The English Island (also referred to as TEI) Group Registration for Non F-1 Students
In order to enroll in our 12-hour per week program and 3/6 hour per week specialty classes, a student must be age 18 or older. Students must be literate in their own languages and have the financial capability to undertake our program. Students who do not meet some of these qualifications (particularly the literacy qualifications) and live in-country may be enrolled in private lessons in order to work up to the level where he/she may apply for entrance to our group-class program. Private lesson packages are available to in-country students and in some cases, to out-of-country students in the US on a tourist visa.
Student Cancellations/Refunds
The English Island does NOT offer refunds of any kind for any situation for any fees, books/materials, tuition payments, or other payments made to the school.
With a minimum of 48 hours notice, private course hours may be held for sickness or travel. Unused private course hours will be held for up to 30 days only and will be cancelled if students do not resume using them within the 30-day window.
Student Placement and Transfer
Group Classes
Before entering class, a student must take the TEI Speaking Test to determine his or her level. This speaking exam places the student in one of the designated NRS Levels—Beginning Literacy, Low Beginning, High Beginning, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, or Advanced. A student is eligible for general courses and electives based on his or her placement scores. In some cases, a student may take a written placement exam as well to ensure proper placement.
If a student thinks he or she is in the wrong level, the student should speak to his or her teacher. If the teacher does not feel a student should move, the student can enter a request with the School Director to retake the entrance exam for an opportunity to move up.
Moving levels in the middle of the term is generally not possible except in special cases.
Private Lessons
Private-lesson students also take the TEI Speaking Test to determine the most appropriate level for the coursework. We create a syllabus based on the student’s level and individual needs.
Student Progress
Group Class
To remain in good standing, you must maintain a C+ grade point average. You will get a grade report every 3 weeks. If you don’t have a C+ average or better, you will receive a warning. If your grades do not improve within the next 6-week period, you will be on academic probation and will repeat any courses that you have failed. If lack of progress continues, you may be dismissed.
Private Lessons
To remain in good standing, you must attend all scheduled lessons and complete work as assigned. An assessment at the end of the term will demonstrate your progress. We require at least 48 hours notice to postpone private classes without losing hours. We only hold unused hours for up to 30 days.
Repeating Levels
Group
Students may repeat levels in the case of obtaining a failing grade or due to absence. Levels may be repeated only once.
Homework
Homework is a required part of the ESL courses at The English Island. You should allow two to three hours outside of class each day for homework. You can do homework at home, in the library, or with other students. Students who study 2 to 3 hours each day will most likely earn good grades and advance quickly.
Moving Up
Group
The terms at English Island are 6 weeks long. At the end of every 6 weeks, you will take a test. The score on this test combined with your other exams, your homework grade, and your attendance will determine if you move up to the next level. You must have an overall grade of 70 in a class to move up to the next level. You must have an overall average of 75 and attendance of 80 percent to remain in good standing with the school.
Attendance
Group
All ESL students must be in class every day on time. Attendance in all classes is required. Students must have a minimum of 80% attendance overall at all times to continue studying at the school and be in good standing with the school or to receive a certificate of any kind. There are no excused absences for any reason. Students who don’t maintain 80 percent attendance will be on attendance probation and may have their visas terminated if they do not resolve their attendance issues according to school policy explained to all new students during new student orientation and clearly stated in the student handbook given to all new students.
Private Lessons
Private-lesson students must attend all scheduled lessons. If unable to attend, the student must give the teacher 48-hour notice so the teacher can reschedule the lesson. If notice is not given, the student will lose the lesson. We only hold unused hours for up to 30 days.
Behavior in Class
Students must show respect to teachers and classmates through words and actions, participate in all classroom activities in a friendly manner, speak English only in class, and do all homework assignments.
Poor behavior may result in suspension or dismissal.
Dress Code
You must wear appropriate clothing to school. You can wear t-shirts, but the shirts can’t have offensive messages or advocate unhealthy behavior. Shirts with alcohol, drugs, sex, or violence are not allowed.
Hem of shorts must be fist length when arms are resting at the sides. Skirts and dresses must be fingertip length. Tank top straps must be at least 1” in width to cover all under garments. You can’t wear swimwear to class.
You must wear shoes or sandals at all time. You cannot wear hats or head coverings unless it is for your religious beliefs. You can’t wear sunglasses in class.
Student Complaints
If a student has a major problem with the school, instructions, or anything else pertaining to his/her experience, he/she may file a formal complaint with the school Director by completing a complaint form. The administration has 48 hours to notify the student that it has received his/her form and one week to respond to the specific complaint itself.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Students can work together on projects, homework, and in-class assignments. However, students may not work together on any exams. Students who cheat (copy from someone else’s paper) during an exam will fail the exam and will be on academic probation immediately.
Plagiarism is using someone else’s work and pretending that it is your original idea. If writing papers or doing presentations for class, students must cite any materials used. For these assignments, students must use MLA format on a Works Cited page or in the presentation or on the bottom of the page for anything copied from another text (ex. last slide of a PowerPoint). Your teacher will review citation procedures for you in class.
Legal
In the event that legal proceedings, including but not limited to lawsuits, are brought against The English Island for any reason, both jurisdiction and venue of said proceedings will take place in Cobb County, Georgia.
IMPORTANT—IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18, YOU MUST HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN READ THE SCHOOL POLICIES BELOW AND AGREE TO THEM FOR YOU.
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT/COMPLIANCE. If you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or guardian register for you. By agreeing to these terms, you attest that you are at least 18 years old (or, if you are not at least 18 years old, you have your parent’s or guardian’s permission to use the Services, and your parent or guardian has read and agreed to the school policies on your behalf).
Student Acknowledgement
I have read and understand this document or have had this document verbally explained in my native language. I further agree to adhere to the policies explained above. I understand that this contract is legal and binding. I attest that I am at least 18 years of age or have had my parent or guardian register on my behalf. I understand that I will pay the tuition and fee amount as designated in this contract for each subsequent session.
Furthermore, I hereby voluntarily and without compensation authorize pictures and/or voice recordings to be made of me by The English Island. I consent to the use of my name, my picture, and/or voice, for promotional, informational, or other purposes in any medium. I permit The English Island to use written statements or quotes by me that I may provide to them about The English Island and my experiences there. I further understand that no royalty, fee, or other compensation of any character shall become payable to me by The English Island for such use. I understand that consenting to the use of my picture, video, voice, and/or written statements is voluntary, that I may at any time exercise the right to cease being filmed, photographed, or recorded, and may rescind my consent for up to a reasonable time before the picture, video, voice recording or written statement is used. Said material is the sole property of The English Island and its assignees. I release The English Island, it’s owner, administrators, faculty members, and staff from liability for any claim or course of action resulting in any way to the use or publication of such photographs or statements.
- I declare that the information on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
- I hereby affirm that I have sufficient funds to pay for all course costs and living expenses while studying and living in the US.
- I understand that the school application/registration fee is non-refundable and that The English Island does NOT offer refunds of any kind with the possible exception of a tuition only refund for F1 Visa students that are denied entry into the country under no fault of their own or that must leave the country under no fault of their own.
- If accepted, I agree to follow all of the rules and regulations of the English Island.
- If accepted, I understand that payment for my first term will be due 2 weeks prior to my first day of class. Subsequent payments will be due 2 weeks prior to the start date of the next term. I understand that late payments will incur a penalty of 15% and payment problems can affect my visa.
The English Island reserves the right to update school policies at any time and without notice.