Anna Gao
学术顾问兼国际学生招生专员
AF国际语言学校

Zihan Gao is an Academic Advisor and International Student Admissions Specialist with over 10 years of experience guiding F‑1 students through English language programs, I‑20 issuance, and university transfer pathways. She focuses on making admissions and visa steps simple while providing the academic and cultural support students need to succeed.

Areas of Expertise

    • F-1 Visa & I-20 Guidance
    • International Student Enrollment & Orientation
    • ESL Pathways for University Transfer
    • Academic & Cultural Adjustment Support
Perfect place to enjoy learning English without a stress. Joe makes you confident that you can practice talking to others and also visit great sightseeing locations while you stay there. I love LA and wish to visit this place again! Thank you!
Nicola JonesFormer Student
Nicola Jones
Very good language college. It’s not big and it has nice and very patient teachers. I like how they teach and care for every student! I like their potlucks and how it feels like a family.
Nicola JonesFormer Student
Nicola Jones
Thanks to Zihan’s guidance, I never felt lost in the F-1 visa process. I received my I-20 quickly, my English improved faster than I expected, and I’m now studying business at my dream university.
Ahmed HassanStudent from Egypt
F1 Visa Breakdown for International Students
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Posts by Anna Gao

F-1 Students Should Choose LA ESL Programs

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Why Study ESL in Los Angeles for F-1 International Students

Enrolling in an ESL program in Los Angeles does more than improve your English — it helps you build the language skills you need for...

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OPT结束后如何维持F-1身份？转学ESL项目完整指南（洛杉矶/帕萨迪纳

If Your OPT Is Ending — You Have Limited Time to Act When your OPT ends, your F-1 status does not continue automatically. Most students...

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Common ESL Communication Mistakes in Conversations And What to Do Instead

A practical guide for learners who know English but still feel off in real conversations. Not another grammar list — a breakdown of what actually...

SEVP-Certified ESL Schools in the US

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How To Find Quality SEVP-Certified ESL Schools in the US

Key TakeawaysSEVP certification is the legal minimum, not a quality guarantee. Any school on the DHS list can enroll F-1 students — that doesn’t mean...

Professional ESL Classes in Los Angeles

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Why Professional ESL Classes in Los Angeles Matter for F-1 Students

Key Takeaways1. F-1 Visa Eligibility: Only SEVP-certified ESL schools can issue the I-20 required for an F-1 visa2. Real English Skills: Learn how to communicate...

Life After ESL in Pasadena

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Life After ESL in Pasadena: Your Next Step Starts Here

You didn’t just finish ESL. You made a serious investment — in your future, your English, and your life in the United States. Now the...

Transfer Your F-1 Visa

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How to Transfer Your F-1 Visa to Another School (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 visa and considering changing schools, you are not alone. Many international students choose...

F-1 Visa Renewal and Re-Entry Rules

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Can I Travel on OPT? F-1 Visa Renewal and Re-Entry Rules

Traveling internationally while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) is possible, but OPT travel rules require careful preparation. Once you graduate and begin OPT, your F-1...

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Automatic Visa Revalidation: A Guide for F-1 Students

Many international students worry about traveling when their F-1 visa stamp has expired. Fortunately, U.S. immigration regulations allow certain students to re-enter the United States...

Pass Your F-1 Visa Interview

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How to Pass Your F-1 Visa Interview: 5 Expert Preparation Tips (2026 Guide)

At a Glance: F-1 Visa Interview Success Checklist✔ Know your school, program, and financial details without looking at notes✔ Organize your I-20, SEVIS receipt, and...

8 Proven Strategies That Actually Work

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How to Improve Communication Skills in English: 8 Proven Strategies That Actually Work (2026 Guide)

You know the grammar rules. You memorized the vocabulary. But when it’s time to speak… you still feel stuck. If you’re wondering how to improve...

Can You Change Schools Before Entering the USA on an F-1 Visa? Process, Options, and Risks

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Can You Change Schools Before Entering the USA on an F-1 Visa? Process, Options, and Risks

Yes — it is legally possible to change schools before entering the United States on an F-1 visa. However, the process is highly structured, and...

