FAQs “Frequently Asked Questions” with answers

For comprehensive tuition price information and to explore some very exciting options, please visit . 2022/2023 College Tuition page.

The structure and functioning of the courses are as follows:

1. Resource Materials: Each course provides relevant textbooks and resource materials tailored to the subject matter.

2. Lessons: The curriculum includes ten lessons designed to cover the essential topics and concepts.

3. Examinations:

• Midterm Exams: Two midterm exams are scheduled to assess the understanding and progress of students midway through the course.
• Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam evaluates the cumulative knowledge gained throughout the course.

4. HESEAP Students: For students enrolled under the HESEAP (Higher Education Skills and Education Accreditation Program) with full Credit for Learning and Competency (CLC):

• These students are required to review the provided materials.
• They only need to pass the final exam to complete the course successfully, bypassing the regular lessons and midterm exams.

All exams are timed, allowing 90 minutes to complete 40 multiple-choice or true/false questions.

To pass the Final Exam, a minimum score of 55% (Grade: D-) is required.

If a score of 54% or below is achieved, regardless of whether this result is due to incorrect answers, loss of Internet connection, or exceeding the time limit, the student has failed the Final Exam and, consequently, the course.

For students who have failed the course or are dissatisfied with their passing grade, USILACS offers the opportunity to retake any final exam. To retake an exam, proceed to the [My Student Account] tab on the main menu and select [Current Grades & Exam Retake]. From there, students can opt to retake any USILACS exam up to 10 times. The course retake fee is $79.95.

Having a previous TESOL certification will not reduce the duration or tuition of the course.

All prior learning and experience, whether gained at a college, through personal experience or study, or in the workplace, is evaluated and awarded by the HESEAP Review Committee through the HESEAP application.

Yes.
Since 2017, USILACS has proudly maintained US National Accreditation, underscoring its unwavering commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards and providing a quality educational experience for its students. This accreditation reflects the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and integrity.

For full details on all our accreditations, registrations, listings, and certifications, please visit our Accreditations, Legal Registrations, Memberships, and Ratings page.

There is no time limit to complete your Degree Program, and your enrollment never expires.

All courses must be completed in the sequence specified in the degree program. There is no minimum time limit for online students; the time required to complete the courses depends on the student’s mastery of the material and the time needed to complete all assignments and exams.

The only exception is for qualified HESEAP students who have received full Credit for Learning and Competency (CLC) for the course. In this case, the CLC student only needs to review the material and pass the final exam.

If a degree program that includes TESOL courses is chosen, passing the exams associated with those classes will be required.

Absolutely! USILACS currently offers all degree programs in English, Thai, Spanish, Chinese, and Myanmar (Burmese). Many students, despite not having English as their native language, have successfully enrolled in and graduated from USILACS.

Depending on the server load, Final Exam results will normally show in your student portal within just a minute or two. 

Every student is unique. It is up to each individual student. Resource materials for each course include textbooks, reading materials, and videos. Students have unlimited time to review, read, and assimilate the information. As they feel comfortable, they can complete each lesson and exam.

The one exception is for students who have received full CLC credit for the course. In this case, the only requirement is to review the material and pass the final exam.

We have several alumni who are currently earning in excess of $100.00 per hour, teaching English to Chinese students; however, most, if not all, of these schools require a 4-year degree.

Currently, many of our students are employed in the USA with degrees from our institution. Several students have used USILACS degrees to enroll in secular regionally accredited colleges and universities to continue their graduate education.

No. Although LAN1202 Foreign Language, Intro is one of USILACS’s core courses, which all students are required to complete. This course is focused on the methodology of learning a second language rather than on teaching a specific foreign language.

All prior learning and experience, whether gained at a college, through personal experience or study, or in the workplace, is evaluated and awarded by the USILACS HESEAP Review Committee through the HESEAP application.

Note: Regardless of the number of transfer credits accepted, students are required to validate actual knowledge by passing a final exam in ALL courses, including those that have been granted transfer credits.

