Why LSI?
Language Systems International is a great place for students because of the
- Variety of Language Programs
- Affordable Tuition
- Go to College without a TOEFL®
- Convenient Class Schedules
- Advisors Speaking Your Language
- Great Location
- School-Sponsored Activities
Language Systems International
Offers 4 locations in Southern California.
Click here to read more below
Language Systems International
Offers many activities for students to practice their English.
Language Systems International
Language Systems International provides affordable English programs to help students from all over the world to improve their English skills.
At LSI we have open enrollment where students can sign up for classes on any Monday of the month.
Click here to read more below
Applying to Our Programs
Depending on whether you are coming from abroad, currently in the U.S., or changing your status, you will need to provide our school with different documents.
Click here to read more below
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers regarding US Student Visa. General Information about Student Visa of USA.
 |
 |
Answer:
The minimum age to get an I-20 is 18 years old.
The minimum age to get an I-20 is 18 years old.
Answer:
One term is 12 weeks. There are 4 terms per year. There is a 1 week break between each term. You can see the schedule here (link to the Bottom International Student –> School Calendar)
One term is 12 weeks. There are 4 terms per year. There is a 1 week break between each term. You can see the schedule here (link to the Bottom International Student –> School Calendar)
Answer:
Depending on the LSI campus location and the program, the number of students in classes will vary. Generally speaking, the class size could range from 5 to 25 per class. Keeping a lower number of students in classes helps our English instructors find the most effective teaching method for each student.
Depending on the LSI campus location and the program, the number of students in classes will vary. Generally speaking, the class size could range from 5 to 25 per class. Keeping a lower number of students in classes helps our English instructors find the most effective teaching method for each student.
Answer:
We have 4 LSI centers in Southern California: Alhambra, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Torrance. We also partner with Mentor Language Institute in Beverly Hills.
We have 4 LSI centers in Southern California: Alhambra, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Torrance. We also partner with Mentor Language Institute in Beverly Hills.
Answer:
Discounts will differ amongst school branches. To find out more about current discounts and promotions, please contact any of the school campuses you wish to enroll.
Discounts will differ amongst school branches. To find out more about current discounts and promotions, please contact any of the school campuses you wish to enroll.
Answer:
Yes, LSI is a company of equal opportunities for everyone. We do not discriminate on the basis of color, culture, or race/ethnicity. Our teachers are highly qualified instructors who offer only the best for students in their education.
Yes, LSI is a company of equal opportunities for everyone. We do not discriminate on the basis of color, culture, or race/ethnicity. Our teachers are highly qualified instructors who offer only the best for students in their education.
Answer:
Yes, if you are currently attending school, you can pay monthly for your tuition. However, if you apply from overseas or you are a new transfer student, the minimum term requirement is 12 weeks which should be paid in full.
Yes, if you are currently attending school, you can pay monthly for your tuition. However, if you apply from overseas or you are a new transfer student, the minimum term requirement is 12 weeks which should be paid in full.
Answer:
Promotion depends on the total score of participation/attendance, weekly test scores, and exit test score. Passing the exit test score alone will not advance you to the next level. If you have attended the class routinely, you obviously will have the advantage of promotion.
Promotion depends on the total score of participation/attendance, weekly test scores, and exit test score. Passing the exit test score alone will not advance you to the next level. If you have attended the class routinely, you obviously will have the advantage of promotion.
Answer:
You must bring a copy of your airplane ticket in order for us to close your file properly. You must also return to your country within 60 days from your completion date. However, if you studied less than 12 weeks at LSI you have no more than 15 days to leave the U.S.
You must bring a copy of your airplane ticket in order for us to close your file properly. You must also return to your country within 60 days from your completion date. However, if you studied less than 12 weeks at LSI you have no more than 15 days to leave the U.S.
Answer:
Students are allowed to take a vacation every 12 weeks (1 term).
Students are allowed to take a vacation every 12 weeks (1 term).
11. What happens if I want to drop out of school early and request a refund to return to my country?
Answer:
We are able to issue students a refund as long as they have not used more than 60% of their registered class.
We are able to issue students a refund as long as they have not used more than 60% of their registered class.
Answer:
Our attendance policy is that students must attend class at least 80% a week. However, if you miss class due to certain circumstances, you must notify us as soon as possible to keep you in status.
Our attendance policy is that students must attend class at least 80% a week. However, if you miss class due to certain circumstances, you must notify us as soon as possible to keep you in status.
