Sprachcaffe Miami-English-2013.pdf

7/27/2019 Sprachcaffe Miami-English-2013.pdf

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MIAMI


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WELCOME TO SPRACHCAFFE

You are obviously totally committed not just to having a holiday, but at the same time, also learning a new language

or improving your skills in a language you already know. This is why we would like to send you our warmest

congratulations! It is great when people want to make the world a bit smaller for themselves.

It pleases us even more that you have chosen Sprachcaffe. Lively teaching methods, a relaxed and stress-free

atmosphere, learning through interaction and chatting (which helps you bond with others) - we have becomeexperts for 30 years, with 32 destinations worldwide.

In the enclosed documents you will find everything you need to know for your trip. Please do not travel without

this information sheet.

We wish you a great holiday and lots of success

Your Sprachcaffe Team

Contents

FLIGHT TO MIAMI 1

IF YOU HAVE BOOKED A TRANSFER 1ACCOMMODATION 3

HOST FAMILY 3APARTMENT /RESIDENCE 3

THE SCHOOL - SPRACHCAFFE LANGUAGES PLUS 5

LESSONS 5

GENERAL INFORMATION 7

FEEDBACK 10

SCHOOL LOCATION 11

CHECKLIST BEFORE DEPARTURE 12

CHECKLIST FOR RETURNING HOME 12


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Sprachcaffe Languages Plus / Open Hearts International College

The Four Ambassadors Complex, Tower 3, 825 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1850, Miami, FL 33131

Tel: 001 (305) 379 40271

Flight to Miami

You have probably booked a flight to Miami. Please note that the data printed on the ticket is always given in local

time. Also take care of the weight limit for your free luggage, which is mostly two pieces (20 kg) on scheduled

flights. It is very important that you realise that you are not allowed to take any groceries with you neither in your

suitcase nor in your hand-luggage. We strongly recommend being at the counter of your airline in the departureterminal in time, which means about 90 minutes before departure. May we draw your attention to the fact that allflights to the United States are non-smoking flights. As our language school is not officially a university you dont

have to mark student on your visa application form. We therefore recommend you enter the country as a tourist.

Only Intensive Course students should apply for an I-20 Visa. Please contact us in case you need our help. Dont

forget to confirm your return flight with the airline in Miami 72 hours before departure.

American Airlines: 800-433-7300

Continental Airlines: 800-525-0280

Delta Airlines: 800-241-4141United Airlines: 800-241-6522

US Airways: 800-872-8402

If you have booked a transfer

For pick up at the airport Fenix Transportation will follow these procedures:

The driver will be at the airport when the flight arrives on the scheduled pick up time. The driver will wait at one of

the following designated points.

For international flights the driver will stand outside customs, with a

sign showing a LOGO and the passengers name.

For domestic flights including Canada, the driver will wait next to the

baggage claim area, with a sign showing a LOGO and the passengersname.

General information

Fenix Transportation will track flights in order to confirm arrival times.

Fenix transportation will communicate with the school the moment contact has been made with the

passenger.

Once the passenger is dropped off at the designated location, he/she shall sign for the trip.

The student is responsible to report to Fenix Transportation any significant delay, change or cancellation in

advance; 2 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights

Telephone number to communicate with Fenix Transportation are

Andres: 001 (0) 786 343 5030 Enrique: 001 (0) 786 231 7767

If for any reason the passenger and driver do not meet, the student MUST call the numbers listed above.

Students are NOT TO LEAVE the airport and are to wait at the designated points listed above.

The driver will make every possible attempt to find the passenger. If the passenger is not found, the driver

will immediately call the school.

If any discrepancies shall occur Fenix Transportation will provide written evidence that the driver was there

on time.