Students have the option to change their degree program at any time before completing the first 16 courses of their program.

The fee for making this change is $150.00.

Once a student has started their 17th course, no further degree program changes are allowed.

Please read the Document Legalization page or contact the Apostille/Legalization Department via the email link provided. Email Link

Expiration Dates:

• Florida state apostilles and/or certification documents do not expire; however, certain countries impose expiration limits on Apostilles.
• Legalized documents have a lifespan of 3 years from the date of legalization.

Plan accordingly when placing your order to ensure it meets your needs. 

Yes.
Since 2017, USILACS has proudly maintained US National Accreditation, underscoring its unwavering commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards and providing a quality educational experience for its students. This accreditation reflects the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and integrity.

For full details on all our accreditations, registrations, listings, and certifications, please visit our Accreditations, Legal Registrations, Memberships, and Ratings page.

State Apostille Process: The entire State Apostille process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.

State Apostille Process and Embassy Legalization: When combined with Foreign Embassy legalization, the process can range from 3 to 4 months, depending on the country, with some countries taking even longer.

Expedite Service: Due to government policies, USILACS cannot offer expedited services, regardless of urgency.

Important Information: USILACS submits your documents within 7 business days of your request. However, USILACS has no control over the superior authorities at the state, federal, or embassy levels, particularly during the current pandemic.

Absolutely. Any USILACS graduate may choose to have their educational documents apostilled or legalized at any time after graduation. Please visit [My Student Account], [Graduation Details], [Document Legalization].

To date, our school has enrolled thousands of students worldwide. To our knowledge, the vast majority of our alumni have successfully attained employment and/or visa classification in a diverse array of countries.

To date, our school has enrolled thousands of students worldwide. Many of our alumni have successfully attained employment and/or visa classification in a diverse array of countries. Several students have used USILACS degrees to enroll in secular regionally accredited colleges and universities to continue their graduate education.

As 2024, we have numerous students in China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, the Philippines, the USA, Mexico, France, and many other countries. With very few exceptions, all degrees submitted to Florida State Apostilles, the United States Department of State, and foreign embassies have been successfully legalized.

For comprehensive tuition price information and to explore some very exciting options, please visit . 2022/2023 College Tuition page.

We accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash (Must be hand delivered to USILACS US Headquarters)
• Credit or debit cards (American Express, Visa, or Mastercard)
• Zelle Transfer (from US banks ONLY),
• Money Orders or Cashiers Checks. 

Because our school is an American-based school, all tuition and other charges are calculated in US Dollars.  Payments in any currency are acceptable; however, foreign currency payments must be made in amounts that are in equivalency to US Dollars at the time of payment.

Our school offers several discount and payment plans. Please visit our Discount Plans and Financing Options Page.

The degree you select is your major, i.e., you choose Bachelor of Clerical Business Administration – Marketing, your major is Marketing.  The major is displayed after the – in the degree name.

We have found the (1) Bachelor of Clerical Education, (2) Bachelor of Principles and Methods of Language Education, (3) Bachelor of Fundamentals and Methodology of Education, to be the most sought-after degrees in traditional education settings.

Currently, the most popular degree for teaching English online is the Bachelor of Arts in Clerical Education, with majors in TESOL, Online Education, and Language, and Psychology.

Currently, our two most popular degrees are Bachelor of Arts in Clerical Education – TESOL and Bachelors of Clerical Business Administration – Management.

Our school offers ten Bachelor Degrees.  We offer three degrees in Business, four in Education, one in Counseling, and two in Social Science.  

• Courses 1 – 16: These are core education courses that each student must complete.
• Courses 17 – 30: These are courses related to the student’s Major
• Courses 30 – 34: These  are courses related to the student’s Major
• Courses 34 – 40: These courses are the Elective courses selected by the student

We currently offer undergraduate students the selection of one minor as part of their degree program.  For more information regarding exactly which minors are available for each degree, please visit the following link and then select the Description next to each degree: https://usilacs.org/degree-programs/

Yes, you can. However, it is advisable to realistically assess your own level of English proficiency and consider whether a strong accent might cast doubt on the legitimacy of your abilities.

