News
Intrax International Institute's Facebook fan page reaches 7,000 fans! - June 2010
In only a few short months and with the combined efforts of all of our American centers we have created a central location to connect with Intrax on Facebook. Not only can students, past and present, connect, but special offers and contests are also hosted on the page. A recent photo contest brought in amazing pictures from students and staff. It was a great way to see life through the eyes of our international friends! You can find us at: http://www.facebook.com/intraxinstitute
Intrax Acquires an International Volunteer Company: ProWorld - June 2010
Intrax is very excited to announce a piece of important news for our organization: Intrax has just acquired a leading volunteer abroad company ProWorld Service Corps! ProWorld organizes life-changing volunteer projects in communities that need support in seven countries: Peru, Belize, Mexico, India, Ghana, Thailand, and Brazil. ProWorld's projects address critical issues related to the Environment, Health, and Social and Economic Development. ProWorld also organizes group service learning programs for some of the world's leading universities, including Princeton, Stanford, Duke and NYU, and has been named by National Geographic as one of the "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth." ProWorld and Intrax are both dedicated to creating transformational cross-cultural experiences, and we could not be more excited to have ProWorld join the Intrax family. For more info on ProWorld, go to www.myproworld.org (stay tuned: one of our first priorities will be redesigning the website).
Intrax Cultural Exchange Awarded Mexica Youth Exchange Grant - April 2010
Intrax is very proud to announce we've been awarded a grant through AYUSA to run the Mexico Youth Leadership Program, jointly funded by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, the Mexican Ministry of Education, and private sector companies in Mexico. This is a new program that was personally championed by the US Ambassador to Mexico with the goal of helping to address the pervasive social issues facing Mexico by developing leaders from an early-age who come from non-elite populations within the country.
This summer 50 high school students from Mexico, mostly from areas dominated by drugs and violence, will participate in a 5 weeks youth leadership program in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington DC. The program will start with a week of language and culture training, which will be delivered by Intrax International Institute. In the following 3 weeks, these students will be integrated into parts of the AYUSA World Leaders program at Berkeley, followed by a week focused on civic engagement in Washington DC.
New Online Application Launched - April 2010
Applying online is easier than ever! There are 3 easy steps and you can pay your application fees at the time you apply, making it even faster to receive your acceptance package. One of the most exciting features of the new application is the price quote feature. The first step of filling out the application allows you to see what it will cost to study at Intrax.
Intrax San Francisco Teacher, Janet Butler, Publishes Book of Poetry - April 2010
Janet Butler's chapbook, "Under Italian Skies", gathers poems written over a six-year period, some while living in Italy, others written through the softening lens of memory. They express her deep love for the land, its art, its ghosts ever there beside us, whether we walk the many-peopled streets of Rome, or meander a drowsy, hill-top village. Italy, in its magnificence, attests to a past, always present. Janet's second book, To See You No More, will be published in the summer of 2010 by Flutter Press http://www.FlutterPress.webs.com.
Intrax Cultural Exchange Opens Offices in Korea, France, and Peru - Spring 2010
We are proud to announce the opening of Intrax Korea, Intrax France, and Intrax Peru. You can find us at: www.intraxkorea.kr; www.intrax.fr; www.intraxperu.com
Intrax Vancouver hosts 1st Annual Host Family Appreciation Night - November 2008
Intrax Vancouver hosted two Host Family Appreciation Workshops in November to recognize and thank host families for sharing their homes and lives with the school's international students. Accommodation Adviser Marjorie Smales organized a Saturday morning "brunch" and evening "dinner/snacks" event, during which families and staff gathered to share their stories with each other.
The Vancouver staff received positive feedback from participants. Administrative Supervisor Shawna Primeau says the event "was a fun and cozy evening that allowed us to meet and share food with our trusted host families. It was a fabulous opportunity for the families to visit the center, meet our staff and share inspiring, interesting and funny stories with us and each other. It showed our host families that we want to connect and foster a strong relationship with them for years to come. These types of events can create stronger relationships with our host families and will encourage positive word-of-mouth discussion about the benefits of hosting international students and what a great experience it can be for both the student and the family."
