What is the difference between “vacation,” “travel,” and a “leave of absence?”
Vacation
A student should request a vacation if he/she plans to:
- Take a break from the ELI for one or two months (the vacation can be inside or outside of the USA);
- Return to the ELI after they have finished their vacation;
- Students who plan to travel outside of the USA for more than 2 months (or who choose to extend their vacation for more than 2 months) must apply for a leave of absence.
Learn more about vacation and to apply for a vacation >
Travel
A student should request travel if he/she plans to:
- Travel outside of the USA during any regularly scheduled session break (i.e., the week or two between ELI sessions);
- Will return to the ELI after they have finished their trip;
- Students who travel are also those who need to miss at least one day of ELI courses for special reasons (these students need special authorization from the ELI).
Learn more about travel and to apply for travel >
Leave of Absence
A student should request a leave of absence if he/she needs to travel outside of the USA for an important reason before he/she is eligible to take an official vacation and this travel involves missing classes.
Learn more about (or apply for) a leave of absence >
Important Note: Students are not permitted to return late from their travels. Any student who tries to return to the ELI later than the return date that was authorized will not be allowed to return to the ELI. Instead, the student will be required to skip a session. This often results in a Leave of Absence and termination of the student’s I-20 form and visa!
Medical Leave Of Absence
A student should request a medical leave of absence if he/she needs to take time off from class due to a medical reason (ex: pregnancy, surgery, physical or mental illness).
Learn more about how to apply for a medical leave of absence >