Mastering English for Business Communication

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From Fluent to Influential: Mastering English for Business Communication

Key TakeawaysMaster the 7 Cs: Apply Clear, Concise, and Concrete principles to make every message precise and actionable.Listen first: Use active verification to capture 100%...

Guide to Choosing the Right ESL Course

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Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right ESL Course

Key Takeaways Know your level: Take a quick CEFR-based test, so you avoid classes that are too easy or too hard.Match course to goal: Choose...

Navigating Life in the USA as an F-1 English Student

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Your Journey Begins: Navigating Life in the USA as an F-1 English Student

Key Takeaways: F-1 Student Life at a Glance1. Primary Purpose: Full-time English study (typically 18+ instructional hours per week)2. Legal Priority: Maintain an active SEVIS...

Which AFINT Campus is Right for You

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Pasadena City vs Thousand Oaks City: Which AFINT Campus is Right for You?

Key Takeaways 1.) Both campuses offer the same academic quality, CEA-accredited ESL programs, and SEVP-approved I-20 support.2.) Pasadena City generally allows students to live more economically...

Stressed international student in a dorm looks at the DHS student portal on a laptop.

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Step-by-Step Guide for the SEVIS Record Update Process

The Compliance Gap: You are legally required to report changes (address, employment) within 10 days of the change. Even if your DSO takes up to...

Culture Shock as an International Student

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How to Deal With Culture Shock as an International Student?

In this blog, you’ll learn: What culture shock truly means and how it impacts international students emotionally. The five stages of culture shock and how...

Best Part-Time Jobs for F-1 Students in California

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Best Part-Time Jobs for F-1 Students in California

Key Takeaway: F-1 students in California can work up to 20 hours weekly on campus or take part in CPT/OPT after a year for paid...

Best Study Spots, Cafes, and Libraries in Thousand Oaks for ESL Students

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Best Study Spots, Cafes, and Libraries in Thousand Oaks for ESL Students

In this blog, you’ll learn: The best cafes and libraries for ESL students in Thousand Oaks What makes a great study spot for language learners...

ESL Classes Los Angeles CA

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F-1 Visa Updates: Proposed Guidelines for Transfers and Staying Post-Studies in the U.S.

Key Takeaways: Why the U.S. government is proposing major changes to the F-1 visa system. What the “fixed admission period” means and how it could...

Common Reasons F1 Visas Get Rejected — and How to Avoid Them

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Common Reasons F1 Visas Get Rejected — and How to Avoid Them

F1 visa denials often stem from insufficient financial proof, unclear post-graduation plans, or failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country. Ensure complete documentation,...

Transfer Between the U.S. Schools on an F-1 Visa

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How to Transfer Between the U.S. Schools on an F-1 Visa

SUMMARY:– You must be enrolled in a SEVP-certified school and maintain valid F-1 status to get transferred to a new school in the US.– Before...

F1 Visa work restrictions

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What Are the Working Hour Restrictions for F1 Visa Holders?

Summary F1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during academic terms. Off-campus jobs require authorization through CPT, OPT, or economic hardship. Unauthorized...

F1 Student Visa

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Top 12 F1 Visa Interview Questions & Answers 

For international students planning to study in the United States, securing an F-1 visa is an important step in the journey. While receiving an admission...

F1 Visa Breakdown for International Students

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U.S. F-1 Visa Breakdown for International Students: Requirements & Application

Dreaming of studying in the U.S.? Your journey begins with this guide. At AF International School of Language in Los Angeles, we guide you through...

F-1 Visa Renewal

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F-1 Visa Renewal: What You Need to Know

If you’re an F-1 student and your visa is nearing expiration, or if you’re planning to travel outside the U.S., it’s important to understand how...

Learn to Speak English Fluently

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7 Essentials to Do Every Day for Speaking English Fluently

Imagine visiting a local store and facing difficulty communicating the basic needs. That could be an embarrassing situation to behold. Did you know that more...

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Understanding the I-20 Form and Its Importance

The I-20 form is a critical document for international students pursuing education in the United States. Issued by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified...