American English Language School

Every summer, visitors from Japan, South Korea, Europe, and around the world come to California with a goal beyond sightseeing — they want to improve their English. If you are visiting the United States this summer on an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or tourist visa, taking English classes at AELS could be one of the best decisions of your trip. What Is ESTA and Can You Study English on It? ESTA is the travel authorization used by citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program — including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and more than 40 other nations. It allows you to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or casual study. Visitors on ESTA are welcome to attend short-term language courses for recreational or personal enrichment purposes. This means you can take English classes at AELS during your summer stay — no student visa required. Why Summer at AELS Is Perfect for International Visitors Summer is one of the b...

Getting that approval notice for your F-1 change of status is an exciting milestone — but it is also the beginning of a new chapter with important rules to follow. If you are studying ESL in Los Angeles, here is what you need to know to stay in status and keep moving forward. Step 1: Confirm Your New I-20 As soon as your change of status is approved, contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to receive your new I-20. This document is essential for maintaining your F-1 status in Los Angeles. Step 2: Enroll Full-Time F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment. At AELS Los Angeles, our adult English classes are designed to meet this requirement while helping you improve your communication skills for work, school, and daily life. Step 3: Understand the Travel Restriction After a change of status approved inside the U.S., you do not hold an F-1 visa stamp. If you leave the country, you will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate before re-entering. Plan any inte...

Can F-1 students work in the United States? Yes — and if you're studying in Irvine, you have more options than you might think. On-campus work authorization is one of the most overlooked benefits of the F-1 visa, and getting your Social Security Number (SSN) to go with it is a straightforward process once you know the steps. On-Campus Work: What F-1 Students in Irvine Need to Know As an F-1 student, you are permitted to work on campus without filing any special authorization with USCIS. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. Your F-1 status alone gives you this right — no extra paperwork required from immigration. This is a great way to earn income, build your resume, and practice your English in a real professional environment — all without putting your visa at risk. How to Get Your Social Security Number in Irvine To get paid for on-campus work, you will need an SSN. Here is what to bring to your local Irvine Social Secur...

If you are living in the United States and thinking about changing your immigration status to an F-1 student visa, you are not alone. Many international residents in Fullerton and the surrounding areas go through this process every year — and AELS Fullerton is here to help you every step of the way. Why Change Your Status to F-1? An F-1 student visa allows you to study full-time at a SEVP-certified institution like AELS. It gives you legal stability, the ability to enroll in intensive English programs, and — after graduation — the potential to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). For many students, it is the first major step toward long-term educational and career goals in the United States. How the Change of Status Process Works Changing your status from inside the U.S. involves a few key steps: getting accepted by a SEVP-certified school, filing Form I-539 with USCIS, waiting for approval, and then reporting to your Designated School Official (DSO) to activate your SEVIS reco...

Looking for ESL classes in Irvine? If you're an adult learner near UCI trying to improve your English — for work, college, or everyday life — the American English Language School (AELS) in Irvine has been the trusted choice for thousands of students since 2008. Small Classes, Real Conversations Unlike large language programs where students can get lost in the crowd, AELS Irvine keeps classes intentionally small. That means more speaking time, more personal feedback, and faster progress. Every lesson is built around real-world conversation — the kind you'll actually use at work, at school, or in your community. Programs That Fit Your Goals Whether you're just starting out or aiming for a specific score, AELS Irvine has a program for you: ESL Program — Build speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills from the ground up TOEFL Guarantee Program — Hit your target score, or we keep working with you until you do College Pathway Program — ESL and college prep com...

Are you an international student in Irvine thinking about transferring to a new school? The F-1 SEVIS transfer process can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it does not have to be. At AELS Irvine, we guide students through every step of the transfer process so you can focus on what matters most: improving your English and achieving your goals. What Is an F-1 SEVIS Transfer? When you transfer from one SEVP-certified school to another, your SEVIS record must be officially transferred to the new school. This is not the same as simply enrolling. Your current school must release your SEVIS record, and your new school must issue you a new Form I-20 before you can begin studying. Timing matters a great deal here, especially if you want to maintain your legal status throughout the process. Key Steps in the Transfer Process The general process involves notifying your current school of your intent to transfer, choosing your transfer date carefully, enrolling at your new school...