Intrax International Institute is Awarded 5 Year Reaccreditation Grant by the Council for Continuing Education and Training - August 2008
Intrax International Institute announced earlier this month that after 8 days of site visits, the ACCET Commission voted to grant its three U.S. centers a 5 year reaccreditation grant in recognition of meeting all required standards with no weaknesses. Kathy Kohut, Academic Director for Intrax International Institute has this to say about the award.
"As an organization, this is an accomplishment that each of us has had an important part in, and one which we should all be extremely proud of. As far as school accreditation goes, this is the pinnacle of achievement. I am proud of the way that each Intrax school team displays true devotion on an everyday basis to our mission, to our students, and to being the highest quality learning institution possible. It is evident from the devotion each team put into the reaccreditation effort, that we truly strive for - and achieve - success. It is very exciting now to say that we have been recognized externally in the private school industry, by meeting or exceeding all 30+ standards which ACCET defines for an accredited institution of quality."
Intrax International Institute's U.S. centers have been accredited by ACCET 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 national and international institutions which they accredit. Accreditation is voluntary and extensive and means that Intrax is regularly evaluated in over thirty industry standards, including instructors, curriculum, student services, and school management. In maintaining accreditation, Intrax is focused on high educational quality and continuous assessment and improvement of all programs and services. ACCET is located online at www.accet.org.
Intrax International Institute AMIDEAST Grant Program - August 2008
Kathy Kohut, Academic Director for Intrax International Institute, and Jo Peters of our English school in San Diego, lead the U.S. Government issued English Access AMIDEAST grant program for the third year this month. Kathy has this to say about the success of this special program.
"This year, for the English Access AMIDEAST program 2008, Jo and I welcomed 22 students and 4 chaperones from twelve different countries. The countries represented this year are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Kuwait, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Lebanon, Libya, and Palestine. It's a very diverse group! Once again, the students are enthusiastic, appreciative, and kind, which is usually what we find on this very rewarding cultural exchange program.
We had a great day visiting the U.S. Capitol yesterday and had a meeting at the U.S. State Department today with the Assistant Secretary Goli Ameri. Ms. Ameri spoke with the students about cultural exchange-and particularly about how the English Access program really gives them the opportunity to learn English, which in turn will give them a better future and more opportunities. Her discussion was quite interesting; and very pertinent to Intrax International Institute's mission-teaching English for success.
I was also very pleased that Ms. Ameri took the time to specifically recognize Intrax's contribution to this program; Jo and I had the opportunity to stand up and introduce ourselves to her. She and Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Ferrell also gave particular recognition to our American high school mentors. When we met Secretary Rice last year with this group, we also found that special recognition was given to the mentors; combining American high school mentors with our international students is one of the special offerings for English students to connect with American youth and practice their English with native speakers.
We will spend the rest of this week in Washington D.C. with many fun and interesting activities; go to Philadelphia on Sunday for 4 days of classes and activities; and then fly to San Diego for a week of more activities and classes at Intrax San Diego."
Photo of the AMIDEAST group
Intrax International Institute's connection to its parent company, Intrax Cultural Exchange, means that all Intrax employees are dedicated to promoting international education and exchange opportunities for a diverse range of students and young professionals. Intrax International Institute is proud to lead this U.S. Department of State issued grant program.
Intrax International Institute Photo Contest - March 2008
Between February 14th and March 14th we ran a photo contest open to all Intrax students and staff at our English schools in San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Vancouver.