The requirements vary by country and state, as each has distinct criteria. It is strongly recommended to verify licensing and educational qualifications requirements prior to enrollment.

Many students earn Classroom Learning Credits (CLC) through the HESEAP program based on education and experience received prior to enrollment at USILACS; however, all students are required to take comprehensive final exams for every course in their degree program.

For students who receive CLC awards, USILACS dates all courses and semesters based on when the student received the education for a particular course, not on the date they passed their final exam. As a result, some CLC students may see dates and semesters on their transcripts that do not correspond with the dates they passed their final exams.

After you complete the final course in your degree program, you must complete the Five Required Steps to obtain your Education Documents.

NOTE: It is ONLY after completing each of the Five Required Steps that your Education Documents will be processed.

Preparation Times:

Your documents will be checked, printed, signed, and shipped within 7 days of your graduation.

Shipping Times:

Domestic (inside the USA) (USPS Priority): Approximately 1 week
International (FedEx Express): 2 to 6 weeks depending on country

TESOL Certificate/Certification Requirements:

120-Hour TESOL Certificate (Level 6): Students must either graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Clerical Education – TESOL  or complete a TESOL major in another degree program that offers the TESOL certificate.

250-Hour TESOL Certification, with Internship (Level 7) EXPERT: Students must fulfill all requirements for a 120-Hour TESOL Certificate, attend a 14-day, in-person SSG, complete a brief TESOL internship at a local school chosen by USILACS, and demonstrate a minimum of 180 days of TESOL instructor experience.

Yes, all USILACS degrees come with an Official Academic Transcript.

NOTE: Frequently for shipping purposes and to assure save arrival TESOL Certificates and Transcripts are placed under the diploma inside the four tabs of the document cover   Make sure to check under your diploma.

Yes. Upon enrollment, all students are emailed, a signed and sealed Official Enrollment Letter on school letterhead.

Within the Graduation Portal you must complete the Five Required Steps to place the order for your Education Documents.

NOTE: It is ONLY after completing each of the Five Required Steps that your Education Documents will be processes.

Preparation Times:

Your documents will be checked, printed, signed and shipped within 7 days of your graduation.

Shipping Times:

Domestic (inside the USA) (USPS Priority): Approximately 1 week
International (FedEx Express): 2 to 6 weeks depending on country

For comprehensive tuition price information and to explore some very exciting options, please visit . 2022/2023 College Tuition page.

You will be required to take a High School Equivalency exam prior to your enrollment in our college program.  Please visit https://usilacs.org/high-school-equivalency-exam/ for more information.

High School Equivalency Course and Enrollment Requirements

• This course is designed to confirm, through examinations, that students possess the academic skills of a high school graduate. The system includes four topic areas: Language Arts, Science, Social Science, and Mathematics.
• By taking four different exams, students will demonstrate proficiency equivalent to that of a graduating high school student. Students are free to study the subjects before commencing the exams to polish their knowledge.

Enrollment Requirements for USILACS College Programs

• Graduated High School: Students must have graduated from high school and provide proof of graduation to enroll in any USILACS college programs.
• Incomplete High School or Home-Schooled: Students who attended part of high school or were home-schooled, are over 17 years old, and did not graduate or cannot provide proof of graduation must pass a High School Equivalency Exam.
• No High School Attendance: Students who have not attended high school or been home-schooled must enroll in and pass a High School Equivalency Exam before enrolling in any college program.

There is no official minimum age to enroll in any USILACS degree program. USILACS’s enrollment qualifications are based on prior education and experience, not on age.

Many students earn Classroom Learning Credits (CLC) through the HESEAP program based on education and experience received prior to enrollment at USILACS; however, all students are required to take comprehensive final exams for every course in their degree program.