Important: Please understand that Sprachcaffe can not guarantee a completely problem-free check-in at our school

in Miami if we are not correctly informed about your arrival time, delay or change of flight timetable.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40272

Organising your own transfer: If you did NOT arrange for airport reception andinstead you decided to get to your final destination by your own means you can catch one of the private shuttles to

get to your accommodation. Once you collect your luggage exit the doors to the sidewalk and look for the

representative in a bright yellow shirt at a van service desk. Tell that person where you want to go and they will call a

van in for your transfer. The rate will be $16.00

What Will Happen On Arrival In The US?

On the plane, you will be given a form I-94 to complete and show to Immigration.

Once in the terminal, you will present your passport and visa documents to the Immigration Official. (F1 visa andPassport)

You will go to baggage claim where you will collect your luggage.

You will be required to show your luggage to the Customs Official.

In case of emergency please contact:

Wioletta: 786 326 1786 or

Kamil: 786 218 7218


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40273

Accommodation

Your first address on arrival is stated on your voucher. In general, this is the address of your accommodation.

Host family

Living together with an American host family means living the American Way of Life! You will be able to practise

what you have learned during the course and you will shed your fear while communicating with the family. The host

family will certainly appreciate a little present, but by this we mean a little present.

The American host families are very open-minded, helpful and welcoming to their guests. Given the reality of Miami,

all host families will speak English and Spanish

In general, the families will introduce you to their habits on the day of your arrival, such as, for example, the handing

over of the key, times for meals and use of the washing machine. Normally, you share the bathroom with othermembers of the family. Please make sure that you always leave your room and bathroom clean and tidy and that

you do not damage the furniture. Please take the family into consideration and avoid unnecessary noise, especiallylate in the evening and at night. We appreciate your understanding when asking you not to use the family telephone

to call your family at home. Please inform your host family beforehand if you will not be home for a meal, if you plan

to go on a trip for a few days or if you are not staying at home overnight. Otherwise, your family will be worried

unnecessarily! In general, families do not mind when you invite new friends over from the course. However, you

should talk to them first about bringing home some friends!

Please also note that most of our American families do not allow the students to smoke in their rooms oranywhere else in the house.

When staying with a host family, bed sheets and towels will be provided,

Apartment / Residence

If you have booked accommodation in an apartment or residence you will be staying in one of our apartments in the

Four Ambassador Complex, which is a complex consisting of 4 buildings or in the Brickell Residence.

Four Ambassadors

Please pick up your key at the reception of the "Four Ambassadors", which is op en until 23:00. If you arrive afterthat time please get your key at the "Valet Parking". Towels and bed linen are provided; there is basic cleaning

twice a week. Hair dryer and cosmetics are not provided.

The apartments offer:

- Accommodation in 2-bedroom Apartments.

- 2 bathrooms, full kitchen (microwave, oven, sink), living and dining area, TV, phone and ample storage

space.- Twice a week maid service which includes general cleaning and vacuuming is provided. Bed sheets

and towels are changed once a week.

- Laundry facility on side

- 24 hour security.

- On site amenities include: Beauty Salon, Coffee Sop, Dry Cleaning Services, Fitness Facility, 2 Heated

Pools, Jacuzzi, Lounge, Restaurant and a Bakery.

It is our aim to provide the best service possible. However, if you have any issue during you stay please talkdirectly to the school staff.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40274

Brickell Residence

BRICKELL RESIDENCE

298 SW 15th Road

Miami, FL 33129

(305) 856-3700

Check- in starts at 15:00

To check-in you must report to the reception and show your passport and provide a $100 security Deposit.

Check-out is at 12 [noon]. For late check-out, student will be charged $100 no exception

Located 10 min walk for the school

Across the street from a drugstore and a grocery Store.

Located walking distance to metro mover and restaurants

Free shuttle to school in the morning

High-speed Wireless Internet Access available for a one time fee of $4.99 for the entire stay

Remote television with premium cable channels

Bi-Weekly housekeeping

On site laundry facilities

24 hrs security

PLEASE NOTE: You have to pay a key deposit of 100 USD when you check in.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40275

The school - Sprachcaffe Languages Plus

Today is your first official day at Open Hearts International College; and you are to be at the school for 09.00. You

will meet our Academic Director and School Manager. The School Manager will guide through your first day of

enrollment.

