American Language Institute

 

International English for Communication
Student Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.	INTRODUCTION
	A.	Staff List
	B.	Description of the IEC Program
II.	POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE PROGRAM
	A.	Placement in Classes
	B.	Class Schedule Information
	C.	Progress Reports
	D.	Receiving a Certificate
	E.	Tuition and Fees
	F.	Health Insurance
III.	STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
	A.	Attendance Policy
	B.	Classroom Expectations
	C.	Smoking Area
	D.	Change of Address
	E.	Change of Telephone Number or Email Address
	F.	Books and Materials for the Classroom
IV.	ALI SERVICES TO STUDENTS
	A.	Student Health Services
	B.	Advisors and Counselors
	C.	ALI University Advising Services
	D.	TOEIC Information and Resources
	E.	TOEFL Information and Resources

 

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Staff List

The teachers and staff of the American Language Institute want to help you in every possible way. If you would like to see any of the ALI staff, the receptionist in the ALI office will help you to meet with them.

B. Description of the IEC Program

You have chosen to study in the International English for Communication program (IEC), but sometimes students do not have very clear ideas about what this program is like. The following information will help you understand what we do in this program and why we do it.

• What Kind of Program is IEC?
  
  IEC is a communicative program. But what does that mean? It means that we focus on improving the students' ability to communicate in English. We do this by working on speaking and listening practice in all of your classes, not just in your Oral Communication classes. For example, that means that in your Writing class, you will learn to write English correctly, but also get practice speaking English correctly. This is especially important for students who have spent many years studying English grammar rules and memorizing vocabulary but still have a lot of difficulty using English.

 

• What are the Goals of IEC?
  
  The students in IEC learn both standard, formal English and everyday, informal English, including a lot of idioms and slang. This will help students understand popular American culture like movies and TV shows, as well as more formal situations like using English for business. The IEC program also helps students understand when to use the informal expressions and when to use the more formal expressions that they learn in class.
  
  In the IEC program, we also teach students skills and strategies that will help them use English outside the classroom. For example, in class students may learn the English they will use when eating in a restaurant, going shopping, taking a bus, etc.
  
  Another important part of the IEC program is giving the students the chance to learn about American culture from the teachers, the American students participating in their classes, and the classroom materials such as movies, books, and music. This information will help students not only feel more comfortable during their stay in the United States, but also make it easier for them to understand Americans and the American lifestyle.

 

• What Kinds of Things Happen in an IEC Classroom?
  
  Because IEC students are here to use English, we do lots of pair and small group work in class. Students do not spend most of their class time listening to a teacher talk because it is important for students to spend most of their time practicing the English that they are learning.
  
  IEC classes usually have an informal style. This is important because language learning research shows that students remember things more in a relaxed environment. If you feel comfortable and relaxed in your English class, your brain can remember more of what you learned!
  
  The goal in this program is not to study and memorize large amounts of English, but to spend a lot of time practicing what we do study so that you can remember and use it successfully outside the classroom. This is the way to increase your fluency in English.

 

• What is Expected of Students in IEC?
  
  Of course, students should have good attendance and do their homework! However, even more important, students must be ready to use their English both in the classroom and outside the classroom. In the classroom, this involves asking and answering questions, participating in pair and small group activities, all while using only English. Outside the classroom, students should spend time with classmates from other countries so that they do not spend too much time speaking their native language. Also, they should make an effort to do things that will give them the chance to talk with native speakers of English, for example joining university activities, getting a language exchange partner, and going places in San Diego and other cities.
  
  IEC students are studying in classes with students from many different countries. At first, it may seem very difficult to understand your classmates because of different accents. However, with practice, it gets easier and easier. It is important to be able to use English with people from many different countries around the world, not just Americans. This will help you in your job if you have contact with people from other countries and will make it easier to communicate when you travel outside your country. Therefore, be open to speaking with and spending time with your classmates who do not come from your country. They will help you improve your English!

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II. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE PROGRAM

A. Placement in Classes

• All students are tested when they enter the program to find out their level of English ability. Students are put into General and Oral Communications levels based on their test performances. Their General and Oral levels may be different, depending on their English skills.