Answer:
We are able to reissue the second I-20 with a new starting date with no reissuance fee; however, for the 3rd I-20, a $30 fee will apply. The express mailing charge remains in effect when reissuing an I-20.
We are able to reissue the second I-20 with a new starting date with no reissuance fee; however, for the 3rd I-20, a $30 fee will apply. The express mailing charge remains in effect when reissuing an I-20.
Answer:
1.Application form (online or paper)
2.Copy of passport
3.Bank statement showing at least $13,000 in available funds (no more than 3 months old)
4.US $570 ($100 non-refundable processing fee, $200 SEVIS fee, $200 tuition deposit, and $70 I-20 mailing fee)
1.Application form (online or paper)
2.Copy of passport
3.Bank statement showing at least $13,000 in available funds (no more than 3 months old)
4.US $570 ($100 non-refundable processing fee, $200 SEVIS fee, $200 tuition deposit, and $70 I-20 mailing fee)
Answer:
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa. What this means is that you must show that you have no intent to immigrate to the United States. As part of this requirement you need to show that you have enough money available to you to pay for both your studies and your living expenses while in the USA. As a general rule we ask students to show at least $13,000 in total. Bank statements can be from you, your spouse, and your parents. When you apply we will review your bank statements, and we will advise you further if necessary. If you have any questions about your bank statements, you may send them to us for review before you apply.
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa. What this means is that you must show that you have no intent to immigrate to the United States. As part of this requirement you need to show that you have enough money available to you to pay for both your studies and your living expenses while in the USA. As a general rule we ask students to show at least $13,000 in total. Bank statements can be from you, your spouse, and your parents. When you apply we will review your bank statements, and we will advise you further if necessary. If you have any questions about your bank statements, you may send them to us for review before you apply.
Answer:
You can send the documents by mail, fax or email attachment.
You can send the documents by mail, fax or email attachment.
Answer:
$200 SEVIS fee is charged by US immigration. When you apply for an F-1 visa, you need to show the SEVIS fee receipt. If you do not pay the SEVIS fee, the US embassy will not issue the F-1 visa. You can pay the SEVIS fee to US immigration directly, or you can pay the SEVIS fee to us and we will pay the SEVIS fee to US immigration instead of you, and we will send you the SEVIS fee receipt with your I-20. The SEVIS fee receipt is required when you apply for the F-1 visa and come to the U.S. The site to pay this fee is www.fmjfee.com
$200 SEVIS fee is charged by US immigration. When you apply for an F-1 visa, you need to show the SEVIS fee receipt. If you do not pay the SEVIS fee, the US embassy will not issue the F-1 visa. You can pay the SEVIS fee to US immigration directly, or you can pay the SEVIS fee to us and we will pay the SEVIS fee to US immigration instead of you, and we will send you the SEVIS fee receipt with your I-20. The SEVIS fee receipt is required when you apply for the F-1 visa and come to the U.S. The site to pay this fee is www.fmjfee.com
Answer:
You can send payments by international money order, credit card, or bank wire transfer.
You can send payments by international money order, credit card, or bank wire transfer.
Answer:
You can make an international money order at the post office or bank, and send it to our address.
You can make an international money order at the post office or bank, and send it to our address.
Answer:
You can pay online through PayPal. After completing the online application you will have the option to select payment method. Choose CREDIT CARD and you will be directed to PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to pay. You can use most major credit cards.
You can pay online through PayPal. After completing the online application you will have the option to select payment method. Choose CREDIT CARD and you will be directed to PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to pay. You can use most major credit cards.
Answer:
As soon as we receive your application form, documents and payments, we will mail the I-20 and an acceptance letter to you. It takes about 2 weeks, but it varies from country to country.
As soon as we receive your application form, documents and payments, we will mail the I-20 and an acceptance letter to you. It takes about 2 weeks, but it varies from country to country.
Answer:
You need to prepare the following documents and payments for the visa application and make an appointment with the US embassy to have an application interview for your F-1 visa.
1.Passport
2.Bank statement (should be at least $13,000)
3.Transcripts and diploma from your high school and/or university
4.Study plan (must state that you will return to your country when you complete your
study in the USA.) 5.Leave-of-absence letter (If you have a job, you can ask your company to write a letter indicating that you will return to your country when you complete your study in the USA.)
6.I-20
7.I-901 fee confirmation (SEVIS fee receipt)
8.Completed DS application form(s) (available on the website of the embassy)
9.Application fee for F-1 visa
10.Additional documents (Please check with US embassy in your country. It varies from country to country.)
