Frequently Asked Questions
Visas & Immigration
Do I need to leave the country to extend my I-20 form?
No, HOFT Institue can extend your I-20 inside the United States. There may be some exceptions, so we can help you explore your options.
Can you help me get a driver’s license, social security number, or find work in the USA?
F-1 Visa students may be eligible for certain benefits while they study in the United States. These include applying for a driver’s license, taking advantage of practical training opportunities, and, under certain circumstances, working.
For more information about these benefits, please visit the following resource pages:
What is an I-20?
I-20 is a document that we can give to students that helps them get a student visa. The institution a student with a student visa studies at is said to “hold their I-20”. Possession of I-20’s are transferred between schools if students change schools.
What is an F-1 Visa?
F-1 Visa is a student visa. If a student has a student visa, they need to study 18 hours a week (4 courses at our institute) to maintain it, otherwise, they lose it and have to go home.
I have an I-20 for another school. Will I be able to get an I-20 for HOFT Institute?
Yes, as long as you provide us with the required information and documents, we will be able to get you an I-20 for our school.
After HOFT
After I finish one semester at HOFT, do I need to leave the United States immediately?
Once you complete one semester at HOFT, you have many options:
You can apply for the next semester at HOFT Institute.
You can transfer your I-20 to a college or University.
You can choose to return to your home country. If you choose to return to your home country, you will have 60 days to leave the United States.
After HOFT, can I transfer to a university without returning to my home country?
Yes. First, you will need an acceptance letter from the university.
After I successfully finish level 5 English at HOFT, can you help me transfer to a university?
Yes. We have special university partners. Some of these partner schools will waive your TOEFL requirements.
I want to go to a university when I am done at HOFT, will you help me?
Yes, our student advisors will help you to find a college that best fits your wants. We will also assist you with your college application if needed.
Services
What levels do you offer?
Our ESL institute has six levels: level 0, level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, and level 5. We also offer advanced elective classes; these elective classes change every semester.
What courses do you offer?
We offer listening & speaking, grammar, reading, and writing. We also have special electives such as Business English, Medical English, Accent Reduction, Community Service, Public Speaking, and University Preparation.
Instead of taking classes, I just want help with improving my pronunciation or writing or passing the IELTS exam. Can you help?
Yes, we have special group classes for test-prep and other special needs (see the semester courses offered), and we also have teachers who specialize in pronunciation, writing, and other kinds of basic English language skills, including IELTS exam preparation.
Logistics & Applying
Do I need to pay for tuition in advance?
No, you can pay for tuition when you start classes here at HOFT.
How can I apply to study at HOFT Institue?
We are so glad you want to study at HOFT Institute. You can apply online. You will need to pay an application fee. This fee is nonrefundable. The online application will guide you through all the steps and let you know what documents you need to submit. If you have questions or prefer to fill out a paper application, please let us know.
I don’t know anyone in the United States so I can’t complete my application. What should I do?
You can complete your application from anywhere in the world. We are happy to help you. You do not need to know anyone here in the United States to be a student at HOFT Institute. In fact, our online application is so simple, you can apply using your mobile phone!
The HOFT semester has already started. Will I have to wait until next semester to join?
No, HOFT Institute has open enrollment. This means that students are allowed to join our semester at any time up until the last 5 weeks of school. If you would still like to join during the last 5 weeks of school, we can offer other one-on-one sessions for you.
If I start in the middle of the semester, will I have to pay the full tuition?
No, if you start at any point past the first week of class, your tuition will be prorated accordingly.
I am transferring from another school, what do I need to provide?
Along with all HOFT required documents, you will also need to submit a Transfer-In Form and a transfer deposit. The transfer-in form will be provided by HOFT Institute and completed by a student adviser or DSO at your current school.
I am already paying the application fee. Why do I have to pay a transfer deposit?
This transfer deposit is non-refundable, but it will be credited toward the first-semester tuition.
I don’t know anyone in Austin. How can I see the sights and meet people?
That’s great! We have several events around the city each semester. This helps students get immersed in the American culture as well as tour our great city! Some of the events we have include tours of the Capitol Building, kayaking, trips to the Austin Zoo, park days, and many more. We also have in-house events such as student potlucks, Iftar parties, movie showings, etc.
When I arrive in the United States, will you pick me up from the airport?
We work with a great company called Simply International. They will work with you to accommodate any housing needs and airport pickup. If this seems like something you will need, please contact bryan@simplyinternational.com.
What should I do about insurance?
The Student Secure plan offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate.
internationalstudentinsurance.com/schools/hoft-institute.php
At least 15 days
Monthly plans
Cancel any time
May Include: mental health, maternity, organized sports, pre-existing medical conditions, and emergency dental
Taking Classes
Do I get a vacation?
Yes! After 2 consecutive semesters at HOFT, you can enjoy a vacation for 1 semester. Basically, you attend 2 semesters, and you can stay in the United States for 3 semesters! You can also use the vacation to study for your GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TSI.
When do classes meet?
We have two options for full-time students. We have a 4-day program (Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm) or a 2-day program (Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 7pm). Email us for an up-to-date course schedule.
How do you choose the level a student will be in?
We give students a placement test when they begin. This will determine which level the student will be in.
What if I am in a class that is too difficult or too easy?
We want all students to be comfortable. If you dislike your class, we are more than happy to put you in a higher or lower level class. If this happens, please let us know and we will accommodate you.
I am not studying on a student visa, how many classes can I take?
You can take as many or as few classes as you would like, and study for as long as you would like, though you are limited to short-term study programs. We can customize your schedule based on the skills you want to improve.