Your first official day can be in a way overwhelming, you must present a placement test that can take up to an hourto an hour and half. Based on the results of your placement you will be assigned to the appropriate level. The School

Manager will take you through the school and introduce you to your new teacher. The Director of Admissions will

confirm that you have all the documents to comply with your visa regulations, that same day you will sit with the

Business Manager that will arrange for tuition payments and to confirm all contact information.

The address of the school is: Sprachcaffe Languages Plus / Open Hearts International College

The Four Ambassadors Complex, Tower 3

825 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1850Miami, FL 33131

Tel: 001 (305) 379 4027

You need to purchase the text books in advance or at the school directly:

Semi Intensive US$50

Intensive US$100

Student card: A picture student card is issued on arrival. Students need to present this card to be able to use the

facilities in the complex.

Bistro, Snacks and Drinks: A restaurant, coffee shop and bakery are located on the school campus.

Internet room: Our computer lab is equipped with 15 stations and high speed internet which can be accessed for

free.

Study Room: A study room where students can work on/revise their homework is available.

Lessons

Please note that you need to pay extra for your class material (about 50USD). Also note that many of the schoolactivities are free of charge, e.x. Classes, Sunday at Nikki Beach, South Beach Tour, Bayside, Downtown Tour, etc

The first day of class can be intimidating. But, by bringing in some cultural items, others students will have the

opportunity to see where you come from. Bring in a map so they can see where your country is located. Provide

some background about your experiences as a student and general description of your country including size,

population, climate, and major industries.

Throughout your whole stay, we will offer you the highest quality of teaching. Our staff and teachers have a lot

experience with long-term students and especially with examination preparation courses. However, please also take

into consideration that the teachers, despite their years of experience, cannot be held fully responsible for the

examination results. Only if you participate actively in the lessons, will you be best prepared for the examination.

International English program 20 ESL hrs/week

Levels offered

The objective of our international ESL program is to improve the student's overall English proficiency. Our integrated

ESL program is offered in 7 different levels with each of these levels being divided in six two-week units. This will

allow our students to not only move at their own pace but to be continuously challenged by new material. The

maximum number of students in one class is 15!


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40276

Schedule

Monday to Friday: 09:00am to 12:40pm (Break from 10:40am to 11:00am)

Intensive Course

Monday to Friday: 09:00am to 12:40pm and from 01:10pm to 03:00pm

Lessons are not held on these public holidays in 2013: 01.01., 11.01., 21.01., 18.02., 29.03., 01.04., 05.04., 09.-

10.05., 27.05., 28.06., .04.07., 23.08., 02.09., 14.10., 11.11., 15.11., 28.11.-29.11., 23.12.-27.12. Please note that

lessons lost on public holidays, late arrival or early departure will not be replaced.

Conversation club

In addition to your classes, you are welcome to participate in our conversation club, which runs Tuesday and

Thursday from 12:45pm to 13:45pm

ATTENDANCE AND LATE POLICY

Open Hearts Language Academys program move at a quick pace, so it is very important that you do not miss class.

At OHLA class attendance is mandatory. Students are not allowed to miss more than 10% of classes per session.

More than 10% absences will automatically result in the failure of the level and student will be put on official

probation.

Depending on their program, student will accumulate more than 10% of classes per session if:

for semi-intensive students; accumulate more than 2 days or 4 blocks per month

for intensive; accumulate more than 2 days or 8 blocks per month

Students accumulating more than 10% absences in any two months will face dismissal from the program.

