1. What is an F-1 Visa?
2. How do I obtain an F-1 Visa?
3. What is an I-20?
4. Is IES approved to issue I-20's?
5. How do I transfer to IES Hillcrest?
6. Where can I obtain a current schedule of classes?
7. Does IES Hillcrest have morning/evening classes?
8. How do I apply?
9. How do I know which course is appropriate for me?
10. How do I advance to a higher level?
11. Are there any bilingual staff members who can assist me?
12. Is there a minimum age level limit for admission?
13. What type of individual tutoring do you offer?

1. What is an F-1 Visa?
An F-1 Visa is a visa issued to students who wish to pursue full-time academic studies in the United States .

2. How do I obtain an F-1 Visa?
To be eligible for an F-1 Student Visa, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 18 class hours per week. An I-20 Form is issued after enrollment procedures have been completed.

3. What is an I-20?
The I-20 is issued by the school and provides a certificate of eligibility for F-1 Students.

4. Is IES approved to issue I-20's?
We are approved by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to issue Certificates of Eligibility for Non Immigrant (F-1 & M-1) Student Status (I-20 Form) to assist you with your visa needs.

5. How do I transfer to IES Hillcrest?
In order to transfer, your status must be current with the school you are attending. After notifying your school of your intent to transfer, you must submit the following documentation to our school: 1) Application Form, 2)An official document verifying your status as an F-1 Visa Student, 3) Financial Statement.

6. Where can I obtain a current schedule of classes?
Contact the admissions office to receive up-to-date information regarding scheduled classes.

7. Does IES have morning/evening classes?
We offer morning, afternoon, and evening courses to accommodate your needs.

8. How do I apply?
We encourage interested parties to come visit our facilities and apply in person so that staff may assist you with any questions you may have regarding our programs. You may also submit an application electronically, and a member of the IES Hillcrest staff will contact you promptly.


9. How do I know which course is appropriate for me?
All students are given a standardized assessment test to determine the appropriate level of instruction. Students are also given the opportunity to sit in on a class to assess whether or not a specific course is appropriate to their level.

10. How do I advance to a higher level?
Instructors recommend that a student advance when he or she has successfully accomplished the objectives of a particular level of instruction. Students may take an achievement exam to determine their proficiency at a specific level. Upon passing the exam, the student may advance to the next level.

11. Are there any bilingual staff members who can assist me?
We have staff members that can speak Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese for students that are new to the States.

12. Is there a minimum age level limit for admission?
Applicants should be at least 16 years of age. Our courses are designed to offer instruction according to proficiency. We accept applicants of all ages, and have special summer programs for youths on vacation.

13. What type of individual tutoring do you offer?
We can arrange tutoring for ESL, TOEFL, SAT's, GRE, customized individual tutoring, etc.

Q. I do not have any English skills, can I still apply in the language school?

A. Yes. The language school welcomes anyone with little to no knowledge of English, and anyone who wants to achieve English fluency. Each student is evaluated and placed in the appropriate level class. Our teachers have the training and experience to help and support you at the different levels of your progress. IES Hillcrest offers several programs for all levels: from absolute beginners to high-advanced speakers. The training is demanding in order to assure that you reach linguistic independence in English, yet fun so that you enjoy your American cultural discovery with us in San Diego. Our staff is well-rounded and familiar with the different cultural backgrounds of our students. They know San Diego and can help you with daily life issues. You can feel safe!

Q. I am worried about my future relationship with the host family.

A. The HomeStay agency recommends IES Hillcrest with carefully screened families to take care of IES Hillcrest students. The host family provides you with a room and two meals a day (breakfast and dinner), unless you specify otherwise. You can't get a better and more real experience of the United States than with an American family. If you have any concerns or issues with your host family, talk with your IES Hillcrest advisor or with the HomeStay agent. Never hesitate to talk with your host family first; they are eager to learn about you, your country and your impression about the U.S. They want your stay to be a good experience with great memories.

Q. Will my English level really improve?

A. IES Hillcrest staff will evaluate you upon your arrival. You will then work with an advisor to decide on your goals according to your motivation level and your language level. Your basic program runs for 20 hours a week, insuring a complete mastery of your core targets. Regular assessment will be taken on a weekly basis and at the end of the program to confirm a steady progress in your English proficiency. Any indication of slack on your progress curve will warn our staff to give you extra attention. We GUARANTEE an improvement of your English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).

Q. What kind of colleges and universities can I be accepted to upon graduating from IES Hillcrest?

A. California has many of the nationally reputed higher education institutions in the country. San Diego is home to the University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), University of San Diego (USD), and numerous equally reputed community colleges such as Palomar College, Miramar College, Grossmont College, Mira Costa College, just to mention a few. Privately owned universities are also available such as Chapman U., National U, and University of Phoenix. If you are interested in universities in other than in California, the State University of New York (SUNY) readily opens its doors to international students. We are currently seeking opportunities for you with institutions in Canada and Australia. Remember that a high TOEFL score can also open the doors of avidly sought American Ivy League establishments such as Stanford and Harvard. If such is your ambition, our staff will work with you to obtain the required TOEFL level to enter such prominent institutions.

Q. I am worried about finding employment upon my return to my home country?

A. IES Hillcrest, San Diego provides you with an education and an experience that enrich your resume and allow you to compete successfully in the job market. Your language skills and your contact and understanding of the American culture make you a valuable commodity in different sectors: Business, International Trade, Secretarial, Teaching, and more. Contacts with other staffing agencies are currently being made to help the returning students in other countries.

Q. Do I need an I-20 Visa if I am only going to stay 2 months?

A. No, you will not need to get an I-20 Visa if you are staying less than three months and if that is not required for visa issue procedure in your country.
For more information visit your local American Embassy Consulate Section.

Q. What classes can I take in addition to English?

A. Depending upon your placement score, you can take classes and/or electives in Business Studies, such as Business Correspondence, Business Presentation, E-Business (none elective), and Small Business Ownership/operation (not elective). Also available Technology in Higher Learning provides you with the knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Frontpage, Publisher and SharePoint Team Web, depending upon your choice of program. You may be interested in an intensive preparation for the TOEFL?Test. Classes in Humanities are offered in American Literature and Cultural History, and Native American Cultural History, if you desire to prepare for a freshman year in college or take some CLEP tests in American Literature and History. IES Hillcrest also offers a lot of electives besides writing or reading, such as vocabulary development, idioms, accent reduction, and academy study skills.

Q. What is there to do in San Diego?

A. "Natural beauty, exciting theme parks and special surprises await you in the nation's seventh-largest city and California's second-largest metropolis" while San Diego is best known for its near-perfect climate, miles of sandy beaches and fun-filled waterfront activities, you'll also discover a city with a character and ambiance rich in arts and culture and sporting an exciting new downtown. We have nationally recognized theaters, the largest concentration of museums west of the Mississippi and a spectacular downtown filled with award-winning restaurants, dynamic nightlife and popular neighborhoods. San Diego is renowned for attractions like the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park, Legoland California, SeaWorld San Diego and Balboa Park. "Whether you are interested in San Diego's art and cultural offerings, beautiful historic sights, the lure of our incomparable sand, surf and sun, or the sights and sounds of nearby Mexico, your San Diego experience will be exciting, enchanting and truly unforgettable!" We just can't put it better than former Mayor Dick Murphy. IES Hillcrest will make sure that you get your fill of San Diego activities with organized outings in San Diego, Greater San Diego, and Southern California. A lot of fun!