Travel and Transportation

After you confirm your place in the North Harris College Language Center, you will buy your air ticket to Houston, Texas. Please plan to arrive in Houston at least two(2) weeks before the scheduled start date of the program. Late arrival may jeopardize your enrollment in the ESL classes in the semester that you are admitted in. If you wish to arrive earlier, leave later, or make any other change in your travel plans, you will be responsible for any related costs.

If you are coming from outside the United States, make your plane reservations to arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is approximately 5 miles from the College. At the airport most people will speak only English, and possibly Spanish. George Bush Intercontinental Airport has four terminals:

Terminal A	is for most domestic airlines including American, Canadian, Delta, Southwest, TWA, United and US Airways.
Terminal B	serves America West, Continental Express and Northwest flights.
Terminal C	is for Continental Airlines flights.
Terminal D	is for most international carriers including Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa plus Continental's international flights.

For more detailed information about George Bush Intercontinental Airport, you can visit their website at http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/has/iah.html.

Taxi Ride from George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Taxi/Cab service is available just outside the entrance to each terminals. The taxi will cost about $12.00, and a 15% tip ($1.80) is usual. It will take about 10 minutes to get to the college from the airport.

Driving Directions From George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Travel south on JFK Boulevard to Lee Road. Turn right on Lee Road to Rankin Road. Turn right on Rankin Road to Aldine-Westfield. Turn left on Aldine-Westfield to W. W. Thorne. Turn left on

W. W. Thorne at Gray Moss Lane. The Language Center is located on the left, next to the second parking [Parking Lot G].

Four freeways are located in the North Houston Region - U. S. 59, Interstate 45, State Highway 249 and U. S. 290. These highways serve as the major links to Houston. In addition, Hardy Tollway provides an excellent north-south alternative. The Sam Houston Parkway/Tollway serves as a major east-west highway. FM 1960 and State Highways 525, (Aldine Bender), 105, and 242 also provide good east-west access within the local area.

Park and Ride services are provided by Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO). Seven stations in the North Houston Region - Spring, Kuykendahl, Northwest, Kingwood Eastex, Little York and Woodlands - combine to offer convenient commuting alternatives for residents of the local area. In addition to bus services at the Park and Ride facilities, METRO operates an extensive system of bus routes in the region, and throughout Houston. In all, over 1,000 buses carry annual traffic that is approaching 70 million passengers. METRO also offers a carpooling matching service, and special buses that may be required by disabled persons.

Luggage

Regulations concerning the amount of luggage allowed on domestic and international flights vary from airline to airline and depend on the destination. In general, for overseas flights, you are allowed to check two pieces of luggage no more than 70 pounds each, with a maximum measurement of 62 and 55 "universal inches" for each piece respectively. [This measurement is the sum of the width, height, and depth of a single piece.] One piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum size of 45 inches is also allowed.

Housing and Getting Around in Houston

Accommodations

North Harris College has no on-campus housing. However, the administrative staff at the Language Center will provide detailed information about the many housing options in Houston. From these you will be able to select the one which suits your life style and budget. In most cases, you can make arrangements prior to arrival.

Many NHC students live in apartments off campus, sometimes sharing apartments and expenses. Unfurnished apartments rent for approximately $300-400 per month for one bedroom and two bedrooms for $400-600, plus a $100-200 deposit. A wide range of apartments is available in Houston, and prices vary greatly. Most renters also pay an average of $100-200 per month for utilities [electricity, gas, telephone, etc.]. Distance from campus and transportation should be considered in choosing housing. Bus service is available to most areas.

In addition, North Harris College has entered into a partnership with CityView, an apartment community in North Houston, which offers comfortable, convenient apartment living in an upscale community surrounded by parks and trees. New residents who sign a 12-month lease at a CityView property will receive a certificate that will pay for tuition and fees valued at $350. If you sign a seven-month lease, you will qualify for a $200 allowance. For more information, contact the NHC Language Center Advisor.

Students are responsible for obtaining information and making arrangements for housing as early as possible. Students who do not make housing arrangements prior to arrival should be prepared to stay in temporary accommodations until they can locate suitable housing. The NHC International Student Advisor will assist in this process.