Intrax' combination of diverse international students, dedicated and friendly teachers as well as exciting clubs and activities on afternoons and weekends, created the perfect opportunity to run a contest which would help us share in each other's cultural experiences. The winning photos will not only be featured on the Intrax website and in the 2009 brochure but the winners also received $100 visa gift card! We received a huge amount of submissions from Intrax students and staff alike, so it was incredibly hard for the committee of judges to reach an agreement. Here they are the winners of the Winter 2008 Intrax Photo Contest:
Best photo of Intrax Students Studying: Jo Peters, Intrax San Diego
Best photo of a Multi-Cultural Group of Students: Chris Joly, Intrax San Diego
Best photo of an Intrax Center from the Exterior: Paulo Costa, Intrax Vancouver
Best photo of an Intrax Group Activity: Banthuphanit Natthawut, Intrax San Francisco
Best photo of an Intrax Classroom: Tae Heon Lee, Intrax San Francisco
Intrax International Institute's free college and university fairs celebrate record attendance this month - March 2008
The bi-annual International Student College and University Fairs at Intrax International Institute are always a great success and this year was no exception with over 30 institutions in attendance. International students have a chance to discover hundreds of study options, meet U.S. and Canadian university representatives and receive free international student visa advice. The fair is open to prospective students from anywhere in the world who wish to receive free advice and information about continuing their education in the U.S. or Canada. We have developed trusting relationships with many local universities and colleges and encourage Intrax students to seek further education at a higher education institution after completing their English language studies at an Intrax center.
To learn more about our University Partnerships or view photos from our March fairs, visit - Intrax San Francisco's University Partnerships, Intrax San Diego's University Partnerships, Intrax Chicago's University Partnerships or Intrax Vancouver's University Partnerships.
Announcing a new accreditation body for Intrax International Institute in Vancouver, Canada - March 2008
The Canadian Association of Private Language Schools (CAPLS) and the Canada Language Council (CLC) - jointly representing over 180 ESL and FSL programs at universities, colleges, and private language institutions across the country - have decided to join together and form one unified national association and accrediting body for language training programs in Canada called Languages Canada/Langues Canada. We are also happy to announce that John Becker, Center Director of Intrax Vancouver is a part of the first board of Directors for this new Canadian accrediting body. http://www.languagescanada.ca/
Intrax San Diego hosts a group of 18 Chinese High School Students from Beijing - January 2008
Intrax San Diego welcomed 18 students from Global-View Cultural Exchange which had organized sending these students from an International Baccalaureate High School in Beijing, China. The students attended an ESL and American culture class in the morning at the center and took part in recreational and cultural activities in the afternoon. Their activities were focused on learning about American culture and having fun under the San Diego sun! The students toured the University of California San Diego, visited Disneyland, learned about the local sea life at the Birch Aquarium, barbecued on the beach and much more. Evenings and weekends were spent with American host families, enjoying all the hospitality that America has to offer. At the completion of the program the students participated in a typical American graduation and gave a short speech expressing their gratitude and sharing their impressions of the United States and American culture in San Diego.
If you are interested in bringing a group of students to Intrax San Diego please contact Kathryn Whitney, Intrax International Institute Student Services Director at kwhitney@intraxinstitute.edu. If you are a student in China and are interested in participating in this type of program with Intrax International Institute, please contact Global-View Cultural Exchange at info@global-view.cn.
Intrax International Institute is pleased to announce guaranteed smaller class sizes - December 2007
In response to surveys filled out by students we are pleased to announce that beginning December 31st 2007 no class will exceed a maximum of 12 students to one teacher. Intrax prides itself on its ability to listen to its customer and strongly believes that this shift to smaller class sizes will allow students to spend more time interacting with their teacher improving the overall success of all programs. This is just another way Intrax International Institute provides students with an education for success.
Intrax San Francisco holds graduation ceremony for 20 French and 20 Chinese students as they embark on college careers in the Bay Area - December 2007
Intrax International Institute proudly welcomed a group of 40 students in September for a two month intensive TOEFL preparation program. This program was specially designed for this group in preparation for attendance at various U.S. colleges.
Intrax San Diego raises funds to help in the city's efforts to rebuild areas of San Diego badly damaged after October's devastating wildfires - November 2007
Intrax International Institute formally donated $1000 to the San Diego Red Cross after some San Diego residents were evacuated from their homes due to the dangers of smoke inhalation as well as the proximity of the fires. Tara Filer announced to students that the center would be holding fundraising activities to match or beat Intrax's $1000 donation with all of the proceeds going directly to the victims of the wildfires.
