ANSWERS:
1. When can I start my courses?
Our courses are 12-weeks long and are based on a rolling admission. Therefore, you can start on any Monday. However, we recommend that you do not start one week before our official starting dates each month. (This is because that week is used for examinations and report cards.)
2. How much does it cost to come to your school?
It depends on what program you wish to take. Please take a look at our fee schedule.
3. When should I register and when do I have to pay?
The earlier you register, the earlier your place is confirmed in the school. We want to accept all students, but if all classes are full, we might not be able to accept you.
Here are the application steps:
For students who will apply for an F-1 visa, submit a statement from your bank saying that you have the financial support for the period you wish to study for. Your financial statement must be in English and must be recent (dated within the last 6 months). (Please calculate the total tuition, enrollment fee, and cost of living in New York (approximately $1000/month) in your statement.)
3.
You must also submit a non-refundable $100 application fee plus a $1100 (one month's tuition) deposit. If you are unable to obtain an F-1 visa, we will refund you the $1100 in full. (Your $100 application fee will not be refunded.)
4.
You must pay the balance of your tuition on, or before, the first day of class. You can pay by bank wire transfer or credit card (Visa/Mastercard). If you are paying by credit card, please fill out and send the credit card application form.
5.
Once you have received your complete application, we will send your official letter of acceptance, I-20 (as applicable), and book your accommodation (if you have asked for this).
4. What happens if I cancel?
Please see the GEOS USA Cancellation Policy.
5. What happens if I want to change my courses or schedule when I am there?
Students can switch between courses if it is recommended by their teachers. However, to change a contract (from full-time to part-time, or to private courses) requires the permission of the School Manager. Normally students study according to the terms of the contract that they sign.
6. How do I register?
Please fill out our application form and send it to the school. We will reply to you within 1 business day.
7. Do I need a TOEFL® test score to enter GEOS San Francisco?
No, you do not need a TOEFL score to enter the school. However, for those students who do want to study for the TOEFL test, we do have a TOEFL iBT preparation course.
8. How do you decide what level I am at before I take classes?
On your first morning, you will be given a placement test and an orientation. Your placement test measures speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We will know your level after giving you this test.
9. What happens on my first day at GEOS?
On your first day of school, you will have orientation and placement Test.
10. Do I get a diploma or certificate when I finish?
Yes. GEOS gives a certificate to all of our students who attend at least 80% of their classes.
11. What is the materials fee?
All students are given textbooks for our classes. The materials fee covers the cost of these textbooks.
12. Can I take a break from my classes if I want to go on a trip for a week or two?
Students can take up to 4-weeks vacation per year. If you are studying for less than 12 weeks, there is no vacation available, unless this is discussed with the school at the time of your enrolment.
13. Can I go from one GEOS school to another? Are there any extra fees for doing this?
There are no transfer fees to move from one GEOS school to another in North America. However, if you are moving to a school with higher fees, then you are responsible for the difference in tuition.
14. Do I need a visa to come to your school?
This depends on how long you plan to study.
You may study in the USA part-time (up to 17 hours/week) with a visitor's visa. If you would like to study for more hours in a week, you will need to apply for a F-1 visa. Please fill out a transfer form and we will guide you through the application process.
15. If I decide to stay longer at GEOS can I extend my F-1 Visa in the United States?
Yes, GEOS will be happy to help you extend your F-1 Visa.
16. Can I work while I am in the United States studying at GEOS?
No. Students with a visitor visa are not allowed to work. Students with a student visa who study at a language school like GEOS are not permitted to work.
17. When can I transfer to GEOS?
You should finish transfer before you are on your last day of school where you go now because you should be registered in a school for keeping a student visa. You can take a break during you transfer, but we recommend you take a break after transferring.
18. Do I need Medical Insurance?
You are required to have Medical Insurance while you are away from your home country and studying at GEOS. You can purchase this through GEOS or you can arrange it from your home country. We offer health insurance for $16 per week or $2.50 per day.