If you arrive without accommodations, you can stay in a hotel the first night. You should make a reservation in advance. The following hotels are near North Harris College and provide transportation from the airport:

• Clarion Inn at Intercontinental Airport: 500 N Sam Houston Parkway E , Phone: 281.931.0101
• Days Inn Intercontinental Greenspoint: 12500 North Freeway, Phone: 281.876.3880
• Holiday Inn Houston North: 16510 North Freeway, Phone: 281.821.2570
• Hyatt Regency Houston Airport 15745 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Phone: 281.987.1234
• Intercontinental Hotels: 15600 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Phone: 281.872.2980
• Lexington Hotel Suites Telephone: 16410 North Freeway 45, Houston, Texas, United States, 77090, Phone: 281.821.1000

Clothes and Personal Belongings

The weather in Houston is generally mild and sunny year-round. The spring [March-May] and fall [September-November] are mild seasons. Sometimes you will need a jacket, especially in the evenings. Summer days [June-August] can be very hot and humid. Summer-wear is cool cottons; winter-wear is a light jacket.

To attend classes, blue jeans and casual shirts are fine. Students often wear shorts to class in the summer. For the better clubs and restaurants, men will need long pants [not jeans], leather shoes [not sneakers or sandals], and short-sleeve sport shirts [not t-shirts]. Women should bring skirts, blouses, pants or jeans, and dresses. Bring dress shoes as well as comfortable walking shoes.

Participants are cautioned not to bring high value items to Houston. Expensive jewelry, watches, radios, CD players, photography equipment, computers and other valuables are subject to loss, theft and breakage. Any valuables you do bring should be carried with you or packed in your carry-on bag rather than your checked-in luggage. North Harris College Language Center assumes no responsibility for participants' personal effects during their stay. Ultimately, each participant is responsible for the safekeeping of her/his personal belongings.

Health

The College does not require international students to have health insurance coverage. However, all NHC students may purchase health plans through outside vendors. Vendor information is available through the information desk on campus. Health insurance information is provided upon request at the Language Center or the International Student Advisor office.

The 455-bed Houston Northwest Medical Center is the largest hospital in the North Houston Region. It features most medical specialties. Located near FM 1960, just west of Interstate 45, this medical complex provides a broad variety of health services. Among other large hospitals in the area are Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center, Doctor's Hospital Airline, Kingwood Plaza, Northeast Medical Center, Park Plaza, York Plaza, Tomball Regional, Memorial Hospital The Woodlands, and Medical Center Hospital in Conroe.

Social Security Card or a Texas Identification Card

It is getting very difficult for students to obtain a social security number. The Social Security Office is now issuing a "letter of denial" instead of social security numbers. With this letter, students can get a driver's license. Only permanent residents or long term visa holders with permission to work are eligible to get a social security number. To get a Texas Identification Card go to the Department of Public Safety office with your passport, your I-20 (if you have an F-1 visa), and your I-94.

Bank Accounts or Credit Cards

You can go to the nearest bank to open a bank account. Bring your passport and your money (minimum of $50). It is difficult to get a credit card in the US if you do not have a credit history and or a place of employment. Ask the bank if they are willing to help you.

Registration

On the day of registration, you should go to the office of the International Student Advisor, located in the Admissions office in the Academic Building. You are required to register in classes no later than the Friday (Thursday in June) before the classes begin.

Please bring:

• All of your documents: passport, I-94, I-20.
• Your Houston address and telephone number.
• Cash, check, traveler's check or credit card to pay your tuition and fees. [We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover].

During registration, you will pay the following fees:

Registration Fee $ 12.00
Tuition $ 1,032.00* [$522.00 for a summer session]
Technology Fee $ 48.00 [$24.00 for a summer session]
Includes tuition at the rate of $26 per credit hour plus an additional international tuition of $55 per credit hour, in addition to a $4 per credit hour technology fee and a registration fee of $12.

The Community

Houston is the fourth largest city in the nation and the largest city in Texas, with a population of 1.6 million. The city's economic livelihood centers on the energy, health care and chemical industries. Houston has more than 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations; 75 art galleries, five major museums; resident companies in opera, theater, symphony and ballet; and five sports franchises. Houston's beauty and spirit are reflected in its thousands of trees and gardens, in its cultural amenities and in its grand architecture -- but most importantly in its personality, as shown by the rich cultural diversity of its people.

