--- title: Frequently Asked Questions for International Students description: "As international students, we tend to have a variety of responsibilities to take care of while studying in the U.S. Of course, we don’t want to miss out on anything- and we definitely, don’t want to be negligent towards our duties! But most of all, we’re here to learn, grow, and have fun while doing so. \n\nSo, what are the Frequently Asked Questions from Approach students? What do we need to know in order to succeed in the U.S.? " image: https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banners2021%20(23).png --- - [Contact Us](https://approachusa.org/contact-us/) - [Apply Now](https://approachusa.org/application-form-2/) Menu - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) [![Approach International Student Center®](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Approach_USA_April2021/images/header_logo.png?height=500&name=header_logo.png "Approach International Student Center®")](https://approachusa.org/) - Call us today **[+1 617 787 5401](https://wa.me/16177875401)** - Email us **[admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com)** ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banners2021%20(23).png) # Frequently Asked Questions for International Students Published by [Danna Kahn](https://blog.approachusa.org/author/danna-kahn) on Feb 23, 2022 5:42:24 PM As international students, we tend to have a variety of responsibilities to take care of while studying in the U.S. Of course, we don’t want to miss out on anything- and we definitely, don’t want to be negligent towards our duties! But most of all, we’re here to learn, grow, and have fun while doing so.  So, what are the Frequently Asked Questions from Approach students? What do we need to know in order to succeed in the U.S.?  The biggest responsibility students have is to understand [how to maintain their F-1 status](https://faq.approachusa.org/what-are-the-responsibilities-i-have-as-an-f-1-student)properly. Our F-1 Student Brochure lays out all the responsibilities F-1 students need to be aware of, as well as all benefits that come with such a status.  Part of F-1 Student benefits is that we are allowed to take a certain amount of vacation time after studying. And we all need time to relax and recharge, right? The simplest way is to understand [how to request a vacation](https://faq.approachusa.org/how-can-i-take-a-break-from-my-studies) at Approach, and to make sure you fulfill the [vacation requirements. ](https://faq.approachusa.org/do-i-qualify-for-vacation) In case of an emergency, there is another way to travel abroad as an international student. This method would be to [request a temporary leave of absence in order to travel abroad](https://faq.approachusa.org/going-back-home-for-an-emergency-situation). Be cautious when using this method since if the leave extends from two weeks, there should be another process taking place in which students cancel their enrollment and promotional agreement in order to have their I-20 terminated, and the school will reactivate this I-20 when it’s time to travel back to the U.S. Once you’re studying, we understand how there might be last-minute emergencies that come up. In case of a medical emergency that lasts over two weeks, you can also [request a reduced course load or no course load.](https://faq.approachusa.org/requesting-a-medical-leave-or-a-reduced-course-load) This will allow us as students, to take a break from our studies or reduce the number of attendance so that we can cater to any problems we have at hand. Before any quarter starts we tend to check our schedules. But what happens when we want to [change our schedule](https://faq.approachusa.org/how-can-i-change-my-schedule)? There’s no need to worry, changing your schedule is simple as a student at Approach. There is a period of time between self-enrollment and the first week of classes in which students can change their schedule as they wish.  Another question we ask as students is, “[How to get a Driver’s License](https://faq.approachusa.org/how-to-apply-for-a-drivers-license)” while in the U.S. Occasionally this means that we might need to extend our I-20 with the school in order to receive it, but regardless, getting a Driver’s license in the U.S. is an easy process to follow! After the completion of the program at Approach, students can request a 15-day or 60-day Grace Period. It’s great to understand as an F-1 Student [how the grace period works](https://faq.approachusa.org/how-can-i-apply-for-a-grace-period) and what it can be used for. Students can also [transfer to another school](https://faq.approachusa.org/how-can-i-transfer-to-another-school) during their time at Approach or once they reach their grace period, and continue their education and maintenance of their F-1 status through another institution. After we graduate, our opportunities as students are endless. We can apply to one of Approach’s partner universities, and be transferred to an undergraduate or graduate level of education without even submitting a TOEFL score! Students can also enroll in other programs at Approach such as the Advanced Academic Programs, Test Preparation programs, or the ESL Teaching Internship program. So, make sure to keep all of this information in mind when navigating through your courses at our school. Happy learning & growing, Approach community! [Back to Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org) ## Related Articles ## [The Importance of Mindset for Students](https://blog.approachusa.org/the-importance-of-mindset-for-students) I like to tell students that I struggled to learn languages in school – they didn’t come as... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/the-importance-of-mindset-for-students) ## [12 Common Non-native Speaker Language Mistakes](https://blog.approachusa.org/12-common-non-native-speaker-language-mistakes) In this post, I briefly cover 12 common language mistakes, which I encounter at Approach... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/12-common-non-native-speaker-language-mistakes) ## [This Could Be You: Dean's List](https://blog.approachusa.org/this-could-be-you-deans-list) Everyone likes to be acknowledged for their accomplishments. As an international student, you have... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/this-could-be-you-deans-list) ##### About Us Approach International Student Center is a well-established English language school located in Allston, MA, only 5 minutes away from Boston – one of the most dynamic student centers in the world. Surrounded by great colleges and universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Boston University (BU), and Boston College, we teach over 900 students every month ranging from 12 to 70+ years old. ##### Reach Us Boston: 196 Harvard Ave. #2 Allston, MA 02134 USA Marlborough: 11 Apex Dr B Office 101B, Marlborough, MA 01752 USA Phone: +1 617 787 5401 [admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com) - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) © Copyright Approach International Student Center, Inc. 2026 All Rights Reserved [Privacy Policy](https://approachusa.org/privacy-policy/)