Q. What is the minimum age required to study at OHC? Do you offer any courses for people below that age?
A. The minimum age limit is 16 for general classes, and there is no upper age limit. Under 16s may be taught privately (one to one) or in closed groups.
Q. When do you begin to accept applications for the courses and when is the deadline for enrollment?
A. You can apply for your course as early as you like and there is no official deadline for enrollment. However, given that all of the course and accommodation options we offer are subject to availability, we recommend that you apply as far in advance as possible so as to have the best chance of getting a place on your preferred course and in your preferred accommodation. Courses start every Monday.
Q. What are the fees for international/overseas students?
A. All course and accommodation fees are the same for all students.
Q. Is there a library/café/common room in the center?
A. Yes. Our campus has a computer lab and various resources for English language learning, we encourage students to make this room a fun hang out center.
Q. Is there Computers and Free Internet access in the centre?
A. Yes. OHC students have access to PC's and internet. This includes both fixed and WiFi wireless broadband internet access.
Q. Can I have a trial lesson before I book my course?
A. For many of the courses we offer it is possible to arrange/attend a trial lesson before enrolling. To find out if this is possible for your chosen course, please contact us directly.
Q. What is the average age of students at OHC?
A. Most of our students are between the ages of 20 and 30. However, we also have many students both below and above this range.
Q. What/where are the "neighbourhoods" in New York? In which neighbourhood is the college/accommodation?
A. New York City is a very unique place with, 5 boroughs, we are located in Manhattan, which has 13 well-known neighbourhoods, and many more subsides. Our campus is located in neighbourhood of Chelsea, which is in the mid- west side of the Manhattan. You can download a map of all neighbourhoods and subway stations here from the MTA for New York web site. Our accommodations are located in various neighbourhoods through out the 5 boroughs of New York City.
Q. Can I come to study at OHC with someone below 16, like a child for example?
A. It is possible to do this but it may be difficult to arrange. The child would not be able to join our international classes and it may not be possible to arrange accommodations. The child/children would need to be taught privately and if their course hours were different to yours, you would need to arrange childcare for the time you are in class. You may also need to arrange your own accommodation. If you would like to discuss the possibilities for this kind of program please contact your preferred centre directly.
Q. Can you tell me about the buildings?
A. OHC is on West 26th Street between 7th and 8th avenue, in a nine-story building. Classrooms are light-filled and well furnished. In several of the classrooms you can catch a lovely view of the Empire State building an in others you have a great view of Chelsea. Access to the classrooms is via two elevators. If you have special mobility needs please email us immediately and we will do our best to advise and assist you.
Q. Can I stay in OHC accommodation if I do not take one of your courses? What about if I come with somebody who will study at OHC - could I share a room with that person?
A. Our accommodation is for OHC students only. Due to high demand and limited availability you can only stay in our accommodation if you study with us. Therefore, even if you are coming to New York with someone else who will be studying with us, we cannot provide you with accommodation.
Q. Do I have to stay in accommodation provided by OHC?
A. No. You can arrange accommodation by yourself if you wish.
Q. How far will my accommodation be from OHC? Will I be able to walk there?
A. Our centers are in the center of the city and not in residential areas; your accommodation will be a short ride on public transport. In New York, most of our accommodation is 45- 60 mins by public transportation from the center. In New York you can choose to live either in Manhattan or in another borough.
Q. Can I choose my homestay host? Or visit before I stay to make sure I like it?
A. We do not allow students to ‘choose’ the homestay location or host they want, just as we do not allow homestay hosts to ‘choose’ the student they want to host. All homestay locations are regularly inspected to make sure it is suitable and we do our best to place students in homestay where they will feel happy and comfortable. Of course if you are unhappy, we will do our best to deal with your problem and, in more serious cases, to move you, though this may take a little time and at certain times of the year, it may not be possible.
Q. If I come with somebody else and we will both be students at OHC, can we share a room together? If so, how can we arrange this?
A. You can certainly request to share a room with a friend if you will both study here at OHC, and we will of course do our best to arrange this for you. However, we cannot guarantee this. You should make this request at the same time or after you apply by noting it on your application form, or alternatively, by sending an e-mail to info.