• In some cases a student's level may be changed during the first two weeks of the session. This will happen if a student's test scores did not show his or her real English ability. A student cannot change levels without teacher recommendations. Your Level Advisor will give you more information about this policy.

• Students who continue into another session will be placed in a higher class the next session if they have good attendance, take all their finals, and pass all their classes. Continuing students are placed in their new classes based on their grades and teacher recommendations from the last session.

B. Class Schedule Information

Classes for all IEC students meet between the hours of 9:30 A.M. and 3:20 P.M. with a break for lunch.
Students in all levels of IEC attend twenty (20) hours a week of the following regular classes:

LEVELS 100-105
A.	8 hours - Oral Communications
B.	3 hours - Grammar
C.	3 hours - Writing
D.	3 hours - Reading
E.	3 hours - Listening
LEVELS 106-107
A.	8 hours - Oral Communications Advanced Seminars
B.	3 hours - Writing
C.	3 hours - Reading
D.	3 hours - Listening
E.	3 hours - Options

In addition, there are other classes and activities that students can choose to do:

• Elective classes take place Fridays from 9:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.
• Pronunciation Clinic classes meet on Monday/Wednesday afternoon and Tuesday/Thursday morning before class.
• Special activities such as field trips take place after class, on Friday afternoons, and at other free times.

C. Progress Reports

At the end of each session, all instructors grade their students on their work, attendance, and participation. This information is put together in a progress report. This report shows the students' attendance percentage and their grades for every class. Students can also ask for a copy of this report. It will be mailed to them after the session is finished. If students are sponsored by a company or government, these progress reports are sent to sponsors.

D. Receiving a Certificate

Depending on how many weeks students attend classes, IEC students can receive one of two certificates:

• Certificate of Completion: Students who enroll for at least 80% of the program can receive a Certificate of Completion. For example, if the session is ten weeks long, students must enroll for at least eight weeks of the program.

• Certificate of Participation: Students who enroll for less than 80% of the program can receive a Certificate of Participation. For example, if the session is ten weeks long, and students enroll for seven or fewer weeks, they can receive a Certificate of Participation.

Below is a chart showing the number of weeks students would need to complete to receive a Certificate of Completion depending on the length of the session.

Length of session	Minimum number of weeks to receive a Certificate of Completion
Five week session	4
Six week session	5
Eight week session	6
Nine week session	7
Ten week session	8

In order to receive a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Participation, students must do the following:

• have at least 80% attendance in all their classes: General Level classes, Oral Communications classes, and Elective classes.
• take all final exams and pass all classes.
• pay all tuition and fees.

Students usually receive their certificate at the end of their study in the IEC program or at the end of the semester. Students who do not have at least 80% attendance and/or do not pass all their classes will not receive a certificate.

E. Tuition and Fees

• All student tuition and fees are due during orientation week.

• Students may not start classes until tuition is paid.

• Students will be told when and where to pay their tuition during orientation.
  
  

F. Health Insurance

All students attending the American Language Institute are required by law to have health
insurance coverage. Students must provide proof that they have insurance for the duration of
their stay in the United States. Independent students may usually purchase insurance from the
ALI accountant if they do not already have it.

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III. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Attendance Policy

Students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa must have good attendance in order to remain in status and continue their studies at the ALI or any other school. Students who go below 80% attendance in their ALI classes may become out-of-status. Students who are out-of-status may not be allowed to continue studying at the ALI, may not be able to transfer to another school, and may have to return home. We do not want any of these problems to happen to our students, so please be very careful about your attendance.

As a student on an F-1 visa, attending class needs to be your first priority. That means you should expect to be in class from 20 to 23 hours a week. Please plan trips, TOEFL tests, driving tests, parties, naps, etc. for times when you do not have class.

You should save the hours of absence that are allowed for sickness or emergencies. You never know in advance if you are going to be sick or have an emergency, so be careful about your attendance when you are healthy and have no problems!

