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College of Marin Intensive English Program - IEP
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Students in the College of Marin Intensive English Program   Lounge area in IEP               IEP Students at Tiburon Ferry Terminal

                                       

 

Welcome to our program in beautiful Marin County! Join us at the Indian Valley Campus in Novato, California, 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Learn English and transfer to the college/university of your choice.  We are near College of Marin (Kentfield Campus), San Francisco Theological Seminary, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dominican University.

 

FAQs about the Intensive English Program

 

 

Read about us in the August 2009 issue of Language Travel Magazine.

F-1 Students apply now for Spring 2010 and Fall 2010.

 

The College of Marin Intensive English Program is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs.

AAIEP logo

See description in: Vietnamese - French - Korean - Portuguese - Spanish

Photos from our field trip to Angel Island State Park on October 8, 2009

Fall 2009 IEP StudentsFall 2009 IEP Students

Alex and EddaImmigration Station Sign

Carvings in the walls of the Angel Island Immigration Station

Chinese writing in sleeping quartersChinese poem in Immigration Station at Angel Island State Park

Below:  Celebrating Joseph's new baby boy

Baby Shower Fall 2009Cake for Joel Song

Below:  Field trip to baseball game in San Francisco and photo opportunity by the Golden Gate Bridge.

IEP Students at the Golden Gate Bridge in SF IEPO Students at Baseball Game in SF                                                         

 

                            

          Description

The Intensive English Program is an international community of English language learners located at the beautiful naturally landscaped Indian Valley Campus in Novato, California (25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge).  We welcome new and returning F-1 (international) students, F-1 transfer students from other institutions, and residents. The IEP prepares students to enter American colleges and universities and helps them to improve their English skills for other purposes such as business, Institutional TOEFL and TOEFL IBT preparation, further study in their own countries, and general communication. Small classes, excellent instructors, and fun, but rigorous coursework are key to our 30 years success in Marin County.  Click on the link below to see our beautiful campus: http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/com/directions.htm

The College of Marin Intensive English Program offers two 16-week semesters per year for F-1 students. Each semester consists of 20 hours per week total instruction time in four subject areas: Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Speaking/Listening/Pronunciation.  Students are placed into one of three levels of classes (high beginning, intermediate, advanced) depending on their scores on the placement tests during the first week of the semester. Students advance through the program each semester by completing all assignments and scoring a minimum level on the placement test for the next level.

Fall semester starts in late August and ends in mid-December.Spring Semester starts in late January and ends in mid-May. F-1 students usually attend the IEP between one and three semesters (depending on their skill level upon arrival and on their needed TOEFL score) before transferring to a credit program. TOEFL IBT training takes place in all of the advanced (level 3) classes. Institutional TOEFL preparation takes place two hours a week for 12 weeks as one of the Free Lunch Time Electives, prior to the College of Marin Institutional TOEFL in November and April to facilitate student transfer to the College of Marin credit program.

Welcome F-1 Students from Abroad and F-1 Transfer Students to our 16-week sessions: Apply now for Spring 2010 and/or Fall 2010 by downloading the the pages below.

All F-1 students need to fill out pages 1,2,3 of the application. Transfer students also need to fill out page 4.

Spring 2010:  January 19--May 14, 2010

    Fall 2010:  August 17--December 3, 2010

 

Special Features of the College of Marin Intensive English Program

Checked bulletExcellent price: $2,500 for 20 hours of instruction per week for 16 weeks. $50 application fee per semester. Medical insurance: $366 Fall, $512 Spring. 

Checked bulletHighly trained instructors: All instructors have advanced degrees, M.A.s or PhDs, and many years of experience educating students whose first language is not English. All instructors have lived abroad and understand the challenges of living and studying in another culture.

Checked bulletCounseling support: College of Marin counselors meet with students regularly to help them with their college plans, for example, transferring to the College of Marin credit program or another undergraduate or graduate program, getting documents evaluated, understanding the American educational system.  Counselors also are available for students to talk to about personal issues they may have in adjusting to the college.