Q. If I have booked a shared room with somebody else but then they cannot come (for example because their visa application is refused), what should I do?
A. In this case you should inform us of the situation as soon as possible so that we can make an alternative arrangement for you.
Q. If I would like to apply for a shared room but I do not know another OHC student who I can share the room with, can OHC find a roommate for me?
A. If you would like to apply for a shared room in one of our summer university residences, it is possible for us to find a roommate for you. However, this is not possible to do this with our regular residences or our homestay accommodation is concerned.
Q. If I have a specific request relating to the accommodation, who should I contact and will OHC be able to help me with it?
A. In this case you should note your request on your application form. You can also contact us directly. Depending on your request we may be able to help you and, in any case, we will certainly answer your questions.
Q. When can I move into the accommodation and when do I have to move out? Can I stay in the accommodation after my course has finished?
A. All of the accommodation we offer is for arrival and departure on Sundays - this is the period covered in the price. However, you can leave before the end of this period and it may also be possible to arrive the day before. To find out about this, please contact us directly. On the other hand, it is not possible to stay in our accommodation after you have finished your course.
Q. Is there internet access in the accommodation?
A. All of our accommodations have Internet access. Our residences offer either WiFi or cable Internet and all students have internet access in the center.
Q. How can I find out the exact address of the accommodation?
A. You will be notified of the exact address of the accommodation no sooner than one week before the starting date of your course. We cannot disclose this information to prospective students.
Q. Can I book accommodation for one week only?
A. Provided you apply for a one-week course you can also book accommodation for one week only. To find out the price of this and how to apply, please contact us. On the other hand, if your course is for two weeks or more, you must book accommodation for at least 2 weeks.
Q. Can I pay for my accommodation in instalments or do I have to pay all accommodation fees in advances?
A. All accommodation fees must be paid in advance. For longer stays, you can book a shorter period of accommodation (e.g. one month) and renew/extend at the end of this period, however, you may need to move homestay at the end of your accommodation period and if you have special requirements we may not be able to meet them if notice is short.
Q. If I want to extend my period of accommodation or change my accommodation, can I do this? If so, what would I have to pay?
A. It is certainly possible to extend your period of accommodation or to move to other accommodation. To do so you should make this request as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would then settle the balance and you would not have to pay any extra charges.
Q. Can I stay in OHC accommodation if I am under 18?
A. If you are under 18 you can only stay in homestay accommodation, but no other residences.
Q. Do I have to pay for gas, electricity, council tax, etc. or are all bills included in the price of the accommodation?
A. All bills are included.
Q. What is the registration fee/accommodation finding fee for?
A. Both the registration fee and the accommodation fee are necessary charges to cover administrative costs.
Q. If I cancel my course will you refund the registration fee?
A. No. The registration fee is not refundable.
Q. If I cancel my accommodation will you refund the accommodation finding fee?
A. No. The accommodation arrangement fee is not refundable.
Q. Do I have to pay the registration fee for each and every course I take?
A. No. It is only necessary to pay this fee once to cover the initial cost of registering you as an OHC student. After you are registered there is no need to pay the registration fee again.
Q. Do I have to pay the accommodation arrangement fee if I apply for the student residence?
A. Yes. The accommodation finding fee is payable in respect of all of the accommodation options we offer.
Q. Can I do the test before I arrive?
A. No - your English will be tested on your first day at the school.
Q. Do you also have classes for complete beginners?
A. If you are a complete beginner we may not have a suitable class for you. Please contact us to find out if we do.
Q. Do I need to have a certain level of English to take any of your courses? If so, which ones?
A. If you would like to take one of our specialised English courses, you must have a level of English of at the appropriate level. These are: Cambridge Examination courses - Upper-Intermediate or higher; TOEFL - Intermediate or higher, English for Business English - Intermediate or higher.
Q. Can I take an English course for one week only?
A. Yes you can, please call/email your selected location to discuss timetables.
Q. Can I take more than one English course? If so, how can I apply and will I get a letter of acceptance for each course?
A. You can apply for more than one English course. However, it is not possible to apply for more than one course at the same time using our online booking form. Therefore, you should either make separate applications online or, alternatively, apply for both courses using our application form.
