American English Language School

  You’ve probably heard the words “I-20,” “F-1 visa,” or “SEVIS” if you are thinking about traveling to the United States to improve your English. For first time applicants, these terms and where to start may seem confusing. While the application and process are not too difficult to do on your own, it is wise to start the application process in as much time in advance as possible of your intended start date. Now, where do you start?   Students who apply for an F-1 visa will first require an acceptance letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school. You can find a list of SEVP approved schools here . Since American English Language School is an SEVP-certified school, this allows our designated school official (DSO) access to the SEVIS system to administer I-20 forms to qualified students.   The I-20 form is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status.” You will receive this document from your language school after you...

  Everyone knows that an ideal job is one in which the morale is up. Simply stated, the people that work there should always come first.   A smooth- running work environment is one where the people are happy and dependable. Think about it. Even if you make a lot of money and are working in the finest of hotels, if the people aren’t genuinely warm and friendly, but rather miserable, the environment can become a prison quite quickly and no one will want to show up...employees and customers alike. No matter how beautiful an environment is, the people make it a yay or a nay. Not much unlike relationships, people can either make or break a business.   If the inner workings of an apple are rotten, the rest of the apple gets spoiled and it goes down the drain. Therefore, a successful business comes from a happy customer, comes from a happy employee, comes from a happy work environment. So, what makes a happy work environment?   Happy and dependable people do. People are h...

  We all know midterms can be a trying time in the semester. But these 14 tips for surviving Midterms week will keep you from living through a frenzy. Passing your exams doesn’t have to be such an agonizing occasion. First and foremost, it is best to be pro-active and intentional with your study habits. Cramming at the last minute will surely sink your ship. On the other hand, planning ahead by setting a schedule in advance to review is a key strategy to success. Even reviewing your notes periodically throughout the semester keeps them fresh and at the forefront.   Next, it is wise to choose a study environment that is least distractive. Meditating before each study session calms the mind and works wonders. Then, it is always good to find out in advance what is going to be on the exam. Knowing what to focus on narrows the field.   Additionally, this enables you to test yourself and helps the information stick. Highlighting specific information and creating index cards a...

  Idioms are phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversation, but don’t always make sense if they are pulled apart, word by word. This week our language students are discussing their health and how to communicate with their doctor! Here are some common idioms that are associated with health to add to your conversational vocabulary.   1.     Alive And Kicking   This English idiom refers to when someone is in good health even though they are suffering or dealing with health issues. We usually use this phrase when we are trying to put a positive spin on a negative health situation.   For example: I had a heart attack a while ago, but I’m alive and kicking!   2.     As Pale as a Ghost   When we say the phrase, “as pale as a ghost,” it means that someone is extremely pale or looking very sick. We use this phrase because the assumption is that ghosts are white and it is used as a comparison to someone...

  Here are 5 ways to improve your English-Speaking Skills in only 5 days!   The best way to start on the path to improving your English skills is with a conversation, and a proven way to get that conversation started is to simply ask a question.  Questions are the sparks that lead to so much more of what many English learners are looking for.  From exploring your English-speaking city to finding out how to get to the nearest hiking trail or other fun things to do, direct questions are the first thing all students learn.  For example, a conversation could begin with “What is your name?” and continue with “Do you live nearby?”  Using some new concepts to add on to the direct questions you already know, you’ll be able to level up your English in a great new way.  By simply beginning with what are commonly known as embedded or indirect questions, not only will you sound like a native English speaker, but also more polite.  All you need to do i...