You need to prepare the following documents and payments for the visa application and make an appointment with the US embassy to have an application interview for your F-1 visa.
1.Passport
2.Bank statement (should be at least $13,000)
3.Transcripts and diploma from your high school and/or university
4.Study plan (must state that you will return to your country when you complete your
study in the USA.) 5.Leave-of-absence letter (If you have a job, you can ask your company to write a letter indicating that you will return to your country when you complete your study in the USA.)
6.I-20
7.I-901 fee confirmation (SEVIS fee receipt)
8.Completed DS application form(s) (available on the website of the embassy)
9.Application fee for F-1 visa
10.Additional documents (Please check with US embassy in your country. It varies from country to country.)
Answer:
You must provide the following three things to the U.S. embassy officer:
1.Sufficient funds: Because the US embassy does not want you to work in the USA illegally, you or your sponsor needs to have enough money to support you while you study in the US. To prove this, you or your sponsor needs to prepare a bank statement that shows sufficient funds. It is preferable that the sponsor is in your country. The bank account should be in your country as well.
2.Clear study plan and purpose: You need to explain what you want to study and why you need to study it in the US instead of in your country.
3.Intent to go back to your country after study in USA: You need to show strong ties to the country in which you are applying for an F-1 visa and indications that you will leave the USA upon completion of your studies.
You must provide the following three things to the U.S. embassy officer:
1.Sufficient funds: Because the US embassy does not want you to work in the USA illegally, you or your sponsor needs to have enough money to support you while you study in the US. To prove this, you or your sponsor needs to prepare a bank statement that shows sufficient funds. It is preferable that the sponsor is in your country. The bank account should be in your country as well.
2.Clear study plan and purpose: You need to explain what you want to study and why you need to study it in the US instead of in your country.
3.Intent to go back to your country after study in USA: You need to show strong ties to the country in which you are applying for an F-1 visa and indications that you will leave the USA upon completion of your studies.
Answer:
After you receive the visa, you can enter USA up to 30 days before your starting date on your I-20.
After you receive the visa, you can enter USA up to 30 days before your starting date on your I-20.
Answer:
We will refund your fees as follows: The $100 processing fee is not refundable. The $200 SEVIS fee is taken by US immigration, so we cannot refund it. The $70 I-20 mailing fee is taken by Fed-ex, so we cannot refund it either. The $200 tuition deposit is refundable. In order to refund it, we need your original I-20 back. Note: we can refund the tuition deposit only within 12 months of the original issuance.
We will refund your fees as follows: The $100 processing fee is not refundable. The $200 SEVIS fee is taken by US immigration, so we cannot refund it. The $70 I-20 mailing fee is taken by Fed-ex, so we cannot refund it either. The $200 tuition deposit is refundable. In order to refund it, we need your original I-20 back. Note: we can refund the tuition deposit only within 12 months of the original issuance.
Answer:
1.Copy of passport
2.Copy of F-1 visa
3.Copy of I-94
4.Copy of previous school's I-20
5.Bank statement (at least $3,250)
6.Application form
7.Transfer form: Please ask your current school to fill out this form before you finish your current program. Then, send this form to LSI.
8.$100 processing fee
9.12 week tuition fee for program
10.Picture for student ID
1.Copy of passport
2.Copy of F-1 visa
3.Copy of I-94
4.Copy of previous school's I-20
5.Bank statement (at least $3,250)
6.Application form
7.Transfer form: Please ask your current school to fill out this form before you finish your current program. Then, send this form to LSI.
