Privacy Police
Last Updated: January 30, 2026 | Approach International Student Center, Inc. | www.approachusa.org
This Privacy Policy explains how Approach International Student Center, Inc. ("APPROACH," "we," "our," "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you apply to, enroll in, attend, or otherwise interact with APPROACH programs and services.
This Privacy Policy is based on and must be read together with the APPROACH Enrollment Agreement, which is our official governing document. In the event of any conflict, the Enrollment Agreement shall prevail.
1. Information We Collect
APPROACH collects personal information that you provide directly through your application, enrollment forms, and interaction with our staff, including:
Full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information (email, phone, address)
Passport and immigration-related information (including I-20 and SEVIS records) as necessary for enrollment and visa processing
Emergency contact information, sponsor and guardian details
Academic placement test results and evaluation interview outcomes
Enrollment preferences including housing and airport transfer requests
Payment and billing information (processed securely; full card details are not stored by APPROACH)
Attendance records, grades, GPA, course history, and compliance data
Health and medical information, limited to emergency and insurance coordination as described in the Medical Release of the Enrollment Agreement
2. How We Use Your Information
APPROACH uses your personal information solely to:
Review your application and administer admissions
Provide educational services including placement, scheduling, attendance tracking, grade recording, and certificate issuance
Manage billing, invoices, tuition payments, late fees, and account status
Communicate with you about enrollment, orientation, policy updates, and school operations
Report to and maintain compliance with SEVIS and U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements
Coordinate health and emergency services as authorized by the Medical Release in the Enrollment Agreement
Use your name, pictures, and quotes in promotional or published materials, as described in the Publicity Rights section of the Enrollment Agreement
Respond to requests, resolve disputes, and enforce our policies
3. How We Share Your Information
APPROACH shares your personal information only as follows:
School officials and authorized staff who need access to fulfill educational, administrative, or compliance functions.
Sponsors, guardians, family members, and emergency contacts as authorized by the student through the Enrollment Agreement, including information about studies and health in emergency situations as described in the Medical Release.
Health insurance representatives for coordination of benefits related to illness or injury, as described in the Medical Release of the Enrollment Agreement.
Overseas representatives (agents) who referred you to APPROACH, limited to enrollment status, attendance, payment, and refund information necessary to administer your program, as described in the Enrollment Agreement.
U.S. government authorities including SEVIS and the Department of Homeland Security, as required by law for F-1 student compliance reporting.
Service providers who process data on APPROACH's behalf (such as payment processors, student information systems, and accounting platforms), solely for the purpose of delivering our services.
We do not sell your personal information.
4. Separate Opt-In Consents
APPROACH obtains separate, specific consent for each distinct use of personal data listed in the Enrollment Agreement. A single general consent does not cover multiple use cases. Each opt-in below is independent — you may agree to some and decline others without affecting your core enrollment.
Opt-In 1 — Publicity Rights
APPROACH has all publicity and artistic rights to use students' names, pictures, and quotes in any promotional or published materials at any time free of any charge.
I agree: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Opt-In 2 — Medical Release
In the event of illness or injury, I grant permission to any appropriate medical authority to examine me, treat me and refer me to outside physicians as indicated. I authorize the release of information about my health and about my studies to the school official, my guardian or sponsor, family members, emergency contacts listed on this application, and health insurance representatives. I understand that I am responsible for medical expenses above the limits of applicable medical insurance. I understand that I am responsible for maintaining my health insurance during my stay in the United States.
I agree: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Opt-In 3 — Email Marketing & Promotional Communications
I agree to receive marketing emails from APPROACH, including newsletters, program announcements, special offers, events, and promotional content. This consent is separate from transactional communications (invoices, enrollment confirmations, class notifications) which you will receive regardless of this choice. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or by contacting [email protected].
I agree: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Opt-In 4 — SMS / Text Message Communications
I agree to receive SMS text messages from APPROACH to the mobile number provided on my application. Messages may include class reminders, attendance alerts, payment due date reminders, school announcements, and other school-related updates. Standard message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply HELP for help. Opting out will not affect your enrollment or core school communications sent by other means.
I agree: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Opt-In 5 — WhatsApp Communications
I agree to receive messages from APPROACH via WhatsApp to the number provided on my application. Messages may include school updates, announcements, and enrollment-related communications. You may opt out at any time by notifying [email protected] or by blocking the APPROACH contact.
I agree: ☐ Yes ☐ No
5. Data Retention
APPROACH retains student and employee records for a minimum of seven (7) years, in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and as required for SEVIS, FERPA, and institutional compliance purposes. Records are maintained securely in digital storage systems with restricted access.
6. Data Security
APPROACH maintains secure digital storage, controlled access, and data protection protocols to safeguard all records, consistent with the APPROACH Information Security Policy. Physical records are stored in locked, fireproof cabinets. Digital records are encrypted, backed up regularly, and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Access to student and employee records is limited to designated senior managers and authorized staff during working hours. Third-party access to records requires written authorization from the student or employee.
8. Nondiscriminatory Policy
No student or applicant shall on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, language spoken, homelessness, disability, marital status, age, religion, or any other basis prohibited by law be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment under any educational programs, activities, services, or employment conditions, policies, or practices conducted by APPROACH.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
APPROACH may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates become effective when posted. Continued enrollment or use of APPROACH services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
ABOUT US
Approach International Student Center is a nationally accredited school with 2 locations in Boston and Marlborough, MA, dedicated to helping international students achieve academic, professional, and personal success through high-quality English and advanced programs.
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Privacy Policy