International Students Orientation
Steps for obtaining your F-1 Visa:
- For information regarding student visas, visit the Department of State website.
- Submit the application for the enrollment form completed online, by email, postal mail, or bring it to one of our Centers.
- Send an initial application for an enrollment fee of $150, an administrative fee of $350 (non-refundable), and a minimum payment of twelve weeks of tuition (refundable if a student does not participate in the program). The remaining tuition is due upon arrival.
- Send a copy of the information and visa pages on your passport and a passport-sized picture.
- Send a certified bank letter/statement showing a balance of at least US $160 per student to cover living expenses per week, for the duration of the program. This is in addition to the cost of the program. Add $100 per dependent, per week.
- In case a sponsor will cover the student’s expenses while in the US, present the three last bank statements of the sponsor or company responsible for the expenses, showing the above-mentioned balance and a letter addressed to Lingua School, Inc. signed by the sponsor and notarized, where he/she commits to paying all study and living expenses of the student for the duration of the study program (sample attached). Should the sponsor be a company, all letters must be on the company’s letterhead. Please click here for a sample letter.
- All payments must be made to Lingua School, Inc. Forms of payment include cashier’s check, Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover Card, money order, or wire transfer.
- I-20s will be processed upon receipt of all supporting documents and issued along with an acceptance letter within a week.
- Pay the required I-901 SEVIS fee for F1 visa applicants
- Make an appointment at your nearest consulate or embassy and make sure to bring all the necessary documents to your appointment. A complete list of documents is available on the Department of State website.
Additional Requirements and Available Services:
- Health Insurance (Mandatory for F1 students): This can be processed in your country of origin or through Lingua School, Inc. Click here for a free quote, to request a health insurance quote and/or to obtain health insurance through one of Lingua’s trusted partners, UniGroup Insurance.
- Housing Arrangements: Lingua School, Inc. can assist you in finding accommodations with an American family or in an apartment/hotel. Please contact our homestay provider American Homestay Network at info@homestaynetwork.com or visit homestaynetwork.com.
- Transportation: Lingua School, Inc. can also assist the student with transportation from the airport and/or contracting with a car leasing agency (only for students of legal age). Please contact our corporate office by phone or e-mail to make arrangements.
What to Pack:
The following is a partial list of items that may be needed during your stay, Please check with the Transportation Security Administration for a list of items that you are not allowed to bring into the United States.
- All important documents, including your valid passport and visa, I-20, proof of ability to support yourself financially, Lingua’s registration form and payment receipts, Lingua Center’s address, email, and phone number.
- Medicines (if needed) accompanied by a doctor’s prescription.
- Medical records for serious medical conditions.
- Eye glasses and/or contact lenses if needed.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, beach towel, flip-flops, and sunscreen.
- Appropriate clothing for class. Please bring a sweater and/or jacket to class and/or dress in layers. The classrooms are air-conditioned.
Starting Classes:
- You must show up for class on the start date indicated on your I-20.
- You will receive an orientation presentation and our Academic Catalog on your first day.
Travel or Vacations:
- You must contact the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to making vacation and/or travel plans.
Maintaining F-1 Status:
- You must comply with the attendance policy as outlined in the Academic Catalog.
- You must be in good standing and make satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Academic Catalog.
Transfers:
- The DSO and School Director will assist you with transfers to U.S. colleges and universities.
- International Student Advisors for Broward College and Millennia Atlantic University are available on-site to assist you with all the requirements for transferring to a degree program
During Your Stay:
Everyone at Lingua Center would like you to have a safe and enjoyable experience during your stay.
- It is very important that you follow common sense safety precautions at all times.
- We can provide you with brochures and tourist information for the Fort Lauderdale and Weston areas and make recommendations for day trips, restaurants, museums, sports, cultural events, etc.
- From time to time, we arrange extra-curricular activities so that you can immerse yourself in the culture while practicing your English with your classmates.
- We can provide you with information on how to obtain your driver license.
- We can provide you with information on how to obtain your auto insurance.
- We can provide you with information on how to and where to purchase a vehicle.
- The School Director and the rest of the Lingua staff can provide advice on academic and/or cultural matters and help you with the transition into the new culture.
- The School Administrator can provide assistance with financial matters, housing, transportation, etc.
