May I take a semester off? 

It depends on whether you will remain in the United States:

• If you will stay in the United States: Generally, you have to study full time every semester, including Summer, to maintain F-1 status. For example, if Spring is your first semester in the Language and Culture Center (LCC), you must enroll in the LCC in the Summer semester starting in May. Certain students may qualify for an annual vacation (see below).
• If you will not stay in the United States: You do not have to study. Meet with the Director of Student Services regarding when you should leave the United States.

I want to stay in the United States and I want to take a semester off. How will I qualify for an annual vacation?

You may take a semester off and stay in the United States if you request an annual vacation and the request is approved by the Director of Student Services. To qualify for an annual vacation, you must meet the following conditions:

• You may only take an annual vacation in Summer.
• You must have successfully completed Fall and Spring semesters before the annual vacation in Summer.
• You must enroll in the LCC in Fall after the vacation.
• If you have successfully completed Level 6, you will not be eligible for a vacation.

May I take an annual vacation during Fall or Spring and stay in the United States? 

No. You may take a vacation only in Summer. If you do not enroll in the LCC during Fall or Spring, you must remain outside the United States.

How do I request an annual vacation?

Request a vacation in your LCC student account at LCC.uh.edu before the next LCC Student Check-In day (uh.edu/class/english/lcc/admissions/course-dates). The Director of Student Services will inform you by email if your request is approved. Your request will not be approved in any of the following circumstances:

• You requested to take a vacation in Fall or Spring.
• You missed any of the progression tests at the end of Spring.
• You are transferring to a new school.
• You successfully completed Level 6.

Do I have to request a vacation if I do not want to stay in the United States?

No. Before you return to the LCC, you might have to obtain a new Form I-20 and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

During the vacation, will I have access to on-campus services, such as the gym and the library?

No.

During the vacation, may I transfer to a new school?

No. If you will not study in the LCC after the annual vacation, your F-1 record will be terminated for Failure to Enroll. You have to leave the United States immediately and use the new school’s Form I-20 to return to the United States.

During the vacation, will I be covered by the University of Houston System Student Health Insurance Plan?

No. Meet with the Director of Student Services regarding your options.

After the vacation, in which level will I study?

You will be required to attend the LCC Student Check-In and take all placement tests. The placement test result will determine your level.