Every year, over 500,000 international students come to the US to study English. With many programs to choose from, AAIEP can help you decide which program is the best for you. AAIEP has more than 300 member programs that offer a great variety of programs, accommodations, and locations throughout the US. By 2008, all AAIEP member programs will be accredited by ACCET, CEA, or operate under the governance of a regionally accredited institution, thus ensuring that all members are offering high quality programs, services, and accommodations. By choosing to study with an AAIEP member, you can be assured that the program you have selected is not only the best for you, but is also one of the best for English in the USA.

AAIEP members have provided information about their programs that will help you find the program that will best meet your English language goals in the setting and location that's meant for you. There are many points to consider as you choose your program...

Location

An AAIEP member program can be found in almost every state in the US. You can live...

• On the east coast, the west coast, the south, or the mid-west
• Near the ocean, the mountains, the lakes, the plains, or the desert
• In a college community, a small town, or a metropolis

AAIEP member programs are offered in a variety of settings. You can choose to study in...

• An independent language school
• A community college
• A university-affiliated programs

Types of Programs

AAIEP member programs offer a wide variety of English language courses. You can attend...

• General, intensive English programs that will improve your English in all areas of the language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
• Exam preparation programs that will help you prepare for college entrance exams (iBT or IELTS) or for certificates or diplomas that will improve your career choices (Cambridge exams or TOEIC.)
• Academic English programs that will help you prepare you for university studies by improving your English in academic contexts and emphasizing study techniques (note-taking, discussion skills, academic reading and writing and research techniques).
• Business English programs that will help you acquire the English needed for all aspects of business (meetings, negotiations, social skills, telephone skills, report writing, etc.).
• Certificate Programs that will help you acquire the English needed for a variety of professions (law, marketing, management, finance, etc.)
• Teacher Training Programs that will help you acquire or refresh the English needed to teach English in your country (language, methodology, teaching techniques, etc.)

Once you've decided the type of course/s you're interested in attending, you need to find a program whose schedule and components best match your goals. You can enroll in...

• Short-term courses are typically offered in 4-week sessions. Some programs offer these courses year-round with scheduled start dates every week or month, while others offer these courses several times a year.
• Quarter or Semester courses (10 to 15 weeks) are typically offered in college and university-based programs with start dates scheduled several times a year.

Components to consider...

• Full-time courses must meet a minimum of 18 clock hours according to DHS regulations for F-1 student visas. Some AAIEP programs offer courses that meet 18 clock hours, while others offer courses that meet as many as 30 hours/week
• Class size varies among the programs as well. While some courses may have a maximum of 8 - 12 students/class, others may have a maximum of 16 - 20.
• Number of levels of a member program can vary from 6 - 12 with a range from absolute beginners to very advanced.
• Fees differ with the programs. Some programs include tuition, books, materials, medical insurance, student activities fees, lab fees together, while others charge separately for each item.
• Social activities and sports. Most AAIEP member programs offer a wide variety of activities, sports, and leisure programs that vary with the region and the time of year. Whatever your interests and hobbies may be, you'll be able to pursue them in an AAIEP program.

Accommodations

Where you live while you're studying in an AAIEP program is a very important part of your language experience in the US. Most programs offer a choice of accommodations that can include...

• Homestays. This experience will provide you an opportunity to live with an American family. Depending on the program, you may have a private bedroom, share with a family member or another student. Meals are included and you can sometimes choose breakfast only, breakfast and dinner (half-board) or breakfast, lunch, and dinner (full-board).
• Student residences. Programs located on college campuses often offer accommodations in student residences. Depending on the program, you'll typically share a bedroom with another student or students and have meals in the commons.
• Hotels or apartments. Some programs provide information on hotels or apartments for those students who are looking for short-term accommodations or independent living.

By choosing to study English in an AAIEP member program, you're guaranteed your program and its services will be of the highest quality. For more information, please contact the member program/s directly or AAIEP's central office at info@aaiep.org.

For information on applying for a visa and visa wait times please visit www.travel.state.gov.