Q. Will I get a certificate at the end of my course? Is there an exam?
A. After you have completed your course you will receive a certificate confirming your attendance as well as the progress you have made / the level you have reached. You will take a Progress Test at the end of each month but there is no exam unless you are taking an exam course.
Q. Do you offer free English lessons?
A. Unfortunately we do not offer any free classes.
Q. What is included in the course fee? For example, are course books or exam fees included?
A. Exam fees and course books are not included in the course fees but photocopies of all materials used in class are provided. Students are required to buy a copy of their course book.
Q. Can I pay for my course in instalments or do I have to pay all course fees in advance? What about if I just want to reserve a place?
A. All course fees are payable in advance. You could pay for two or three week courses at a time if you wish but please note that this would be more expensive than paying for a longer course in advance.
Q. After I start my course can I extend my period of study or change to another course? If so, what would I have to pay?
A. It is possible to extend your period of study or to change to another course. To do so you should make this request as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would then settle the balance and you would not have to pay any extra charges.
Q. Can I do the test before I arrive?
A. We do have a copy of our written test on our website. If you do the test online you can send us your test score by fax/e-mail along with your application or simply bring it when you arrive.
Q. Will I get a certificate at the end of my course and is there an exam?
A. After you have completed your course you will receive a certificate confirming your attendance as well as the progress you have made / the level you have reached. You will take a Progress Test at the end of each month but there is no exam unless you are taking an exam course.
Q. What is included in the course fee? For example, are course books or exam fees included?
A. Exam fees and course books are not included in the course fees but photocopies of all materials used in class are provided. We will provide course materials at a small cost of $50 per course book.
Q. Can I pay for my course in instalments or do I have to pay all course fees in advance? What about if I just want to reserve a place?
A. All course fees are payable in advance. You could pay in instalments after you have paid your initial deposit, but please note that you would incur late payment fees which would make your course more expensive than paying for a longer course in advance.
Q. After I start my course can I extend my period of study or change to another course? If so, what would I have to pay?
A. It is possible to extend your period of study or to change to another course. To do so you should make this request as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would then settle the balance and you would not have to pay any extra charges.
Q. If I take the Intensive English course, which optional subjects can I choose to combine with the General English classes?
A. The Intensive English course combines General English with an option of private classes to further practice pronunciation.
Q. How can I pay for my course?
A. You can pay by cash, credit card or you could arrange a bank transfer. If you pay by bank transfer you must send us a copy of the bank transfer so that we can process your booking. Please ask the bank to give your name as a reference. Bank charges (if any) must be paid by you on arrival. Finally, you can also send us a cheque if it is drawn from a UK-based bank.
Q. Can I do a bank transfer or online EFT for my Fees direct to your bank account?
A. Yes, Here are the bank account details;
Bank Swift Code: Chasus33
Bank Name: Chase Bank
Account Number: 744033127
Routing Number: 021000021
Address: 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007
Please use your Student Number or Student Name as the “reference”. Once transferred please email the receipt to us immediately, so we can track it and provide you with a receipt.
Q. Do I have to pay US dollars or can I pay in a foreign currency?
A. We require that all payments be made in US dollars (USD). To do so you must calculate the amount according to the relevant exchange rate on the day you make your payment. We will then settle the balance when you arrive (i.e. if you have paid too much we will refund you the difference and if you have paid too little we will ask you to pay the rest).
Q. Is it possible for somebody else to pay on my behalf?
A. Yes.
Q. If I need an invoice can OHC provide one? If so, what information do I have to give and do I have to pay anything?
A. Yes. We can provide invoices if required. To be able to do so we need to know your chosen course (including the class times), the start date and the duration, as well as the address or fax number to which we should send the invoice. You do not have to pay anything for this service.
Q. Can I get any financial aid/assistance, such as a student loan or scholarship, for my course?
A. OHC does not offer any scholarships or other financial assistance.
"Learning English with patient and supportive teachers have been the great experience. The social program always has something interesting and the campus is centrally located in Manhattan where I can go conveniently."
Yukie from Tokio, Japan