Tara reports, "the students have paid $2 at the door for our Halloween party, they bought and sent "Halloween candy grams" to their friends, which were assembled and handed out by our TOEFL class and they bought and sold pizza for charity. In the next few weeks, we are organizing a charity ping pong tournament, charity volleyball, and a charity "International cuisine sale". We are hoping the students come up with some more ideas as well."
Intrax International Institute launches a new Partner website- October 2007
In an ongoing effort to work closely and communicate up-to-date information with our international Partners, Intrax International Institute is pleased to present a new dedicated Partner section. The site is accessible at http://partners.intraxinstitute.edu and is designed to provide partners with the latest information about our program offerings. To become an Intrax partner visit: www.intraxinc.com.
The San Francisco Bay Area Society for Television, Advertising & Radio announces an Intrax student as the winner of the 2007 STAR Outstanding Intern Nomination - October 2007
San Francisco's CBS - KPIX & KBCW's summer Intrax intern, Kei Kitahara of Japan, is the winner of the $500 Outstanding Intern Award from the local media organization, STAR, (San Francisco Bay Area Society for Television, Advertising & Radio) www.Bayareastar.org. Congratulations Kei!
Intrax San Diego connects students through social networking site, Facebook - October 2007
Intrax San Diego has created a group on Facebook, www.facebook.com, to allow students to stay in touch while enrolled at our English Language School, make new friends and grow the Intrax community. Check out what our students have to say, join our group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27687425360
Renovation complete at Intrax San Francisco's second location, 683 Sutter Street - September 2007
Intrax International Institute's second San Francisco location has been in through three months of modernization. The center now has new paint and carpet throughout as well as new flooring at the entrance and wireless internet in every room. Intrax San Francisco students are all in agreement, with the renovations complete, it's a joy to have class at 683 Sutter Street!
Announcing Intrax International Institute's Fall College Fairs - September 2007
Intrax International Institute is excited to announce the 2007 Fall College Fair Dates! This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about local colleges and universities and ask questions directly to administrators representing their institutions. Don't miss this great experience!
Intrax San Diego will host the college fair on Thursday, September 20th, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Intrax San Francisco will host the college fair on Thursday, September 27th, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Intrax San Francisco hosts a reception for the Professional Internship Program's Host Companies - August 2007
Intrax San Francisco welcomed 23 attendees, including host company representatives from 8 organizations, interns from Brazil, Uzbekistan, France and Japan, and Intrax staff to its center at 551 Sutter Street. Everyone enjoyed wine, cheese, a presentation by a former intern and the opportunity to meet and greet other Bay Area organizations hosting Intrax interns. Jennifer Landing, the Internship Coordinator at Intrax San Francisco, received an overwhelmingly amount of positive feedback and feel that this event "was inspiring and will create stronger ties with our companies and encourage positive word-of-mouth discussion about the quality of Intrax students".
Intrax International Institute offers students a $150 Visa Gift if they arrive before December 31, 2007 - August 2007
Christmas has come early this year! Students who apply for at least eight weeks of daytime classes (20 lessons minimum per week) between September 1 and December 31 will receive a $150 Visa Gift card to spend. Students must pay for the full cost of classes, arrive and begin their studies between October 1 and December 31, 2007.
Intrax San Diego welcomes a new Center Director - July 2007
Sean Cambern, Director of Intrax International Institute writes, "Please join me in congratulating Tara Filer on her promotion from Academic Supervisor to Center Director. Tara has done a great job with the academic team in San Diego and I am sure that she will be a fantastic success as Center Director. With her talented team of Tricia, Jo, Chris, Jasmine, and a cast of talented teachers, Tara is set to continue the growth of 3i San Diego." Welcome Tara!