For students who receive CLC awards, USILACS dates all courses and semesters based on when the student received the education for a particular course, not on the date they passed their final exam. As a result, some CLC students may see dates and semesters on their transcripts that do not correspond with the dates they passed their final exams.

Note: One point to consider is that USILACS dates the course completion based on the information provided in the HESEAP Credit Evaluation application. Hypothetically, let’s say an 18-year-old student applies for enrollment based on their prior education and experience; the courses on the final Transcript might be dated back to when the student was still in high school or around 15 years old.  Therefore, enrolling students under 22 years old may want to prayerfully consider if their Official Transcript will not present any issues for the student.

You can normally access your [My Student Account] immediately after successful payment. However, based on how busy our servers are, and how far away you where when you enrolled, at times there may be up to an 10 minute delay.

All prior learning and experience, whether gained at a college, through personal experience or study, or in the workplace, is evaluated and awarded by the USILACS HESEAP Review Committee through the HESEAP application.

Note: Regardless of the number of transfer credits accepted, students are required to validate actual knowledge by passing a final exam in ALL courses, including those that have been granted transfer credits.

A student’s enrollment date is indicated on their official Enrollment Letter.

A standard tourist visa is adequate for participating in the SSG. This program, organized by USILACS, an online educational institution based in Ocala, Florida, USA, takes place at a facility provided by USILACS-Asia in collaboration with a local foundation, free of charge for participants. The SSG offers USILACS online students the chance to visit Thailand, engage with local Thai children, immerse in Thai culture, and connect with fellow students.

To ensure an authentic Thai experience, the SSG sessions will be held at a local school, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the Thai educational environment. This includes enjoying midday meals with local teachers and students, a unique opportunity typically reserved for staff, and providing valuable insights into the local culture.

Non-enrolled family members or friends are welcome to accompany you and participate in entertainment activities associated with the SSG/TESOL program. They may engage in non-educational activities for an additional fee of $500.00.

Chiang Mai is a well-known destination for English-speaking tourists, with English widely spoken and understood. Our bilingual staff, fluent in both English and Thai, is available to assist you as needed. Additionally, we will provide 24/7 contact numbers for staff members who can offer translation assistance by phone when communicating with non-English-speaking locals.

We will make every effort to accommodate reasonable dietary needs and restrictions. Important Warning: If you have allergies to shellfish or peanuts, please be aware that these ingredients are commonly used in Thai cuisine. It is your responsibility to inquire about the ingredients in food before consumption.

The only prerequisite for applying for an invitation to attend the SSG is to be a current or graduate from USILACS with a Bachelor’s Degree.

The hotel selected for this program is a 4-star establishment conveniently located within walking distance of the renowned Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. The hotel has been thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets high standards. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, reliable hot water, multiple electrical outlets, a study area, high-speed Wi-Fi with printer and scanner access, personal safes, irons, and safe, blood-free food service, ensuring cleanliness and general upkeep. Accommodations range from single rooms to family suites, with a breakfast buffet available daily.

No, travel expenses to and from the SSG are not covered by the tuition. For example, a round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, CA, to Chiang Mai for February 2025 is approximately $1,072.40, including taxes and fees (as per Travelocity’s quote on 8.05.2024). However, transportation during SSG activities is included, and complimentary transfers to and from the local bus station and airport are provided.

Yes, it is strongly recommended that you thoroughly study all reference materials, watch all videos, and take comprehensive notes before the corresponding course is covered in the SSG/TESOL program. Inadequate preparation typically leads to lower academic performance.

Yes, we can provide a list of vetted and reliable businesses that offer car and motorcycle rentals, from small mopeds to larger road motorcycles. Please note that an appropriate International Drivers License authorizing motorcycles is highly recommended and required by many bike rental shops.

Yes, attendance and participation in all SSG activities and events are mandatory, except in cases where there are significant and valid reasons for non-attendance.

