SCHOOL CATALOG...SCHOOL CATALOG 2016-2017 OHLA Los Angeles 15301 Ventura Blvd., Bldg. D-100 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Tel: (818) 279-6602 TABLE OF CONTENTS School Catalog OHLA Los Angeles

SCHOOL CATALOG 2016-2017

OHLA Los Angeles 15301 Ventura Blvd., Bldg. D-100

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Tel: (818) 279-6602

www.ohla.com

http://www.ohla.com/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Catalog OHLA Los Angeles 2

Approvals and Disclosures Accreditation and I-20 Authorization 3 California BPPE 3 History and Ownership 4 Mission Statement 4 Description of Programs 4 Class Schedule 5 Program Fees 6 Faculty Qualifications 7 Facility and Hours of Operation 7 Licensure and Placement Services 7 Federal Financial Aid and Student Loans 7 School Policies Admissions 8 Articulation Agreements 8 Attendance 8 Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refunds 9 Vacation / Leave of Absence 11 Probation and Dismissal 11 Transfer of Credit 13 Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) 13

APPROVALS AND DISCLOSURES


Open Hearts Language Academy LA, Inc. (OHLA Los Angeles) is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). OHLA Los Angeles offers the following non-degree, avocational programs:

Program Lessons (per week)

Clock Hours (per week)

Visa Required

Semi Intensive English 20.00 16.66 B1/B2 Waiver Intensive English 24.00 20.00 F-1 Super Intensive English 28.00 23.33 F-1 Semi Intensive + Test Preparation 20.00 29.16 F-1 Test Preparation 15.00 12.50 B1/B2 Waiver

Private classes also may be arranged, generally in 10-hour increments, and scheduled Monday through Friday for two hours per day. Accreditation and I-20 Authorization

Open Hearts Language Academy LA, Inc. is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education. OHLA Los Angeles is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to issue I-20 forms to international students interested in studying English as a Second Language. California BPPE

Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at:

2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833 (physical address) P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818 (mailing address) Toll-free telephone number: (888) 370-7589 / Fax: (916) 263-1897 Web: www.bppe.ca.gov

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement. A student or any other member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 toll-free or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s website at www.bppe.ca.gov.

http://www.bppe.ca.gov/

http://www.bppe.ca.gov/



History and Ownership

OHLA Los Angeles opened on January 11, 2016 as the institution’s second campus. OHLA opened its first campus in Miami, Florida in 1998, named Open Hearts International Education. In 2012, the school was renamed Open Hearts Language Academy and is now best known as OHLA. OHLA Los Angeles is wholly owned by A&P Holding Group, which is owned by Ms. Jenny Nieveen. OHLA does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy nor is it operating as a debtor in possession. Further, OHLA has neither filed a petition nor had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years. Mission Statement

To offer a learning experience that challenges and supports its students in the achievement of their linguistic goals whether for personal, professional or academic objectives. Our qualified teachers strive to provide a student-centered environment that enhances academic learning and makes it possible for our students to explore linguistic creativity. We allocate the necessary institutional resources to offer a comprehensive curriculum, outstanding student services, impeccable institutional facilities, and innovative technology for English as a Second Language. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff ensures that, at all times, students are satisfied with their English language studies and successfully integrated into the community. Description of Programs

OHLA’s International English Program is divided into eight levels: pre-Basic, Basic 1 & 2, Intermediate 1 & 2, Advanced 1 & 2, and Elite. Each level is subdivided into two-week blocks, during which students are assessed through homework and quizzes. At the end of each block, student progress is assessed formally through a biweekly exam with written and oral tasks. Levels are offered in three 12-week sessions and two 8-week sessions per calendar year. Instruction is based on a communicative approach and an integrated skills-based curriculum focused on the student’s linguistic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. The grading scale for all programs is:

A = 90 – 100% B = 80 – 89% C = 70 – 79% D = 60 – 69% F = Less than 60%



For the semi-intensive program, a student’s final grade is determined by 80% for block exams/tasks and 20% for homework/quizzes. For the intensive and super-intensive programs, a student’s final grade is determined by 70% for midterm and final exams and 30% for homework/quizzes. To move to the next course or level, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all learning outcomes designated for the course/level for which the student enrolled. Test preparation courses (TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, and CAE) focus on all aspects covered on the exams to prepare students to score well for admission into university programs or to qualify for career opportunities. Students will build skills and increase vocabulary while engaged in listening, speaking and grammar practice. Progress is demonstrated through weekly practice tests that assess the achievement of learning objectives. For all programs, each student is given an exit exam upon completion of their course of study. This exam is a different form of the CaMLA ept (English proficiency test) published by Cambridge University Press, which is used to assess an incoming student’s proficiency level. There is no graduation requirement, and there are no required internships or externships for any of OHLA’s programs. Class Schedule

The general English programs are listed below and include a 20-minute break between periods and a 30-minute break between Period 2 and Elective classes.

