accommodations with two weeks advance notice andreceive a refund. After accommodation details have been confirmed, theaccommodations placement fee is also non-refundable.Refunds for residence cancellations vary. Please contact the Registrar for moreinformation.

SECTION EIGHT: AIRPORT TRANSFER

1. Are airport transfers available?

Yes. Transfers are available from the Boston Logan International Airport to youraccommodations. If you would like a transfer, please let us know the date, and time ofarrival. (e.g. 12th March 2012, 13:00, BA 007)

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Airport Cost (One way)BOS US$100

2. Who meets me at the airport and where?We will send you a transfer confirmation which explains the airport pickup procedure,including information on how to identify and contact the driver. The driver will pick upstudents at Information/Baggage Claim.

SECTION NINE: SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1. Are social activities offered during the weekdays and/or weekends?Yes. All students receive a monthly activity calendar upon arrival. Sample activitiesinclude: museums, concerts, whale watching (in season), baseball games, restaurantnights, and historic walks.

2. Do I have to pay for social activities?Some social activities are free, but others, including weekend trips, may have a fee.

SECTION TEN: PAYMENTS/CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS1. How do I pay for my LSI course?Course fees must be paid before your course starts. Payment can be made by wiretransfer or by credit card/debit card. If you pay by credit or debit card (we accept Visa,MasterCard, or American Express), then we can send you a credit card authorization formto complete. If you send a wire transfer, please send a copy of the wire transfer receipt,and mention the students name, ID and invoice number. Our bank details are as follows:

3. What are your payment terms and conditions?Please refer to your agency contract which was provided to you by our MarketingDepartment or you can also look online athttp://www.lsi.edu/en/terms.shtml.

4. How do I cancel a course? Will I get a refund for the course and/or theaccommodation?Course refunds are given according to the USA Cancellation & Refund Policy (andaccording to your agency agreement). Please refer to the back of the enrollment form forthese policies. Host Family refunds are given as long as LSI is provided with two fullweeks notice. Residence refunds depend on the specific cancellation policies of each

residence. For information on the charges for cancellations and late postponements,please refer to the policy in the Agents Manual or the LSI Terms and Conditions:http://www.lsi.edu/en/terms.shtml.

Bank Name Wells Fargo

Beneficiary Name Language Studies International

AddressWells Fargo Bank, N.A.,San Francisco, CA

A/C NameLanguage StudiesInternational

A/C No 9637112898

Swift Code #WFBIUS6S (International only)

ABA Routing Number 121000248 (Domestic only)

Currency USD

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SECTION ELEVEN: APPLICATION PROCESS AND IMMIGRATION ISSUES

1. Do I need a visa to study at your school?We recommend that students come with proper visa. Language Studies International,

USA can accept students on a tourist visa or on the visa waiver (ESTA) for a short courseof study. Immigration officers looks at intent. People whose main intent is to study shouldcome on a student visa. People whose main intent is tourism can come on the tourist visaor visa waiver.

The student should be aware that if he or she chooses to travel on a tourist visa or visawaiver but tells immigration that the intent is to study, the immigration officer at the Port ofEntry (airport) may ask for a student visa which the student does not have. In this case,the student may not be allowed entry to the United States.

With that said, many of our students come on the tourist visa or visa waiver. The decision

about which visa to obtain is entirely up to the student. Please contact any LSI school inthe U.S.A. if you have further questions and concerns regarding visas.

2. How do I apply?Complete an LSI USA Application form and send it with a US$150.00 non-refundableapplication fee. Upon receipt, LSI will provide a confirmation and invoice.

3. What is an I-20 and does LSI issue I-20s?

Yes, LSI issues this form. An I-20 is an Immigration Form which certain accreditedschools are given permission to issue by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Itallows the student to take this form to a US Embassy or Consulate in his/her country andapply for a student visa.

4. What does a student need to do in order to obtain an I-20?

If you wish to receive an I-20 document LSI must first receive:

The completed application form, including the students home address A non-refundable $150.00 application fee, A copy of the passport photo page with birthdate and nationality information Course and accommodation fees and any sundry fees Required proof of financial responsibility*

Upon receipt of the above, LSI will issue an I-20 form.

Financial certification consists of a letter stating who will support the student whilehe/she is in the United States (the student him-/herself, his/her parents, his hercompany) plus a bank statement showing that sufficient funds are available for bothcourse and housing for the entire period the student will be in the USA. Proof ofhousing is required even if the student does not have accommodation through LSI.

The law requires that the school have financial documentation for every student BEFOREthe I-20 is issued. LSI needs to keep this documentation on file. The I-20 form will beissued for the duration of the course. (The I-20 can be extended here if the course isextended).

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5. How much money does a student need to show on the bank statement?The student must show enough to cover the course, fees, and living expenses for theperiod of time he/she plans to be in the United States. On the I-20 if a student does nothave accommodation through LSI, we estimate the cost of living expenses at $285/week.

6. How long can a student stay in the United States on a student visa?

A student can only remain in the USA as long as he/she maintains full-time status inschool. If a student falls below full-time status he/she is subject to deportation. Aftercompletion of the program booked, a student can remain in the United States for up to 60days to travel and prepare to return home or prepare to transfer. If the student istransferring, they must begin class on the first possible start date.