If you are sick for more than one day or have an emergency, when you return to school, please come to the ALI office and tell the IEC Coordinator why you were absent. An absence report will be filled out and put in your student file. These absences are not excused, but if there is a note in your file it can help your situation if you risk being out-of-status.

Your teachers will take attendance every day in the following classes: General Level classes, Oral Communications classes, and Elective classes. If you have a special schedule and take EAP classes or observe an SDSU class, you also need to have good attendance in those classes.

You are not required to take electives. However, if you sign up for electives, you must attend. Your elective teachers will take attendance. If you decide not to attend a class that you signed up for, you must drop the class by the deadline. This information is written on the elective schedule that you will receive after you have chosen your classes.

• If you have been absent from class for 10% of classes for one session, a first warning letter will be sent to you. This letter will tell you to be careful.

• If you have been absent from class for 20% of classes for one session, you will receive your second warning letter, telling you to meet with the IEC Coordinator to sign a Final Attendance Warning form. If you continue to be absent, you will be dismissed from the ALI.

If you are an IEC Full Term student (both Sessions A and B), your attendance will be calculated for the full term; attendance will not start over when Session B begins.

Please do not wait for a warning letter to be careful about your attendance.

 

B. Classroom Expectations

• Take a serious approach to study even if the activities in class focus on informal English. Do your homework, arrive on time, and participate in class.

• Speak only English in the classroom. Speaking your language in the classroom wastes your time and money and will upset the teacher and other students.

• Do not help other students during examinations. This practice, called cheating, is not accepted in American schools and universities.

• No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted in the classroom at any time.

• Help keep the classrooms, halls, restrooms and lounge areas neat and clean.
  

C. Smoking Area

California has very strict rules about smoking. During orientation, you will be told the rules and shown the area outside the building where ALI students can smoke. Please follow the rules and only smoke in this area.

D. Change of Address

• Give your correct address to the receptionist at the ALI office.

• If you move, government regulations require that you complete an address change form (Form #1), which is available in the ALI office. You should also complete a change of address form at your local post office so they can forward your mail.

• Give your correct address to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

E. Change of Telephone Number or Email Address

Please notify the ALI office if you change your telephone number or email address. This is
necessary for emergencies and for staff who need to contact you.

 

F. Books and Materials for the Classroom

Your teachers will tell you if you need to buy a textbook or a packet for their class. You can buy
these books at the Aztec Bookstore on campus. Save your Receipts: Please remember to keep
your receipts when you buy books or anything else at the SDSU Bookstore. You cannot return or
exchange any purchase without a receipt.

Teachers will also tell you of what kinds of materials to bring to class. Students should bring pens, pencils and paper.

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IV. ALI SERVICES TO STUDENTS

A. Student Health Services

ALI students can use San Diego State University's Health Services. Please read about SDSU's Health Services in the Getting Settled In San Diego handbook in your ALI notebook.

B. Advisors and Counselors

The ALI offers its students a variety of advisors and counselors to help you with your questions and problems: Student Relations Counselor, Level Advisors, Academic Advisors.

Every General Level has a Level Advisor (usually the Reading teacher). Your Level Advisor can help you find the person in the office who can answer your questions or help you with a problem.

 

C. ALI University Advising Services

If you would like University Advising, please ask at the front desk and you will be directed to the appropriate person as explained below. NOTE: For questions regarding visas and immigration matters related to transferring to a college or university, see the Immigration Advisor in the ALI office.

An EAP Advisor can help you with the following:

1. Learning how to use the reference books/internet to research appropriate universities.
2. Identifying a school which meets your needs.
3. Identifying, understanding, and meeting admission requirements
4. Obtaining information about deadlines and other application materials.
5. Obtaining and filling out application forms (for colleges and universities).
6. Contacting a school by telephone, mail or e-mail.
7. Evaluating your statement of purpose.
8. Writing a letter of recommendation.

