Requirements to take an English Course in the United States
Some programs can have their own special requirements
Student Visa
Students wishing to take an intensive English course (program of 18 or more hours of English a week) must apply for an F-1 student visa. To process this visa, the educational institution must send you a document called I-20. Students who wish to take a part-time English course may take the course with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA.
Age Requirements
Most English courses in the USA are for adults. The minimum age to take the courses will depend on the institution, but it is usually 16 or 18 years old. There is no maximum age, so it's never too late to learn a new language.
Financial Verification
To process the F-1 student visa you must show that you have the money to pay for the course and living expenses. The amount to be shown will be given by the institution offering the English course. This money must be in the bank account of the student or a sponsor which may be a relative, friend, company or government.
Minimum Level of English
In most English courses, a minimum level of English is not required, since they offer different levels of education, including a basic level. The level of English is measured during the orientation week or first day of classes with a placement test. Some institutions do not have basic English levels, please ask before applying to the course.
Prices, dates and costs
The prices and dates of English courses in the United States vary depending mainly on the city, institution, methodology and number of hours per week of the specific English course.
To better compare prices, you need to have in mind that some institutions and universities include items not directly related to the course in the total price. These extra items may consider accommodation, medical insurance, access to facilities, extra-program activities, events, books, among others.
If you want to take an English course in a country like the United States, you should consider the associated costs. Many of these will depend specifically on the place chosen to take the course, but we will try to break down these costs as much as possible.
ENGLISH PROGRAM
It will depend on the institution and the number of class hours per week
HEALTH INSURANCE
Some institutions include insurance, others don’t. You can find medical insurance for international students starting at $ 100 per month. Keep in mind that all F-1 students in the U.S. must have health insurance.
BOOKS
It will depend on the institution, but generally you should spend approximately $100 per level of English.
HOUSING
It will depend mainly on the city and the type of accommodation. It can vary between $700 and $1600 per month for a single room.
FOOD
Some accommodation options include food, in others you can buy meal plans within the University residences. Consider a budget of at least $600 a month in food.
VISA
All international students who take an intensive English course must pay the student visa F-1 and the I-901 SEVIS Fee. The visa costs $160 and the SEVIS $350.
TRANSPORTATION
The cost will depend on how far you are living. We suggest to live nearby to be able to walk or take public transportation. Buying a car is more complicated since you have to add the cost of parking.
FLIGHT TICKETS
The cost will depend on the country in which you are, the place of destination and the dates. Try looking at sites that look for values on several airlines and in several days. The most expensive prices are usually before Christmas and after New Year. You can find offers in between.