Checked bulletLanguage lab: The Indian Valley Campus has an Internet Café (Building 12) with software to help students with grammar, listening, reading, and writing. The following programs in the Intensive English Program folder are all on the Samsung monitors :Focus on Grammar, Live Action English, American Speech Sounds, and Rosetta Stone. The Cafe also has internet access, so students may send and receive email, do research, and use their College of Marin Library card to access databases. Food and drink are allowed at certain tables in the café, and there are chairs, tables, and snacks (for sale). COFFEE, TEA , AND FILTERED WATER ARE FREE. Students can use the computers by signing their name, time in, indicating they are IEP students, and signing out.

Checked bulletTOEFL IBT preparation: Test preparation is part of the Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation courses. Institutional TOEFL preparation is offered during lunch-time as a free elective. College of Marin offers an Institutional TOEFL test once per semester to allow students easy transfer to the credit program.

Checked bulletDiverse group of students : Fall 2008 included students  from Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Belarus, Republic of Guinea, Brazil, Tanzania, Haiti, France, Guatemala, Colombia, Spain, Czech Republic and Sweden.

Spring 2009 had students from 22 different countries including Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand, Venezuela, Viet Nam!

Fall 2009 has students from 22 different countries including Brazil. China, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Venezuela.

Vietnamese student at partyKorean student holding posterCarlo and AkaneIEP Student Arturo

 

 

    

                 

Checked bulletChild care program for children 3 years old by December 2, 2009: Flyer, Application

Checked bulletSafe community: Novato is a  small city (52,000) known  for its low crime rate

Checked bulletBeautiful campus: clean air and natural surroundings

     IEP Students from Spring 2009 and cake celebrating IEP's 30 years at the Indian Valley Campus in Novato, California.    

                 Group picture of students in Spring 2009 IEPIEP picture

 

Checked bulletSmall program: (60 students  total) ideal for asking questions in class and interacting with teachers and other students informally

Checked bulletHousing referrals: NEW! Dormitory style housing with transportation to the IEP campus available at http://sunrisehomesinternational.com/pdf/LosRanchitosBrochureCofM.pdf or info@sunrisehomesinternational.com

Checked bulletNear San  Francisco:  Cultural and tourist attractions are nearby for weekend fun. Accessible by ferry, bus, and car

Checked bulletTwo plus Two program: Students learn English, transfer to the College of Marin two-year credit program for lower-division studies. After that, students transfer to an upper -division college/university to complete their B.A./B.S. degree.

Checked bulletAccredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP)

Easy application for F-1 students in U.S. and abroad:

 

Non-F1 Students choose 8-week Sessions

Welcome aupairs, professionals, and San Francisco Bay Area Residents to our A or B sessions!

Select from 4 courses/ 3 levels each:

Classes Meet:

  • Writing - Tu/Th 9:10 to 11:35 for 5 hours a week total.
  • Speaking - Wed/Fri 9:10 to 11:35 for 5 hours a week total.
  • Grammar - Tu/Th 12:30 to 2:45 for 5 hours a week total.
  • Reading - Wed/Fri 12:30 to 2:45 for 5 hours a week total.

Cost:

  • 5 hours= $375
  • 10 hours = $725
  • 15 hours= $975
  • 20 hours= $1175

Fall 2010 8-week Sessions for non-F1 students:

  • Session A:  August 17--October 4, 2009
  • Session B:  October 11--December 3, 2009

Spring 2010 8-week sessions for non-F1 students:

  • Session A:  January 19--March 12, 2010
  • Session B:  March 16--May 14, 2010

Non F-1 students register online at www.marincommunityed.org

More information about about us is at www.marincommunityed.org

Curriculum for F-1 Students, J-1s, Residents, and Others 16-week program twice a year for F-1 students. 8-week program 4 times a year for non-F-1 students including residents,  tourists, and au pairs.


