Lori Meadows
International students at Penn State Behrend have access to a range of support services, including help with documentation, visas, and tutoring. Prospective students need to meet certain requirements, including English language proficiency, and obtaining an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Additionally, international students are mandated to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and are encouraged to reside on campus during their first year to foster a sense of community and ease of transportation during winter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Number of International Students | 150+ from 43 countries |
| Support Services | International Student Services office, English Language Study Center, tutoring, mentor programs |
| Transportation | Public bus system in Erie is free for students |
| Housing | Off-campus housing options available, on-campus housing available |
| Application Requirements | TOEFL score of 80 (IBT exam), 550 (paper-based exam), or 213 (computer-based exam); minimum of 19 on the Speaking Skills section of the Internet-based exam; IELTS minimum score is 6.5; transcripts/marksheets and diplomas from any institutions attended |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements: F-1 or J-1 student visa
International students at Penn State Behrend come from 43 countries, and the college offers various services to help students with their applications and visas.
International students at Penn State Behrend will typically need to obtain either an F-1 or a J-1 student visa. To do so, they must first be accepted to study at the college. Once accepted, students will need to provide evidence of their financial ability to support themselves during their studies. This can include bank statements, financial aid awards, or other documents as specified by the college.
In addition, students will need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be done by providing test scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Testing System) exams. The minimum TOEFL score required is 80 for the IBT exam, 550 for the paper-based exam, or 213 for the computer-based exam. A minimum score of 19 is required on the Speaking Skills section of the internet-based exam. For the IELTS, the minimum score is 6.5.
International students must also submit their immunization records and transcripts/mark sheets from any previous institutions attended. These documents must be original or attested copies certified by the issuing institution and must include all degree certificates conferred.
Once all the required documentation has been submitted and the student's application has been processed, Penn State Behrend will issue the necessary paperwork for the student to obtain their F-1 or J-1 visa. The college will provide guidance and support throughout this process, ensuring that students meet all the necessary requirements for their visa application.
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English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS scores or waiver eligibility
International students applying to Penn State Behrend who do not speak English as their first language are required to take either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Testing System). The TOEFL has different formats: an Internet-based exam (IBT), a paper-based exam, and a computer-based exam. For the IBT exam, a score of 80 is required, with a minimum of 19 needed on the Speaking Skills section. For the paper-based exam, a score of 550 is required, while for the computer-based exam, a score of 213 is necessary. Alternatively, for the IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required.
These scores are mandatory for admission to the Fox Graduate School at Penn State Behrend. Applicants cannot be considered for admission unless they meet these minimum requirements.
However, Penn State Behrend offers support for students who need to improve their English language skills. The English Language Study Center provides assistance and tutoring to international students. Additionally, the BEAM (Behrend ESL Alliance of Mentors) program offers students learning English the opportunity to be paired with a native or high-level English speaker. Through this mentorship program, mentees can gain valuable insights and practices to enhance their English language proficiency.
International students at Penn State Behrend can benefit from these resources to meet the required English proficiency scores for their graduate studies. It is important to note that the university does not offer an Intensive English Communication program, so achieving the minimum English language test scores is crucial for admission.
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Health insurance: Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Health insurance is a requirement for international students at Penn State Behrend. The university offers a Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to cater to the health insurance needs of its international students.
The International Student Services office at Penn State Behrend provides support and information to all international students. It also plans social and educational events throughout the year. International students can approach this office for any queries regarding health insurance.
International students at Penn State Behrend are also required to submit their immunization records. The Submission Requirements page of the University Health Services website provides instructions on how to submit these records.
International students who require an I-20 visa should submit a complete application by mid-February for fall admission to the Clinical Psychology program. For the Master of Business Administration program, international students with an I-20 visa or a work visa can apply.
Additionally, Penn State Behrend offers the English Language Study Center and tutoring services for international students who need support with the English language.
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Housing: On-campus housing for first-year students
On-campus housing is available for first-year students at Penn State Behrend. The university offers a variety of living arrangements, including traditional residence halls, eight-person and four-person suites, and four-person apartments. There is also special housing available for honours students, as well as Living Learning Communities, such as Engineering House, Global Boarders, Heartbeat House, and Honors House. These communities bring together students with common interests and goals, allowing them to explore specific themes and enhance their overall experience.
Nearly half of Penn State Behrend's students live in on-campus residence halls or apartments. The university strives to make the transition to campus life as smooth as possible for its nearly 1,900 students living on campus. To support this transition, a strong residence life program is in place, which organises residence hall activities and programs.
First-year students at Penn State Behrend can indicate their housing preferences, with the university housing accommodating custom arrival and departure dates. The LiveOn Student Success Grant program is also available, providing recipients with approximately $12,000 across four years to help with the cost of campus room and board.
For international students, it is important to note that the United Healthcare insurance policy is mandatory for those located inside the United States. The cost of health insurance will be automatically added to the semester bill and can be paid together with tuition, fees, and housing.
While off-campus housing options are available, most of them require a car or other transportation to campus. Two apartment complexes within walking distance to campus are the University Gate Apartments and Hudson Lofts.
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Support services: English Language Study Center, tutoring, and BEAM mentorship
Penn State Behrend offers a range of support services to help international students transition smoothly into academic and campus life. These services are designed to address the unique needs of students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
English Language Study Center
The English Language Study Center is a dedicated resource for international students who seek assistance with the English language. The center offers comprehensive support to help students develop their English language skills and adapt to the academic requirements of university life in an English-speaking environment.
Tutoring
Penn State Behrend also provides tutoring services to support international students in their academic pursuits. Tutoring is available across various subjects, ensuring that students can access the academic help they need to succeed in their chosen fields of study.
BEAM Mentorship
The BEAM (Behrend ESL Alliance of Mentors) program is a unique mentorship opportunity for students learning English. It pairs students with native or high-level English speakers, fostering a mentor-mentee relationship that benefits both parties. The mentors share their experiences and effective practices for improving English language skills, including pronunciation, idioms, and cultural insights. This program creates a supportive environment for international students to enhance their language proficiency and cultural understanding.
In addition to these academic support services, Penn State Behrend's International Student Services office provides a range of resources and organizes social and educational events throughout the year. The office serves as a home away from home for international students, offering support and information to ease their transition to life in the United States.
With these comprehensive support services, Penn State Behrend demonstrates its commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for international students, ensuring they have the necessary tools for academic success and a holistic university experience.
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Frequently asked questions
To be a full-time international student in the United States, you will need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa. For an F-1 visa, you must first obtain an I-20 document and attend a visa interview. For a J-1 visa, you will need to request a DS-2019.
International students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Testing System) exam. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 (IBT exam), 550 (paper-based exam), or 213 (computer-based exam) is required, with a minimum of 19 on the Speaking Skills section of the Internet-based exam. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. International applicants who obtained a degree from an English-speaking country are exempt from this requirement.
Behrend College offers a range of support services for international students, including the English Language Study Center, tutoring, and the BEAM (Behrend ESL Alliance of Mentors) Program, which pairs students learning English with native or high-level English speakers. The college also offers health insurance (SHIP) and assistance with visa applications.
