Profile
The Aesara School of Liberal Arts
An approved college in Asia
 
About the School
> Introduction
> Mission Statement
> Welcome Message

> Our Facilities
> Contact Us

Student Protection Scheme
> What is SPS?
> Tuition Fee Account

Standard Student Contract
>
About the Contract?
> Contract in PDF File
>
Attendance Policy
>
Student's Pass
> Refund Policy
> Return of Deposit

Program Description
> Introduction
> Program Objective
> Entry Requirement
> Graduation Requirement

Mode of Payment

Payment of Fees

Student Support Services

Complaint Procedures

Non-discrimination

AIAS Home Page

 

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Introduction

The American Institute of Arts and Sciences-Aesara School of Liberal Arts (Singapore) is registered and approved by the Education Department of Singapore, Minister of Education (MOE).  It is an academic institution that is a part of the American Academic Alliance Inc.   Aesara School is setup to support the growing need and desire in Asia for U.S. academic programs by developing affordable college degree programs through strategic partnerships with regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States.  The cornerstone program, Diploma in Liberal Arts, is develop mainly for matriculating students who are preparing to further their studies with the American universities.   Some of the matriculating institutions include University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Indiana State University at Terre Haute.

Mission Statement

“To be the dedicated Gateway to US Colleges and University”

To support the growing need and desire in Asia for U.S. academic programs by developing affordable college degree programs through strategic partnership with regionally accredited universities and colleges in the United States.

Our Facilities

Classrooms are fully equipped with AV equipment such as LCD Projectors, Over Head Projectors, Television and Computer network with high speed Internet access.

Students are provided Internet access and guided web surfing facilities to maximize their learning potential, where necessary.

The two classrooms size range in size from 300 - 500 square feet and have a seating capacity between 20 - 40 students.

Aesara School of Liberal Arts employs qualified local faculty with approved credentials from MOE to facilitate teaching of our approved courses.

The student-teacher ratio is 25:1.

Contact Us

Aesara School of Liberal Arts
2 Peck Seah Street
#05-01 Airview Building
Singapore 079305
Tel: (65) 6820 3008
Fax: (65) 6820 3050

Email: AIAS@AmericanAcademicAlliance.com

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STUDENT PROTECTION PLAN/SCHEME (SPS)

What is 'SPS'?

The SPS serves to protect the students' fees in the event Aesara School of Liberal Arts is unable to continue operations due to insolvency, and/or regulatory closure. Furthermore, the SPS protects the student if Aesara School of Liberal Arts fails to pay penalties or return fees to the student arising from judgments made against it by the Singapore courts.

There are two plans that Aesara School of Liberal Arts can choose from - the Student Tuition Fee Account (Escrow) or the Student Tuition Fee Insurance.  Aesara School of Liberal Arts accepts tuition fee payment through Student Tuition Fee Account (Escrow) only.

What is the Student Tuition Fee Account (ESCROW)?

Tuition fees paid by the students to Aesara School of Liberal Arts will have to be left in the custody of a third party, in this case the CASE-endorsed banks participating in the Student Tuition Fee Account (Escrow) plan/scheme. When specified conditions for its release have been met, the banks will disburse the tuition fees on a regular basis to Aesara School of Liberal Arts.

For more information on SPS, please visit CASE Website or
Singapore Education Website

For more information on “Master Escrow Confirmation”, click here

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STANDARD STUDENT CONTRACT

What is a Standard Student Contract?
The Standard Student Contract is a legally binding contract between Aesara School of Liberal Arts and its students that embodies the following mandatory requirements:

  • Clear definition of course details - course title, pre-requisites, qualification awarded, course duration

  • Full disclosure of all costs for tuition/non-tuition fees

  • Commitment to Student Protection Plan/Scheme - either Student Tuition Fee Account (Escrow) or Student Tuition Fee Insurance

  • Clear definition of refund policies covering:

  • AIAS' failure to commence course on stipulated course-start date (full refund)

  • AIAS' failure to complete course on stipulated course-end date (full refund)

  • AIAS' midway termination of course (full refund)

  • Time frame for student withdrawal from the course (full or partial refund)

  • Clear definition of dispute resolution mechanisms

Standard Student Contract (PDF)

Click here for a copy of the Standard Student Contract in PDF.