8.$100 processing fee
9.12 week tuition fee for program
10.Picture for student ID
Answer:
It depends on your status. Some types of status can be changed, and some cannot. For more information click here (link to the Application Process –> Change of Status)
It depends on your status. Some types of status can be changed, and some cannot. For more information click here (link to the Application Process –> Change of Status)
Answer:
We have change-of-status specialists to help you change your status. For further information, please contact us. (link to Contact Us)
We have change-of-status specialists to help you change your status. For further information, please contact us. (link to Contact Us)
Answer:
Language Systems has special agreements, or MRPs, with many Los Angeles area schools. These agreements typically allow Language Systems students to take part-time credit classes at most schools while the student is studying at Language Systems and to transfer without a TOEFL score. After you complete Level 5 or 6 at Language Systems, you can transfer to the following colleges without a TOEFL score. When you complete Level 6, you can go to the following colleges:
1.Cerritos College
2.Cypress College
3.East Los Angeles College
4.Fullerton College
5.Glendale Community College
6.Orange Coast College
7.Pasadena City College
8.Santa Monica College
9.West Los Angeles College
When you complete Level 5, you can go to the following colleges:
1.El Camino College
2.Los Angeles Harbor College
3.Los Angeles Trade-Tech College
Language Systems has special agreements, or MRPs, with many Los Angeles area schools. These agreements typically allow Language Systems students to take part-time credit classes at most schools while the student is studying at Language Systems and to transfer without a TOEFL score. After you complete Level 5 or 6 at Language Systems, you can transfer to the following colleges without a TOEFL score. When you complete Level 6, you can go to the following colleges:
1.Cerritos College
2.Cypress College
3.East Los Angeles College
4.Fullerton College
5.Glendale Community College
6.Orange Coast College
7.Pasadena City College
8.Santa Monica College
9.West Los Angeles College
When you complete Level 5, you can go to the following colleges:
1.El Camino College
2.Los Angeles Harbor College
3.Los Angeles Trade-Tech College
Answer:
You will need to pay housing placement fee: $250 for Homestay or $200 for the Dormitory. You will also need to pay a security deposit of $200 on the first day of school. However, when you move out, you will receive $150 refund from the security deposit as long as there is no damage to the room and the dorm / homestay ($50 will be deducted from the security deposit as maintenance fee). Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
You will need to pay housing placement fee: $250 for Homestay or $200 for the Dormitory. You will also need to pay a security deposit of $200 on the first day of school. However, when you move out, you will receive $150 refund from the security deposit as long as there is no damage to the room and the dorm / homestay ($50 will be deducted from the security deposit as maintenance fee). Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
1.Homestay application form
2.Homestay placement fee: $250
3.Homestay Security Deposit: $200 ($50 cleaning fee will be deducted when you move out)
Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
1.Homestay application form
2.Homestay placement fee: $250
3.Homestay Security Deposit: $200 ($50 cleaning fee will be deducted when you move out)
Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
1.Dormitory application form 2.Dormitory placement fee: $200 3.Dormitory security deposit: $200 ($50 cleaning fee will be deducted when you move out.) Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
1.Dormitory application form 2.Dormitory placement fee: $200 3.Dormitory security deposit: $200 ($50 cleaning fee will be deducted when you move out.) Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
$250 or $200 housing placement fee and $200 security deposit will be refunded upon cancellation more than two weeks before your arrival date. However, if you cancel your housing request within the two weeks before your arrival date, you will be charged the placement fee as the cancellation fee. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
$250 or $200 housing placement fee and $200 security deposit will be refunded upon cancellation more than two weeks before your arrival date. However, if you cancel your housing request within the two weeks before your arrival date, you will be charged the placement fee as the cancellation fee. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
It depends on whether or not the room is vacant, so please ask us. However, we might charge an extra fee if you check in after 7:00pm. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
It depends on whether or not the room is vacant, so please ask us. However, we might charge an extra fee if you check in after 7:00pm. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
Yes. It will be listed on the confirmation e-mail. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Yes. It will be listed on the confirmation e-mail. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
Yes, if there are any empty rooms. However, the number of rooms is limited, so you should make a reservation for the whole expected period. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Yes, if there are any empty rooms. However, the number of rooms is limited, so you should make a reservation for the whole expected period. Housing services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Answer:
Yes, but you can get a discount if you apply before your arrival. Additionally, please note that with some support services such as housing services, we require appointments in advance. Housing services and support services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
Yes, but you can get a discount if you apply before your arrival. Additionally, please note that with some support services such as housing services, we require appointments in advance. Housing services and support services for Language Systems International are provided by an independent company.
last update: May 2012
Torrance, CA
Overcast 
72º 
57º
Humidity: 83%
The TOEFL iBT®program at LSI is very helpful and useful. When I started it, my English level was really low, but after two months I reached a score of 85 on the official TOEFL® test. The TOEFL classes at LSI helped me to improve my English skills, such as grammar, pronunciation and phonetics. Also, the TOEFL program enriched my English vocabulary and general knowledge in English. Furthermore, the classes are very dynamic. LSI utilizes multimedia tools which enhance the learning process. Also, the books and materials are practical. A bonus is that professors are very helpful; they gave me a set of strategies and tactics that allowed me to resolve questions on the TOEFL. Moreover, the whole staff of the school is very friendly, polite and helpful. I strongly recommend LSI.
Marcos Manganare
04/27/2011 (Argentina)
Los Angeles