Intrax Chicago welcomes a new Center Director - May 2007
Sean Cambern, Director of Intrax International Institute writes, "We are very pleased to announce that Phil Procida, our gifted PCBM instructor in Chicago, has accepted the position of Center Director. Phil brings a lifetime of business and management experience to the job (retiring from Automotive Resources International as Vice President of International Operations and President Global Fleet Services) and we look forward to his successful leadership of our English Language School in Chicago.
University of California, Berkeley Extension, welcomes Intrax students into it's college programs - April 2007
Intrax International Institute is pleased to announce a new partnership with UC Berkeley Extension. Intrax students can now submit an Intrax institutional PBT TOEFL test for admission to the UC Berkeley Extension International Diplomas Programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Berkeley Extension website.
Intrax San Francisco hosts Host Family Appreciation Night - March 2007
Intrax International Institute works hard to recruit, screen, and visit local families so that we can be confident that Intrax students, who select homestay accommodation, are placed in a safe and caring environment. In an effort to display our appreciation to host families for sharing their homes and lives with international students, Mei Cooley, housing coordinator at Intrax San Francisco, organized a Host Family Appreciation Night at the center.
Mei writes, "This was the first event I had organized for host families and we did not know how many host families would choose to attend. Our Student Ambassadors Maho and Jamila decorated our school beautifully in anticipation for the event. Our host families were impressed by how friendly and approachable our staff members are, as well as how big, clean and professional our center is. For some new families this was the first time they had visited our center. A few host families even brought prospective host families who had witnessed the excitement that comes with hosting international students in their friends. This was a great way for families to share stories and get to know the Intrax San Francisco staff better. We will definitely be having more of these events in the future!"
Announcing Intrax Spring College Fairs - March 2007
Intrax International Institute is excited to announce the Bi-Annual Spring 2007 College Fair! Over 20 local Colleges and Universities are anticipated to participate. Intrax students will have the opportunity to learn more about the US College and University application process as well as ask questions to school representatives. Intrax has been hosting college fairs for over 5 years and continually strives to help students achieve their academic goals.
Intrax San Diego will host the college fair on Thursday, March 22nd, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Intrax San Francisco will host the college fair on Thursday, March 29th, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Intrax Chicago will host the college fair on Thursday, March 29th, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Save the date for this special event, and remember to bring your friends!
The U.S. Department of State Awards Grant to Intrax International Institute - July 2006
Presented by Intrax International Institute, in partnership with AMIDEAST
Intrax International Institute has been awarded a grant from the US Department of State to provide a 3-week, multi-city educational and cultural tour of the United States. The grant is for a program called the "English Access Microscholarship Program - Summer Workshop in the USA". This program is designed to give non-elite, high school age students from countries with significant Muslim populations, the opportunity to visit the USA, experience American culture, and study English. The group will consist of 22 embassy-selected international high school students, from 8 different countries: Yemen, Lebanon, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
The program will take place for 3 weeks this August, and the students will travel to Washington, DC, and to our 3i centers in Chicago and San Francisco. The workshop participants take morning classes in English and American culture, and participate in afternoon activities, cultural tours, and volunteer opportunities around the three different cities they visit.
The San Francisco Center Gets a Makeover - August 2006
Intrax has completed the renovation of its San Francisco City Center. The renovation started in February of this year and was completed in July. During the remodeling, Intrax remained open and class schedules were not affected. Much of the construction took place on weekends or Fridays when there were no formal classes. Some of the upgrades include:
- New wall-to-wall carpeting
- New furniture including desks and chairs
- A fresh new appearance including vibrant blue walls to reflect Intrax colors and the addition of the Intrax logo behind the reception are
In addition, the computer lab is now located in a bigger room, allowing easier access to students. We have also equipped our classrooms with improved lighting, and the lounge area has been remodeled to provide students with a more comfortable and accessible place to relax and meet with friends. Staff and students alike agree the new changes give Intrax a fresh and welcoming appearance
Intrax: Official ETS Center - March 2006
We are pleased to announce that Intrax International Institute is an approved ETS© Certified Test Administration Site. For more information regarding ETS or the TOEFL© iBT test, please visit the ETS website.