Warning Bell and Class time

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4Warning bell 08:55 10:55 12:55 2:05 pm

Class Time 09:00 11:00 1:00 pm 2:10 pm

Late Policy

Students arriving after the scheduled start of class will not be allowed to enter the class prior to the start of the next

block and will be marked absent for that block.

Absences

This is how absences are calculated; you will be counted absent from a block if you are not in class for any reason or if

you are late for class.

However, absences might be excused if you can provide official documents supporting that you were away for amedical, dental, police, court or immigration appointment.

If you do not come to class at all you will be considered absent.

We wish you a successful language course!

It is our aim to provide the best service possible. However, if you have any issue during you stay please talkdirectly to the school staff.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40277

General information

What to bring to the US

Remember that everyday items people use can be fascinating because they reveal the values and character of a

culture. You can bring these items with you or have someone ship them to you once you arrive. Below is a list with

some general ideas about items to bring to the US:

Magazines, newspapers and printed material

Bring a few newspapers with various articles on social issues, culture, arts, sports, and other general issues. Try to

bring magazines that would appeal to your classmates

Photographs

Family photos are essential. Photos taken at special occasions or celebrations including birthdays, weddings,

graduation, and holidays are also interesting. You may want to make copies or reprints of your special or

irreplaceable photos.

Posters, brochures, tourist information

Your countrys ministry of tourism, travel agencies and airlines may be able to provide you with colorful posters,videos or brochures. Make sure to bring a large pictorial map of your country.

Cultural Artifacts

Bring items that represent your heritage. Bring flags, traditional clothing or jewelry, colorful postage stamps, coinsand currency, a theater program, a report card, anything your classmates would enjoy seeing.

Recipes

Choose uncomplicated recipes with simple ingredients. A copy of a menu from your favorite restaurant would be a

great example to share with your students.

Time

The time difference is: MET - 6 hours.

Money

Please let your bank inform you about the current exchange rate. We recommend paying by credit card (such as Visa

Card, American Express or Eurocard) or using Travellers Cheques rather than changing large amounts of money in

the United States.

ClimateMonth High Avg. Low Avg. Precipitation

January 24C 16C 47.8 mm

February 26C 16C 52.6 mm

March 27C 18C 65.0 mm

April 29C 20C 85.3 mm

May 31C 22C 140.2 mm

June 32C 24C 216.9 mm

July 33C 25C 147.1 mm

August 33C 24C 219.2 mm

September 32C 24C 212.9 mm

October 29C 22C 157.2 mm

November 27C 20C 87.1 mm

December 26C 17C 55.4 mm(Source: http://beta.weather.com/weather/)

Documents

We strongly recommend copying all your important travel documents (such as flight ticket, insurance policies,

passport, driving licence, documents for the rental car) before you start your language trip to Miami. If you lose oneof these documents, authorities can help you more efficiently on the basis of your copies.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40278

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking is frowned upon in the United States! The state of Florida has published several strict laws concerning

smoking in public areas. Restaurants and public buildings only offer special zones for smokers. It is strictly

forbidden for people under 21 to drink alcoholic drinks in public areas such as bars, restaurants or beaches!

Tip

10 to 15 % of the total amount is standard in the United States.

Professional Culture and Communication

Certain topics are considered inappropriate to American business communication. People can be extremely

sensitive to issues such as romantic relationships, sexual preference, alcohol and drug use, and religion.

Standards of hygiene vary from country to country. Americans usually find it extremely embarrassing to have body

odor or to notice it on someone else particularly in the workplace or at school. Many Americans use deodorant

and/or antiperspirant and bathe everyday.

Time is of critical importance to Americans. Time sets the limits of what you can accomplish. People value their time

and generally try to make the most of it. One of the major goals of American lifestyle is to get many thingsaccomplished in a short amount of time. In the same way, being on time usually means getting to the class five

minutes ahead of time.

Speaking EnglishIt is impossible to completely master a language - even your own. There are always new discoveries to be made

about idioms, pronunciation, slang, intonation, and other speaking nuances.

