Frequently
asked
Questions
Yes. We are certified the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). We issue acceptance letters and form I-20's to qualified international students. Students then take these documents to their visa appointments when they apply for an F1 (international student) visa in their country of residence, OR when they are applying for a Change of Status in the US.
To learn more about applying for the F1 student visa, see here.
To learn more about the change of Status, see here.
Colorado School of English is an open-enrollment school. We have many start dates throughout the year. Here is a link our calendar to see our start dates.
Colorado School of English has 4 sessions per year; Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each session is 3 terms. A term is 4 weeks long, and so a session is 12 weeks long.
The registration process is different depending on the Program you apply for:
Intensive English Program - Applying for the F1 visa from outside the U.S.
In this program you first apply to the Colorado School of English(CSE) and then apply for the Visa in a US embassy or conculate near you. Check the visa appointment wait times at the embassy/consulate. Dependning on how soon you can get an F1 visa appontment, it is a good Idea to apply to CSE 3 to 6 months before you wish to start classes.
Intensive English Program - Applying for a Change of Status while in the U.S.
In this program you first apply to the Colorado School of English(CSE) and then apply to USCIS for the Change of status to F1. You should apply to CSE and then USCIS at least 30 days before your current status in the US expires.
Intensive English Program - Transfering schools as a current F1 student
In this program can apply to the Colorado School of English(CSE) at almost any time; You can apply in inital status (before you start at your original school), in active status (as a current student) or in your 60 day grace period. However, it is important to know that according to USCIS, transfer students must start classes at the next available start date once the SEVIS record has been transfered. We have start dates every month, so make sure to check our calendar before setting your SEVIS Release date.
English for Au Pairs Program - Earning your credits
In this program the registration process can take about 2 weeks. The registration steps are done all online via email. Make sure to apply at least 2 weeks before you wish to start classes.
Focus on English Program - For tourists in Colorado
In this program the registration process can take about 2 weeks. The registration steps are done all online via email. Make sure to apply at least 2 weeks before you wish to start classes.
English for Residents Program - For residents in Colorado
In this program the registration process can take about 2 weeks. The registration steps are done all online via email. Make sure to apply at least 2 weeks before you wish to start classes.
We do not offer student housing at the school. We have limited host families in our network. If you are interested in being placed with one our hosts, please contact our homestay coordinator to see if we have any availability: admin@englishamerica.com
We do not offer student housing at the school. If you would like to find a homestay with an American family, we recommend applying at one of the programs listed below:
If you are interested in renting your own place, there are many apartments within walking distance of the school. The monthly rent can vary greatly from $750 (if renting a room) to $2000 (if you choose an upscale apartment). Please use discretion when sharing personal information through any housing website. Some good websites for finding apartments include:
There are a few different student dormitories available near the school. They normally cost $950 and up per month and include furniture. A couple websites for the student dormitories are:
If you are looking for a short-term option, the 11th Avenue Hostel is located within walking distance from the school. They have weekly and monthly rates for both private and bunk rooms. See their website for more information: https://www.11thavenuehostel.com
Yes! Our Pathways Program can help students achieve their goal of studying at an American university or college.
Colorado School of English has an agreement with multiple universities and community colleges throughout the area. Students who study at Colorado School of English and meet the following qualifications have the opportunity to receive a letter of recommendation from our Academic Director to bypass the TOEFL or IELTS test requirements for English proficiency when applying to select local schools. Students must:
1. Complete the highest-level courses in all subject areas (Reading & Writing, Grammar, Speaking & Listening).
2. Pass the Completion Exams in all subject areas with a qualifying score of 85% or above.
3. Maintain attendance requirements and good student conduct.
Colorado School of English has an agreement with the following schools:
Community College of Denver, Columbia College, Colorado Mesa University, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, Colorado Mesa University, University of Texas at Tyler, Seminole State College, and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Yes. We have been a nationally accredited school since 1998. Our accrediting body is ACCET, which stands for Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. They are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To read more about ACCET, please go to their website at https://accet.org.
CSE doesn't offer health insurance to its students. However, there are international student health insurance brochures from International Student Insurance at the front desk that are available for students who don't have coverage. You can contact them directly using the following information:
Phone: 877-758-4391
International phone: +1 904-758-4391
We do not have a parking lot at the school. There is metered parking available outside the school, but we recommend using public transportation to get to the school.
The closest light rail stop is '18th & California'. Lines H,D, and L stop there -Directions
There are many bus stops around the school as well - See bus stops
Cancellation & Refund Policy
*Please go to GOOGLE TRANSLATE to translate the refund policy below in your language.
