Frequently Asked Questions
How can you offer such a large discount while still
providing world-class instructors and top-quality
courseware?
We simply have less overhead than our competitors. We have no
layers of training management to support, no costly facilities,
classes are held local to our instructors' residences and we use
top-quality purchased courseware rather than costly in-house
printing systems.
Where do you currently offer classes?
Our classes are currently available as described on this site in
the US, Canada,Caribbean and Central America as on-site
classes with a minimum of 4 students.
Please use the Contact Us page to request a custom quote for on-
site classes with more than 4 students in the areas mentioned
above or for on-site classes in other parts of the world.
During the winter months of 2008 we will offer classes in the city
of Playas Del Coco, in the NW province of Costa Rica called
Guanacaste.
During the spring of 2008 we will offer classes in the Atlanta, Ga.
area.
Why did you choose Costa Rica as a location for
winter classes?
Costa Rica has a climate of eternal spring (70-80 degrees
Fahrenheit on most days of the year). This tropical country has
some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world and it is
located just a short plane flight from most major US cities. Our
founder and primary Linux instructor lives here during the winter
so the classes are located near his property there. After all why
shouldn't we choose to have class in paradise?
What do the class fees of $1250 US cover?
The class fee covers the 5 day class tuition, use of all classroom
equipment, top-quality custom courseware, free lifetime support
from the instructor and of course world-class instruction from the
best instructors in the world.
Why are all the class fees $1250 US?
All classes are 5 days in length. This is the price to cover all costs
associated with the course and still provide a quality training
experience during these 5 days.
What if I don't want to make my own travel and or
lodging arrangements for class?
We can provide you a quote for air and hotel package if you wish.
Please use the Contact Us page to inform us of this fact when you
request your class reservation. We will calculate air and/or
housing package costs and inform you of the additional class fee
to send in. (Note: we are not in the travel business and as such
have no markup on the travel arrangements we offer.
Can my significant other travel with me?
Yes. We encourage students to bring their partner with them while
travelling to our classes. Please inform us using the Contact Us
page if you wish us to make arrangements for your partner to
travel with you if you ask for a quote when you make your
reservation. We will calculate the additional costs and inform you
of the recalculated fee for the course.
How can I pay for my class?
Mail a check or money order made payable to Host International
Services or use our Paypal account to pay the invoice we will send
via email.
How can I reserve a place in a particular class?
First contact us via the Contact Us page letting us know of your
desired class and dates. This will hold a place in the class until
your payment has time to arrive. All payment for class must be
received NLT 30 days prior to the class start date to secure a
place in the class. If contacting us within 30 days of the class we
will advise you whether space is available and then will hold your
place for 1 week until payment has time to be received. We
purchase tickets for our students between the second and third
week before class.
Are meals covered in the class fees?
No. In Costa Rica however, breakfast is usually provided by your
hotel. Other meals are the student's responsibility.
When and where are we housed during our class?
All classes run Monday through Friday, so students arrive the day
before at the airport and are transferred to their hotel for a Sunday
through Thursday night stay. The length of stay may vary if extra
curricular excursions are selected in conjunction with the class. At
present we only use hotels for student housing but this is open to
change if appropriate alternate housing in residential dwellings
makes sense. In such a scenario students would have lockable
bedrooms and private baths in an apartment or bed and breakfast
setting. Inquire when reserving your place in class if this is of
interest to you.
What extra curricular activities are available for an
extended stay?
The extra curricular activities vary by city hosting the class. In
Atlanta, GA extracurricular activities include trips to the theatre,
ballet, concerts, and sporting events. In Costa Rica extracurricular
activities include horseback riding on a beach or in the depths of
a tropical forest, overnight visit to observe an active volcano and
bathe in hot thermal springs, a day at one of the world's most
famous beaches in Manuel Antonio, cable rides through the
tropical canopy (tree-tops), helicopter or plane rides to view this
beautiful country from the air, and dental or medical visits to take
advantage of Costa Rica's growing medical tourism trade (dental
and medical prices are approximately 35-45% of those charges in
the US).
How can I cancel in the event of an emergency?
If you need to cancel please use the Contact Us page to notify us
as soon as you know you cannot attend the scheduled class. If
the cancellation is prior to 30 days before class. All fees paid to
date will be refunded by company check within 2 weeks of
notification date (less any fees associated with receipt of payment
i.e. PayPal fees). If the cancellation takes place within 30 days of
the class date but before the air tickets have purchased (if we are
purchasing them) we will determine whether the cancellation will
necessitate cancellation of the class. If your cancellation will have
no effect on the class operation you will receive a full refund as if
the cancellation had taken place 30 days or prior to the class start
date as mentioned above. If however your cancellation will mean
the cancellation of the class then your refund will consist of the
transportation and housing fee only (less any charges for their
cancellation by the air carrier or travel service providing the
package). The remainder of the fee will be applied as prepaid
tuition allowing you to attend any class at any time in the future
provided the class is confirmed and there is space available. If
you wish us to make your travel and housing reservations at the
time you do attend class we will inform you of the transportation
and housing fee at that time.
Can we get a volume discount by sending more
than one student to the same class?
Our low everyday prices preclude discounts at public courses. For
classes held at your location a minimum of 4 students must
enroll at the normal tuition rate for us to come to your location.
Use the Contact Us page and request a quote for an on-site class
where more than 4 students will be attending.
What is the normal class size?
Currently our normal class size runs 4-6 students providing
excellent individual attention for each student. When we start our
programs in partnership with nationally recognized universities
the class size is expected to increase slightly.
Can we bring our own computers to class?
Yes. You may bring the computer you want to use to class with
you. We cannot guarantee it will be compatible with the Linux
version we will be using so you will also have our computer
available for instructional purposes if necessary.
How does a non-profit organization submit
information on financially disadvantaged students
for scholarship consideration in the empty seats
within your class?
Submit your organization's contact person info along with the
reason your organization is sponsoring this individual for a
scholarship through our Contact Us page. We will send a form to
complete an application for the scholarship sponsored by your
organization. When approved, the scholarship will provide a seat
in a class and the course materials for the class. Your
organization and/or the individual student would need to provide
transportation and lodging expenses associated with the class.
How should we contact you with questions?
See Contact Us page.