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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do I need to study at Open Hearts International College?
The first thing you need is to meet our admission criteria. You are to be at least 16 years of age, have completed your secondary education and of course be a non-native English speaker. If you meet these requirements, complete our international student School Application Form and provide it along with;
- Copy of your passport that will remain valid during your entire stay in the United States
- Bank Statement showing sufficient funds for the period of study
- If required, provide a Notarized Affidavit of Support
- 2 small ID pictures
- $375 US to cover for your non-refundable application fee, US SEVIS fee and Mailing fee.
Once you have completed the application and have been accepted, Open Hearts International College will send you a welcoming letter and your I-20.
*Notarized Affidavit of Support: Required only when the Bank Statement does not belong to the applicant and that the cost related to the studies are being "sponsored" by a third party.
What kind of visa should I get? Where do I go to get one?
Because you will be a student, you should get an F-1 (student) visa. To get a visa, you must visit the nearest U.S. Consulate. They are usually located inside U.S. Embassies. For specific information on where to get a visa, go to http://travel.state.gov/ and select the appropriate country and city.
I have a valid visa, but it is not F-1? What should I do?
If you are currently in the U.S.;
- Apply to Open Hearts International College as normal
- If you are accepted, we will assist you in changing your status to F-1
If you are outside of the U.S.;
- Apply to Open Hearts International College as normal
- Make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate to apply for an F-1 visa
DO NOT USE A VISITOR VISA TO ENTER THE U.S. TO STUDY!
What if I'm already attending another ESL program in the U.S. and want to transfer to Open Hearts International College?
The transfer process is quite simple:
- Complete and sign our School Application Form
- Have our Transfer form completed and signed by your current Student Advisor.
- Provide a copy of your passport, Visa, I-20 Form and I-94 and 2 small ID pictures.
- Provide a Bank Statement showing sufficient funds for the proposed period of study.
- If required, provide a Notarized Affidavit of Support *
*Notarized Affidavit of Support: Required only when the Bank Statement does not belong to the applicant and that the cost related to the studies are being "sponsored" by a third party.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for "Student Exchange Visitor Information System." It is a web-based database that tracks all non-immigrants who are in the U.S. with F or J status. SEVIS is monitored by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
For more information on F-1 rules and regulations, please refer to the BCIS website at http://uscis.gov.
Who can attend?
Students who attend Open Hearts International College are to have graduated from High School, be at least 16 years of age and be non-native English speakers.
How many levels are offered by the school?
Open Hearts International College offers seven levels; two Basic levels, two Intermediate levels, two Advanced levels and one Elite Level. Each level lasts twelve weeks. Levels are subdivided into six - two-week unit called block. A written and oral placement tests will be given to you on arrival to determine the level you will be starting at.
When do the sessions begin?
The sessions at Open Hearts International College starts, every second Monday, at the beginning of each two-week block.
How long will I need to study at Open Hearts International College in order to complete the program?
This depends on the result of your placement exam. Each level at Open Hearts International College lasts 12 weeks and there are 7 levels. So if you start at the Basic 1 level, you will need 84 weeks or close to 20 months to complete the entire program of study.
What is the Open Hearts International College schedule?
Classes are held from Monday to Friday in the morning from 9:00 A.M to 12:40 P.M.
What is the size of Open Hearts International College classes?
Even though our classes can accommodate up to 15 students we normally have an average of 10 to 12 students per class. This small class setting allows for our students to receive the individual attention required for them to succeed in their course of study.
Is there a Diploma or Certificate at the end of the program?
At the end of your program, you will have to sit for an Exit Exam. Based on the results of this exam you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Does Open Hearts International College help with the housing?
Yes. Open Hearts International College offers Homestay with local families including daily breakfast and dinner. If you choose our Homestay accommodation option you will have to fill out our Housing Application Form and pay a one-time application fee. During your stay you will have to pay a weekly stipend that will vary depending if you are willing to share a room with another student/sibling or if you rather be alone in your room. Please contact us at info@openheartscollege.com or refer to our School Application Form for current fees related to this service.
What happens if I get sick?