General Requirements:
If Colorado School of English (CSE) cancels any class, all monies paid by the student will be refunded.
Due to ACCET’s refund policy, students are requested, but not required, to submit written notification of withdrawal as a condition of processing a refund.
In the event that no notice of withdrawal is provided (written or verbal), CSE will automatically administratively withdraw a student after s/he has been absent for a maximum of 30 consecutive calendar days (excluding any scheduled breaks) and complete a refund calculation, processing any refunds to or on behalf of the student.
In the event an agent was involved during the application process and payment of tuition, the refund may be made on behalf of the student to the agent. Students who applied through an agent but paid their own tuition, will receive the same refund listed less any commission fees paid to the agent. If a student's agent has a refund policy of their own, this may affect a student's ability to receive a refund. It is the student's responsibility to understand the agent's refund policy and how it may affect a student financially.
Prorated refunds will be calculated on a weekly basis. Partial attendance during any week will be counted as completion of a whole week provided that the student was present at some point during the scheduled week.
CSE is obligated to make refunds to students who are terminated due to violation of CSE’s written, disciplinary and/or attendance policies or local, state, or federal law.
Prospective students that have their visa application denied will be refunded all monies paid by the student to the school less non-refundable items.
Refund Due Dates:
Students that cancel their enrollment prior to the start of classes and are due a refund will be refunded within 45 calendar days of the first scheduled day of class or the date of cancellation, whichever is earlier.
Students that are enrolled and attending classes and are due a refund will be refunded based on their last date of attendance and within 45 days of the documented date of determination (DOD), which is either the date a written/verbal withdrawal was submitted by the student, the date CSE administratively
withdraws the student, or the date a student is terminated by CSE due to attendance, conduct or student progress policy violations.
In the event the student provides advanced notice of withdrawal from classes 45 days or more in advance of their last day of attendance, then any refund due to the student shall be paid within 45 days from the last date of attendance (LDA). In other words, refunds are calculated from the last date of attendance (LDA).
Non-refundable items:
· The School Application Fee is non-refundable. ($175.00 - $85.00 - $75.00 - $40.00 - $30.00 depending on the program selected).
· The Change of Status Sponsorship Fee is partially refundable as a tuition discount if student attends classes. A $75 discount is given for the first three terms of their program (totaling $225.00), therefore $100 is non-fundable. ($325.00)
· The Re-enrollment Fee is non-refundable. ($25.00)
· The I-20 Extension Fee is non-refundable. ($75.00)
*Non-refundable fees cannot exceed a total of $500.00.
Calculation of refund during or before the student’s 1st term (4 weeks) at CSE:
· Cancellation by the student or the institution and no attendance in any classes (non F-1 student):
o Full refund, less non-refundable items
· Cancellation by the student and no attendance in any classes (F-1 students with a new I-20 issued by Colorado School of English that have entered the country or with an approved Change of Status using a new I-20 issued by Colorado School of English):
o Full refund, less non-refundable items, first term tuition (4 weeks), and annual resource fee.
· Withdrawal by the student during or after the first week of class:
o Full refund, less non-refundable items, first term tuition (4 weeks), and annual resource fee.
Calculation of refund during the 2nd and subsequent terms:
· Cancellation by the student and no attendance in any classes:
o All tuition for current term refunded
· Cancellation by the student and attendance during part or all of the 1st week only:
o All tuition paid for current term, less one week’s tuition refunded, and annual resource fee.
· Cancellation by the student and attendance during part or all of the 2nd week only:
o All tuition paid for current term, less two week’s tuition refunded, and annual resource fee.
· Cancellation by the student and attendance past the 2nd week:
o No refund
Private Tutoring:
· Cancellation by the student 24 hours or more before scheduled private tutoring session:
o Refund or reschedule
· Cancellation by the student less than 24 hours before scheduled private tutoring session:
o No refund, no rescheduling
· If the student arrives 20 minutes or more after the start time of their lesson, the lesson will be cancelled for the day, but the student will be charged at the full rate.
· If a student completes more than 50% of their total lessons purchased by the time the maximum period to complete the lessons is reached:
o No refund, no rescheduling
Au Pair Program:
· Cancellation by the student after the program begins, invalidates the discounted tuition when purchasing six credits at one time:
o Excluding the first credit (4 weeks) which is non-refundable, each credit completed will be assessed at the $100 per credit rate up until the mid-point of the program. Once a student’s attendance occurs after the mid-point, no refund will be issued to the student.
