Frequently Asked Questions

OHLA has seven (5) locations throughout the state of Florida.

Miami Brickell Campus
Address: 825 Brickell Bay Drive, 18th Floor. Miami, Florida 33131

Miami Aventura Campus
Address: 701 N Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Boca Raton Campus
Address: 4205 W Hillsboro Blvd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Orlando Celebration Campus
Address: 715 Bloom Street, Suite 200, Celebration, FL 34747

Tampa Campus
Address: 6800 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 124, Tampa, FL 33614

The first thing you need is to meet our admission criteria. You must have completed your high school studies in your home country, be a non-native English speaker and meet the minimum age requirements (16 years of age).

If you meet these requirements, complete our online application form. Once we have received your form you will be asked to provide us with;

1. Copy of your passport that will remain valid during your entire stay in the United States
2. A Bank Statement showing sufficient funds for the period of study
3. If required, provide a Notarized Affidavit of Support *

Once you have completed the application and have been accepted, OHLA will send you a welcoming letter and your I-20.

* Notarized Affidavit of Support: Required only when the Bank Statement does not belong to the applicant and that the cost related to the studies are being “sponsored” by a third party.

Because you will be a non-immigrant international student, you must obtain an F-1 (student) visa. To obtain an F1 student visa, you must contact the nearest U.S. Embassy in your country.

For specific information on where to obtain a visa, go to http://travel.state.gov/ and select the appropriate country and city.

DO NOT USE A VISITOR VISA TO ENTER THE U.S. TO STUDY!

If you are currently in the United States; apply to OHLA as normal. If you are accepted, we will assist you by issuing your I-20 form in order to apply for a change of status of your current status to an F1 student status.

This process is done through a form called I-539 and it must be approved by USCIS.

Yes, you may study with your tourist visa or visa waiver, however you cannot exceed 18 clock hours per week.

In our program you may study in the semi intensive program which equals 16.6 clock hours per week.

The transfer process is quite simple:

• Complete and sign our student application form.
• We will send you a Transfer form to be completed and signed by your current DSO.
• You will have to provide a copy of your passport, Visa, I-20 Form and I-94 and a Bank Statement showing sufficient funds for the proposed period of study.
• If required, you might need to provide a Notarized Affidavit of Support 

* Notarized Affidavit of Support: Required only when the Bank Statement does not belong to the applicant and that the cost related to the studies are being “sponsored” by a third party.

SEVIS stands for “Student Exchange Visitor Information System.” It is a web-based database that tracks all non-immigrants who are in the U.S. with F or J status. SEVIS is monitored by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

F-1 students are required to pay a SEVIS fee (I-901). This fee can be paid through OHLA or directly with SEVIS https://www.fmjfee.com/ 

To provide a continuous and conducive learning environment, OHLA offers 9 ESL levels.

Students sit for a Placement Exam on their first day of class to evaluate their current linguistic skills. Students are then placed in the appropriate English level. Pre-arrival online testing can be organized upon request.

Each level lasts 10 weeks depending on the session.

Levels are subdivided into five – two-week units called  “blocks.” A written and oral placement test will be given to you on arrival to assess your English level.

We offer 5 sessions per year starting in January, March, May, August and October.

This depends on the result of your placement exam. Each level at OHLA lasts 10 weeks and there are 9 levels. So if you start at the Basic 1 level, you will need close to 22 months to complete the entire program of study.

Semi Intensive Program:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 A.M to 12:45 P.M.

Intensive Program:

Monday to Thursday from 9:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M and Friday from 9:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M.

Super Intensive Program:

Monday to Thursday from 9:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M and Friday from 9:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M.

Exam Preparation:

Monday to Friday from 2:10 P.M to 5:00 P.M

Semi Intensive + Exam Preparation: Monday to Friday from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.

* Schedule varies by location.

Even though our classes can accommodate up to 15 students we normally have an average of 10 to 12 students per class. This small class setting allows for our students to receive the individual attention required for them to succeed in their course of study.

At the end of your program, you will sit for an Exit Exam and will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Deposit
The initial application fee of $200 is due upon registration and can be paid by credit card. OHLA accepts all major credit cards.

Note about accommodation
If you are also booking one of our accommodation options, keep in mind that all options are subject to availability at the time of the booking. Accommodation space is to be secured by paying the accommodation booking fee This can also be paid by credit card.

Final payment
Tuition fees, Technology Enhancement fee, housing or accommodation weekly fees and airport service fees are to be received in full at least 15 days before your schedule start date. This can be paid by wire transfer, or by international money order, or via FlyWire. We can also offer payment via Credit card link if requested.

If your visa is denied all tuition and fees, except the initial application fee and SEVIS will be refunded.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing.

Before the start of your class, the following shall apply:

1. If you are denied a visa to enter the United States, all tuition and fees will be refunded except the initial application fee.

2. If subsequent to your enrollment, Open Hearts Language Academy cancels your program, all tuition & fees including the initial application fee, will be refunded.

3. If you cancel your enrollment less than 15 days before your schedule start date, a cancellation fee equal to a 10-week tuition period including the Technology Enhancement Fee (or up to your proposed length of study, if less than 10 weeks) will apply. The accommodation booking fee is also non-refundable. However, additional accommodation and airport transfer fees paid will be refunded.

4. Open Hearts Language Academy will process all refunds within 30 days of receipt of the cancellation request and of the bank account or card details needed to process the refund. OHLA can only refund the individual/entity who made the initial payment.

5. If students’ tuition and fees are paid through an OHLA representative the refund shall be processed through this representative.

After the start of your class, the following shall apply:

Tuition

1. Tuition for the full 10-week session (or to the proposed length of study, if less than 10 weeks) is non-refundable.

2. If students test above our highest English level, tuition and fees paid shall be refunded.

3. If during the session students shall return to their home country for a documented emergency, the unused portion of tuition shall be held as credit for a period of one academic year, for use upon return.

4. If you decide to cancel your classes, subsequently to your initial 10-week period of study, a cancellation fee equal to a 2-week tuition period will apply. Technology Enhancement Fee paid will not be refunded but additional tuition paid will be refunded.

Accommodation Fees

1. The accommodation booking fee is non-refundable. If you leave your accommodation option early, a cancellation fee equal to 2 weeks of accommodation fee, calculated from the day you leave your accommodation option, will apply.

Others

1. For any session in which students cancel, Technology Enhancement Fee student services and health insurance (if applicable) are non-refundable.

2. If a student is terminated by OHLA due to violations of OHLA written disciplinary and/or attendance policies and/or local, state, or federal laws, no refund shall be permitted.

OHLA recommends for international students to carry proper medical emergency insurance while pursuing their academic English program.

There are several reasons why international student health insurance is so important:

• Medical emergencies can happen anytime: U.S. healthcare is renowned for quality but notorious for cost, it ranks among the highest globally. Without adequate insurance, medical treatment can become financially paralyzing.
• Protecting your financial future: Imagine an unexpected accident or illness that leads to a hospital stay. The resulting medical bills can be overwhelming. Insurance acts as a financial safety net, shielding you from the financial devastation that can result from unexpected medical expenses. It allows you to focus on your studies without the constant worry of what might happen in case of a health emergency.
• Peace of mind: Having insurance provides peace of mind. It reduces the stress associated with uncertainties and allows you to focus on your academic pursuits with confidence.
• A responsible choice: Ultimately, securing insurance when coming to the US is being responsible for your well-being and future. By investing in insurance, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring that you have the necessary support and resources when faced with unexpected challenges.

We highly recommend inquiring about Travel / Health Insurance for International Students before you arrive to the US. You may find better and cheaper options in your country.