Located in the "hub of the newer district" of Houston, North Harris College is situated in an excellent location off of North Freeway 45. It is a short 8 miles from Intercontinental Airport, and 15 miles from downtown.

Weather: Mild year-round climate; 66° average high winter temperature; 91° average high summer temperature; 79° average high spring / autumn temperature

Time Zone: Houston is located in the Central Time Zone.

Transportation: Buses - The Metropolitan Transit Authority operates more than 1,400 buses on 129 routes throughout the city, transporting an average of 220,000 passenger trips per day; Freeways/expressways - 570 miles; The third-largest taxi cab fleet in the country with 2,000 vehicles; A free downtown trolley system.

Arts: One of the few U.S. cities with permanent ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies. More than 30 museums. With 10,000 theater seats, Houston ranks second only to New York.

Restaurants: More than 8,000 restaurants feature a wide variety of ethnic cuisine.

Recreation: 500-plus parks in Harris County; 12,236 water-covered areas; 32 miles of public beaches in area; 100-plus golf courses in greater Houston; More than 60 movie theaters.

Local Attractions

• Astrodome, 25 miles; Proudly noted as the "8th Wonder of the World," the Astor Dome offers a variety of sporting events as well as group tours, educational tours, and Spanish speaking tours
• Astroworld, 25 miles; 75-acre family theme park features thrill rides, a water park, and various arcades, special events, and attractions
• Celebration Station, 2 miles; Family amusement park featuring video arcade, batting cages, restaurants, miniature golf, and go carts
• Clear Lake, 42 miles; Sunshine is the rule for outdoor sports in Clear Lake City. Located in the Nassau Bay area, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of water recreation as well as antique, craft, and gift shops. Other areas of interest include Town of San Jacinto Monument and Museum and many more
• Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 8 miles; a magnificent open air amphitheater featuring a wide variety of entertainment from classical to popular recording artists
• Galveston Island, 69 miles; Galveston beaches and seawall, home to Moody Mansion and museums, Galveston Island Rail Trolley and Railroad Museum; The strand hosts many shops and restaurants
• Lake Conroe, 23 miles; 22,000-acre lake with majestic scenery is one of the largest, most active fresh water lakes in the state; popular site for swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, and other recreational activities
• Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, 4 miles, showcase of Texas native plants, miles of nature trails, a butterfly nursery, koi ponds, picnic areas, and guided tours.
• NASA, 45 miles; The Space Center will take you on a journey into the past, present, and future of NASA's manned space flight program
• Old Town Spring, 3 miles; various unique arts, crafts, and antique shops in a early 1900 Railroad Boomtown atmosphere
• Renaissance Festival, 28 miles; open 7 weekends October-November every year; spend a full day in a 16th century setting, games and rides for the entire family, arts and crafts collectibles, mouth-watering foods, and authentic demonstrations
• Splashtown, 3 miles; 46 acres of water park, wave pool, water slides, and a picnic area; open weekends in May, daily June-September

Social Activities

The Intensive English program also provides social activities for the students. These activities vary according to the interests of the students. From time to time, the Center takes a survey of the students' interests in order to plan activities where the students can interact and practice their English outside of the classroom. In the past students have had Halloween parties, Christmas parties, picnics, movies, cultural events, chess tournaments, talk shows, community organization presentations, and art exhibits.

Campus Activities and Facilities

Health and Physical Education Department

The racquet ball courts, tennis courts, weight room, and the gym are available to students. Intramural sports provide athletic and recreational activities for all students in a variety of on-campus events. In order to use the Recreation Facility during open recreation hours, you must have a Recreation Facility Pass, which is issued at the Recreational Sports Office (HPE 106) between 10:00AM-4:00PM. You must bring a photo ID and a copy of your fee receipt for the semester. All students wishing to use the REC facilities must have a pass.

Student Organizations

While on campus, ESL students are welcome to join various student organizations and get involved in American student life. There are 29 Student Organizations including the International Student Association, the Hispanic Student Forum, and the Cultural Awareness Club.

Student Center/Food Service

A cafeteria, snack bars, and lounge areas are located on the campus. Hot meals and snacks are available for students. A variety of vending machines is also available in the various college facilities. Students are asked to refrain from consuming food or drinks in any of the classrooms and laboratory areas. All North Harris College buildings are smoke free.