· Attendance in ClassReach will be used to assess the number of credits completed and attendance in the program. If more than 50% of a credit has been completed, the credit cannot be refunded.
· If an au pair does not complete her/his program in the allotted time, the au pair must re-enroll if they would like to continue studying. Re-enrollment in a program of study will incur a $25.00 re-enrollment fee, which will offer an au pair 4 additional weeks to complete their program.
Important Note Regarding Registration, Tuition and Fees:
· Registration fees are due at the time an I-20 is created for F1 students or at the time of placement testing for non F-1 students.
· If the student is already in possession of an F1 visa (e.g. a transfer-in student enrolled at another institute within the United States) and requests to transfer into CSE, tuition and registration must be paid at the time a transfer into CSE is approved for registration of courses. Furthermore, if the student has requested that CSE originate the I-20 on the student’s behalf, registration fees are due prior to the time of issuance. After the I-20 has been emailed to the student, and once the F1 Visa has been issued, tuition is then due.
· Tuition should be paid prior to commencement of classes. A term is 4 weeks in length. The tuition rate is dependent upon the program the student is enrolled in. For specific information on tuition rates, visit our website at https://www.englishamerica.com/programs.
· There is an annual resource fee of $35 for part-time students and $100 for full-time students.
· A late fee of $50 will be assessed for tuition payments overdue by the Thursday following the due date.
· Students may be expelled without notification, if payments are not made on time and/or if students do not comply with CSE’s attendance, conduct, or student progress policy.
· Please note that expulsion from the school may result in termination of the student’s I-20.
· If you have any concerns regarding payment and/or termination, please contact Colorado School of English immediately.
· The Cancellation and Refund Policy will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s attendance at Colorado School of English.
· The Cancellation and Refund Policy is available upon request.
· All refunds will be paid by check. If a student wishes to receive an electronic funds transfer (e.g. bank wire or payment returned to a credit card) a $50 fee will be assessed.
Late Payment Policy
· A late fee of $50.00 will be assessed for tuition payments not paid by 5 pm on the first Thursday following the due date.
· If a student does not satisfy their tuition payments (including late fee) by 5 pm on the second Sunday following the due date, they will be locked out of their ClassReach account. For F1 students, if you are locked out of classes for failure to pay your tuition in a timely manner, you risk having your Form I-20 Terminated for non-compliance with CSE's tuition payment policy
· If a student has a history of late payments, the administration reserves the right to lock the student out of their ClassReach account within one day of non-payment after the due date. A notification email will be sent to the student documenting their history of late payment. This notice will void the one-week grace period described in the previous section.
Definitions of key terminology based on ACCET Doc. 31.ESOL
Cancellation: A student who never attends classes at the institution after enrolling and informs the institution in advance.
Mid-Point of Program: This date occurs after 50% of the time period allotted has passed.
No Show: A student who never attends class at the institution after enrolling and does not inform the institution. Note that the ACCET policy treats no shows exactly the same as cancellations.
Withdrawal: A student who has attended at least one class at the intuition but does not complete the program.
Termination: A type of withdrawal initiated by the institute due to failure of the student to meet one or more institutional policies.
Date of Determination (DOD): The date: (1) the student gives notice of withdrawal to the institution, (2) the institution administratively withdraws the student, as identified in the description* directly below taken from the ACCET Doc. 31.ESOL, #7, (3) the date the institution terminates the student due to the student’s failure to adhere to the institution’s attendance, conduct, and/or student progress policy
According to ACCET Doc. 31.ESOL, #7 - In the event that no notice of withdrawal (written or verbal) is provided, an institute must automatically administratively withdraw a student after s/he has been absent for a maximum of 30 consecutive days (excluding any schedule breaks of the institution) and complete a refund calculation, processing and refunds to or on behalf of the student.
Last Date of Attendance (LDA): The final date the student attends class.
Period of Financial Obligation (POFO): The training period for which a student legally obligated to pay (e.g month, term, or session), which may be less than the total period of enrollment, if tuition is charged in smaller increments, such as by the month, term, and/session. Under no circumstance may a period of financial obligation exceed a 12-month period.
F1 students, tourists, and residents usually pay for tuition 4 weeks at a time. Tuition payments are due on the Monday of the first 4 weeks. A $50 late fee will be applied to a student's account if they do not make a payment by 5 pm on the Thursday of the same week.
If a student has a history of late payments, the administration reserves the right to lock the student out of their ClassReach account within one day of non-payment after the due date. A notification email will be sent to the student documenting their history of late payment. This notice will void the grace period described in the previous section.