Pre-arrival Information

• IEP Tuition Fees
• Health Requirements for International Students
• Housing
• Students Visa Applications
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Return to Intensive English Program (IEP) Home Page
  

IEP Tuition Fees

Estimate Costs for One Semester

* Subject to change. Amounts are approximate and may change at any time.

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Estimate Costs for Two Semesters

* Subject to change. Amounts are approximate and may change at any time.

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Health Requirements for International Students

Tuition cost includes non-refundable medical insurance. All international students attending the Intensive English Program are required to purchase the medical insurance recommended by the College. There are no medical insurance waivers due to having another medical policy. Optional medical and/or dental insurance for dependents are available at additional cost to student.

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College of Marin does not provide international student housing, but there is housing available through the following community resources.

The Student Home (by Sunrise Homes International, Inc.) is an ideal place for international students to live during their studies at College of Marin.  The Student Home is located in San Rafael next to Northgate Mall. There is free transportation to and from College of Marin (Indian Valley Campus), as well as free local “go anywhere” transportation in the afternoons.

For more information:
Tel (Students): +1 (415) 499.9199, +1 (415) 499.9399, +1 (415) 499.9599
Tel (Manager): +1(888) 807.3460
Email: sanrafael@sunrisehomesinternational.com
www.sunrisehomesinternational.com

Address: 179 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, California 94903, USA

Students interested in living with an American family in a home stay situation should contact one of the agencies below:

International Student Placement
Attn: Jean Ikeda
199 First Street, Suite 305
Los Altos, CA 94022, USA
Phone: (650) 947 - 8879
Fax: (650)948-1105
Email: jean@isphomestays.com
http://www.isphomestays.com

New:  Sara's Homestay

Marianne Vaccaro, Program Director

1 West 34th Street

Suite 702

New York, NY 10001

Phone +1 212 564.5979

Email: marianne@sarahomestay.com

www.sarahomestay.com

International Housing Placement Service
20 South Altadena Drive Suite 102
Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
Phone: (626) 791 - 4249
Fax: (626) 602 - 3913
Email: info@IHPSHomestays.com
http://www.IHPSHomestays.com

IHPS Local Coordinator:
Annie Anderson
Phone: (916) 813 - 6698
Email: annie@ihpshomestays.com

Student Visa Applications

Student visa applicants are encouraged to apply early for their visa.
Pleaes visit the U.S. Department of State web site for more information.

Where is the IEP located?
In Novato at the Indian Valley Campus. The IEP is in building Pomo 3, second level. Park in lot number 1 or 2. You will need to buy a daily parking permit for $3.00, or purchase a semester pass (by showing your registration receipt) from Admissions and Records for $40. The sticker is good at both the Kentfield and Indian Valley campuses.

What courses/activities does the IEP offer?
The IEP offers 4 courses: Grammar for Oral and WrittenCommunication, Writing with Reading, Speaking/Listening/ Pronunciation, and Idioms and TOEFL Preparation. There are three levels each of Writing with Reading and Speaking/Listening/Pronunciation, two levels of Grammar for Written and Oral Communication, and one level of Idioms and TOEFL Preparation.. Each course meets either in the morning or afternoon, twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday or Wednesday and Friday for a total of 5 hours a week. There are two or three field trips per semester in addition to social events to help students make friends.

When do the courses start?
The 16-week semester (Session C) goes from August 20--December 6, 2013, and full-time attendance is required for F-1 students. For non-F-1 students Session A (first half of the semester) goes from August 20--October 11, 2013, and Session B (second half of the semester) goes from October 15--December 6, 2013. Non-F-1 students may enroll in either or both of the sessions. Spring semester 2014 starts January 21, 2014 and ends May 16, 2014.

Who attends the IEP?
F-1s: Students living outside the U.S. come to the U.S. to study for a semester or more for academic purposes. These students are called F-1s and are not immigrants or tourists or au pairs. Tourists: Students with these visas are limited in the length of time they can study. At COM IEP they may study up to 80 hours in one 8-week session. J-1s (au pairs): These students usually attend 5 or 10 hours per week, and their host family pays up to a set amount, as required by their agreement with the au pair agency. Residents: Non-native English speakers living in Marin County for any length of time who want to improve their communication skills for personal or professional reasons.

How much does the IEP cost?
The costs are for 8-week / 16-week sessions for 5 hrs/wk $375/$775, 10 hrs/wk $725/$1425, 15 hrs/wk $975/$1925, and 20 hrs/wk $1175/$2325. F-1 students pay one fee ($2500) for the 16-week semester (no 8-week option). F-1 students are also required to buy health insurance.

Do California residents pay less money than non-residents?
No, the costs are the same whether the student is a resident or not. The only exception is the $2500 for F-1 students.

How do students sign up for the IEP?

F-1 students need to follow the instructions under "Apply and Register."

Non F-1s can register online at www.marin.edu/CommunityEducation, or in person at either the Kentfield or IVC Admissions and Records Office starting August 5, 2013. Students need to fill out a white Community Education Application for Admission Form. On the back is the CRN ( course reference number), which they select from the IEP schedule according to the number of hours they are registering for.

What tests are required?
During the first week of the semester (August 20, 21,22 )all part-time and full-time students are tested for placement in their courses. There are 1, 2, or 3 levels to every course, so students are placed in one of the three levels. For new students in Session B, testing is arranged by appointment with the coordinator.

Are these tests the same as the ESL credit and non-credit tests at the Kentfield Campus?
No, the IEP tests are only for IEP placement. They are different from the English and ESL tests at the Kentfield campus.

What is the Institutional TOEFL?
This is a test for F-1 students to fulfill the English proficiency requirement (500)of the College of Marin credit program and is given twice a year in April and November. F-1 students who complete all of the level 3 IEP courses waive the TOEFL requirement. This test is not required of residents or au pairs unless the au pairs are changing from a J-1 to an F-1 visa.

Where can students get more information?
The IEP webpage is at www.marin.edu/iep. Students can visit the program by contacting the IEP coordinator, Sara Oser at 415.883.2211 X8579 or by emailing sara.oser@marin.edu. F-1 students needing help filling out the application can contact Rebecca Freeland, International Education Technician:  rebecca.freeland@marin.edu. If students want information about the non-credit or credit ESL courses, they should contact the ESL office at the Kentfield campus. The assistant there is Alex Suarez: alejandro.suarez@marin.edu. (415) 485-9644 (on campus 7644). Questions about International Education at COM should go to Dr. Jason Lau: jason.lau@marin.edu (415) 485-9316 (on campus 7316).

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Intensive English Program web page
Technical Contact: Sara Oser, Coordinator, College of Marin Intensive English Program, 415.883.2211, Extension 8579
Content Responsible: Dr. Jason Lau, Director, Community Education, Lifelong Learning and International Education, 415.485.9316