The only prerequisite for applying for an invitation to attend the SSG is that you must be a current or graduate of USILACS.

 Many students who teach English online do so during the evening. Due to local laws and regulations, students are not permitted to use the facility or its internet for teaching purposes. Facilitating employment without a proper work permit may result in legal complications. However, your hotel offers excellent internet service. For those needing to work online, purchasing a high-speed internet SIM card for use with a phone, tablet, or laptop internet stick is advisable

A breakfast buffet is available at the hotel, and drinks and snacks are provided in the classroom throughout the day. The local school will serve you lunch. Additionally, participants may purchase food and drinks from local stores, shops, restaurants, and delivery services.

Chiang Mai hosts a vibrant English-speaking community that meets regularly on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Further information can be provided via email.

Yes, Chiang Mai has several world-class hospitals equipped with ambulance services, pharmacies, and highly qualified English-speaking medical professionals. All hospitals on our list adhere to Western accreditation standards. However, purchasing quality travel medical insurance is highly recommended in case of a major illness or accident.

Yes, the hotel provides full housekeeping services. We can also offer a list of reputable laundry services, including washing, drying, and ironing.

The HESEAP Credit Evaluation Program, modeled after the internationally recognized Philippine ETEEAP educational assessment program, serves as the mechanism for evaluating all of the applicant’s previous education and experience. If these meet the school’s strict requirements, the HESEAP Review Committee will award the applicant Classroom Learning Credits (CLCs). All prior learning and experience—whether gained at a college, through personal experience or study, or in the workplace—are evaluated and awarded by the USILACS HESEAP Review Committee through the USILACS HESEAP application.

The program that exhibits the greatest potential for substantial financial savings for students is the USILACS HESEAP® Credit Evaluation Program. Tuition is entirely waived for any course(s) for which the student receives HESEAP credit. Students are only required to pay a $79.95 final exam fee for any courses in which tuition is waived.

For more information on the HESEAP program, please visit: https://usilacs.org/heseap-program/

There is no official minimum age to enroll in any USILACS degree program. USILACS’s enrollment qualifications are based on prior education and experience, not on age.

Many students earn Classroom Learning Credits (CLC) through the HESEAP program based on education and experience received prior to enrollment at USILACS; however, all students are required to take comprehensive final exams for every course in their degree program.

For students who receive CLC awards, USILACS dates all courses and semesters based on when the student received the education for a particular course, not on the date they passed their final exam. As a result, some CLC students may see dates and semesters on their transcripts that do not correspond with the dates they passed their final exams.

Note: One point to consider is that USILACS dates the course completion based on the information provided in the HESEAP Credit Evaluation application. Hypothetically, let’s say an 18-year-old student applies for enrollment based on their prior education and experience; the courses on the final Transcript might be dated back to when the student was still in high school or around 15 years old.  Therefore, enrolling students under 22 years old may want to prayerfully consider if their Official Transcript will not present any issues for the student.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM:

To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. However, the time required to earn these credits can vary significantly based on several factors. These factors include the number of Classroom Learning Credits (CLCs) awarded, the amount of time students can dedicate to their studies, and their prior educational background.

For students who receive full CLC credit, the completion time could be quite short, sometimes as little as a few months. In certain cases, students with full CLC credits have finished their program within a few weeks, while others, depending on their pace and available time, may take several years to complete the program. This flexible approach allows students to proceed at a speed that aligns with their individual lifestyles and commitments.

GRADUATE PROGRAM:

Our 36-credit-hour Online Graduate Programs are designed for students seeking flexibility, as courses can be completed at a pace that suits their needs. However, no course can be completed in fewer than 30 days, and the minimum time required to finish the program is 12 months.

Several students have used USILACS degrees to enroll in secular regionally accredited colleges and universities to continue their graduate education. However, acceptance of transfer credits is entirely at the discretion of the receiving college or university, and the requirements and procedures for transfer vary by institution.