Your level of English depends on many things, such as education and previous exposure. Some people may find that

while they can read and write very well, their ability to speak and understand conversational English is not as good

as they would like it to be.

Language skills improve with time and practice. In the meantime:

Ask people to speak more slowly

Ask the meaning of words you do not know

Ask to be corrected when you use a word incorrectly or confuse grammatical structures

Use body language, indicating and gesturing to show what you want to say

Keep a notebook of new words and phrases

Dont use slang terms

If you make a mistake which causes your new found friends to break into laughter, dont panic. Laugh with them, be

a good sport, and ask them what you said that was incorrect. Remember, every conversation is a learning

experience.

Transportation

Transportation can be a great challenge in the United States. Most American cities and towns, except for major

urban centers, do not have extensive transportation systems. Americans are often very dependent on their cars.Make an effort as soon as possible to find the best ways to get around by public transportation.

Driving in the US requires that you have an American drivers license. If you plan on driving during your stay, inquire

with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on how to apply for a license in your area.

Cellular Phones

Cellular phones are commonly used in the US. If you plan on purchasing a cellular phone, make sure you fully

understand your calling plan. It is important to know how long you can talk on the phone every month and whereyou can call. Often, if you spend more time on your phone than allotted or you make international calls, your

charges will be extremely expensive.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 40279

It is considered rude to talk on your phone in many situations. You should always turn off your phone while in class.

Oftentimes, cell phone use in public places, like department stores, restaurants, banks, museums, post offices, etc.,

is considered unacceptable. Cell phones calls do not necessarily have to be completely private, but try to be

considerate to those around you.

Community Involvement

During your stay in the United States, participate in community activities. As an International Student, you are alsoconsidered an informal ambassador of your country, as such you can have a tremendous impact on the way those in

your community understand your culture.

There are many ways to become active in your community life. Many students organize cultural fairs. These events

can include food, native dances, singing and other activities. If you belong to a certain religious group, look into

attending local services. Religious organizations often have a calendar of activities and events. Volunteer service to

the community is an important part of American life. Take advantage of opportunities to become involved with local

non-profit or charitable organizations. You do not need advance approval from Open Hearts for participating involunteer activities but we would like to hear about them and enjoy seeing pictures even more.


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 402710

Feedback

Before the everyday routine back at home sets in completely we would be very pleased if you could give us your

feedback. As a participant you can tell us about your experiences. Just fill out the online form at

http://www.sprachcaffe.com/english/feedback.htmWe always welcome ideas, tips and constructive criticism!

Address: Sprachcaffe Languages PLUS

Headquartes Gartenstrasse 6

D 60594 Frankfurt/Main

Tel.: 069 (0) 6109 120

Fax: 069 (0) 603 1395

Email: [email protected]

www.sprachcaffe.com

We wish you a wonderful stay and a successful language course!

Your

Sprachcaffe Team


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 402711

School location


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Tel: 001 (305) 379 402712

Checklist before departure

Things you might want to think of when packing your luggage

Important travel items

Travel guide

Reading material

Dictionary

Cash, credit card

Phone number of your credit card company, in case you have to block the card

Vaccination card

Inform Sprachcaffe about arrival time

Alarm clock

Sunglasses

First-aid kit

Sunscreen

Any medicine required

Insect spray

Medicine for stomach trouble

Plasters

After-sun lotion

Tweezers

Travel documents

Identity card

Flight or train ticket Student ID

Sprachcaffe travel documents

Sport/Hobby

Camera

Extra film, extra memory card

Music / radio

Batteries

Sports equipment

Insurances

Travel health insurance

Luggage insurance

Insurance card from your car insurance

Phone number of your car insurance

Checklist for returning home

Buy souvenirs for friends and relatives at home

Exchange addresses with people in the course, teachers and host family

Pick up course participation certificate

Tidy and clean up the room

Pack and check the rooms for anything left behind

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