English Immersion FAQ’s

Are electronics permitted?

Students are welcome to bring their own computers. Free WiFi access is available at the school.

By when must I register?

The completed registration form with full payment are due by one month prior to the start of the session for which you are registering. Please email [email protected] should you wish to register less than one month prior to the start of the session for which you are applying.

By when must payments be made?

At the time of registration, the school requires a non-refundable registration fee of $750 per person per program or full payment. If only the registration fee is paid, the balance must be paid in full by one month before the first day of the session for which the individual is registering. Full payment is due at the time of registration if registering less than one month prior to the first day of the session. Alternate payment arrangements may be possible upon request. The school reserves the right to increase program costs should there be fewer than three registrants in a program session.

Covid-19 Notice

While we are still monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hopeful that the vaccination rollout will be successful in the State of Maine by July. Testing or vaccination may be a requirement before entering the US. We will also be including COVID related requirements to participate in the homestay aspect of the Immersion Program this year. If the program is delayed or cancelled for Public Health reasons we will refund the $750 deposit.

Do I need a visa and what type should I obtain?

A visa is not required for many countries. Click here to see a list of countries participating in the visa waiver program: Visa Waiver Program. If you require a visa, begin the process early to avoid possible disappointment and delay. Everyday Conversation & Culture requires a B-2 or tourist visa English Language and Culture for Young Adults requires a B-2 or tourist visa Communication for Business requires a B-1 visa

How do I travel to Rockland, Maine?

You will need to choose your own method of transportation to enter the U.S. There are two transportation options from Boston to Rockland: Air – Cape Air is the only airline servicing MidCoast Maine. Travel is from Boston direct to Owls Head Airport (5 minutes from Rockland). The flight is approximately one hour. Bus – Students may take Concord Trailways Bus Line from either Portland or Boston to the Rockland ferry terminal. The bus takes approximately five hours.

How long is the program?

The Summer English Immersion program is usually 3 weeks long.

What clothes should I bring?

Dress is informal and casual. Appropriate clothing includes jeans and shirts along with sweatshirts and sweaters for cool evenings. Please also bring a jacket, rain jacket, swimwear and two pair of comfortable walking shoes for excursions. Students may wish to bring one more formal outfit such as chinos, slacks or a skirt for evenings out.

What happens during a typical school day?

Students in the three program options (Everyday Conversation & Culture, English Language and Culture for Young Adults and Communication for Business) spend mornings in small group instruction. Everyday Conversation & Culture students and students in the Young Adult program spend afternoons on local excursions or in individual tutorials during which they may work on specific grammar points or their final presentation. Students in the Communication for Business option spend afternoons in English lessons specific to business situations and participate in several excursions. Spending time with people from our welcoming community is an essential part of both options. With that in mind, students in both programs take morning snack, lunch and dinner together. Local residents often provide these meals although students will also shop for – and prepare – meals.

What is the school’s refund policy?

The school requires a non-refundable deposit of $750 to reserve your space.

What type of weather should I expect?

Summers in Maine include temperatures generally 70-80 degrees Farenheit. The weather can vary greatly.

When may I arrive in Maine?

Students may arrive the Saturday or Sunday immediately before the first day of the session.

When should I plan to depart?

Whenever possible, departure should be scheduled for the Saturday immediately following the session.

Where are meals taken?

Students in all options have breakfast is at host homes. Lunch is at the school. Dinner is at the school and may be prepared by students or by community members. All students, regardless of program option, eat at the same time although young adults have a separate table.  All students spend Wednesday evenings (including the evening meal) and weekends with hosts.

Where do I stay during my immersion?

Students in all programs stay with local residents. This ensures a 24-hour English immersion. Hosts come from a variety of backgrounds and include families, single people, families with children, etc. Families traveling together who need assistance in finding a local rental should contact the director at [email protected] for further information. Maine is a summer tourist destination.  Please contact us as early as possible regarding your needs.