How to Apply

These are the promises we make to each of our students.

1. Speak English Confidently – Spend up to 75% of class time focused on your speaking skills.
2. Meet Americans – Practice English with American interns in class every week.
3. Develop Your Career – Gain professional experience at a U.S. company.
4. Show Your Success – Share your new skills, test scores and graduation certificate using your MyIntrax online portfolio.

Simply fill out our Online Application and an Intrax admissions advisor will contact you. There is a $100 application fee (age 18+) or $200 application fee (age 16-17). 

If you simply would like to request more information, please click the "Request More Info" link on the top of the page and submit the form. You can also send us an email at info@intrax.edu and an Intrax admissions advisor will help you.

The cost of each program is determined by the length of your study and the schedule you select. See our general fees and start dates page. You can also get a personalized price estimate before or during your online application.

Intrax accepts new students every Monday for most programs. A mandatory placement test is administered every Monday, followed by a new student orientation. Classes begin on Tuesday. There are scheduled monthly start dates for most Professional Certificate Classes, Cambridge FCE & CAE Test Prep, and the Career Preparation Elective Class. See our fees and start dates page.

Intrax classes are offered Monday through Friday in the morning and in the afternoon. New students will receive their schedule after they have arrived at Intrax and taken our official English Placement Test.

Students must be at least 16 years old.

Intrax accepts payment in cash, by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), by check or by travelers check.

You can study at Intrax between 1 - 48 weeks.

We pride ourselves on having a very diverse mix of students at our centers. Intrax students come from all over the world and you can expect to find students of all ages from Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and more.

Yes, we recommend that you select the General English program on a standard schedule. 

Yes, F-1 students at Intrax may take 2 weeks of vacation after studying for 12 consecutive weeks or take 4 weeks of vacation after studying for 24 consecutive weeks. Students must apply for vacation from the Front Desk Staff. If you have a different visa, you must also apply for vacation directly with center staff a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your anticipated vacation start date.

Simply apply with the online application and the Intrax transfer release form. Be sure to include all of the requested information about your current English Language School. We will then contact your present school on your behalf and confirm the transfer for you. 

For more information, visit our transfer information page.

• Intrax San Francisco: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, closed Saturday & Sunday
• Intrax San Diego: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, closed Saturday & Sunday
• Intrax Chicago: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, closed Saturday & Sunday

Yes, Intrax offers a wide variety of morning, afternoon and evening activities for all students. In each center we have a staff member dedicated to organizing and researching fun local activities so you can make the most of your experience outside the of classroom and in your city. We also work with several local companies who offer students weekend trips to popular tourism destinations such as Las Vegas, Whistler Ski Mountain, Disneyland and more. We always aim to offer at least one free activity per week. Other Intrax activities typically cost between $5-10. Your center staff will provide a calendar every month with details.

View each center activity calendar online: Intrax San Francisco Activities | Intrax San Diego Activities | Intrax Chicago Activities. Also, a great way to find out what activities are happening at each school is to check out each center’s Facebook page: Intrax San Francisco Facebook | Intrax San Diego Facebook | Intrax Chicago Facebook.

It is up to you, but not required. We have a computer lab in each center for student use, and even offer ESL software in our labs. We also have wireless Internet access throughout our centers for those who choose to bring a laptop. Learn more about Intrax San Francisco facilities, Intrax San Diego facilities, or Intrax Chicago facilities.

Intrax provides comprehensive travel and health insurance through AVI International in the U.S. Your insurance period begins on the first day of your program at Intrax and ends on the last day of your Intrax program. Travel and health Insurance is strongly recommended to all Intrax students. The cost of this travel and health insurance is generally much less expensive than the cost of uninsured medical treatment in the United States. The cost of Intrax-sponsored insurance is $35 per week.

During orientation you will receive a student handbook which lists each center's emergency and evacuation procedures. In an emergency you can call our 24-hour emergency number: 1-800-434-1221. However, should you have life threatening emergency you should call the appropriate authorities (police, fire department and ambulance) by dialing 911 from any telephone.

Intrax centers have been accredited by ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, since 1996. ACCET is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a "reliable authority" as to the quality of education and training provided by the over 200 institutions which they accredit. Accreditation is voluntary and extensive. In maintaining accreditation, Intrax is focused on high educational quality and continuous assessment and improvement of our programs and services.

All tuition and fees must be paid in full on or before the day of orientation. 

Application, Materials and Accomodation Placement (if applicable) fees are due when you submit your Intrax Application.

