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English in Action in the USA Take ACTION to increase your English language skills with our English in Action certificate programme. Welcome to the Embassy English in Action Program, your opportunity to challenge your English language skills in a professional environment. Challenge your new English language skills and earn our English in Action certificate while gaining experiences to last a lifetime. Once you have completed at least 4 weeks of coursework and reached the required English level, you are eligible to participate in English in Action. Your centre staff will support you before during and after English in Action placement to make sure you get the most out of your experience.
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com
3 highlights of Embassy in Action: • Put your new skills to use in professional environments • Interact with native English speakers in real life activities • Learn more about American culture and work practices NOTE: English in Action is not an employment placement or preparation programme and is designed solely to help you prepare for an English language environment. While we work to place you in a desirable location, we cannot guarantee a specific industry, company, position, or location.
22785.04.16
KEY FACTS
How it works
Locations: -Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco
Pre-Arrival Phone Call We’ll schedule a phone interview with placement staff prior to arrival to determine the following:
Time commitment Between 20 and 40 hours per week
• Your current English language level • Align your goals to those of the English in Action Programme • Discuss your placement expectation and opportunities • Review immigration criteria
English Level Requirement: -Upper-Intermediate (Level 5 and above) Duration of placement: -Four or eight weeks Course Requirements: -Minimum 4 weeks of course -Upper-Intermediate/Advanced level of English) Age Requirement: -18+
Placement Once you arrive at the Embassy Centre you will meet with your English in Action coordinator to prepare for your placement • First meeting scheduled at least four weeks prior to placement • Ongoing coaching regarding conventional American etiquette • Host company introduction two weeks prior to placement • Interview with host company* • Acceptance & Start! NOTE: Embassy guarantees placement for you. The first company you interview may not accept you for the EIA programme. Your EIA Coordinator should be contacted within 24 hours with an update from the host company and you may be introduced to a second company for placement at no extra cost. Once you start • You will send a weekly status report to your EIA coordinator via email each Friday during your programme • Submit your final report on the last Friday of your programme • Maintain 80% attendance at your placement for duration of program. • Receive your Certificate of Completion!
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com
Overview What level of English should I have? Upper- Intermediate level, as you will need to be able to communicate easily and understand when people speak at normal speed. If your English level is not sufficiently high at the start of your placement you can choose to defer the placement and do some additional weeks of language training to reach the required level. Will I meet my host before placement? Yes, you will be introduced in person to one potential host organization. Occasionally, more than one meeting will be required before you are accepted for a placement. Decisions regarding a second meeting are at the sole discretion of the EIA Coordinator. Centre staff will assist you with the whole process. What will I be expected to do at my placement organization? Practice your communication skills as much as possible in your placement. Make an effort to meet with as many people in your new environment to challenge your English skills/ What happens if I do not like my placement? We will make every effort to make your placement better or in extreme cases find you another placement as quickly as possible. What is the daily schedule while on placement? Your daily schedule will be established with the host during the interview and can involve flexible hours. Your placement will be between 20 and 40 hours per week. How will my English language progress be monitored during the placement? You will be asked to submit a weekly report to the school, and staff will be available regularly to review and discuss your EIA experience. Why not just do a general English course and get a part time job and get paid for it? Students cannot legally work in the USA or Canada under this type of program.
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com
English in Action Program FAQ’s Does Embassy guarantee I will be placed with a company?
What happens if I do not like my placement?
Placement fee 4 weeks : 1035, 8 weeks : 1615 USD
Yes. If in extreme cases and after more than one placement attempt a host company cannot be accommodated you will receive a refund for your programme.
Is there a health insurance requirement?
Where are the placements located?
We will make every effort to resolve the matter directly with the company, find you another placement as quickly as possible, or alternatively place you into an Embassy course.
Is previous work experience required? No, but professional interests and experience will be taken into consideration.
Yes. StudyCare Insurance is required for all EIA students at least for the term of the program. Do I need to have a CV or Resume? You will create a CV during the Skills Workshops in preparation for the placement, but it is useful for this to be brought to the programme in advance. When is my application due? Completed application must be received by the admissions office at least 6 weeks before the placement and this must be reviewed before the placement option can be confirmed. All EIA students are required to meet with the EIA coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to their placement start date. Can I choose a specific field? Preference will be considered based on availability and skills. Is my type of company placement guaranteed? No How many interviews will I have to attend? If you are not accepted by your initial host organization you may be introduced to a second potential host company, convert the placement into course, or receive a refund of the placement fee.
Each of our partner companies are close to your study centre or easy to reach via public transportation
What happens if I cancel or quit? Embassy English does not provide a refund
What hours will I have to be present?
What kind of certificate will I receive at the end of the placement?
Your schedule will be established with the host and can involve flexible hours. Your placement will be between 20 and 40 hours per week.