As an international student you are obligated to have medical emergency insurance with the following minimum coverage:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000;
- Death coverage of at least $10,000;
- Permanent invalidity of at least $10,000.
Additionally the insurance corporation must have one of the following ratings:
- an A.M. rating of "A-"or above;
- an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above;
- a Weiss Research, Inc rating of B+ or above.
What is the cost of the tuition?
The cost of tuition is $720 per 4-week session
What other expenses do I have to pay different than tuition?
You first have to pay a non-refundable application fee ($100), SEVIS fee ($200) and mailing fee [$75]. The other additional expenses are:
- Books fee; $50.00 for each 12 week session (compulsory)
- Insurance: $80 to register and $80 per month premium (optional)
- Public transportation: $60 per month (optional).
To supplement its English program, OHIC offers to students a choice of Optional Activities. A number of them are free of charge (ex. Art Deco Tour, etc.] but, for others students may be required to pay entrance and other related fees, in order to participate.
When and how do I pay the tuition fee?
Upon application you initial application fees, tuition for the first 12-week [or up to your proposed length of study, if less than 12 weeks] and, if requested, housing placement and airport service fees are due. They can be paid by: sending a payment by wire transfer, sending a check drawn on a US bank or international money order or by credit card. Open Hearts International College accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Do I get a refund if I can't get the Visa to enter a country?
If your visa is denied all tuition and fees (except the initial application fee, SEVIS fee and mailing fee) will be refunded.
Do I get a refund if I have to cancel my studies?
- If you cancel your enrollment prior to the start of the initial session in which you are enrolled, a cancellation fee equal to 4 weeks tuition [or to your proposed length of study, if less than 4 weeks] will apply. However, fees such as: housing stipend or residential fee and airport transfer fees will be refunded.
- After the start of any session the following cancellation fees will apply:
- Tuition: Tuition for the full 12-week session [or to your proposed length of study, if less than 12 weeks] is non-refundable, unless you test above our highest level of instruction or have a documented medical emergency. If you test above our highest level of instruction, tuition and fees paid will be refunded. If during your session you must return to your home country for a documented emergency, the unused portion of your tuition will be held on account for a period of one year, for use upon your return.
- Housing stipend: A cancellation fee equal to 2 weeks of housing stipend will apply.
- Residential fee: The unused portion of paid residential fee is not refundable
- For any session in which you cancel, fees paid for materials, books, student services and health insurance [if chosen] are non refundable.
- If Open Hearts International College cancels the program, subsequent to your enrollment, all tuition and fees, including the initial application fee, paid will be refunded.
- If you are terminated by Open Hearts International College due to violations of the school written disciplinary and/or attendance policies and/or local, state, or federal laws, no refund will be permitted.
- If your tuition and fees are paid through an Open Hearts International College representative in your country, the refund will be processed through this representative.
Does Open Hearts International College help with the housing? What are the fees and costs?
Yes. Open Hearts International College offers Homestay with local families including daily breakfast and dinner or Residence accommodation in the same complex as the school. Thisoption also includes 2 meals per day [breakfast and dinner]
If you choose our Homestay accommodation option you will be required to pay an Housing application fee ($150) and a weekly stipend that will vary depending on whether or not you are willing to share a room with another student/sibling [$190 for double and $265 for single].
If you choose our Residence accommodation option you will be required to pay an a weekly stipend that will vary depending on whether or not you are willing to share a room with other student(s) and on the time of the year that you will be residing with us. Note that all residential bookings are conditional to availability and to these conditions:
- Minimum 2 week stays
- Bookings are to be made at least 4 weeks before arrival
Here at the current prices:
Double [1/2 board – 14 meals per week ]
Low season – April 16th to Nov 30th
High season– Dec 1st to April 15th
$350 per week. For stays of 4 weeks or more, add $40 per week
Single [1/2 board – 14 meals per week ]
Low season – April 16th to Nov 30th
High season– Dec 1st to April 15th
$600 per week. For stays of 4 weeks or more, add $80 per week
Is the airport transfer provided by the school? Is it included in the fees?
Yes, an airport transfer can be organized by the school. This optional service is not included in the tuition fees. The current fee associated with this service is $75 each way.
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