7. What is the difference between the I-20 form, the student visa, and the I-94 card?

A) The I-20 form is issued by a school which has been recognized and approved by theDepartment of Homeland Security, and is the document the student must take to theAmerican Consulate in order to apply for a student visa (F-1). The student needs to takethis document sent by the school to the Consulate along with financial documentation andthe SEVIS receipt. The American Consulate will not issue a student visa (F-1) withoutthese documents. MAKE SURE THE STUDENT BRINGS THE I-20 DOCUMENT WHENHE COMES TO THE USA.

B)Visa in passport: this is issued by the American Consulate and gives the visitorpermission to apply to enter the USA at a port of entry for the time period specified on thevisa and in the particular category e.g. student/F1. (The visa may give a one timepermission to come or up to five or more years; these dates do not mean the visitor maystay for that period of time; only that he/she may come to the port of entry and apply to

enter during that period of time).C) The I-94 is the card generally given out on the airplane to be completed before thestudent arrives at the port of entry. It is a Department of Homeland Security document,which is presented to the immigration officer upon arrival in the USA. For a studentcoming on a student visa, the card will be stamped F-I/DS by the immigration officer.This means that the applicant has been admitted in student status (F-1) and the visa isvalid for the duration of his/her status, (D/S) i.e. as long as he attends school on a fulltimebasis; if the student falls below fulltime attendance, his visa is automatically cancelled andhe is subject to deportation.

For students who COMPLETE their program, the visa is valid for 60 days after the last day

of school to travel, etc. It is not valid to take a break/vacation and come back to the sameschool.

8. Can a student take a vacation during his/her course?In accordance with US Immigration Law, students mustcomplete the equivalent of anacademic semester to be eligible for a vacation. Students may take a vacation of 1-3weeks. However, only ONE vacation is allowed, so if a student only takes a 2 weekvacation, he/she loses the remaining 1 week.

LSI defines an academic semester as four months (16 weeks) of the Intensive 30 program

or six months (24 weeks) of the Standard 20 program. In addition, students must havefour weeks remaining in their course in order to take a vacation.

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Finally, students must also have a minimum of 80% attendance to qualify for a vacation.Any student wishing to take a vacation must make a formal request with the Registrar andAcademic Director, and the request is subject to their approval.

9. Can a student extend his/her booking for courses and accommodations when theoriginal booking has been completed?Yes, students can add additional weeks of their course and accommodation with theRegistrar as long as they do so before the original booking has been completed. This isimportant for extending the I-20.

10. Can a student drop courses and accommodations after arriving in the UnitedStates?A student who drops out of the course he/she has booked is considered out of statusunless he/she returns to his/her country within 15 days.

11. If a student finishes the course he/she booked and takes a short break, canhe/she start classes again?DHS regulations do not allow such breaks. It would be considered an unauthorizedvacation, and the student would be out of status and have to apply to DHS forreinstatement, a time-consuming and expensive process that could result in deportation.

12. How long can a student stay in the United States when he/she finishes thecourse?Students may remain in the US for up to 60 days aftersuccessful completion of thecourse to prepare to transfer or prepare to return home.

13. Can a student transfer to another school, college or university?

If a student has maintained his/her status (including at least an 80% attendance rate),then he/she may be eligible to apply to another institution.

14. Can a student work while he/she is studying at LSI?No, if you are on the F student visa, B tourist visa, or ESTA visa waiver (WT) are notallowed to work, not even part time, while in the United States.

SECTION TWELVE: PERSONAL

1. Who can I talk to if I have a problem? Can I speak my own language?If you have a problem please come speak with our staff: See the Academic Director forissues regarding your class and attendance. See the Registrar for class adds, drops,

vacations, transfers, and I-20 issues. See the Student Services/AccommodationsCoordinator for homestay/residence issues, airport transfers, and activity information.

2. Can I apply for a student bank account?Students can open a bank account. They should ask at LSI Reception during their firstweek for assistance.

3. What happens if I get sick?LSI Boston can refer you to a doctor or hospital if you are sick. If you are sick, pleaseemail or call the school to let us know.

4. Do you offer insurance?Yes. The current cost is $25 per week. We strongly urge all students to purchase medicalinsurance either through LSI or on their own.

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5. Can I take a vacation during my course?Yes, depending on the length of your course. Students may take one vacation maximumduring their course of study. They must have completed 24 weeks of the STD 20 courseor 16 weeks of the INT 30 course. In addition, they must have 4 weeks of courseremaining after they return from the vacation. They may take a vacation of 1-3 weeks, butremember that there is only one vacation. Finally, students must have a minimumattendance of 80% to be eligible. When students take a vacation, they can then extendthe course by the number of weeks vacation taken.

If you have any additional questions that we have not answered please contact usat

LSI Boston105 Beach StreetBoston, MA 02111Tel: + 1 (617) 542-3600Fax: + 1 (617) 542-1769Email:bos@lsi.eduWebsite:www.lsi.edu

mailto:bos@lsi.edumailto:bos@lsi.edumailto:bos@lsi.eduhttp://www.lsi.edu/http://www.lsi.edu/http://www.lsi.edu/http://www.lsi.edu/mailto:bos@lsi.edu