What will I learn in the Rennert Practical English in the Working World (PEWW) or Vacation 'n Volunteer programs?

Our programs will allow you to have a first-hand glimpse into the business practices of one of the most famous cities in the world, whether the business is Marketing, Real Estate or the Arts. Sponsor companies are carefully selected to give you an opportunity to practice speaking English and learn challenging business skills.

What types of companies and organizations do students intern or volunteer in?

Rennert Bilingual has been offering practical exposure to English in the working world for more than 15 years in the areas of Accounting, Advertising, Art, Communications, Graphic Design, Fashion, Finance, Law, Media, Music, Publishing, and Real Estate. Although placement depends on program eligibility and company requirements, students who are looking to improve their language skills have opportunities for research, communication projects, administrative roles and creative input on a variety of teams throughout the city.

Are there course requirements for the PEWW and Vacation 'n Volunteer programs?

Yes, it depends on your level of language skills, experience and education. The first step is to interview with the program staff and establish your current level of English skills. A high-intermediate to advanced level is required. Then:

• For PEWW, students take Rapid Progress English courses and the program requirement of 2 weeks of the Internship class before the internship itself, in order to reach the necessary level of English skills. The 2 weeks of the internship class are the minimum requirement, if the student comes in at a high level. Once in the PEWW Program, students continue to attend classes full-time, which include 3 hours a week of independent projects, work with sponsors on local projects part-time, and write scheduled reports as part of their continued course work.
• For Vacation 'n Volunteer students take 4 weeks of Vacation 'n Learn classes (16 hours a week) and then go on to volunteer in a local company without further classroom attendance.

What is the minimum and maximum time requirement for the PEWW and Vacation 'n Volunteer programs?

• For PEWW the recommended length of time is 6 - 14 weeks. The minimum for placement in a sponsor company is 6 weeks. There is a maximum participation of 14 weeks.
• For Vacation 'n Volunteer, students can volunteer in a company for 4 or 8 weeks. The total duration of the stay, including classes and the company participation, cannot exceed 90 days.

What is the class size for PEWW and for Vacation 'n Volunteer?

The class size for the PEWW class is 12 and the class size for Vacation 'n Volunteer is 10.

How much notice is needed if I wish to participate in the PEWW or Vacation 'n Volunteer programs?

The required documents (Resume, Questionnaire and Agreement) and the program fees must be received six weeks prior to your desired start date for both programs.

Where are the sponsor companies located?

All of our participating companies are located within the New York City Metropolitan area, with an ever increasing network in Westchester and surrounding suburbia.

Can I receive payment for my participation in the PEWW or Vacation 'n Volunteer programs?

No, the stipulations of the F-1 student visa (for PEWW) as well as the visa-waiver status (for Vacation 'n Volunteer), require that the experience be non-compensated. In addition, students in the PEWW program will need to attend classes full-time as part of their visa requirements.

Can I choose my Sponsor Company?

While your input, ideas and motivations are a crucial part of your assignments, Rennert Bilingual is responsible for your placement into a specific company within its network of companies. All selections are subject to availability and the policies of the host sponsor.

Will I receive the name of my sponsor company before I arrive in New York?

No, prior to a student's arrival, the AMERICAN BUSINESS IN ACTION Program staff will target the most appropriate company to sponsor the student. However, final placement depends on your performance in interviews with the prospective company, and must take place in person once you are in New York. Therefore, the final company assignment is made after the student's arrival in New York.

Can I participate in a specific field or specialty?

Our primary goal is to place the students in a practical language experience where they will have opportunity to practice and improve their English in a professional environment. And while we try to match a student's desired field as closely as possible to the company itself, a company or an industry is not guaranteed. Rather, the sponsor company will be chosen on the basis of the opportunities it offers for the practice of language skills.

Can I participate in the AMERICAN BUSINESS IN ACTION Program without having already completed university studies?

Yes. Students in both, the PEWW and the Vacation 'n Volunteer programs may be in the process of getting a degree, or have completed comparable programs for an Associate's, a Bachelor's, a Master's and higher. If a student wishes to apply for a degree program in the United States, these practical language opportunities offer additional communication skills with which to take the TOEFL, write college applications, and so on.

What are the requirements needed to qualify for the AMERICAN BUSINESS IN ACTION Program?

In order to participate in this program (both PEWW and Vacation 'n Volunteer), students must interview with the Program Director, send in all the necessary paperwork (Resume, Questionnaire and Agreement), complete course requirements and achieve high-intermediate to advanced language skills, maintain excellent attendance, write program reports and receive good evaluations from teachers on verbal and written performance, as well as class participation and professional demeanor.

What happens if I wish to leave the program before the scheduled end-date?

When a student accepts a placement, he/she commits to the experience for a specific period of time (6 weeks minimum for PEWW and 4 weeks minimum for Vacation 'n Volunteer). If you decide to leave the program early, you have decided to discontinue your time as a student at our school. Your I-20, if applicable, will be considered terminated at our school and you have 60 days in which you can transfer to another school (if qualified), or leave the United States.

What are the main program differences/similarities between PEWW and Vacation 'n Volunteer?

Both programs are designed to give students an opportunity to practice English outside the classroom, in a real-business setting. PEWW requires a student visa, but allows students more time in the internship (6 - 14 weeks), and provides more program supervision. Vacation 'n Volunteer does not require a student visa, and allows candidates to visit New York for a maximum of 90 days, during which they can brush up on business verbal skills through volunteering. It involves less classroom participation and program supervision. Both programs benefit from the same wide range of companies.