If you plan to enroll in another institution after attending our school, it is strongly recommended that you check with that institution in advance.

Refunds are available only for tuition and only if both of the following conditions are met: (1) it has been less than 30 days since enrollment, and (2) no educational documents (e.g., Diploma, Transcripts, Certificates) have been prepared, shipped, or delivered.

There are no refunds for HESEAP applications, completed legalizations, or exam retake fees.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

USILACS Federal Tax Identification Number (FEIN) is: 81-5339803

This varies by country and state, as each has its own requirements. We strongly recommend that you verify your state’s licensing and educational qualification requirements before enrolling.

After you complete the final course in your degree program, you must complete the Five Required Steps to obtain your Education Documents.

NOTE: It is ONLY after completing each of the Five Required Steps that your Education Documents will be processed.

Preparation Times:

Your documents will be checked, printed, signed, and shipped within 7 days of your graduation.

Shipping Times:

Domestic (inside the USA) (USPS Priority): Approximately 1 week
International (FedEx Express): 2 to 6 weeks depending on country

Numerous students have successfully used their USILACS degrees to secure various non-teaching roles. We provide degrees in several fields, including Business. Our students have successfully used their degrees to acquire work permits and secure employment in various countries worldwide. This holds true for degrees across various disciplines such as Business, Counseling, Education, or Social Science.

Currently, our Registrar’s Office provides USILACS alumni with free employment recommendations for employers hiring USILACS graduates.

Additionally, our HESEAP Committee can make up-to-date visa and employment recommendations for certain qualified graduates regarding specific requirements unique to challenging countries. 

Our school offers Letters of Recommendation to all successful graduates upon request.

To order your Letter of Recommendation, visit [My Student Account], [Graduation Details],  and select [Letter of Recommendation].

We regret to inform you that we do not offer 1098-T forms. Institutions must be approved to receive U.S. Education Grants or Student Loans to provide 1098-T forms. USILACS does not accept U.S. Education Grants, Military Scholarships, or Federal Student Loans.

We regret to inform you that we do not offer 1098-T forms. Institutions must be approved to receive US Education Grants or Student Loans to provide 1098-T forms. USILACS does not accept US Education Grants, Military Scholarships, or Federal Student Loans.

It is the student’s responsibility to verify in advance whether they can claim their tuition on income taxes or for other credits they may or may not be eligible for. However, upon request by any current or alumni student, our school is more than happy to complete any requested forms or provide any needed information.

Absolutely.  USILACS has numerous students who are engaged in teaching English online. Additionally, students are teaching in traditional schools worldwide. It is essential to carefully determine whether the school where employment is sought will accept USILACS credentials.

Typically, your documents are shipped within 7 days after completing all required courses and successfully passing all final exams.

After you complete the final course in your degree program, you must complete the Five Required Steps to obtain your Education Documents.

NOTE: It is ONLY after completing each of the Five Required Steps that your Education Documents will be processed.

Preparation Times:

Your documents will be checked, printed, signed, and shipped within 7 days of your graduation.

Shipping Times:

Domestic (inside the USA) (USPS Priority): Approximately 1 week
International (FedEx Express): 2 to 6 weeks depending on country

Within the Graduation Portal you must complete the Five Required Steps to place the order for your Education Documents.

NOTE: It is ONLY after completing each of the Five Required Steps that your Education Documents will be processes.

Preparation Times:

Your documents will be checked, printed, signed and shipped within 7 days of your graduation.

Shipping Times:

Domestic (inside the USA) (USPS Priority): Approximately 1 week
International (FedEx Express): 2 to 6 weeks depending on country

Yes.
Since 2017, USILACS has proudly maintained US National Accreditation, underscoring its unwavering commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards and providing a quality educational experience for its students. This accreditation reflects the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and integrity.

For full details on all our accreditations, registrations, listings, and certifications, please visit our Accreditations, Legal Registrations, Memberships, and Ratings page.