Faq | Successway

Frequently Asked Questions

Canada
Ireland
USA

Will I receive any meals with my host family?
Breakfast and dinner are served by the host family. Your dietary requirements also need to be discussed on arrival as it is imperative to your well-being to ensure that the host family understands
Can I study part time?
No. Under Irish Government regulations, as an International student you can only study on a full-time basis. This means that you must complete a minimum of 15 hours scheduled contact time per week in order to be eligible to apply for a student visa.
Can I study part time?
No. Under Irish Government regulations, as an International student you can only study on a full-time basis. This means that you must complete a minimum of 15 hours scheduled contact time per week in order to be eligible to apply for a student visa.
What is Homestay?
It is a unique accommodation arrangement to stay with local host families and individual hosts in their fully furnished homes while attending school, internship, or simply relocating from another city or country. Homestay is ideal for guests who would appreciate being in a supportive environment that offers lots guidance. Following is a list of typical individuals who would like homestay: • Students from other cities or countries. • New Comers with “ working holiday visa, permanent residence, and temporary work permit” • Visitors who would like to longer to discover and enjoy the beauty of the land, culture, and meet new friends. • Relocating individuals or couples in search who would need temporary long term accommodation for few weeks or months.
Do students and new comers who stay in homestays learn the language faster?
Yes, when students and new comers spend time with those who speak the language at the homestay, they are able to learn it faster and acquire more confidence.
What is the minimum age to apply with your homestay agency?
Our minimum age is 18 year old. You also must be 18 years or older to complete a homestay application with us.
What is the minimum stay?
The minimum stay is are not less than one month( 4 Weeks).
What kind of housing is available in a homestay?
Housing is available in the form of single room in apartments, town houses, or houses.
What items will be in my room?
Each homestay guestroom contains a bed and bed linens, a desk/study area and chair, and dresser/closet.
Are utilities included?
Yes, electricity/hydro, heat and hot water.
Is Internet access included?
Internet access is mostly included if you have your own computer or laptop with wireless connection. However, if you would like to insure that you have wireless High-Speed or DSL access, you will need to select Semi-deluxe or Deluxe type homestay when you apply. You may wish to review the homestay rates page and get further information about types or levels of homestay and what they usually offer.
Will I have my own bathroom?
Some Host families in the deluxe homestay range offer the visitor their own bathroom, subject to availability, and most offer bathroom facilities that are shared by the family. Please note that your bathroom supplies are not included; like your own shampoo, soap, towels, tooth paste, brush, shaving gel, raiser, and toilet paper.
Does homestay include transportation?
No. You are expected to be independent and be able to use public transportation. Most hosts will assist you with information and show you how to travel around the city especially on the first week after arrival. Some hosts will also offer you a free or paid rides with them, like car pool, if it convenient in terms of time and daily route
Will there be any other students in the Homestay?
If a host family has more than one private guestroom available, there may be several students in the same Homestay.
Do I have to get and pay for all the meals?
No. You select the daily meals that you want at the time of the application. Our meal plans are as following: 1) No meals 2) Breakfast only 3) Breakfast and dinner 4) Three meals PS. You can review our all inclusive homestay rates for your destination city on our website.
When I request meals, does the family cook for me all the time?
No. The host family will shop groceries for an extra person shopping. In most cases, they will provide you with food items to prepare your own breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some families prefer to offer you a cooked meal for lunch and dinner.
Can I request to increase the number of meals or decrease them after the first month?
Yes. If you request to reduce your meals, hosts will understand when you may have late hour schedule or wish to eat outside at your leisure, or simply homesick to your home country meals and wish to prepare your own meals. If you request additional meals, you should ask your host if it is possible. Some hosts may not be able to offer additional meals due to work schedule or other personal reasons.
May I make my own food?
Yes. Most host families will allow you to prepare or cook your own food, when you are normally careful and follow their kitchen hygiene and safety habits of doing things. You can easily take the time with your host to go over using kitchen equipment and utensils after arrival. Same with laundry facilities and security system if available...
May I request a specific Homestay?
Yes, review our list of homestay hosts on our website, if you are interested in specific ones, please quote the host ID number of the homestay to your homestay coordinator. We will approach host family for you and find out availability. If the requested host family is not available, we will try to contact a similar one for you.
Can I ask my homestay coordinator to suggest homestay for me?
Yes, indeed. Your homestay coordinator has many years of experience and may become a great resource of information and options when available.
Will I receive a key to the house to come in out?
Yes. Please note that a key is responsibility and point of trust in you by your host. Ensure that you ask your host when you wish to invite a stranger, your friend, or school mate to the house.