Program

(Monday-Friday) Period 1 Period 2 Elective

(Monday-Thursday) Semi Intensive English 9:00a-10:40a 11:00a-12:40p None Intensive English 9:00a-10:40a 11:00a-12:40p 1:10p-2:00p Super Intensive English 9:00a-10:40a 11:00a-12:40p 1:10p-2:00p & 2:10p-3:00p

Test Preparation for the TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge exam may be combined with the semi intensive program. Whether taken alone or in addition to the semi intensive schedule, these classes meet Monday through Thursday from 2:10 pm to 5:00 pm. Each Friday, students may sit for a practice exam. Private classes also may be arranged, generally in 10-hour increments, and are scheduled Monday through Friday for two hours per day.



Program Fees

Program Tuition (per week)

Books (per session)*

Semi Intensive $275 $50 Intensive $300 $100 Super Intensive $330 $150 Semi Intensive + Exam Prep $425 $150 TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge $330 $100

* There are three 12-week sessions and two 8-week sessions per year

General Fees Description Fee

Application $120 SEVIS (F-1 Students) $200 Mailing I-20 (F-1 students) $80 Technology Fee (per month) $10 Medical Insurance (per week - optional) $20 Homestay Placement (optional) $175 Airport Transfer: one-way/return (optional) $125/$225

Estimated Charges*

Program 12 weeks One year

Semi Intensive $3,780 $15,070 Intensive $4,130 $16,620 Super Intensive $4,540 $18,430 Semi Intensive + Exam Prep $5,680 $23,370 TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge $4,490 $18,180

* Tuition/Books + Application, SEVIS, Mailing I-20, and Tech Fee

Accommodation Fees – Optional (per week)

Accommodation Jan 1 – May 14

May 15 –Sep 3

Sep 4 – Dec 31

Homestay Single (1/2 board) $230 $280 $230 Best Western (double) $390 $450 $390 Best Western (single) $780 $900 $780 Extended Stay (double) $390 $430 $390 Extended Stay (single) $780 $860 $780



Faculty Qualifications

Regardless of their category, faculty members must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ESL/TESOL or in a related field along with current ESL/TESOL or TEFL certification. OHLA instructors also must have native or native-like communication skills and a minimum of one year of teaching ESL to an adult population. Many of our instructors have experience teaching abroad in a multicultural environment. Courses designed to prepare students for college and university study, such as upper-level and test preparation courses, are taught by instructors who have at least a Master’s degree. The preferred Master’s degree is in TESL/TESOL, but a Master’s degree in a related field is acceptable as long as an instructor has training or commensurate experience in ESL methodology, structure of English, introduction to linguistics, second language acquisition, etc. Related fields for a degree include Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Modern Languages, English / Literature, and Education. Facility and Hours of Operation

OHLA Los Angeles is located within the premises of DeVry University in the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Class size averages 8-10 students with a maximum of 15 allowed. The school is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Licensure and Placement Services

OHLA offers only non-degree, avocational programs to international non-immigrant students. Therefore, our programs do not prepare students for licensure examinations. Additionally, students are not eligible to work in the United States, so we do not provide any employment placement services or salary/wage data. Federal Financial Aid and Student Loans

This institution does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs. If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund.

SCHOOL POLICIES


Admissions

Potential students who show interest in OHLA programs receive an information package, which contains the school brochure and application form with detailed information of programs, dates, tuition and other charges, and schedules. Prospective students can visit our website (www.ohla.com) to download the school brochure and obtain all pertinent information. In our Student Pre-Arrival Booklet, OHLA provides students with basic and necessary information before arriving to the United States, such as what to bring with you, airport arrival, transportation/accommodation options, and American culture and customs. Once students arrive at the school, they sit for a standardized placement exam to gauge their proficiency level and receive an on-site orientation, which provides helpful information regarding local facilities, attractions and school policies and services. In order to be accepted by OHLA, students are to provide the following documentation:

completed application form copy of passport bank letter showing sufficient funds for the length of their studies a notarized affidavit of support, if required payment of a non-refundable application and mailing fee and, if requested, a non-

refundable SEVIS fee OHLA does not process any registration or issue an I-20 form if the applicant does not fulfill the admission requirements or does not provide the required documentation. Articulation Agreements

In association with many colleges and universities across the United States, OHLA offers its students a University Pathway program. Upon successful completion of our Advanced Level 2, an OHLA student can gain acceptance into a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs without a TOEFL or IELTS score. Some of the institutions we partner with are American University, Colorado State University, DeVry University, Florida International University, Full Sail University, MCPHS University, University of Alabama, University of Miami, and University of Pennsylvania. Attendance