If you choose express delivery or our accommodations there are fees associated with those options.
Express Delivery - $75
Accommodation Placement Service - $100 non-peak (arrival Feb-May, Oct-Nov); $150 during peak seasons (arrival June- Sept, Dec-Jan)

Please show us the photo page and the pages that shows your full name, date of birth, country of birth and other vital information.

The F-1 student visa is for students who plan to study either more than 18 hours per week or more than 12 weeks at a time, or both, in the U.S.A. Students from non-visa waiver countries (see information below) will almost always need an F1 student visa.

To apply for a student visa you will need an I-20 form. The I-20 is a form that Intrax is authorized, by the U.S. Department of State, to issue to you through SEVIS. SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students. In order for Intrax to issue you an I-20, you will need to provide us with a current passport and a current bank statement that shows a balance of at least US$2,500 per month to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your time with Intrax.

Once Intrax has issued you the I-20 form you must make an appointment with your local consulate or embassy for the F-1 student visa interview and pay a SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security and is separate from any visa processing fees that a consulate or embassy might charge. We cannot make this appointment for you. 

We will issue the form 1-2 business days after completing your application. By standard mail it will arrive 10-14 days later.  If you pay for express delivery ($75), your form should arrive within a few days.

On the Form I-20, the number is on the top right hand side of the first page under the words Student’s Copy and above the barcode. It begins with the letter N.

1. Fill out the online application
2. An admissions advisor will email you within 1-2 business days
3. Reply to the email from your admissions advisor and email them a copy of your passport and bank statement.
4. Wait for your application to be processed within 1-2 business days after we receive your passport and bank statement copies
5. You will receive an email confirming your acceptance and letting you know your I-20 form has been mailed.
6. Wait for your I-20 to come in the mail (this will take 10-14 business days by standard mail and 2-3 business days by express delivery)
7. Once you have received your I-20 go to this website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
8. On that site, pay your SEVIS fee and make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in your country
9. Go to your interview at the U.S. Embassy
10. Wait for your visa to be granted
11. Take a flight to the U.S. Travel with your I-20 form, Intrax acceptance letter, bank statement and passport
12. Begin your classes at Intrax!

No, the application fees are non-refundable.

We recommend that you contact your local embassy directly to get an accurate idea, as the time it takes to get an appointment varies country by country. We generally estimate that it takes anywhere between 1-3 months to get an appointment so please plan ahead. This is the official website where you can see the approximate visa wait time: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html

This depends on the country.  We recommend you speak to the consulate in your country about acceptance rates.

You must study a minimum of 18 clock hours per week. All of our study schedules will fulfill this requirement.

You can take classes on any of the schedules.

US$2500 for every 4 weeks of class you plan to take.

This proves to the Embassy and Immigration that you have access to the funds you need to support yourself while you are studying in the U.S.

No, it does not have to be translated. Please highlight or underline the total currency amount.

A sponsor can be a parent, relative, friend or company with the financial means to support you.

Photo page.

The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens from certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without obtaining a visa. Participants entering the United States on the visa waiver program can stay in the United States up to a maximum of 90 days and may not enroll in a course of study for more than 18 hours per week. The following are 37 countries which currently participate in the visa waiver program:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom

B-1 and B-2 Visitors are typically non-immigrants visiting the United States for shorter lengths of stay. B-1 and B-2 Visitors may not sign up for a full time course of study, usually more than 18 hours per week. Intrax welcomes B-1 and B-2 visitors to our General English, TOEFL Test Preparation, Cambridge Test Preparation, Business English and Professional Certificate programs on a standard schedule. For more information on B-1 and B-2 visas please contact your local U.S. Embassy.

J-1 students may study English in any Intrax program, but participants are responsible for maintaining the terms of their J-1 Visa status.

Dependents of visa holders may study part-time or full time, depending on the visa type. For more information, please refer to the United States Customs and Immigration Service website.

We offer classes in ten different levels of English, from 1 - 10. Each level is designed to increase your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. On your first day at Intrax you will take a placement test to determine your skill level so that we can place you in a class with other students of the same level. No matter what level you place in, we guarantee a maximum of only 12 students per teacher in our Business English and General English classes, which allows you to spend more time interacting with your teacher and to advance at the right speed. You will take regular exams to measure your progress allowing you to advance to the next level as your skills improve. If you are interested in a program that requires a minimum level of English, you can take our preliminary Online English Test to get an idea of your current English level.