Will I be able to watch television?
Yes, only at suitable hours. TV is usually shared TV in a common area or living room. If you want your own private TV, you should consider the deluxe type option at application time.
Can I use the host family's telephone?
You may make local telephone calls from the Homestay, if local calls are free. All long distance calls must be made using a calling card. Please ask your host if you are going to receive calls and what are the best times for people to call you. Consider your own prepaid cell phone number, since telephone line is not usually in your homestay rate and it could be more convenient for you.
May I use the family computer?
Yes, but you need to ask your host. Make sure you use a local access number when you log on to the internet to avoid long distance charges. Do not open any file attachments or junk mail that may put your host’s computer at risk. Your host may not have the proper protection on his or her computer and my loose a lot of important files or inure lots of damages. Kindly ask your host how long you can use the computer for since they may have some regular work to do. Hosts are not required to offer a computer; therefore, we urge you to careful or best bring your laptop with you.
May I smoke in the house?
No. Majority of hosts refuse that anyone would smoke inside their home, some also do not like the smell, or cause them a health reaction to an allergy. Majority of hosts will ask that you smoke outside the house in a designated area using an ashtray. You are kindly required to respect their request the sake of good health and well being of all. Few hosts will allow you to smoke inside if they do. Please note that in most cities a0nd towns in Canada, USA, New Zealand, and Australia, smoking is banned by laws inside buildings, restaurants, airports, hospitals, or public areas.
Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Yes. The host family will show you where the laundry facilities are and how to use operate the laundry machines without damaging your clothing.
Will I be able to go shopping?
Yes. Your host will show you how to go shopping after arrival, but if wish, you could ask your host to go out shopping with them. It could save you time, effort, money to accompany your host. Most hosts know where to buy things cheap or have memberships that can save you money.
Will I be able to go sightseeing with my host?
Yes. When hosts have free time; however, your admission ticket to attraction is your own cost. Also, if you do trips or excursions with your host family, usually hotels and restaurants costs are not included. Please inquire with your host in advance about such costs before.
Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to the Homestay each night)?
You do not have a curfew. However, it is customary that you tell your host family if you will miss dinner or will return to the house after midnight. Hosts usually worry about their guests and students if all of a sudden they do not come back home as usual. It is commonly so in big cities where crime rate could be high. In general, hosts want your safety and may give you valuable tips.
Can I have a guest come to my Homestay?
Yes, but only with the host family's agreement.
Can I stay at a friend's house during my visit?
Yes. Let your host family that you will be staying outside and how you can be contacted should someone ask about you.
What is a "List of House Rules"?
House Rules are the rules of the particular host family with whom you are staying. These rules may include requests by your host to lock the doors of the home when you leave, turn off the lights of your room or bathroom before you leave, or avoid receiving phone calls after a certain time at night. These rules usually apply to members of the family and guests. Homestays that accommodate more than one student at once find it easy to make such a list and leave it in the guestroom.
Is there a deadline for submitting the application?
Yes. Kindly allow a minimum of four weeks for best results, contacting host for you and reserving a homestay room.
Can I apply early?
Yes please. You may certainly apply anytime up to a year in advance. We prefer early applications and we give them good priority in terms of options and availability. Early applications allow as us to help you better, but if you have just found out about us, we still would love to assist you.
How much are the monthly homestay fees?
The homestay fees vary according to level of accommodation and number of meals required.
Is it possible to bring a relative or a friend “as a companion” to stay with me?
Yes. You need to account for additional homestay rates, at least one and have time of the regular homestay rate when your relative or friend will share the same room with you. Companion arrangement must be decided upon in advance at the time of application and detailed information about the companion must be submitted on the same online application, in the comments and special requests section.Yes. You need to account for additional homestay rates, at least one and have time of the regular homestay rate when your relative or friend will share the same room with you. Companion arrangement must be decided upon in advance at the time of application and detailed information about the companion must be submitted on the same online application, in the comments and special requests section.
How long does it take before I get to know information about my host?
depends on when you are arriving, your requirements, availability homestay, and city occupancies. There is no estimated time, but it could be right away. Please check your email inbox regularly and reply to your homestay coordinator immediately. You are always welcome to check on that status of your application at anytime.
How much must I pay in advance to book the homestay room?
When you selected a homestay and wish to book the guestroom and wish to stay for a month or less, you will need to pay at full payment in advance, if you were to stay less than a month. If you are staying longer than a month, and in order to reserve the room, you need to make a down payment of one month. The balance, you will be required to pay, regularly on time, directly to host family.
If my homestay room is not available for one or two days, can you provide me with assistance regarding finding temporary accommodation?