If you plan to enter ALI's Pre-MBA program, the Pre-MBA Advisor can help you with:

1. Learning about the variety of business degree options that are available in the U.S.
2. Choosing an MBA or other business program that best matches your needs, qualifications and career goals.
3. Preparing for telephone and in-person academic interviews.
4. Learning how to use reference books and Internet resources to locate MBA and other business programs.
5. Contacting American universities for information.
6. Preparing supporting documents that are required for admission to an MBA program, such as Statements of Purpose, essays, resumes.
7. Assisting with requests for letters of recommendation from former employers and professors in your country.
8. Writing a letter of recommendation.
   
   

D. TOEIC Information and Resources

What is the TOEIC?

TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. It is an English language proficiency test for non-native speakers. The test takes two hours and has 200 questions divided into Listening and Reading sections. The test is multiple choice.

Who should take the TOEIC?

This test is useful for people who use English in their workplace and everyday life. In fact, in some countries companies will ask to see a TOEIC score before giving someone a job or a promotion at work. The TOEIC is also useful for students who want an objective way to measure improvement in some of their English skills. That means as you learn more English, each time you take the test, you will get a higher score. This will show you that your listening, grammar, reading, and vocabulary skills have improved.

How can I prepare for the TOEIC while I am in the IEC program?

There are several things you can do to prepare for the TOEIC:

• Sign up for the Complete TOEIC Preparation elective class. This elective class is offered on Friday mornings for students in IEC General Levels 103 through 105
• Sign up for the Advance Grammar with Emphasis on the TOEIC Test elective class. This elective class is offered Friday mornings for students in IEC General Levels 104 through107
• Go to the ALI Language Lab (GW 2519) during the Language Lab elective or Open Lab hours and ask the Language Lab teacher for TOEIC preparation books and tapes. You can work independently in the language lab on your TOEIC skills.
• Sign up for and attend the TOEIC Preparation workshop offered to IEC students each session.

Can I take the TOEIC in San Diego?

The TOEIC is usually offered twelve times a year, on one Saturday of every month. The TOEIC Internet site has information for people interested in taking the test while they are in the United States. At this Internet site you can do the following things:

• Find out more information about the TOEIC
• Find out the places in San Diego where you can take the TOEIC
• Find out what dates and times the test will be offered
• Find out the deadlines for registering for the test
• Register for an official TOEIC at the testing place you choose

Here is the TOEIC Internet site for the United States: www.toeic-usa.com

 

E. TOEFL Information and Resources

What is the TOEFL?

The TOEFL is an internationally recognized Test of English as a Foreign Language. At San Diego State University (SDSU), foreign students must have a score of 550 points to be considered for admission as a matriculated student. Various colleges and universities have different TOEFL score requirements.

Who should take the TOEFL?

Students who plan to enter a college or university in the United States should take the TOEFL. In addition, there are several ALI programs (for example, the Business Certificate Program) that require a TOEFL score.

Can I take the TOEFL at San Diego State University?

You may register to take the TOEFL here at SDSU by one of three methods:

1. Walk to the SDSU Test Center to make an appointment.
   (The Test Center staff recommends this method.)
   
   Location: Student Services Building, Room 2549
   Hours: 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (3:00 is the latest time students may register)
   
   
2. Call Educational Testing Service (ETS) at 1-800-468-6335.
   (To get a test appointment here on campus, you must specify that you wish to take the TOEFL at SDSU, Test Center #7556.)
3. Call the SDSU Test Center at 619-594-0968 to make an appointment.

Test fee is $140, and must be by credit card if you pay at the SDSU Test Center.

 

How can I prepare for the TOEFL while I am in the IEC program?

Students in the IEC program have a variety of things they can do to prepare for the TOEFL.

• Sign up for one or more Friday morning TOEFL electives. You will have the opportunity to choose elective classes during the first week of your program.
• You can practice for TOEFL in ALI labs. Go to the language lab (Gateway 2519) or computer labs (Gateway 1520 and 1530) during Open Lab hours and ask the lab assistants for TOEFL preparation material.
• Sign up for a Tuesday/Thursday afternoon TOEFL class instead of an Oral Communications class. Your Level Advisor will give you more information about this.

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