International
Student FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
In light of
the tragic events of September 11, 2001, many immigration
policy changes have occurred. If you are currently an international
student who is enrolled at American University, please check
out how these policy changes may have affected you.
To learn more about applying to U.S. colleges in general and
getting settled in at American University specifically, check
our Office of International
Student Services.
What are the academic admission requirements? A 3.0 GPA
on all previous course work and a minimum of 600 on the paper
based TOEFL, 250 on the computer based TOEFL, or 100 on the internet based TOEFL. The GRE is
required for the MA in TESOL.
What
if I don't have at least a 600 on the paper based TOEFL,
250 on the computer based TOEFL, or 100 on the internet based TOEFL? All students must demonstrate
proficiency in English; therefore, the University holds to
its standards that are stated above.
What
documents are required to get my I-20 and my visa?
For the I-20:
- Your completed AU application
form with statement of purpose and two recommendation
letters
- A completed Personal Immigration
Information Request Form (PIIRF)
- Official copies of your
college transcripts sent directly from your college or
university
- Official copies of your
TOEFL score
- Financial documents demonstrating
availability of funds for at least one year (equal to
$39, 808)
For the F-1 visa
(NOTE: Please check with the US Embassy that services your
country. Every embassy has different visa application procedures;
many are now requiring appointments for visa processing. Please
check the US Embassies website for complete information on obtaining a visa.)
- Valid I-20 or IAP-66
- ISS travel signature on
your I-20 or IAP-66 that covers the period you will travel
and return to the US
- Valid passport
- Financial documents for
at least one academic year, date within the last three
months
- Official university transcripts
including pre-registration for the Fall semester
- Due to changes in INS policy,
applicants to the TESOL Certificate Program, like students
applying to Master's programs, must provide a statement
of motivation. The statement of motivation should
generally be two to three pages in length.
NOTE: We in the
TESOL Program are not immigration specialists. Get the definitive
information on this topic from our International
Student Services Office.
What are the steps in
the application process?
(1) Complete the application form, providing a statement of
purpose and recommendation letters as required. The application
fee must be paid before your application can be processed.
(Note: in the past four years, the AU TESOL Program has never
waived a tuition fee). Include the necessary immigration/visa
documents (see above).
(2) Your application is scanned into the University computer
systems, your GPA is evaluated by professionals, and your
application is verified to ensure all necessary documentation
is included.
(3) Once your application is verified complete, it is forwarded
to the academic unit where faculty decide if they feel you
should be admitted to their particular program. Typically,
they make a decision in two to three days.
(4) Once the academic unit has made its decision, a letter
is sent by mail informing you of that decision. You will either
be offered or denied admission. If you are denied admission
you cannot be reconsidered for one academic year.
(5) If an Offer of Admission letter is sent to you, you
must respond by accepting the offer to receive your I-20.
(6) Once you have your I-20, you can make an appointment with
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to be granted
your F-1 visa.
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