You can take the preliminary Online English Test to get an idea of your English level before you arrive at the Intrax center. On your first day at Intrax you will take a placement test to determine your skill level so that we can place you in a class with other students of the same level and focus on the exact skills you need to improve your English as fast as possible. From there, regular exams measure your progress allowing you to advance to the next level as your skills improve. 

Yes. If you feel that you have not been placed in the appropriate level, please talk to your teacher first. After confirming with your teacher, you will need to re-take a placement test so we can place you in the right level.

We believe that person-to-person instruction is a much more valuable and effective learning method than having students sit in front of a computer for the entire lesson. Intrax teachers are excited to interact with students as well as teach topics and use methods that are engaging. We only use computers in our classrooms to enhance the teaching experience and never to lead the class.

Yes. Every Intrax center holds a weekly graduation ceremony. When you complete your program, you may request a transcript (with grades) and a Certificate of Completion, which includes the dates of study and the highest level completed. You must complete an Exit Exam in order to receive your certificate.

Intrax uses one of the newest and best English language textbooks to help you learn grammar and vocabulary more quickly.  You will learn English by speaking, listening, reading and writing about travel, technology, business, music and more.  You will also use your English to learn the skills you will need to get a better job or do well in school.

Intrax is the only school with English Conversation Interns.  The English Conversation Interns are American English speakers who come to your class every week to talk and help you understand and speak English better.  Every Intrax student has the chance to practice speaking and listening with Americans – other than our teachers – it is part of our guarantee!

You can take any program on a Standard, Intensive or Super schedule.

Yes, all Intrax centers are official IBT TOEFL test centers and our TOEFL Preparation program is designed to prepare you for this exam. Our San Francisco center also offers the Institutional PBT TOEFL test. You can use the Institutional PBT TOEFL test to apply to select universities and colleges around the San Francisco Bay Area and other places.

Yes, we offer several business programs which provide you with options to improve your general business understanding and gain direct experience with North American business practices. Choose the program that best meets your English level, prior experience, and goals!

Yes, we offer private instruction for an extra fee. This allows you to select a teacher and a timeslot to schedule a private lesson. Each lesson is 45 minutes and includes instruction and practice on the topic you have decided you need extra help with. Lessons are scheduled outside of regular class hours but they are held inside our Intrax centers. This program can be combined with any Intrax program and schedule. Your center staff can help you arrange your private lessons.

Yes, Intrax is part of Intrax Cultural Exchange, a family of educational exchange organizations dedicated to inspiring personal growth, mutual respect, and cultural understanding in over 80 countries worldwide. Intrax Cultural Exchange organizations provide students, young adults & families with dynamic international exchange opportunities to engage with the world - promoting understanding, friendship, and learning. You may be interested in participating in one of these programs before or after your studies at an Intrax center:

• Intrax U.S. Internships: Provides international professionals and students with internship and career training opportunities at American host companies.
• Intrax Work Travel: Provides international students and recent graduates with short-term job placements at American host companies, as well as U.S. travel opportunity.
• AuPairCare: International au pairs are welcomed into the homes of American host families to care for their children and experience American culture.

Intrax has one of the best technology programs of any English Language School in the United States.  Every week, students use audio and video recorders to practice real-life situations, like introductions and job interviews. Starting in 2011, students will be able to upload their recordings and other projects to their Intrax online portfolio. You can instantly share your work, skills and progress with future employers and others through your personalized portfolio.

Yes. Intrax uses the Common European Framework to evaluate how much English you know. Almost any other school in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East will know what level of English you have, because almost all of them use the Common European Framework, too.

The first day orientation begins at 9:00AM and finishes around 3:00PM. We recommend you check in to the center between 8:30 - 9:00AM. Please remember to bring your passport and any supporting documents when you check in on your first day. View centers on Google Maps: Intrax San Francisco | Intrax San Diego | Intrax Chicago

Yes, you can apply to either residence club or homestay accommodation and state that you would like to live with a friend; be sure to list your friend's details on the Intrax application. We also recommend that you apply at least 3 months in advance of your program start date as housing options fill up fast.

Yes, all students who select a homestay accommodation can choose single or double occupancy options. If you select the single occupancy option you will be placed in your own room. Intrax does not “match” roommates for double occupancy in homestay i.e., students have to have their own friends / siblings if they want to choose shared room in homestay.

All Intrax host families have been carefully screened and interviewed and live in safe residential neighborhoods. Families live between 30-60 minutes away from the center by public transportation.

Yes, our accommodation options are a service we offer to Intrax students because many students request housing during their program at Intrax. You do not have to select this service if you plan to arrange your own accommodations. Please see the Accommodations page for independent housing options in San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago.