Questions

1.) What is the International Center in New York?

The International Center is a non-profit volunteer organization that was founded in 1961. It provides programs and services to help you improve your English and learn about American culture, life in New York, and practical skills. We are not a school.

2.) How do I become a member?

To become a member, you must first fill out an application. To fill out an application, you can either visit the Center or fill out our online application. After we receive your application, we will contact you with available orientation times. When you come to the Center for your orientation appointment, please bring payment (in cash, check, American Express, Visa or Mastercard), 2 small photos, and identification. A 12-month membership costs $600, a 6-month membership is $450, and a 3-month membership is $350.

3.) What does the membership fee include?

After you pay the membership fee, you can attend all the Center's discussion and lecture classes, practical and training workshops, cultural and social programs, trips and tours. You also have access to our Coffee Shop, Lounge, Theater Desk, Library, and Computer Lab. Structured 8 to 10 week English courses cost $40 and one-to-one partnerships cost an extra $100.

4.) Do I have to take a test to join the Center?

No. You do not have to take a test to join the International Center.

5.) Do I need a particular visa to study at the Center?

Any visa or visa status is acceptable for study at the Center.

6.) Can I get an I-20 or F-1 (student) visa from the Center?

No. The Center is not an official school and does not issue I-20s or student visas.

7.) Does the Center accept beginners?

No. We only accept students at the low intermediate level and above. You must have a basic knowledge of English. Low intermediates are not eligible for one-to-one partnerships. If you are a beginner, you can find a list of English programs to fit your needs at the Literacy Assistance Center website.

8.) Does the Center provide housing?

No, we do not provide housing. However, we do have books on finding housing in New York among our information resources.

9.) How often can I come to the Center?

Once you become a member, you can come to the Center anytime during our operating hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

10.) Who are your instructors? Are they professional English teachers?

All of our classes are taught by volunteer instructors who ar native English speakers, many of whom come from various backgrounds and professions. Not all of them are professional teachers but most of them have been teaching English at the International Center for years. Several of our structured course instructors are studying to be English language teachers at the New School University.

11.) What does volunteer mean?

A volunteer is someone who works at the Center without getting paid.

12.) Does the Center offer any discounts if I can't pay the membership fee?

Maybe. The Center offers scholarships to refugees, asylees, or other permanent residents who qualify.

13.) Can I pay for a one-to-one program without paying the basic membership fee?

No. To participate in a one-to-one program, you must first become a Center member.

14.) What happens if I join the International Center and have to go back to my country for some reason? Can I get a refund or put my membership on hold until I come back?

No. Once you have paid for your membership, you cannot get a refund for any reason. Also, the International Center can not put your membership on hold for any reason.

15.) I am going back to my country but I still have two months left on my membership. Can I give my ID card to my friend so they can come to the International Center instead of me?

No. You can not give your card to anyone for any reason. The International Center is a charity non governmental organization that relies on donations and membership fees to pay for basic operating expenses including rent, utilities, books and materials. If you are caught giving your card to someone else, you will be expelled from the International Center and the person you gave the card to will not be allowed into the Center as well.

16.) Will the Center give me a certificate after I have complete my studies here?

The Center does not issue certificates as the Center is not a school. However, if you are returning to your
country, the Center will gladly issue you a letter stating that you were a member studying English here. If you attend a structured course and miss less than two lessons, your instructor will issue you a certificate of attendance.