Yes, we would be happy to assist you. Ask your homestay coordinator regarding possible temporary homestay, or provide you with a list of hotels, B&B, or hostels that offer reduced rates for our clients. No extra agency fee for this service.
Can I be picked up at the airport?
Yes. Please include that request in your application and complete flight details. You still can add the flight information at a later stage by updating your online application profile. Or you could contact your homestay coordinator if wish to request the airport pick up arrangement.
Do you provide airport drop off?
No, Please contact your host family well in advance, they may be able to assist you or direct you to the best possible way to travel to airport.
When I request airport pick up, how do I know who will meet me at the airport?
At the final stage of homestay placement, your homestay coordinator will email to you the airport pick up instructions and your host family details.
What if I experience delays from the airline or miss my flight?
Please contact the host family by telephone and your airport pick person or service that will be waiting for you. We will provide you with their telephone numbers in advance. Note that airport pick person or service may only wait for you up for two or three hours maximum. If you experience flight delays or cancelation, we urge to call if come close to a public telephone.
Can I pay cash do the driver for airport pickup, instead of paying in advance?
NO, you must pay in advance. The language center drivers are not like taxicab drivers, and they are not authorized to collect payments. If you do not pay your airport pickup fee in advance, the language center cannot pick you up.
How can I get Student Health and Travel Insurance?
Contact your homestay coordinator or school admission department for special group or student rates and benefits offered by popular insurance providers. Consider that cost of medical attention and emergency healthcare can be very expensive beyond comprehension International students and guests. You better be prepared for the unexpected. Usually, insurance cost less than a cup of coffee per day but may save you thousands of dollars. For international guests, please consult with your own insurance broker or travel agent in your country of origin before travel.

Can I live together with a friend in a host family?
You can request to stay together with a friend in the same host family, if your friend is studying at the same language center. This request should be made at the time of booking.
Will I get my own room?
You can choose to book either a single room or a twin room in our host families or residence/apartments. If you book a twin room in a host family you will be placed with another student each with a single bed.
How long do I have for Christmas and Easter holidays?
Two weeks for Christmas, one week for Easter.
If I am sick, does it affect my attendance?
If you are sick, you need to have a medical certificate from your doctor, you can bring this to immigration when applying for your next VISA to explain missed days.
How do I get from the airport to the host family?
Transport from and to the airport is offered on request. If you do not wish to book a transfer from the school you may catch a bus or take a taxi from outside the airport. The address of the host family will be sent to you on a letter
Will I receive any meals with my host family?
Breakfast and dinner are served by the host family. Your dietary requirements also need to be discussed on arrival as it is imperative to your well-being to ensure that the host family understands your eating habits.
How will I find my way to school on the first day?
If you book a transfer with the school our driver will hand you a Welcome Pack upon meeting you at the airport. This will contain, amongst other things, a detailed map of the area with the host family and school clearly marked. Your host family will show you where the school is on the first day and if you are staying in a Hotel, the receptionist will explain the quickest way to the school.
Who requires a student visa?
All students from Arab World are required to get student Visa to study in Ireland.
How do I arrange and book accommodation?
International Students may apply for student accommodation on the college campus,And if you need any help please contact Successway
What documents will be required?
Standard documents required for any entry into Ireland include: Possession of a valid passport Possession of a round trip ticket Evidence of sufficient funds of support for the duration of stay (e.g. statement of earnings, bank statement, traveller’s checks etc.) Students applying for a visa must also include: A letter of registration from the relevant education institution in Ireland verifying the duration/nature of the course or examination and evidence that the requisite fees have been paid. Recent passport photographs
What is the required time to issue visa?
10 days - 12 weeks
What is the cost of a visa?
Single-Journey: 25 Euros Multiple-Journey: 50 Euros Transit : 10 Euros
How long is the visa valid for?
Varies, contact nearest Consolate for further information.
Change of status
Full details of course duration should be disclosed in the initial application in so far as they are known. If there is any probability that a person intends to study for longer than 90 days (3 months) they should ensure that they apply for a 'D' study visa. Persons who seek to study for less than this period can apply for a 'C' study visa. In the case of an applicant with a 'C' visa, extensions of permission to remain will only be entertained where a written request is made to the visas appeals officer and will be given in very exceptional circumstances only. The following details must be supplied to allow the request to be considered and applications that do not supply all the required documents will be refused:• . Itemised details of payment of relevant fees and proof of payment • Details of the course of studies proposed .Accommodation details identifying host family • Evidence of financial self sufficiency, all financial details should identify the student • Details of the students attendance at the initial course of studies must be lodged • A copy of the passport exhibiting the original visa must be lodged • Right of Appeal Any decisions to refuse a visa can be appealed by writing to : Visa appeals Officer Immigration Division Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform BURGH QUAY, Dublin 2 Only written appeals will be dealt with. The visa reference number, decision number and nationality will facilitate processing. Obviously the success of an appeal will be enhanced if the applicant is in a position to forward additional supporting documentation in favour of the application or to submit a document previously omitted. • Re-Entry Visas Students who have a valid reason for leaving the State during their period of study and who can show that they are genuinely continuing with their studies may apply for re-entry visas. • Conditions of Permission to Remain Students will be required to sign an undertaking as part of the visa application process stating that: They will not enter full time employment while in the State other than casual employment as defined in the student visa guidelines. They will not visit Great Britain or Northern Ireland or any other country without a valid entry visa and a re-entry visa for Ireland. They will ensure that they do not breach the Visa requirements if this State. Students will be required to acknowledge that should they breach their conditions their case will be reviewed with a view to being deported. These guidelines have been issued by the Irish Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

If I were to book a flight ticket now, which days or time are ideal to arrive at the host family?
It is best to consider arriving in the afternoons and evenings, or anytime all day on Saturday on Monday. Avoid late night arrival if you can, but most host families are accommodating if you experience delays.
What is an F1 visa?
F1 is the designation for a non-immigrant student who is in the US to study full-time. As a KASP student, you will be applying for an F1 visa. F1 visas are also called student visas. There are several rules that restrict who can and cannot get a student visa, and what you can do when you are in the US. For example, F1 students may not work more than 20 hours a week when they are in the US, unless the job is part of their curriculum. If your spouse wishes to enter the country on an F1 visa and study ESL full time, s/he must apply separately. But if you just want to bring your family with you, they can get F2 visas to come to the US as your dependents.
What is an I-20 and why do I need it?
The I-20 is a US immigration document. It proves that you have been admitted to an ESL program or university, and that you have met all the legal requirements for enrollment. The I-20 is required in order for you to make a visa appointment, get your F1 student visa, leave KSA and be admitted to the United States. This is a very important document and you must not lose it! In most cases, the US Embassy requires you to bring the original I-20 to your visa interview. However, because the KASP program is so large and it is difficult for students to re-schedule visa interviews, students are sometimes permitted to use scanned PDFs of the I-20 if the original has been delayed in shipping. If you are a female student and your spouse or chaperone wishes to enroll in ESL courses and get an F1 student visa, then he must also have an I-20. It is best if you provide this information at the very beginning of the process, so that there is no delay in receiving his I-20 and the two of you can get your visas together.
How long does it take to get an I-20?
If you have provided all proper forms and documents, then an I-20 typically takes about two weeks to generate and ship to you. The I-20 is an official document generated from a federal database, so each institution has to go through several steps in order to prepare the I-20. If you do not provide all proper documents, then the I-20 will take longer. The calculation of 1-2 weeks starts from the day that all complete documents are received, not from the day you first request the I-20. Shipping to KSA is expensive from the US, so most institutions will not mail an I-20 as soon as it’s ready. They will group multiple I-20s into a single shipment and send them together. So, even if your I-20 is ready on Thursday, it might not be shipped until Friday when other I-20s are ready. • My friend has an I-20 already and I do not, even though we applied on the same day. Why is this? One of two reasons: 1. Your documents were incomplete 2. You both applied to different institutions or language centers. The turnaround time varies by provider.
What documents do I need in order to bring my family with me?
As an F1 student, you may bring your spouse and children with you on F2 dependent visas. You may not bring parents, siblings or any extended family on an F2 visa. In order to get these visas, you must submit your family’s passports to Successway along with your own documents. You have to submit a passport for every family member, even an infant. The ESL program or university that admits you will send F2 I-20s for your family members. You must bring those documents and your family members with you to the visa interview, and the visas will be granted all together. Spouses who are in the country on F2 visas may NOT study ESL full-time. They can only study part-time. If your spouse would like to study ESL full-time, s/he will need to obtain an F1 visa from the ESL program.
I am an unmarried female and cannot travel alone. Can I bring my brother or father with me on an F2 visa?
NO, you cannot. According to US law, only the spouses and children are recognized as family members eligible for an F2 visa. If you are an unmarried female and you must bring a chaperone, there are two options: a. Your chaperone can enroll in the ESL program with you and come to the US on his own F1 visa. This option is best if your family wants someone with you during the entire duration of your studies. b. Your chaperone can accompany you for 90 days on a B visa (tourist visa). This option is best if your family just wants to see you settled in, and is comfortable letting you stay in the US without a family member. It’s very likely that there will be many other KSA women at your program, so you will not be alone!
