Contact:
Dr. Michael Milne, Director Tel: 734-994-1456 Fax: 734-994-7341 609 East Liberty Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
Established:
1984 
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Access International Business InstituteDescriptionAccess International Business Institute is an English as a second language school offering intensive and semi-intensive English language programs. Access International is authorized by Homeland Security to enroll non-immigrant students (SEVIS certified). Access International was founded in 1984 and has excelled in three areas (1)preparing international students for an American univerity experience; (2) helping international students acquire English proficiency for trades and professions, and; (3) helping international residents of the community acquire English proficiency for daily life in the United States. For many years Access International has also been known as one of the friendliest schools on earth.
LocationAccess International is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, one block from the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor is a beautiful "college town" offering a wealth of cultural events and experiences. Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes. Ann Arbor is 40 minutes from Canada, 5 hours from Toronto, 4 hours from Chicago, and 5 hours from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Weather- Summers:warm and beautiful; Autumns: cool and beautiful; Springs, cool, then warm and beautiful; Winters: well, three out of four ain't bad. (Do you like winter sports? This is a good place!).
Teaching QualificationsThe four senior Access International instructors hold a Ph.D. (Doctorate) or M.A. (Master's) in English or Foreign Language instruction. The average instructor in the program has taught English as a second language for fifteen (15) years. Each spring and summer the school employs apprentice instructors who hold an M.A. or B.A. in TESOL or foreign language instruction. The apprentices teach under the supervision of senior instructors. All Access International instructors are fluent in a foreign language.
Course InformationGeneral English: Yes
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Yes
English for Business: Yes
Other Programs:Complete TOEFL/MELAB preparation, Business English, Executive, Medical, Legal English through private tutorng, complete translating/interpreting services for students and the community at large. Students may volunteer for community organizations that need foreign language assistance (hospitals, mental health institutions, local government agencies).
Private Classes: Yes
Customised Groups: Yes
Maximum Class Size: 15
Average Class Size: 8
Levels:
Beginner Levels: 2
Intermediate Levels: 2
Advanced Levels: 3
All prospective students take a proficiency examination (the Michigan Test) and meet with staff for an oral interview as a prerequisite to placement. The program is small and flexible and allows for simultaneous multi-levels in the different skill areas (speaking/pronunciation, reading, grammar, writing).
Minimum Hours Required Per Week: 20
Maximum Hours Per Week: 26
Part Time Available: Yes
Session Length:
Access International offers seven 6 week terms a year with one week break between terms. Students progress from level to level as the terms progress. Students who are enrolled and prospective students may take 2 hours of free classes a day during the break week. Please refer to our website at accessesl.org for the complete calendar.
Student Origins and Enrollments
Student Origins:
Africa: 6%
Asia: 34%
Europe: 18%
Latin America: 36%
Middle East: 6%
Average Enrollments:
February: 54
July: 86
October: 78
FacilitiesAccess International is located in downtown Ann Arbor, one block from the University of Michigan. The school has six classrooms, two student lounges, a student computer/internet room with ten computers, a student lunch room, two administrative offices, and a student library. Senior instructors maintain their own classrooms with names on doors.
FeesFees based on a session length of 4 weeks. Fees may have changed since this information was published — check for latest information. Included means that this service is provided at no extra charge.
Optional Fees:
Airport pickup available at Detroit Metro Airport (30 minutes from the school) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only, $55.00. No fees for housing placement or university placement. Access International excels at university placement (local and national institutions of higher learning).
Notes on Fees:
Application fee for F-1 (student visa) initial applicants only. Books are purchased through a local college bookstore or from students selling used books at the end and beginning of terms. Book costs vary from term to term. Health insurance rates vary widely depending on extent of coverage and number of participants covered (individual or family). No fees for student general counseling, academic counseling, college or university counseling, or college placement.
AccommodationsHomestay: $600
Apartment: $800
Cooperative: $450
Homestays, co-ops, apartments available. Student ServicesCounseling services free of charge: 1) college placement & counseling 2) immediate assistance with living in Ann Arbor (medical, dental, legal, shopping, landlord, cultural, etc.) from staff Educational Service OpportunitiesNetworking with area institutions of higher learning for college placement, volunteer programs with local hospitals y governments for the improvement of English and community commitment. TransportationAnn Arbor Transportation Authority buses ("The Ride") extensively used in the city (90 cents a ride). Bike trails and bike facilities, downtown within walking distance. |