Coursework

Coursework integrates content and skills while preparing students for the demands of college and university work. Within the skill areas of grammar, reading, writing, speaking/listening/pronunciation, students study current events, literature and American culture and history. In addition, students are prepared for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT and Institutional TOEFL) and for further study. They learn how to use a college library, take lecture notes, write essays, keep journals and reading logs, and give speeches.

F-1 Student Transfer to the College of Marin Credit Program
F-1 students who successfully complete all of the Level 3 courses in the IEP or attain a TOEFL score of 500 may apply for credit classes at the College of Marin. An institutional TOEFL is given a month before the semester ends for those interested in applying. The college offers Two plus Two, a course of study leading to a two-year degree (A.A. or A.S.) and classes which transfer to a four-year college or university. Students who wish to attend other colleges or universities are given advice and assistance from a counselor who regularly advises students at the IEP.

Application Information for F-1 Students

Medical Insurance Rate Schedule 2009-2010
For F-1 students (All rates are subject to change) 

         Annual 8/01/09--8/01/10  $878

  • Fall      8/01/09 – 1/01/10         $366.00
  • Spring/Summer    1/01/10 – 8/01/10         $512.00 
  • Spouse Monthly             $203.00 
  • Dependent (one child) Monthly       $ 71.00 
  • Dependents (more than one child) $198

F-1 Students Apply Now for SPRING 2010 and Fall 2010

FALL 2009 for F-1 Students

Click here for Fall 2009 Schedule of Classes

  • Semester Course: 16 weeks (Required for F-1 students)
  • Date: August 18--December 4, 2009
  • Time: Tuesday --Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $2,550 ($2, 500 tuition, $50 application fee)
  • Medical Insurance Rates for Student and dependents for 2009--2010 are listed below under Spring 2010.

SPRING 2010 for F-1 Students

Click here for Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes

  • Semester Course: 16 weeks (Required for F-1 students)
  • Date:  January 19--May 14, 2010
  • Time:  Tuesday--Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Cost:  $2,550 ($2,500 tuition, $50 application fee)

How to Apply

International Students abroad and in the U.S.:  Download an Intensive English Program application for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 at our website. All students complete pages 1,2,3. Transfer students also complete page 4: Pages 1 and 2 , Page 3 , Page 4

Students abroad:  Fill out the first three pages, sign them, send with a check for $50 to the address on the application. We will issue an I-20 for you to take to your appointment for the F-1 visa.

EducationUSA logo

If you need help with your visa, please contact the EducationUSA center nearest you for assistance:  http://www.educationusa.state.gov/

F-1 Transfer students in the U.S:   Fill out all four pages, give the transfer form to your present institution, send the rest of the application with a check for $50 to the address on the application.

Pre-Arrival Information for F-1 Students

Estimated Costs for One Semester

Description Cost*

Application Fee

Tuition and Fees (includes health insurance $366 fall, $512 spring)

      $50

$ 2,866 (fall)

 $3,012 spring)

*Room and Board (on a shared basis) $ 6,575
Transportation $    549
Personal (miscellaneous) $ 1,265
Books and Supplies $    200
*Above amounts are approximate and may change at any time.  
TOTAL $11,505--$11.651

Estimated Costs for Two Semesters

Description Cost*

Application Fee

Tuition and Fees (includes health insurance $878 annual)

      $100

    $5,878

*Room and Board (on a shared basis) $ 13,150
Transportation $   1,098
Personal (miscellaneous) $   2,530
Books and Supplies $      400
*Above amounts are approximate and may change at any time.  
TOTAL $23,156

Total Cost $11,505--$11,651 for one semester(Subject to change)* 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.