I want my husband or brother (chaperone) to get an F1 visa, so he can study ESL full time with me. How do we do that?
You must submit the following documents to Successway: • Chaperone’s passport • Bank statement for the chaperone or his sponsor (parent or other relative) • Affidavit of Support (if the bank statement is in the name of anyone else other than your chaperone) The bank statement is legally required as a guarantee that your chaperone can pay for his own ESL tuition, in case MOHE does not cover his costs. Please note the following requirements for the bank statement: • It must have the account holder’s name typed in English by the bank • It must be stamped or sealed by the bank • It must state the exact amount of money currently in the bank account Do NOT print out a copy of an online bank statement. Do NOT hand-write the name of the account holder in English. Those documents will be rejected, resulting in a delay of your chaperone’s I-20. Once you have submitted these documents to Successway, they will be forwarded to schools for an F1 visa for the same location and intake.
Can I attend ESL studies anywhere in the US that I want?
No, you are limited to the available ESL programs that are approved by the KSA Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). Fortunately, there are more than 200 approved programs around the United States, so it’s very likely that you will be placed in or near the location you seek. In some cases, however, a particular language center may have already reached its maximum allotment of KSA students. If that is the case, we will either place you nearby, or contact you to find out if you have a second choice.
I’ve changed my mind about my ESL location and I’d like to move. Can I do that?
Not without a good reason! MOHE must approve any request to change your location. The process of enrolling you in an ESL program and providing the proper documents is a very complex one. It is not easy to just switch your acceptance to another location. New paperwork must be filed and sent to you, and federal US records must be kept up to date. Unless you have a very compelling reason to move, you must remain at the ESL location that you originally requested.
I would like to defer my entry to the US. Can I do that?
You can, but you must be prepared to handle more paperwork (and wait for new documents to be sent to you). You are strongly encouraged to attend the intake you originally requested, unless you have a very good reason to delay. Most ESL programs offer students the chance to arrive later than the date specified on the I-20. The I-20 or the admission letter will officially authorize you to attend within a specified date range. For example, ELS Language Centers may admit you to an intake on 1 January, and put that date on your I-20. However, your acceptance letter to ELS will offer you the chance to come on either 1 January or 1 February, without having to get a new I-20 or other paperwork. You can check on Section 9 (Remarks) of your I-20 to see what the extension dates are for your arrival. They vary by program. If Section 9 is blank, then you must arrive by the date specified, or request a new I-20 with a later intake. Due to the added complications of deferring your entry, we strongly recommend that you attend the intake you originally requested, or prepare to arrive within the designated extension time. It will make things much easier for you.
I have been approved for a deferral or location change. How do I ensure that my new I-20 will have the same SEVIS number as before?
Unless you are going to a completely different ESL provider, your SEVIS number will automatically stay the same. Even if you are issued a new I-20 with a new location or start date, you will still have the same SEVIS number. If you have to change providers (like moving from ELS Language Centers to EC English), then you will be issued a new SEVIS number. You don’t have to pay the SEVIS fee again; you can actually transfer the SEVIS payment.
My chaperone is signed up as an F1 student and we requested a deferral. I received my deferred I-20, but he did not! Why is this?
Once your spouse, brother or chaperone is entered into the provider’s records as a separate student, there is no obvious way to connect your two records. They cannot easily tell that you are together. So, when you request a deferral, please be sure that you request it specifically for both of you. If you have both been assigned ID numbers for your ESL program, make sure to give both numbers to Successway when you request the deferral.
I have more than one I-20 for different ESL programs or locations. Can I just use whichever one I want?
NO! This is a very common misconception among KASP students. The I-20 is a very important and very specific US government document. An international student may not have more than one active I-20 at a time. If you request a new location or a deferral of your start date, your old I-20 will be canceled and you may not use it to get your visa or enter the US. If you try to use an out-of-date I-20 to enter the country, you will be turned away and forced to go back to KSA. The I-20 is printed out from a US government database. If the copy you hold in your hand is different from the information that is shown in the US database, then you will not be allowed entry to the United States. If you receive a second I-20, you must destroy the first one. Normally, when a student asks to defer or move, the university or language center requests to get the original I-20 back before they will issue a new one. They are more flexible with this requirement in the case of KASP students, but the same federal rules apply. Only ONE I-20 is valid for you at any time. When you receive a second one, the first one is no longer valid.
I got my student visa on one I-20 and now I’ve obtained another one for a different program or location. Can I just travel with the new one?