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Attendance Policy

  • Student's pass holders are required to fulfill a minimum of 90% of class attendance for each module, failing which he/she will be barred from the examination for the respective module

  • Aesara School of Liberal Arts has a legal obligation to report to  ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority,  of any international student who have failed to attend classes continuously for a period of 7 days or more without any valid reasons, as this would affect the attendance requirement set by the ICA (90% attendance). This may lead to cancellation of the student pass.

Student's Pass - General Policy

Students who are unable to attend classes with valid reasons will be required to submit a written request to the Director of Academic Affairs with the relevant supporting documents 7 days before the commencement of leave

  • Students who are absent for classes due to medical reasons or unforeseen valid reasons are to submit the "Leave Application Form" with the supporting documents to the Director of Academic Affairs  within 3 working days from the date of absence.

  • The Student's Pass issued under Student's Pass Application is not transferable and will expire upon the Student ceasing to be a student of the Aesara School of Liberal Arts. The Aesara School of Liberal Arts is under an obligation to inform the ICA of the Student's withdrawal from, or completion of his/her course of study at the school, and the Student shall deliver to the Aesara School of Liberal Arts , within 3 days of the Student ceasing to be a student of the Aesara School of Liberal Arts, the passport and Student's Pass of the Student for cancellation of the Student's Pass.

  • Withdrawing from the School

    • A Student who withdraws from Aesara School of Liberal Arts to enroll with another school shall be deemed to have withdrawn from Aesara School of Liberal Arts as per the provisions mentioned above "Student's Pass Not Transferable".

    • However, students wishing to be transferred from one program to another within Aesara School of Liberal Arts may refer to the following policy:

      • All deferments are subjected to the approval of Aesara School of Liberal Arts and ICA.  Depending on the class vacancy, students can return to school at the prevailing course fees charged on the new commencement date. An offer of a place in a course may be deferred for up to twelve (6) months only.

      • For transfer cases, students will be counseled to ensure that the next course enrolled is to the students' interest. A non-refundable transfer fee of USD$250.00 will be applicable for an approved deferment / transfer.

      • All requests for withdrawals / Deferment / transfer must be made in writing to the Director, Academic Affairs of Aesara School of Liberal Arts, and shall include the following information:

        • Student's Name

        • Guardian's Name (if applicable)

        • Student's Pass Number

        • Program enrolled into or applied for

        • Copy of official receipt issued by Aesara School of Liberal Arts for the Fees in question

Basic Requirements
In order to apply for a Student's Pass, applicant must first be accepted by an approved Private School to pursue an approved full-time course.

A local Sponsor is needed for the application of Student's Pass. Applicant is then required to submit the application through the local sponsor. The Applicant's nominated local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident above the age of 21 years old or the educational institution where applicant intends to study.

ICA Forms are available at the Aesara School of Liberal Arts, Admission Office.

ICA Submission Procedures
Applicants must submit the Student's Pass Application to the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) at least two months and not more than six months from the course commencement date.

Two copies of Form 16, FormV39S and FormV36 must be duly completed and signed by the applicant and local sponsor.

The Forms are submitted together with the following documents:

  • 2 recent passport-sized photographs (color/ B&W)

  • Applicant’s official birth certificates (photocopy) -Applicant’s certified/notarized copies of highest educational certificates and transcripts

  • Applicant’s personal particular page of travel document (photocopied)

  • Local Sponsor’s identity Card (photocopied)

  • 1 copy of Form V36 duly completed and signed by the school.

Additional documents may be required, in accordance to ICA requirements. You must include the fee, USD$150 (refundable fee, only if the student's application is NOT approved).