You will receive an English in Action Certificate of Completion if you maintain 80% or better attendance at your placement organization.
Will I have to be present on weekends?
What am I required to do during my placement?
No What are the types of activities I will be required to do? Possible duties / tasks include entry level tasks, small projects, participating in meetings, Where will I stay during my placement? You can stay in our Embassy English accommodations or arrange your own.
Have fun! And to help us track your experience you will be required to email a weekly status report to EIA Coordinator every Friday afternoon. Who do I contact with concerns or issues during my placement? You can contact your EIA coordinator at any time or your contact at the placement company
Is English In Action organized through my school or an external provider? Everything is arranged through the English in Action coordinator within your centre. Can I extend my stay? Yes – to the maximum your visa will allow you to stay in the country.
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com
Guidelines within DHS All USA English in Action students must comply with the Department of Homeland Security by doing the following: Students studying on an F visa: • The EIA placement takes place during the 60 day grace period immediately after the last day of class. In order to be eligible for the grace period, EIA students must have 80% or higher attendance at the end of their course. • Students who do not maintain the minimum 80% required attendance will not be permitted to participate in the EIA program. • For students who choose to take their EIA placement AFTER their course completes: o E IA students must successfully complete their English course in-status (prior to beginning their placement) o Students on a four week placement are only allowed to stay in the USA for the remaining part of the 60 day grace period (counting from the last day of classes at the school) after they have completed their placement. o Students on an eight week placement are not allowed to take a grace period after the placement is over. Such students must return home, return to classes or transfer to another school. • For students who choose to take their EIA placement DURING their studies at Embassy: o Students on a four or eight week placement will still be granted a full 60-day grace period at the end of their studies and placement. • EIA students who plan on transferring to another school after the completion of their placement must contact the other school during the 60 day period while they are taking the placement to begin their transfer process. • EIA students who wish to return to school after the placement must do so after their placement is completed or before the 60 day grace period is over, whichever is first.
• EIA students are not eligible for vacation breaks during their EIA program. • In case of a delay in placing a student with a host the student will continue to take classes until the start of the placement. • EIA students are not permitted to leave the country during their placement. If it’s necessary for such students to leave the USA during their program, they must return to regular classes for at least two weeks and then they will be allowed to resume their placement. • EIA students must make every effort to succeed in the placement. If an EIA student is not able to continue their placement due to unresolved issues, the student must return to school and attend classes while they wait for a second introduction. • EIA students must hold a Studycare Insurance policy during the term of the placement Students not studying on an F visa: • During their course studies, students are only permitted to study the Vacation and Travel English course. • Students can only remain in the country for the length of time permitted on the visa they entered on. The EIA program must be completed during this time. • The EIA program can be undertaken during or after a students course, but cannot extend past the time their visa allows for them to be in the country. • The course and placement must be completed by the time their visa expires. • EIA students must hold a Studycare Insurance policy during the term of the placement
Standards of Conduct (agreement) During the placement, all students must: • Follow host company conduct guidelines • Observe host company dress code • Be punctual and present • Engage with staff, clients and contacts in a professional manner • Respect cultural differences and customs
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com
Terms and conditions • Embassy works with reputable partner companies for placement
• Some placements will require a commute by public transportation.
• Full payment must be made at least four weeks prior to the start of the placement.
• The purpose of the English in Action program is to provide participants with an opportunity to perfect their English skills with native-English speakers in a formal company environment.
• As a placement is not a job or training, students cannot expect to be paid a salary or wages.
• Embassy retains the right to terminate any placement without refund in the event of student misconduct or failure to comply with any of the terms in this document (English in Action Agreement).
• The purpose of English in Action is NOT to obtain employment in the U.S. • Embassy has sole discretion in the determination of your placement. • Placements will be based on language ability, and the availability of a suitable host company. • Students must be willing to accept placements based on these criteria. • If accepted into this program, Embassy guarantees one placement for you. • Embassy will do its best to accommodate your placement request, but cannot guarantee the type of industry, host or location.
• Any problems with the placement company must be addressed with Embassy immediately. Every effort will be made to resolve the problem and preserve the relationship between the student, the company and Embassy. • In the event of an unexpected delay with your placement, you are required to continue taking English classes until you are placed. • All students will be in contact regularly during the placement with Embassy to monitor progress and any problems. • Upon successful completion of the placement, students must complete a final report and will receive a Certificate of Completion.
• In the event of a serious problem with the placement, or the host, Embassy will make every effort to secure a replacement position at no extra cost, provided: o There is a minimum of four weeks remaining of a placement of 6 weeks or over. o Embassy is satisfied that the student has acted correctly and responsibly. o Should Embassy be unable to secure another placement for the remainder of your EIA booking, you will be placed in class.
English in Action: 2016 Student Information Pack embassyenglish.com