NO! See above. You must travel to the US with the same documents you used to obtain your student visa. Otherwise, you will be denied entrance to the US. If you have changed your location since you got your student visa, you will need to get it approved by MOHE and by the US embassy.
I am already enrolled at my ESL program in the US and I want to transfer locations. Can I do this?
Within certain restrictions, yes. You must keep in mind that MOHE has banned certain ESL locations due to overcrowding, and so you may not transfer to a location that has been temporarily closed because of too many other KSA students. If you are transferring between locations of the same ESL provider, you need only MOHE permission to approve the transfer. However, if you are transferring to a new ESL provider, you must get MOHE permission and you must officially request an I-20 transfer from the US government. This is required so that your federal records are up to date. Your ESL provider can give you the necessary paperwork to complete the transfer.
I have just finished secondary school and I must have conditional admission to an undergraduate university program in order to get my scholarship. How does this work?
When Successway receives your materials, they are forwarded to US institutions for processing. In the US, English proficiency is usually required for international students before they can be admitted to a university. However, many universities offer conditional admission. This means that you can be admitted to the university on the condition that you complete your ESL studies to their satisfaction. When you are conditionally admitted, you receive a letter explaining that you meet all the university’s other criteria for admission, and when you have demonstrated your English proficiency to them, you will be fully admitted for degree studies. You will receive your I-20 and acceptance letter for ESL study within just a few weeks. However, Conditional Letters of Admission (CLAs) take much longer. Depending on your degree program and the university where you are submitted, it could take 8 weeks or more, though we try to move as quickly as possible. If you are admitted to the university, Successway will email your CLA to You. The original letter is not required by the US Embassy in order to get your visa.
I have finished university and I would like conditional admission to a graduate degree program in the US. How does this work?
For graduate students, MOHE does not require the ESL I-20 to be accompanied by a CLA. However, Successway strives to provide the CLA to as many graduate students as possible. The process is the same as described above, but it often takes much longer. At the undergraduate level, US university admissions are all handled by a single office for each university. But at the graduate level, they are handled by each individual department. So, if a business major and an engineering major apply to a university as undergraduates, it doesn’t make any difference for admissions. They will be reviewed by the same office, using the same process. But if those two applicants are graduate students, then one will be reviewed by the business department and the other will be reviewed by the engineering department. This is true at every university across the US. So each graduate program at each US university has different admission requirements, different rules for application, and different processes for handling documents. This is why graduate admission is very difficult in the US, especially for KASP students. Not all universities will offer conditional admission to graduate students; many of them require applicants to be fluent before admission. And even within a university, some departments might offer the CLA while others do not. Another obstacle: many graduate programs require original, official documents for admission, but KASP students have only PDF files to work with. And, of course, the program must also be approved by MOHE. That narrows the options down considerably.
Why does conditional admission take so long?
US university admission is a complex process. For the typical American student, it can take from three to six months. Successway tries to provide the CLA (conditional letter of admission) within two months or less, but this is not always possible. For an international undergraduate student, the following documents are typically required: • University-specific application form and related documents • Application fee • TOEFL score • Original paper transcripts from all years of secondary school • Attested sponsorship documents For an international graduate student, the university typically requires the above documents, PLUS: • Transcript evaluation (an independent review of your university transcript that explains your degree to the US institution) • Recommendation letters • Resume • Statement of purpose • Exam scores (GRE, GMAT) To gain admission for a KASP student, Successway must work with US universities that are willing to conditionally admit you based on PDF documents only, instead of original documents. Also, KASP students rarely have the entire set of documents listed above. So, it can be difficult to find a university and degree program that meets the following criteria: • Approved by MOHE for your program of study • Willing to waive application fee • Willing to provide conditional admission for students without TOEFL scores • Willing to provide conditional admission based on scanned documents • Willing to provide conditional admission based on fewer documents than they normally require for international students These are some of the reasons why conditional admission takes a long time, so please be patient if you do not receive your CLA right away.
I have already chosen the university where I want to study. Can you send me there?
It depends on the criteria listed in question #11. If your desired university meets all those criteria, we can try to help you get admission there. However, Successway functions by making special partnerships with US universities. With those particular partners, we can provide relatively fast admissions decisions based on the few scanned documents that KASP students have available. However, if you wish to attend a university that is not a Successway partner, we may not be able to remove all the obstacles for you. (For example, the university may insist on paper documents, a transcript evaluation, an application fee and more.) We strongly recommend that you remain flexible about the location of your degree studies, so that we can find an institution that meets your needs.
All my friends have a CLA, but I don’t. Why is this happening?
See question #15 above. Every graduate program is different, and your admission depends on many factors: your grades, the program you seek, the university you seek, the number of documents you can provide, etc. Travel and Airport Pickup
How far in advance do I need to inform you of my travel plans?
