WELCOME TO EL CAMINO LANGUAGE ACADEMY!

El Camino Language Academy is here to assist you in learning English and starting a new life in the United States. Coming to a new country can be an exciting experience; an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, experience different ways of doing things, and be exposed to new ways of thinking - we are here to help you realize your dreams. Here is a check list of what to do before leaving your country. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the El Camino Language Academy (Ms. Destyn LaPorte at dlaporte@elcamino.edu)

IMPORTANT!

1. Read the acceptance letter, your I-20 and other information in your packet.
2. Plan your flight to arrive here within 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. (If the program start date on your I-20 is August 27, you can enter the United States any time after July 27. However, you have to arrive here before August 27.)
3. Find a place to stay before you leave your country. Apply through a homestay or apartment agency and arrange housing within walking distance or 30 minutes by bus from El Camino College. (See the housing brochure)
4. Arrange a pick-up by a homestay agency or take the airport shuttle or taxi from the airport to homestay or apartment.
5. Check transportation between your house and El Camino College. (If you don’t know how to get to El Camino College, please contact us.)

THINGS TO PREPARE:

• Passport, F-I Visa, I-20, and the name and phone number of the Language Academy program manager in your carry-on luggage.
• Housing arrangements (homestay or apartment).
• Check the area where you will live. www.mapquest.com
• Money—don’t bring a lot of cash - Traveler’s checks are the safest way to carry funds.
• Credit card—Credit cards are necessary for car rental/hotel reservations. El Camino Language Academy accepts most credit cards for payment of tuition and other fees. The most common credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. Credit cards are useful when making purchases in the U.S.A.
• DO NOT BUY HEALTH INSURANCE IN YOUR COUNTRY. Health insurance fee is included in the tuition for the Language Academy and you must have our insurance.
• Complete medical / dental check-ups before you leave your country.
• Bring extra personal medicines, contact lenses, glasses and any prescriptions.
• International Driver’s License (optional)
• Additional official copies of school records or transcripts.
• A personal address book.
• Information on American culture and customs. www.usastudyguide.com/customshabits.htm
• Information about your own culture (people will ask you about you and your country).

HOUSING OPTIONS

Homestay Programs: If you wish to live with an American family, you may wish to apply to a Homestay program. For a fee, a company will match you with a pre-screened, compatible family. Each of these companies has it own rules and regulations. Applications must be submitted directly to the company and be processed before your arrival. Some of these companies require full payment in advance.

Apartment Rentals: When looking for an apartment, you generally will fill out an apartment application form and pay an application fee. This form is required so the landlord may check your background in terms of financial ability and reliability in paying the rent. It is normal for the landlord to require first month's rent, a refundable security deposit (one month’s rent) and a cleaning deposit. Utilities (water, gas, electricity) may or may not be included in your rent. You may wish to rent month-to-month as opposed to leasing a unit for one year. A lease agreement generally means you will be required to live there at least a year. However, a month-to-month rental arrangement gives you more flexibility – you can move out any time with one month notice. The only negative is that the landlord may decide not to renew your rental agreement and you will be forced to relocate at the end of the month. A lease or rental agreement is a legally binding agreement so be sure to read it very carefully before signing it. If there is any language you do not understand, ask a reliable, English-speaking person to explain it to you. Make sure you receive a copy of your rental agreement; it is the only proof of your legal tenancy.

Please click here for the information about the homestay and apartment agencies.

TRANSPORTATION

Airport Shuttles: There is noeasy public transportation from LAX airport to El Camino College. Look for the orange sign “Shared Ride Vans” on the Lower/Arrival Level in front of each terminal to get a shuttle service. No reservation is necessary. Or, take a taxi.

Local Transportation (To/From El Camino College):

MONEY MATTERS

Upon arrival, it is advisable to open a bank account. It is not safe to carry a large amount of cash with you at any time! Most banks require a passport and one other form of identification (not necessarily a social security number) in order to open an account for an international student. Banks have different opening balance requirements and different monthly fees. Most students need a checking account and perhaps, a savings account.

Personal Checks: You will get personal checks when you open your checking account. These check are forms that you fill out to pay your bills by mail, and to purchase items without having to carry a great deal of cash around. However, checks are becoming more rare because most places of business accept credit cards and you can pay bills on-line.

ATM Cards / Debit Cards: Use an ATM card to get cash or deposit money in your account at an ATM machine. Your ATM card can also be used as a Debit card. When you purchase with your card, money is withdrawn directly from your checking account. PIN (personal identification number) is required to use an ATM card or Debit card. ATM card/Debit card with VISA can be used as a credit card without PIN, but money is withdrawn from your account immediately.

Credit Cards: Also called “charge cards”—allow you to make purchases and pay for them later. You get a bill in the mail each month for purchases you have made with your credit card. If you pay the entire amount on the bill when you get it, you do not have to pay interest. If you do not pay the entire amount or if you send your payment late, you will be charged interest and possible and additional fee. Be careful about giving you credit card number to others, especially over the phone or on the Internet. Be sure you know and trust the person or business that asks for your number.