Please read the International Application for specific information found on the Quincy College International Student Services page.
Evidence of English proficiency is required for all international students whose native language is not English. If applicants are already in the U.S., they can demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Quincy College Placement Test instead of the TOEFL or IELTS. Students who cannot take the Quincy College Placement Test must take the TOEFL, and obtain at least 423 on the written test, 113 on the computer-based, and 38 total IBT. Alternatively, students might take the IELTS and obtain a score of at least 4.5.
For more information on the TOEFL visit http://www.toefl.org/. For more information on the IELTS visit http://www.ielts.org/.
We estimate that it will cost approximately $21,100 per academic year (nine months) for an international student to attend QC, which includes living expenses as well as tuition and fees.
QC does not provide any on-campus housing. However, the International Office maintains resource information about housing in the Boston area. Housing in Boston is very expensive. Be prepared to pay between $1000-$2500 per month for adequate housing. These prices often do not include utilities and are based on the assumption that you will have a roommate. One way to immerse yourself in the American culture is to live with an American host family. You can apply by contacting Global Immersions at globalimmersions.com/hs_overview.html.
It is a state law that all full-time students must submit proof that they have been properly immunized. You will have to obtain all required immunizations and/or to show proof that you have all of the necessary immunizations.
The I-20 form. The I-20 is required for all students on a F-1 student visa, and it is the document that enables students outside of the U.S. to apply for a student (F-1) visa. Submit the completed I-20 application form, the affidavit of support form and a financial statement that proves that a minimum of $21,100 in U.S. dollars is available to support your study in the U.S. If you are already in the U.S., you should also submit a copy of your U.S. visa (the stamp in your passport) and I-94. The International Office will then issue the I-20.
Make an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is strongly recommended that you go to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship. During the interview, submit your passport, your I-20 form, the affidavit of support from your sponsor and your financial documentation, which should demonstrate you and your family’s strong “ties to the home country.” You should also submit the letter of admission from QC and the Profile of QC. Be prepared to answer questions about your reasons for study. Make an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is strongly recommended that you go to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship. During the interview, submit your passport, your I-20 form, the affidavit of support from your sponsor and your financial documentation, which should demonstrate you and your family’s strong “ties to the home country.” You should also submit the letter of admission from QC and the Profile of QC. Be prepared to answer questions about your reasons for studying in the U.S. and your plans to return home after you complete your studies. If your documents are in order and your responses to questions meet the interviewer’s expectations, you will be issued a visa in your passport.
Try to find out why you were denied so that you can address the interviewer’s concerns and apply again. If you are missing some documentation, you can obtain it and apply again.
Most students who are denied are denied for one of two reasons:
1) they can’t describe why they selected the college and the program of study that they did; and 2) they can’t give evidence of the fact that they intend to return to their home countries upon completion of their program of study. Be prepared to answer questions of this type, and take whatever evidence you have that supports your case. If you are denied, contact the International Student advisors for advice and assistance.
You can’t. A visa waiver is given to citizens of particular countries so that they do not have to apply for a visa. Therefore, when you have a waiver you have no visa, and you cannot change a visa if you do not have one. There are no alternatives available to you except to leave the U.S. before the expiration date on your visa waiver, and apply for a student visa from your home country.
Talk to an International Office advisor and get his/her signature on your I-20 form. Check whether you need a new F-1 visa to return to the U.S. You may need to fill out some other forms, too, depending on the nature of your emergency and when you plan to return.
Confirm that your visa in your passport is still valid. Ask an International Student advisor to sign your I-20 form.
Don’t worry. The visa stamped in your passport is an entry visa, and need only be valid for entry into the U.S. You can remain in the U.S. legally as long as your passport is valid, as long as you are continuing to make good progress toward your degree, and as long as the date indicated as your expected completion date on your I-20 has not passed. However, the next time you choose to leave the U.S., you will need to go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a new entry visa.
Class for the fall semester start in early September. Spring classes start in mid-January. Summer classes start in June. Try to arrive in Boston at least two weeks before classes begin to get oriented, find housing, take the QC placement test and get registered.
If you took the classes in the U.S. you should submit official transcripts to the International Office. If you took classes overseas, you will need to use an agency that evaluates foreign credentials. We recommend the Center for Educational Documentation You can contact them at (617)-338-7171. You may also use World Education Services.
If you completed high school overseas, you will need to use an agency that evaluates foreign credentials. We recommend using SpanTran
Please note that new regulations allow F-1 students to take a maximum of ONE course that is considered “distance learning” each semester.
Yes. As an international student, you must enroll for at least twelve credits in the fall and spring semesters. You must also complete these classes – see the section below about the consequences of withdrawing from classes. You do not need to enroll for any courses in the summer.
Every student must visit the International Office to have their academic advising. The sooner you see your advisor, the earlier you can register. It is to your advantage to register as early as possible so you will get the classes you want at convenient times. If the classes you want or need are full because you registered late, you must still take 12 credits, towards your degree program.
If you feel that you need to withdraw from any course, you must get direct authorization from an International Advisor BEFORE withdrawing, or you will be out of status.
Please consult an International Student advisor if you feel registering for or completing 12 credits will be difficult for any reason.
Also, please note that the International Office is required to immediately notify the US Citizenship and Immigration Services when students drop below full time status without previous authorization from the International Student Advisor.
Many international students take CLEP tests that allow them to get credit for their knowledge of other languages.
International students are not eligible for financial aid from federal and state government sources. Financial aid is only available for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents who meet eligibility requirements.
However, after you have been a student for one year you may apply for some very small scholarships ($500 to $1000). View current scholarship opportunities>>
Yes. See the International Office for more details.
The cost of medical care is very high in the U.S., and for this reason, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all full-time students buy the Massachusetts Community College medical insurance. Although it may seem like a lot of money, health insurance is well worth the investment.
Students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. Note that jobs on campus are extremely limited – especially for new students.
The best place to start is in Student Life. They offer student-run clubs as well as leadership opportunities through the campus activities board and student government. International students who have been at QC for a while all recommend that new students get involved in campus life.
QC has Student Success Coaches available to help you with personal, career and academic kinds of problems. If appropriate, they will also refer you to others in the community. All coaching is confidential. If you are uncomfortable going to another coach, you should start by talking to one of the International Office advisors. They can help with many kinds of personal problems and they can talk about the other kinds of counselors that can help you.
Yes. QC offers flexible scheduling. You can take classes in the day, evening, or weekend, at any of our campuses or satellite locations. You can also take