At least four weeks in advance. Every intake at a US language center is a busy time, and they are unable to arrange housing or airport pickup on shorter notice than that, because all of their spots will already be taken. You cannot inform us of your plans on short notice and expect to be picked up at the airport or given housing. The language centers have to accommodate many students and they cannot provide you with assistance at the last minute.
I have my student visa and I am ready to leave KSA. Now what do I do?
All KASP students are required to come to the US via Washington, DC, and go to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) to check in and have their paperwork authenticated. So you must plan to fly to Washington first. MOHE will provide you with more instructions about this part of the process. You must also arrange flights from Washington, DC to the location of your ESL program. Do this before you leave KSA.
Who will meet me at the airport when I arrive at my ESL program location?
If you want the language center to send someone to pick you up at the airport, you must communicate your travel plans to Successway. You will be sent an email approximately one month before your intake, requesting that you go to a website to fill in your arrival plans. Please follow the instructions in the email AFTER you have made all your travel plans. Most language centers charge a fee for airport pickup. You must pay this fee in advance, or you will not be picked up. Below is a list of the pricing requirements for most of the language centers that KASP students attend. EC English The airport pickup fee for EC English is $150. You may pay it by sending the credit card authorization form to____________________________________. ELS Language Centers The airport pickup fee varies by location. ELS CENTER AIRPORT (with code) PRICE Atlanta Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) $150 Berkeley San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland Airport (OAK) (pickup fee for non-arrival days: $120) $100 Boston (City Center) Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) $125 Boston – Mount Ida College Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) $120 Bristol T.F. Green Airport in Providence (PVD) $130 Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) $235 Charlotte Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) $90 Chicago Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW) $135 Cincinnati Dayton International Airport (DAY) $200 Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky (CVG) – located in Covington, KY $105 Clemson Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) $120 Cleveland Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) $110 Denver Denver International (DEN) $120 Garden City LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $205 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) $110 Grand Forks Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) $85 Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Allendale $105 Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Grand Rapids $75 Honolulu Honolulu International Airport (HNL) $80 Houston Houston/George Bush International (IAH) or Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) $125 Indianapolis Indianapolis International Airport (IND) $120 La Verne Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) $160 Laramie Laramie Airport (LAR) Taxi on own Denver International Airport (DEN) $350 Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) $70 Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MCO) $165 Miami Miami International Airport (MIA) $105 Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL) $125 Nashville Nashville International Airport (BNA) $50 New Haven John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $275 NYC / Juilliard John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $175 NYC / Manhattan John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $160 NY / Riverdale John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $135 Oklahoma City Will Rogers Airport (OKC) $80 Orlando Orlando International Airport (MCO) $110 Philadelphia Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) $110 Pittsburgh Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) $95 Plymouth Manchester Regional Airport (MHT) $180 Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) $300 Pocatello Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH) $45 Salt Lake City Int’l Airport (SLC) - $250/student if 2 or more arrive together $175 Portland Portland International Airport (PDX) $115 Ruston Monroe Airport (MLU) $100 St. Louis St. Louis International Airport (STL) $90 St. Paul Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) $125 St. Petersburg Tampa International Airport (TPA) $115 San Antonio San Antonio International Airport (SAT) $115 San Diego San Diego International Airport (SAN) $85 San Francisco San Francisco International Airport (SFO) $95 San Rafael San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – pickup fee for non-arrival days: $120 $100 Santa Barbara Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) $250 Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) $60 Santa Cruz San Francisco Internal Airport (SFO) $140 Santa Monica Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) $130 Seattle Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) $120 Teaneck Newark International Airport (EWR) $140 LaGuardia Airport (LGA) $165 J. F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) $190 Thousand Oaks Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) $130 Washington, DC Washington Regan National Airport (DCA) $90 Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) $110 Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) $135
Can I pay cash do the driver for airport pickup, instead of paying in advance?
NO, you must pay in advance. The language center drivers are not like taxicab drivers, and they are not authorized to collect payments. If you do not pay your airport pickup fee in advance, the language center cannot pick you up.
I haven’t made any arrangements for airport pickup, and I’m about to arrive in the US with no one to meet me at the airport! What do I do?
If you have not made plans for airport pickup, then you can take a taxi to your destination. You will need to bring cash with you in US dollars, or exchange some money at the airport to pay the taxi. Do NOT expect anyone at your destination to pay the taxi for you. If your destination is very close to the airport (such as an airport hotel), set aside $20 or less to pay the fare. If your destination is far away (such as a hotel or residence in a city that is many miles from the airport), you may need as much as $50 for the fare. You are expected to tip the taxi driver approximately 20% of the fare. If you have not made housing plans, you will need to go to a hotel for your first few nights. There are many hotels near every US airport, and often there are also free shuttles to those hotels. They will advertise in the baggage claim area of the airport.