These completed forms and documents can be submitted in the following ways:

  • Drop-in Boxes located at
    Information/Queue Ticket Counter
    Visitor Services Centre
    Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
    4th Storey, ICA Building
    10 Kallang Road
    Singapore 208718
    (Next to Lavender MRT station)

  • By post to
    Visitor Services Centre
    Attn: Student's Pass II Unit
    Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
    4th Storey, ICA Building
    10 Kallang Road, #08-00
    Singapore 208718

For further information on New Applications for Student Pass, please visit ICA Website

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Refund Policy

Withdrawal for Cause
Subject to Clause 6, the Student shall be entitled to immediately withdraw from the Course by giving written notice to
Aesara School of Liberal Arts of his/her intention to do so under the following circumstances:

  • the Aesara School of Liberal Arts fails, for any reason, to commence the Course/Program on the Commencement Date;

  • the Aesara School of Liberal Arts fails, for any reason, to complete the Course/Program by the Completion Date;

  • the Aesara School of Liberal Arts terminates the Course/Program for any reason prior to the completion of the Course/Program; or

  • the Aesara School of Liberal Arts is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.

Refunds for Withdrawal for Cause
The Aesara School shall, as soon as practicable after receiving the Student’s notice of withdrawal under Clause 2.1 (and in any event no more than fourteen (14) days after receiving such notice) refund to the Student:

  • the entire amount of the Tuition (Instruction Service) Fee; and

  • the Non-Tuition Fees and/or Additional Fees*.

Withdrawal Without Cause and Refunds
Where the Student withdraws from the Course for any reason other than those set out in Clause 2.1 or Clause 6, the Aesara School shall, subject to Clause 3.4, as soon as practicable after receiving the Student’s written notice of withdrawal (and in any event no more than fourteen (14) working days after receiving such notice) refund to the Student the entire amount (100%) of the Deposit (less all such deductions which the Aesara School is entitled to make in accordance with Clause 1.8) together with the following sums (less any applicable bank administrative charges properly paid/payable under Clause 3):

% of [the aggregate amount of the Course Fees and Additional Fees paid under Clause 1.6 and 1.9]

If Student’s written notice of withdrawal is received

80%

More than 30 days before the Commencement Date

50%

Before, but not more than 1-29 days before the Commencement Date

No refund

After the Commencement Date

Deemed Withdrawal
A Student who transfers from the Course/Program to another course/Program with the Aesara School shall, for the purposes of this Clause 2, be deemed to have withdrawn from the Course/Program and the provisions of Clause 2.3 shall apply save as otherwise agreed between
Aesara School of Liberal Arts and the Student.

Return of Deposit

Subject to Clauses 2.1 and 2.2 of the Student Contract, the Deposit shall, within fourteen (14) days of the Completion Date or earlier termination of the Student's enrolment at Aesara School of Liberal Arts, be repaid in full (without interest) to the Student Provided however that Aesara School of Liberal Arts shall be entitled to deduct all or a part thereof to set off any payment the owing by the Student to Aesara School of Liberal Arts and/or to recover any monies which are properly determined by Aesara School of Liberal Arts to be due and payable to Aesara School of Liberal Arts.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Introduction

The Diploma is a 90-semester credit program awarded by AIAS - Aesara School of Liberal Arts. The Program may be completed within 24 to 36 months and is ideal for students who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree with an accredited U.S. institutions at the end of the program.

Objectives of Program

The aim of the program is to provide students with a well-rounded and well-balanced academic foundation. The emphasis of the program is to train students in the appreciation and understanding of each discipline that results in the ability to integrate knowledge into either a more specialized field of study or into the applied fields of business, science or technology.
At the end of the Program, the students will have a qualification equivalent to 90-credit semester hours. Students may proceed to take their baccalaureate degree with U.S. institutions.

Entry Requirements

Participants must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum English proficiency (using our Placement tests) or a minimum C grade in English language at the secondary level. Students with English as a second language should either have at least one semester of English at the secondary level or obtain our English certificate before application.

For those who are proceeding to a bachelor completion program with one of AIAS articulation partner universities, please check with the counselor on any additional entry requirements.

Graduation Requirement


A total of 90 semester credits including:

  • 60 semester credits of General Education and;

  • 30 semester credits in two areas of specialization or in one minor area of study. These AIAS courses may be substituted with non-AIAS courses from regionally accredited colleges (Please refer to Fee section for additional fee).
    A minimum of 21 semester credits of upper division courses.

