FAQ - Registration, fees, Money and others

 

Questions:

 

 

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:

1. Send us the Registration form.  If you are currently a full-time student in the U.S.A., you will need to fill out and send a transfer form. 
2. Send a copy of your valid passport.
3. 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 Los Angeles (approximately $1000/month) in your statement.) 
4. You must also submit a non-refundable  registration fee (10% of the tuition fee, max. $100) and $60 as shipping fee plus a 40% of the total amount as deposit. If you are unable to obtain an F-1 visa, we will refund you the deposit minus the registration fee and fees for any services rendered such as accomodation placement fee.
5. 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. 
6. 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 Withdrawal Policy.

 

5. How much money should I bring with me?

Besides your classes, you will probably need a minimum of $1000 per month for accommodation and spending money.

 

6. 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. In order to maintain your full-time student status, students must be registered in the full-time program (20 hours/week). Normally students study according to the terms of the contract that they sign.

 

7. How do I register?

Please fill out our registration form and send it to the school. We will reply to you within 1 business day.

 

8. Do I need a TOEFL® test score to enter GEOS Los Angeles?

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.

 

9. Can I choose the courses that I want right now and be sure I will get them?

If you register for a full-time or part-time course, that course is guaranteed to be running when you are here at the school.

 

10. 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.

 

11. What happens on my first day at GEOS?

On your first day of school, your schedule is:

 Morning         Welcome and Placement Test
 Lunch
 Afternoon      Orientation
 

12. 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.

 

13. What is the materials fee?

All students are given textbooks for our classes. We charge 40$/textbook. For any enrolment of 1 to 3 weeks, students will be able either to keep the textbooks at the end of their stay or to give back the books (in good condition). When returning the textbooks, we will refund your deposit minus the rental fees of $5/book/week.

 

14. I am trying to register online but I don't think it is working. Do I need to change something in my computer?

Please contact the school if you are having problems registering. We can send you an application form by email.

 

15. 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 16 weeks, there is no vacation available, unless this is discussed with the school at the time of your enrolment.

 

16. 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.

 

17. Do I need a visa to come to your school?

This depends on how long you plan to study.

18. I am studying or visiting Canada right now. Can I use the same visa I used to enter Canada to come to the United States?

No. Canada and the USA have different immigration systems. People from these countries can enter the USA with just a passport, so these people may easily enter the United States from Canada for a visit or for part-time studies.  For other students, a non-immigrant visa will be required.

 

19. Can I visit Canada while I am in the United States?

Yes, but only people from these countries can enter Canada with just a passport. Other people will need to apply for a Canadian tourist visa.  If you are studying using a F-1 Visa, you will need the following to re-enter the United States:

• A valid signed SEVIS Form I-20
• A valid F-Stamp in your passport
• Evidence of monetary support as listed in Section 8 of the I-20
• ESTA registration*

* As of January 12, 2009, all students from Visa Waiver Program countries in the United States  will need to be authorized in ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is an application system that authorizes people to travel to, or pass through, the U.S.A. Therefore, to re-enter the United States from Canada, all students will have to be registered in this system or they will be denied re-entry. 

• Find out more information about ESTA HERE
• Apply online for ESTA here (you must register at least 72 hours before your entry into the United States)

 

20. If I decide to stay longer at GEOS can I extend my I-20 in the United States?

Yes, GEOS will be happy to help you extend your I-20.

 

21. Can I work while I am in the United States studying at GEOS?

 

22. Where can I read your Privacy Policy?