At OHLA, class attendance is mandatory. Students must attend 80% of classes per session. More than 20% absences will automatically result in the student being put on official probation. Students accumulating more than 20% absences in any two months will face dismissal from the program. One lesson is 50 minutes long; therefore, Period 1 and Period 2 each count for 2 lessons.

http://www.ohla.com/

SCHOOL POLICIES


Class times Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4

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

Class End Time 10:40 am 12:40 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm A student will be allowed into class, by the teacher, up to five minutes after the scheduled start time. After this initial grace period and up to 15 minutes after the class scheduled start time, students must report to the Student Services desk to receive a pass allowing them to enter class. These students will be marked late (tardy), and three tardies will be counted as one absence. A student will not be allowed into class after the initial 15 minutes of each class. A student will be counted absent from a class period if not in class for any reason. However, absences might be excused if you can provide official documentation supporting that you were away for a medical, dental, police, court or immigration appointment. Students are to attend a minimum of 80% of their classes per session. Depending on their program, students will attend 80% of class per session if they meet the following requirements:

1. For 20 lessons, students attend an average of 16 lessons per week 2. For 24 lessons, students attend an average of 19 lessons per week 3. For 28 lessons, students attend an average of 22 lessons per week 4. For 35 lessons, students attend an average of 28 lessons per week Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refunds

A student has the right to cancel the enrollment agreement for the program of instruction, including any equipment such as books, materials and supplies or any other goods related to the instruction offered in the agreement, if notice of cancellation is made through attendance at the first class session or the seventh (7th) day after enrollment, whichever is later. If the student cancels the agreement, the School will refund any money that was paid within 45 days after receipt of your notice of cancellation, less an administrative fee of $250. Additionally, the School also may reject an applicant for enrollment; and, an applicant accepted by the institution may cancel his/her agreement prior to the scheduled class start or may never attend class (no show). The School may consider a withdrawal after the class start as a cancellation or no show and, therefore not consider the applicant as a new start. Additionally, the School reserves the right to postpone or cancel a scheduled program or course if the registration is insufficient to establish a class.

SCHOOL POLICIES


Withdrawal/Termination after Seven Days

Open Hearts Language Academy (OHLA) applies a 60% pro rata refund calculation for students who withdraw or are terminated from their training before completing the stated period of enrollment. Under a 60% pro rata refund calculation, OHLA will retain only the percentage of institutional charges proportional to the period of enrollment completed up to 60% or less by the student. After completing more than 60% of the program, OHLA will retain 100% of the institutional charges for the enrollment period. The percentage of the period of enrollment completed by the student is calculated by dividing the total number of program hours in the period of enrollment into the number of scheduled hours completed in the period as of the student's last date of attendance. F-1 students must maintain legal status while studying in the United States. Among other things, legal status is maintained by registering for full-time enrollment and by maintaining an 80% attendance rate. If a student is terminated by Open Hearts Language Academy due to violations of the school written disciplinary and/or attendance policies, and/or local, state, or federal laws, a pro rata refund will be processed if termination occurs after the first seven days of enrollment. Total tuition liability is limited to the initial period (maximum of 12 weeks) during which the student withdrew or was terminated, and any previous session completed. If you test above our highest level of instruction, tuition and fees paid will be refunded. If during your session you must return to your home country for a documented emergency, the unused portion of your tuition will be held on account for a period of one year, for use upon your return. Open Hearts Language Academy will process all refunds within 45 days of a student’s cancellation or withdrawal. OHLA will only refund the person who made the initial payment. If your tuition and fees are paid through an Open Hearts Language Academy representative in your country, the refund will be processed through this representative. If Open Hearts Language Academy cancels the program, subsequent to your enrollment, all tuition and fees, including the initial application fee, paid will be refunded. Refunds for other institutional charges

Housing stipend: A cancellation fee equal to a period of 2 weeks housing stipend will apply. Residential fee: A cancellation fee equal to a period of 2 weeks residential fee will apply.

SCHOOL POLICIES


Vacation / Leave of Absence

According to the F-1 student annual vacation regulation (8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iii)), an eligible F-1 student may have an annual vacation only once per year and must intend to enroll for the term following annual vacation. A school break (e.g., winter or spring break) when school is not in session does not constitute annual vacation. According to SEVP Policy Guidance, “an eligible F-1 student attending a Language program must have completed twenty-six weeks (26) of instructional time prior to taking the vacation.” To comply with SEVP vacation regulations, Open Hearts Language Academy offers an eight-week vacation to qualified students who have studied at OHLA for a minimum period of twenty-six (26) weeks. Students who qualify will be required to request vacation with the Admission office. Prior to being granted vacation, students will be required to enroll and pay for the term following their annual vacation. A Leave of Absence will be authorized only for students who will return to their home country and upon receipt of a valid plane ticket or itinerary for their trip. Only one leave of absence per 52-week period will be approved for up to four (4) weeks. Probation and Dismissal

Open Hearts Language Academy is the entity responsible for sponsoring a student’s F-1 visa. Therefore, in order for students to maintain their visa, they must follow school and immigration regulations and respect the following four conditions:

1. Student must follow the school’s attendance policy. 2. Student must respect their financial obligations to the school. 3. Student must respect all school regulations and school officials. 4. Student must carry proper insurance coverage. When a student does not meet the program's expectations, the following process will be followed:

First warning: A student found in breach of one or more of the conditions listed above is initially called in for a "conference." During this conference, the issue at hand is reviewed to make sure that the student fully understands the expectations.