Am I required to stay in the language center’s housing facilities?
No. You may obtain your own housing. However, some university ESL programs (such as Fairmont State University) typically require that all first-year students live on campus. If you do not wish to comply, you will have to request a waiver of that requirement. Most KASP students choose to find their own housing, but there are many options for you if you choose to take the housing provided by the language center.
If I choose the language center’s housing, what options are available?
It depends on your location. Most ESL centers have three different options: a homestay, a dormitory, or an apartment for families. Most universities offer dormitories only, though some can provide homestays or apartments. A homestay means that you will live with an American family that has offered to host ESL students. This option is usually available only for students who are alone. Very few host families can accommodate chaperones or children. The homestay can be a wonderful way to make friends and truly experience American life, and it means there will be someone helping to take care of you. However, it will also require a lot of patience and understanding from both you and your hosts. There will inevitably be many differences in the way that you live, eat, sleep and work/study. If you choose a homestay, you must be calm and understanding with your host family, and you must not demand that they accommodate all of your needs, or drive you to the language center every day, etc. A dormitory is a large building where many students will stay in single or double rooms. It is like an apartment building, but there are usually no kitchen or bathroom facilities in each room. Bathrooms are shared and meals will take place in a separate dining hall. The dormitory is another excellent way to get to know your fellow students, and to make very close friends. As with the homestay, patience and understanding is required when you are living and sharing your space with many people of different backgrounds. Apartments or family housing are usually made available to married couples and families. This option is best if you want a lot of privacy and are nervous about living with Americans or students from other countries.
How do I reserve housing with the language center?
Housing reservation policies vary by institution, but nearly all of them require a housing deposit (which will be refunded when your tuition is paid by MOHE). This policy is in place because many past KASP students would reserve housing and then, after arrival, decide that they did not want it. That caused great problems for the language centers, because it meant they had turned away other students and then their housing was empty. So, the deposit policy is not waived for any student. Below please find specific instructions for reserving housing. EC English The housing deposit for EC English is $150. There are several options for student residences, depending on your location. You can pay the housing deposit by completing this credit card form and emailing it to ________________________ ELS Language Centers The housing deposit for ELS is $200. You can pay using the methods described above in question #20. If you wish to reserve a homestay, you must also complete this homestay application form and email it to ___________________________ Fairmont State University All students under the age of 21 are required to live in on-campus housing at FSU, which consists primarily of dormitories. In order to reserve your housing, you must fill out this form and email it to ________________________ Montana State University/ACE Language Institute There is no housing deposit required, but you must inform Successway in advance if you wish to reserve university housing. Dormitories, homestays and furnished apartments are all available. Northern Kentucky University There is no housing deposit required, but to reserve housing you must complete this form and email it to ___________________________
Can I reserve housing now and pay the deposit when I arrive?
NO, you cannot. Too many past KSA students have requested housing and then chosen not to use it, which causes many problems for the language center. The only way to ensure that housing is reserved for you is to pay the deposit.
I requested a homestay and there isn’t one available. Where will I stay?
If you have already paid your housing deposit and completed the necessary forms, then the language center will provide you with temporary housing until the homestay is available. If you have not paid the deposit or completed the forms, then the language center might still be able to help you, but housing is not guaranteed. Please note that homestays need to be requested at least three weeks before your arrival. If you request a homestay with less advance notice than that, it will be very difficult to find one for your first session.
I haven’t made my housing reservation, and I’m arriving in the US very soon with nowhere to stay! What do I do?
If you are about to arrive in the city where your language center is located, and you don’t have any plans for housing, then you must go to a hotel for your first few nights. If you have arranged airport pickup, the driver can take you to a hotel. You should choose your own hotel and you must be prepared to pay the cost of a night or two. If you have not arranged airport pickup, you will need to take a taxi or a hotel shuttle to a nearby hotel. Remember that you must have US dollars to pay the taxi. Do NOT expect anyone at the hotel to pay it for you. The next day, take another taxi to the language center (again, be sure you have enough cash to pay for it). The language center staff is very experienced at helping students who need housing assistance on short notice. However, you are strongly urged to plan your housing in advance. If you come to the language center without notice and ask for housing, there may not be any good options for you. Please remember that the language center offices are only open during US business hours: 9AM – 5PM, Monday to Friday. If you arrive on a Friday night, you will have to stay in the hotel all weekend until you can go to the language center on Monday.