Medical Insurance Rate Schedule 2009-2010
For F-1 students 
 
(All rates are subject to change)  

Annual 8/01/09--8/01/10  $878

Fall      8/01/09 – 1/01/10         $366.00

  • Spring/Summer    1/01/10 – 8/01/10         $512.00 
  • Spouse Monthly             $203.00 
  • Dependent (one child) Monthly       $ 71.00 
  • Dependents (more than one child) $198

Housing Information

The College of Marin does not have dormitories, so students are responsible for arranging their own housing. The Intensive English Program has contact information of local residents who rent rooms in their homes, some of which are in walking distance to campus. The College of Marin housing office at the Kentfield campus also posts shared housing including houses and apartments. Below are hoursing referrals for students to contact directly:

SUNRISE HOMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

"Students live together...share their experiences in the USA, learn about other cultures, and make lifetime friends from all over the world. All students have their own desks and much privacy so they can study." Ask about the van transportation to the Indian Valley Campus.

http://www.sunrisehomesinternational.com/pdf/LosRanchitosBrochureCofM.pdf

toby_hanzl@sunrisehomesinternational.com

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
Web: http://www.isphomestays.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
Web: http://www.IHPSHomestays.com
Local Coordinator:
Annie Anderson
Phone: (916) 813 - 6698
Email: annie@ihpshomestays.com

 

Getting to the Intensive English Program on the Indian Valley Campus in Novato

  FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT: Airport shuttle service (Marin Airporter) is available from San Francisco International Airport to Hamilton(the last stop in Novato) for $21. The Marin Airporter leaves every 30 minutes from the baggage claim level at SFO on the hour and half hour. No reservations are necessary. For information, call 415-461-4222.

  FROM THE OAKLAND AIRPORT TO SAN RAFAEL (south of Novato):Airport shuttle service is available for $24 with the Sonoma CountyAirport Express bus from outside baggage claim across four lanes of traffic between the two terminals at the Ground Transportation Center platform marked “4D Scheduled Buses." The bus leaves every two hours starting at 5:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. The bus takes an hour to arrive at the San Rafael Transit Center at 3rd and Heatherton. From there get a taxi to your housing or the campus located at 1800 Ignacio Blvd. Novato, Ca. Various Taxis are available:Marin Super Taxi 415.261.3909, Southern Marin Taxi 415.355.0355, North Bay Cooperative Taxi 415.258.2800

   PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:Golden Gate Transit bus service to Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco Counties is available. Route 49 from the San Rafael transit center changes to Route 51 and stops at the main entrance to the Indian Valley Campus of the College of Marin. Students may use a Translink card to pay for the bus at a reduced rate. For more detailed bus and ferry information, visit the websites at www.goldengate.org or www.TransLink.org, or call 511. Outside the Bay Area call 415-455-2000. Bus schedules and transit maps will be available the first day of class.

DRIVING: From Highway 101, take Ignacio Blvd. (approximately two miles) to the Indian Valley Campus. For Admissions and Records, park in the Visitor’s space(watch for flagpole). For the Intensive English Program, park in Lot #6. Tickets for daily student parking are $3.00 ($1.00 bills recommended). Students may purchase a parking permit from the Admissions and Records office for $50, and it may be used at both campuses.

Faculty/Staff

The experienced IEP Faculty and Staff welcome F-1 students, F-1 transfer students, au pairs, and residents to learn English with us. We want your stay in our program to be a wonderful experience.

Faculty:

Linette Escobar M.A.

Phyllis Johnson M.A.

Magda Levin PhD

Sueli Bertuol-Okun M.A.

Sara Oser M.A.

Patricia Seery AbD

Adria Winfield M.A.(on leave in Washington D. C.)

 

Staff:
Sara Oser: Coordinator
Linda Hyland: Secretary
Paulette Foster:  Designated School Official, processes I-20s

Contact Information
College of Marin
Intensive English Program
Indian Valley Campus
1800 Ignacio Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
USA

Office:  Ohlone 19, Room 141
Phone: 415.883.2211 X8579
FAX: 415.883.2632
email:  sara.oser@marin.edu 

Questions about  Your Intensive English Program F-1  Application:
paulette.foster@marin.edu

Additional Website:  www.marincommunityed.org

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sara.oser@marin.edu

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