International Students
Saint Joseph’s College is an ideal learning environment for international
students. Our 350-acre campus on Sebago Lake offers a dynamic atmosphere
of cross-cultural course work and numerous extracurricular activities
that foster understanding of the world community. We believe the College
community benefits from interaction among different cultures and societies.
By offering a cross-cultural curriculum, promoting study abroad, and
encouraging enrollment of international students, the College fosters
the students’ awareness of global citizenship.
International Admission Guidelines
Admission requirements for English-speaking international students will follow the same procedure as domestic students.
For international students from non-English speaking countries, we require that students take the TOEFL exam. Minimum scores required on the TOEFL are at or above the 50th percentile on the paper-based and computer-based exams. Students may also take the SAT or ACT, but the TOEFL is preferred.
In evaluating an international student’s application, we:
- rely heavily on the student’s transcript and performance over his or her academic career
- review the student’s essay,recommendations (from a teacher and a college counselor) and commitment to his or her community.
In terms of the transcript, we want to see a college preparatory program throughout his or her secondary education. We recommend international students have a minimum GPA of 2.6 (on a 4.0 scale) in core courses, which is between a B and B- average. Core courses consist of science, math, social studies, and first-language courses.
Documents (such as your transcript) in a language other than English should be accompanied by certified English translations. Translations can be done through World Education Services. For more information visit their site www.wes.org.
Admission Checklist
- Complete the Common Application ($40.00 application fee).
- Submit original Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if English is your second language. Submit SAT or ACT scores if English is your first language.
- Official high school transcripts/college transcript: Your translated transcript must contain the subjects that you studied and the marks or grades received.
- Official bank statements verifying the availability of funds. This must be either a bank statement or a credit reference from a bank indicating a specific dollar amount in the account, or a statement verifying the minimum of the college costs.
- I-901 Form: Once above documentation is received and the student is accepted, only then will Saint Joseph’s College process the student visa. When students receive their I-20 Student Visa, they will be required to complete the I-901 form. Please refer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Web site to complete the form online. After completing the form, students must pay the I-901 Fee, and be sure to print a receipt. Students need this receipt to enter the United States. Go to www.ici.gov/sevis for more information about your student visas.
International Financial Resources
International Education Financial Aid:
www.iefa.com
Fast Web scholar:
www.fastweb.com
Student Awards:
www.studentawards.com
International Student:
www.internationalstudent.com
International Scholarships:
www.internationalscholarships.com
Fulbright State Scholarship:
exchanges.state.gov/education/ fulbright/nonusflb.htm
Scholarship Expert:
www.scholarshipexperts.com
International Student Loans:
www.internationalstudentloan.com
Signature Loan:
www.salliemae.com
Canadian Student Aid
The CanHelp Loan: (781) 843-5334 and 1-888-296-4332
Provincial Loans:
www.sdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
www.canlearn.ca/NSLSC/support/contact/nlconus.cfm
Nova Scotia:
http://studentloans.ednet.ns.ca/related.shtml
British Columbia:
http://www.bcslservicebureau.com/links.html
1-800-O CANADA (1-800-622-6232)
Canadian Financial Institutions:
www.canlearn.ca/NSLSC/tools/general/financial_institutions/nlfinins.cfm
Japanese Students
Hagiwara Scholarship:
www.free-4u.com/hagiwara.htm
European Students
American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF):
www.amscan.org/about.html
www.sweamfo.se