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| International Students Most Frequently Asked Questions |
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- Can an F-1 student pay resident fees after residing in the United States for one year?
An International Student is not eligible to pay resident fees.
- Does San Bernardino Valley College have an International Students' Club?
Yes! The purpose of the club is to initiate social and cultural activities among students including domestic and international students.
- Are F-1 students eligible for Financial Aid or scholarships?
Students on any visa category are not eligible for U.S. Federal or California State financial aid programs. F-1 students will have access to funding sources available through the United States Department of State International Information Programs or the Educational Advising Center designated by the American Embassy in your country. For more information please refer to the comprehensive internet guide: www.finaid.org.
F-1 students are eligible to compete for scholarships available on campus. These scholarships are offered through the Scholarships and Awards Office in the Campus Center, Room 205.
- How about living expenses and housing options?
San Bernardino Valley College does not offer on-campus housing or dormitories. Students may find a variety of off-campus apartments and housing for rent in the local area. Total living expenses for one academic year (10 months) are estimated at $11,500 which includes rent, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
- What are the tuition and fees for International Students?
The International Application processing fee is $25 U.S. dollars. To register for classes, international students pay the non-resident tuition rate of $186 per unit. Most classes are three units of credit and international students are required to enroll and complete 12 units per semester. Full time international students can expect to pay approximately $3,000.00 per semester for tuition, fees, books and supplies, or $6,000.00 per academic year. An academic year is two semesters (fall and spring) and attendance in summer is optional, unless your first term in attendance is the summer term.
- What kind of tourist attractions are near San Bernardino Valley College?
San Bernardino Valley College is centrally located with convenient access to Los Angeles, Disneyland, the beaches, mountains, and deserts.
- What does an F-1 student have to do before leaving the United States?
Before leaving the United States, check with the International Student Office. The International Counselor will sign page three of the I-20 before traveling. This signature is valid for 6 months. Please obtain this signature at least 6 weeks before planning to travel. Students who are a part of the Special Registration process must check in and out of the country when they travel through the Tom Bradley Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.
- What documents does an international student need to re-enter the United States after traveling out of the country?
- Valid Passport
- Valid U.S. Visa
- Valid form I-20 (signed on page three)
- Current proof of financial eligibility
- Any special programs?
Our Honors Program provides an enriched collegiate experience for highly motivated students. Honors students expand their intellectual capacity through challenging coursework. The Honors Program provides both an academic and cultural environment that enhances critical thinking through close working relationships with distinguished faculty. Honors students are prepared for transfer through a unique educational experience.
- Does SBVC offer an Intensive English/ESL Program?
San Bernardino Valley College does not have an Intensive English/ESL program. Students needing an Intensive English/ESL program will be referred to local language training programs. California State University, San Bernardino has an American Culture & Language Program. You may obtain information regarding this program at http://iep.csusb.edu/. University of California, Riverside provides International Education Programs. You may obtain information regarding this program at http://www.iep.ucr.edu/index.html.
- Tell me about the Valley College faculty.
San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) professors focus on teaching and instruction rather than research. They are accessible, dedicated and able to provide personalized attention. All SBVC full time faculty hold either master's or doctoral degrees in their chosen fields and disciplines.
- How large are classes?
The average class size is 25 students.
- Are there extracurricular activities?
There are social, academic, athletic, career clubs and organizations available for students to join, in addition to the Student Government Associated Students Program. Information about this program is available at www.valleycollege.edu/Student_Government/Associated_Students/index.php. There are also many multicultural student groups such as the International Students' Club. The SBVC clubs are housed through the Student Life department and information can be obtained at www.valleycollege.edu/Student_Life/index.php.
- Can International Students qualify for employment?
International students are permitted to work on-campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term. During summer breaks and holidays, students may work full-time on campus if the campus allows full-time employment.
An F-1 student cannot work off campus unless he/she has completed at least one year of academic coursework. There are two options to be able to work off campus.
The student must prove economic hardship which means the student must prove financial problems caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that affects his/her ability to pay for school. Paperwork must be completed with the International Student Counselor and submitted to USCIS. The student may work for up to one year after he/she completes his/her academic program. This is called Optional Practical Training and the student must work in employment related to his/her major. Paperwork must be completed with the International Student Counselor and submitted to USCIS.
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