A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A) of 2.0 and minimum “C-” in minor or specialization requirements.

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MODE OF PAYMENT

For all Service charges – payment is in either US Dollars (USD) or Singapore Dollars (SGD) in the following methods:

  • Cash Payment at the School

  • Check Payment to “Aesara School of Liberal Arts”

  • Cards - VISA/ MASTERCARD / NETS

For all Tuition fees (Program Fees) – payment is to be made in 21 days prior to program commencement.

  • BANK Account: Aesara STFA (Escrow)

  • Escrow Account Number: 003–901487–2

  • BANK Transfer to DBS BANK

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PAYMENT OF FEES

Students are advised to pay their course/tuition fees promptly before 1st of every month and the school discourages students for late payments. The fee of USD30 will be imposed if the payment is due after the 10th of every month.

Payment of Approved Refund

  • Approved refund is paid in Singapore dollars.

  • Approved refund is paid within fourteen (14) working days after receiving written notice for refund of the course or service from the student.

  • The student, upon receipt of any refund from Aesara School of Liberal Arts, agrees that the refund amount is final, the student's request for refund of the course or service fees is fully settled and the student shall cease to pursue any further claims from Aesara School of Liberal Arts for any other refund of the said course or service fees. 

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Student Support Services at Aesara School of Liberal Arts are being managed by our International Students Liaison Office. Services provided include:

Orientation Programme

An orientation programme is conducted for all international students and this includes campus and city tours, advice on practical issues such as banking, shopping, transport, cultural adjustment, meeting with other new and senior international students, and study skills advice on academic matters.

On-Going Support

This office complements the academic program of studies as part of the School’s overall educational experience through development of, exposure to, and participation in social, cultural, intellectual, recreational and governance programs. It encourages such things as positive and realistic self-appraisal, intellectual development, making appropriate personal and occupational choices, clarification of values, the ability to relate meaningfully with others, the capacity to engage in a personally satisfying and effective style of living, the capacity to appreciate cultural and ethnic differences, and the capacity to work independently and interdependently.
Enrolled students will be instructed by the Orientation Officer of the Alliance. This one-day program will highlight the above points, and will include the School policies, program outlines, E-Learning Portal, procedures and academic support services of the School.

  • Welfare support provided by Student Counselors;

  • Assistance with student's pass application;

  • Professional counseling for students experiencing personal difficulties that are affecting their studies;

  • Social programmes including day trips to places of interest, sporting events and other outings; and

  • Range of learning support services including remedial classes, if any.

Complaint Procedures

The Aesara School is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment for all students, faculty and staff that is fair, humane and responsible - an environment which supports, nurtures, and rewards career and educational advancement on the basis of ability and performance.

If the student feels he/she has been unfairly treated or inappropriately handled, the School has established grievance procedures for students, faculty and staff.

The student should first submit a letter of complaint through the E-Learning Portal. The School will first attempt to resolve the problem through telephone discussion, email or letters within the seven (7) days after receiving the complaint.

Should this informal measure fail or remain unsolved after seven days, a meeting will be arranged and hearings will be conducted in private. Admission of any person to the hearing shall include the student seeking redress, and any other person(s) at the discretion of the supervisor of the School. The person who presides at meetings, the Chairperson, shall see that parties involved are given a fair and impartial hearing. The meeting shall proceed in good faith to make a timely and objective determination of whether or not a valid grievance exists. If the Chairperson determines that a valid grievance exists it shall record the date of decision and its recommendations within 30 days. The decision of the Panel is final. The student will be notified formally within 7 calendar days of the decision.

Should student be unsatisfied with the outcome, he/she shall present the grievance to the Singapore CASE Mediation Center for mediation prior to instituting any legal action or proceedings.

All documentation will be filed appropriately.

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NON-DISCRIMINATION

Aesara admits academically qualified individuals without regard to sex, age, and race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, or disability, to all rights, privileges, programs and opportunities generally available to all students at Aesara.

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