Following this conference, a written report and supporting documents serve as a formal warning sent to the agent, to the natural parents or to the financial guarantor of the student.

SCHOOL POLICIES


Probation: If the same student is found again in breach of one or more of the conditions listed above, s/he will be called in for a "second conference" and will be put on official probation.

The student is to sign the probation document with the understanding that if s/he is found again in breach of one of the conditions listed above, s/he will be dismissed automatically from the OHLA program. Again, following this conference a written report and supporting documents are sent to the agent or to the natural parents or to the financial guarantor of the student. Breach of Probation: Any student found in breach of his/her official probation

is dismissed automatically from OHLA's program. The student is then asked to transfer to another recognized IEP within a period of 14 calendar days. During this period, the student does not attend OLHA's program.

A written report and supporting documents are sent to the agent or to the natural parents or to the financial guarantor of the student. Last chance: Upon written request from the agent or the natural parents or the

financial guarantor of the student, OHLA might decide to allow the student to be re-instated in the program.

In the event that such permission is granted and that the student is found, again, in breach of one or more of the conditions listed above, our PDSO will terminate the student in the SEVIS system. A final report is sent to the agent or to the natural parents or to the financial guarantor of the student. It will include the SEVIS terminated notice status. Academic Probation Any student who fails a level due to a low score may be conditionally promoted to the next level on probation at the discretion of the Academic Director/Leader in consultation with teachers. The conditions of probation must be in writing and signed by both the Academic Director/Leader and the student. No student may pass on probation more than once during his/her study at Open Hearts Language Academy. Dismissal A student may be dismissed from the institute if s/he does any of the following:

Does not make satisfactory progress as defined in the satisfactory progress policy; Violates local, state, or federal laws of the U.S.; Fails to submit payment as defined by OHLA’s payment policies;

SCHOOL POLICIES


Has serious disciplinary problems or serious misconduct; or Fails to attend class. Transfer of Credit

The transferability of credits you earn at OHLA Los Angeles is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the certificate you earn from your chosen program of study at OHLA is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the certificate you earn at this institution is not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending OHLA to determine if your certificate will transfer. Any student who wishes to transfer to another institution may do so if s/he has enrolled at that institution and provides proof in the form of an acceptance letter from the other institution. If the student is not in good standing at OHLA, (i.e., meeting all academic and attendance requirements), OHLA will inform the other institution of the student’s status at the time of transfer. All transfers will be processed by OHLA’s designated school official. Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

California law requires that, upon enrollment, a fee be assessed relative to the cost of tuition. These fees support the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF), a special fund established by the California legislature to reimburse students who might otherwise experience a financial loss as a result of untimely school closure. Institutional participation is mandatory. You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following: 1. The closure of the institution.

2. The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party

for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.

3. The school’s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program, as required by law, or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs.

SCHOOL POLICIES


4. A significant decline in the quality or value of the educational program within the 30-day period before school closure or, if the decline began before that period, the period of decline determined by the Bureau, to a degree that results in the school’s failure to meet minimum operating or academic standards.

5. The student’s inability to collect a judgment entered against a qualifying institution for a violation of the Act, subject to all of the following:

(A) The student has reasonably tried, and failed, to collect on the judgment. The Bureau will determine the reasonableness of the effort on a case-by-case basis;

(B) The Bureau receives the student’s application within four (4) years of the school’s closure; and

(C) The student has not received reimbursement or forgiveness from any other source.

You must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you: 1. You are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are

enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans; and

2. Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate arrangement to repay the third party.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment if either of the following applies: 1. You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or

2. Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government

program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party. Students are advised to keep a copy of their enrollment agreement/contract and/or application to document enrollment, tuition receipts, or cancelled checks. Also, students are encouraged to document the total amount of tuition paid and records that show the percentage of the program that has been completed. Such records could substantiate a claim for reimbursement from the STRF. To be considered, such a claim must be filed within sixty (60) days following school closure.

Documents

SCHOOL CATALOG...SCHOOL CATALOG 2016-2017 OHLA Los Angeles 15301 Ventura Blvd., Bldg. D-100 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Tel: (818) 279-6602 TABLE OF CONTENTS School Catalog OHLA Los Angeles