International Student Affairs
The Office of International Student Affairs provides comprehensive support services for international students to enroll at the college, and to enable positive academic and cultural experiences during their stay. Trained professional staff provide personalized attention to the unique concerns and needs of international students.
International students are defined as any individual admitted into the U.S. on an F-1 student visa or students issued the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility approved for study at Moraine Valley Community College.
International students are expected to comply with federal laws and regulations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements while enrolled at the college.
Application — To apply, the following must be submitted:
- Completed international student application form
- Official, certified copies of secondary high school and post-secondary school records, translated into English. The records must indicate completion of secondary education or the equivalent.
- Evidence of sufficient financial support, including the financial sponsor affidavit of support and original bank letter dated within the last six months
- $25 nonrefundable application fee
- One recent passport-size photograph
To be eligible to apply, international students must be at least 16 years of age and have completed high school by the start date of orientation.
Transfer students must also submit a copy of the Form I-20 issued by the transfer school, transfer eligibility form, official transcript or a letter stating the student’s dates of attendance, and photocopy of passport and I-94 arrival/departure card.
English Testing — All international students are comprehensively tested in English Language reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and competency, and placed in Intensive English Language Program classes or in regular degree program classes according to test results. A TOEFL exam score is not required for admission to Moraine Valley.
International students who choose to take the TOEFL exam may qualify for an exemption to the English placement test. To qualify for an English placement test exemption, international students must submit an official TOEFL score report showing the minimum score of 525 (written test) or 197 (computer-based test), 71 (Internet-based test) or an IELTS exam score of 5.5 or above to the Office of International Student Affairs. Scores are valid for two years from student application date.
Additional tests may be accepted. For current policies, see morainevalley.edu/international.
Admission — International students are individually assessed for admission eligibility. Upon approval of the application and documents, the college may issue the SEVIS Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. Applicants apply for the F-1 student visa with the Form I-20 at the nearest United States embassy or consulate in the home country.
International students must enroll full-time in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Summer enrollment is optional. (708) 974-5443 , fax (708) 974-8443 morainevalley.edu/international
Summer Admission — International students who attend other colleges may enroll as summer guest students at Moraine Valley. A copy of the Form I-20 from the current school must be submitted and verification of student status before registration is permitted.
Foreign Residents — Foreign nationals temporarily residing in the U.S. may be required to apply and be approved for a change of visa status to enroll in the college as a regular full-time student. Other foreign nationals who wish to enroll at the college may be required to provide passport and visa information before registration. Foreign residents are required to pay international tuition rates for credit classes.
Foreign Transfer of Credit — International students who have studied at a university-level institution in their home country may wish to apply for course credits to be transferred to Moraine Valley. In order to obtain foreign education transfer credit, international and foreign resident students must pay for and apply for a credit evaluation service performed by a private credit evaluation agency. For more specific information on credential evaluation agencies and transfer of foreign education credits to Moraine Valley, please contact the Office of International Student Affairs Office or visit morainevalley.edu/international
Intensive English Language Program (IELP) — This special academic program is designed to serve students whose native language is not English and who are interested in improving their English skills in order to enroll in regular academic courses at the college. Potential students must possess basic academic English language processing skills that allow for sufficient classroom communication and an understanding of materials. Three levels of English instruction are offered, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses in grammar, reading, speech, and writing. Students in intermediate or advanced levels of IELP or who successfully complete IELP advanced levels may enroll directly in degree program courses.
International Student Orientation Program — All new international students at Moraine Valley are required to attend the International Student Orientation Program. This program is scheduled the week before classes begin and helps international students become familiar with the campus, college procedures and the local community. Orientation includes English assessment, academic advising, class selection, registration, and scheduling. Orientation also provides practical information about housing, shopping, transportation, banking, social customs, and other topics helpful to daily living in the United States.
Academic Support — International students receive individual attention from professional staff to review progress in their classes. Also, the Academic Skills Center provides free tutoring in reading, English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, accounting, and bookkeeping. Tutoring is free to all students.
Advising and Counseling — Full-time counseling and advising services are offered for international students. Students are provided assistance with visa immigration issues, educational planning, course selection, academic progress, university transfer, housing, cross-cultural adjustment, and personal concerns.
Housing/Host Home Program — Airport arrival assistance and housing assistance services are provided to all new international students. Currently, the housing options available include living with a host family for a monthly fee through the Host Home Program or renting an apartment in the community. The Host Home Program offers students the opportunity to live with a local family and enjoy the convenience of a home while practicing English with their hosts. The international student housing specialist will assist international students with housing prior to arrival and while enrolled. Students may request housing assistance when applying for admission.
Immigration Compliance — International students admitted to the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, or approved for legal student status, are responsible to understand and comply with federal immigration regulations for students, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) procedures. Regulations include maintaining full-time enrollment during the regular academic year; maintaining a valid passport and valid Form I-20; not engaging in unauthorized employment; and following procedures for transfer, employment, practical training, and other events and benefits. The college’s Designated School Officials, responsible for institutional compliance with SEVIS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, report on and monitor compliance with these regulations, and provide advice and assistance to students.
Medical Insurance Requirement — International students are required to purchase medical insurance while enrolled at Moraine Valley. A group insurance plan is available upon enrollment that provides emergency medical and hospitalization coverage. Students who prove that they have purchased their own equivalent insurance may request a waiver from the group insurance plan and the associated fee. The group medical insurance does not cover the cost of care and treatment of pre-existing physical or mental conditions, dental services, preventive health care, and has other limitations. Therefore, international students should be in good health when traveling to the United States for study. Students also are advised to consider purchasing more comprehensive additional medical insurance to increase their total coverage. A copy of the current annual medical insurance policy is available in the Office of International Student Affairs.
International students with pre-existing medical conditions that may prevent them from obtaining adequate medical care under the group insurance policy may be required to provide proof of their own medical insurance prior to enrollment. Failure to provide such proof if requested by college officials may warrant a denial of admission.
Social Activities — The International Student Affairs Office sponsors social activities and events for international students. These activities create opportunities for international students to make new friends, visit cultural institutions, learn about the United States and share their culture with local students. International students also may participate in the international student organizations and other student clubs and events on campus, such as theater productions, student government and sports. The International Student Ambassadors Program offers leadership opportunities to better prepare students for university transfer and career preparation. The International/U.S. Conversation Partners Program pairs international and U.S. students for conversation and English practice. The office also offers trips, events and cultural activities for students to socialize, build new friendships, and increase international understanding and awareness.
Standards of Academic Progress — International students must make normal progress toward completing a course of study as required by U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations. The college has established Standards of Academic Progress for students to comply with this requirement and to provide assistance to students who experience academic difficulty.
Tuition — Tuition for international students is $327 (for fall 2015) plus $17 in fees per credit hour and is subject to change. There also may be individual course fees. There is a $3 fee for the student I.D. All tuition and fees for international students must be paid in full (cash, bank wire transfer, certified check, credit card, or personal check drawn on a U.S. bank) by the end of the first week of classes. The college’s tuition payment plans are available. International students are not eligible for federal financial assistance. For current information, see morainevalley.edu/international or visit the office of International Student Affairs in Room S217, or email internationaladmissions@morainevalley.edu.