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PELA/Step 1: Apply to PELA/PELA Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about enrolling at PELA? You may find answers to PELA frequently asked questions.

If you cannot find an answer to your question below, please send us a message. We are here to help!

 

Questions about Visas

Can you study at PELA with a Student Visa?

YES!

If you want to study at PELA with a Student Visa , we have a program for you! Our Intensive English program is used by students to attend 20 to 28 hours of classes per week with us.

Can you study at PELA without a Student Visa?

YES!

If you decide to study at PELA without a Student Visa, we have a program for you! Our Semi-Intensive English program is used by students without a Student Visa to attend 17 hours of classes per week with us.

What visas are accepted at PELA?

The Portland English Language Academy has programs for students on all types of visas:

  • F-1 student visas
  • B1/B2 tourist visas
  • ESTA visa waivers
  • permanent residence
  • many other kinds of visas

Different kinds of visas allow you to enroll in either our Intensive English or Semi-Intensive English programs. If you aren't sure which program is right for your, ask us!

Can you change from another visa to student (F-1) visa?

YES, BUT...

Switching from another visa to student (F-1) visa

  • If you are in the U.S. already, it is better if you return to your home country to apply for your F-1 Visa. This will improve you chance of getting a student (F-1) visa.
  • The change of status process (for example, from “tourist visa” to “student visa”) is long, expensive, and not guaranteed.
  • You will be required to maintain your current visa status until you receive your F-1 decision.
  • Because the process can be difficult, PELA recommends that you hire an immigration lawyer to help you go through the application process.
  • Information about the change of status process HERE.

If you decide to stay in the U.S. and apply for a change of status, PELA can provide you with the documents needed. However, PELA cannot assist with the process after that. PELA will not make any changes to the I-20 unless you request a change.

To create your I-20 for change of status, PELA will need to from you:

  • A copy of your passport and current Visa.
  • A bank statement showing a balance of no less than $2,295 USD for each month you want to study. The statement can be in your name or your sponsor’s name and can be in any currency.
  • Payment of PELA’s School Application Fee.
  • Your current U.S. address.

What does PELA need to create an I-20?

For students who want to receive an I-20 form, you will need to send Nicole Olson, PELA Admission Director (apply@portlandenglish.edu) the following:

  • a scanned image/PDF of the student's passport
  • The start date of the student's time of study at PELA
  • How many months the student wants to study at PELA
  • a Bank Account Financial Statement*

*Bank Account Financial Statement: The bank account can be in the student's name or a sponsor's name. The bank can be in the student's home country or in the U.S. The statement cannot be older than 6 months. The amount should show a balance of no less than $2,2295 USD for each month the student wants to study.

How long does it take to get an I-20 & Acceptance Letter from PELA?

It takes about 48 hours for PELA to create an I-20 and Acceptance Letter for the student. PELA will then send the I-20 to you or the student.

How long does it take to get an appointment at a U.S. Embassy?

It can take a long time to get an appointment at the U.S. Embassy near you. You can check this website to find out the estimated wait time:

How do I transfer from another school to PELA?

Follow these steps:

  1. After you fill out the School online Application, you will be asked to which type of visa you will use to attend PELA.
  2. Tell PELA you are planning to "transfer from another school". PELA will then send you an I-20 Transfer Form. 
  3. Then, you will be asked to:
  • Send an official Bank Statement or Financial Guarantee. Please send by email or regular mail. PELA needs this to make your I-20. The bank account can be in your name or a sponsor's name. The bank can be in your home country or in the U.S. The statement cannot be older than 6 months. The amount should show a balance of no less than $2,2295 USD for each month you want to study.
  • Send an image of your passport.
  • A completed Transfer Form (this form will be provided to you by PELA).

You can pick up your new I-20 at the PELA front office, we can mail it to you, or we can mail it to you. If you are transferring from another school in the US, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again.

Can your child attend public school while you study at PELA?

MAYBE...

The children of F-1 students are able to study in American public K-12 schools. However, you need to have F-1 visa, and your child will need to get an F-2 visa. You should contact the school district where you plan to live in Portland for information about registration and other enrollment requirements.

Below are webpages of school districts near PELA where you can find more information about enrolling your child:

School Districts near PELA

Can I take a vacation while enrolled at PELA with an F-1 visa?

YES, BUT...

If you have an F-1 (student) visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time program for the duration of your stay in the U.S. 

After 9 consecutive months of studying, you can have 1 term of vacation. You must return to classes after this vacation term.

After you finish your time of study in the U.S., you have a 60-day End-Of-Stay period for staying in the U.S. After the 60 days are over, you need to leave the U.S. or transfer your I-20 to a new school.

NOTE: You cannot take a vacation term immediately before the 60-day End-Of-Stay period. In order to receive your vacation term, you must return to classes for at least one more term after the vacation term before you can receive the 60-day End-Of-Stay Period.

Questions about PELA Classes

What is the schedule for Intensive English courses?

Here is a schedule for when Intensive English classes are held. All times are for local time in Portland. You can see what times these are in your time zone by using this Time Zone Converter.

Intensive English Schedule

Semi-Intensive English Schedule

*Students in the Semi-Intensive English Program attend 2 of the 3 Focused English Skills classes (Listening & Speaking, Writing & Grammar, or Reading, Vocabulary, & Pronunciation) that are part of our Intensive English program. This will bring the total weekly classroom hours to under 18 hours, as required for part-time students. The skills taught in the classes you drop will be covered in other classes.

Is there a discount for paying for more than one term of classes?

YES!

Pay for 2 terms of Intensive English or Semi-Intensive English at one time and receive a 10% tuition discount!
Pay for 3 terms of Intensive English or Semi-Intensive English at one time and receive a 20% tuition discount!

 

Questions about Medical Insurance

Does PELA require I purchase health insurance?

NO, BUT...

PELA strongly encourages you to have health insurance during your study time at PELA.

You can find useful information about how and where to purchase health insurance by viewing PELA’s “Health Insurance for Students” PDF. The companies listed there are in no way affiliated with PELA, nor does PELA endorse their products or services.

How much does health insurance cost in the U.S.?

IT DEPENDS...

The monthly cost of student health insurance is very different depending on which insurance company and policy you get.

  • Less expensive health insurance plans provide little financial support in paying for medical costs. An inexpensive insurance plan could cost $150 to register and then $80 per month.
  • More expensive health insurance plans provide more financial support in paying for medical costs. An expensive insurance plan could cost $750 to register and then $380 per month.

To find out how much any health insurance plan will cost you, you will need to go to that insurance company's website and answer certain question about yourself before they give you the cost for insurance.

Living in Portland

Weather & Seasons in Portland, Oregon

Every season in Portland has something to offer students living here. For, example, the many holiday events make the darker and colder parts of winter a fun time to be in Portland!

Cost of Living in Portland

For most students, their estimated costs are about $600 a month (not including rent).

Below are common expenses students have living in Portland.

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Portland

Housing in Portland

NOTE: If PELA is unable to find a homestay for a student, PELA provides information on how to find other housing in Portland (see link below).

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