Established in 2001, the OIP functions under the Division of Enrollment Management, and it works closely with faculty and administrators in the development and support of partnerships with institutions abroad.
The Mission of the OIP Is:
- To expose students, faculty, and staff to the international dimensions of the world.
- To assist the College in achieving its teaching, research and service mission of geographic, international, and ethnic diversity in its student body.
- To prepare students for both full and active participation as socially conscious members of society.
- To prepare students to fully participate in the socially conscious aspects of U.S. society and to continue to move the U.S. closer to global justice through equity for all.
International Admissions
Benedict College is proud of the diversity of its student body. The College has enrolled students from over thirty (30) countries around the world, and it continues to expand its recruitment efforts to include other countries.
Benedict College is authorized by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), formerly the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), to admit non-immigrant students into the United States.
When to Apply
Prospective students are urged to apply early-no later than May 1st for consideration for the fall semester or November 1st for the spring semester. However, applications are accepted on a space- available basis through the end of registration.
Freshman Students
Before applying for admission to Benedict College and before a Certificate of Eligibility for Non- Immigrant Student Status (Form I-20) for student visa can be issued, students seeking admission to the College must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition, they must submit to the Office of International Programs (OIP) documents listed below:
- International Application for Admission.
- $25.00 non-refundable application fee (Cannot be waived).
- Original high school records: high school transcripts and national exit examinations, graduation minutes, or high school diploma.
- Mid-year high school grades (only for students who have not completed their last year of high school at the time of application).
- Test scores (Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or American College Testing, (ACT).
- Proof of English language proficiency (for students from non-English speaking countries only).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources.
- Copy of current, valid, passport.
Upon receipt of all the above documents, the OIP Admissions Committee will review them, and, if they are found to be in order, the student will be notified of a decision within four weeks of receipt of the documents.
Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
Transfer Students
Students who have completed one (1) year of study at an accredited international institution may apply to Benedict College as transfer students. Except for items 4, 5, and 6 on the Freshman Students section above, the requirements for Transfer Students are the same for students applying under this category. In addition, students must also submit an official copy of all previously attended college transcripts for evaluation.
Transient Students
Non-degree seeking students and Exchange students who wish to enroll in a semester or year of study at the College may apply under this category. On the International Application for Admission, they must check the Transient Student box to apply under this category. Exchange students applying to Benedict under the J-1 Visa Program are eligible to apply under this category.
OIP Programs, Academic Minors, Clubs, and Associations
The Study Abroad Program (SAP)
The Summer Cultural Internship for Students (SCIS)
The International Faculty and Staff Exchange Program (IFSEP)
The Senior Faculty Research Fellowship (SFRF)
The Distinguished Visitors Series (DVS)
The International Service Award (ISA)
The Minor in Country Specific International Studies
The Minor in Black Spanish Literature of the Americas
The International Ambassadors Club (IAC)
The International Students Association ISA)
The OIP Language Center (OIPLC)
The United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
Study Abroad Program
Study Abroad General Requirements:
- Have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or better. This G.P.A. requirement may be higher for certain majors.
- Have a minimum of two (2) semesters of full-time study at Benedict.
- Be a full-time student in the semester of travel abroad.
- Participate in a study abroad pre-departure orientation session conducted by the OIP prior to traveling abroad that is designed to prepare students for travel to partnering colleges and universities within the international community.
- Have a valid passport with expiration date of at least six (6) months beyond the end of the study abroad program duration.
- Complete the OIP Study Abroad Application Form (SAAF), (online at www.Benedict.edu). [Students under 18 must have SAAF signed by parent(s)/legal guardian(s).]
- Be in good academic, disciplinary, and judicial standing.
- Complete all visa processes and requirements.
- Complete a Study Abroad/Exchange Course Approval Form.
- Recognize that each student is financially responsible for their airfare, personal-care expenses, international medical insurance, and visa fees.
- Agree to make at least one (1) presentation to the Benedict community about study-abroad experience upon return.
- Take the official language of the host country, if the language is other than English. This course can be used to fulfill the College’s General Education language requirement.
- Agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the host institution, including all security protocols.
- Fill out the OIP Study Abroad Assessment/Evaluation Form (SAAEF) upon return.
NOTE: The OIP does not sponsor travel to countries with Department of State travel alerts.
Study Abroad Application and Deadlines
All students interested in the Benedict College Study Abroad Program must fill out an OIP Application for Study Abroad (ASA). The form can be found online www.Benedict.edu.or at the OIP office. There are no fees associated with the application. Students must specify the semester they wish to travel and country of interest. The application deadlines are February 15th for the fall semester, and September 15 for the spring semester and summer programs.
Benedict College International Partners
The OIP has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for exchange of faculty, students, and administrators with the following universities abroad: Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó in Colombia; the University of Ghana in Ghana; Yibin University in China; the University of Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Al Akhawayn University in Morocco; Universidade de Fortaleza in Brazil; Yalova University in Turkey; Universidad del Pacifico in Colombia; Universidad de la Guajira in Colombia; Kaduna State University in Nigeria; The African Methodist Episcopal University in Monrovia, Liberia, Ghana Technology University College in Ghana, Bicol University in Philippines and Bhagat University and G.H.G. Khalsa College in Punjab, India. For specific information about any of the above programs, please contact the OIP.
Study Abroad Tuition, Room, and Board
Parity Exchange Programs (PEPS)
Parity Exchange Programs (PEPS) are designed to give Benedict College students the opportunity to study in colleges and universities where Benedict has an active Parity Exchange Program. Under these exchanges, the tuition, room and board at Benedict covers tuition, room and board at the international institution, and the student is responsible for passport, visa fees, international airfare, and personal expenses.
Non-Parity Exchange Programs (Non-PEPs) are designed to give BC students the opportunity to study in college and university settings where Benedict does not have an active Parity Exchange Program (PEP). The cost of the NPEPs is based on the international university cost for providing room and board, and books to Benedict College students while they are in the international host country. Unlike the PEPs, where no funds are transferred between BC and the international institutions, under NPEPs, Benedict will have to transfer funds from the students account to the international host institution.
Before departing for a semester of study abroad, students must notify their Benedict College Housing Directors about their travel plans to secure housing facilities upon return.
Study Abroad Course Selection, Approval, and Registration Process
Step 1. Students must fill out a Study Abroad Application Form.
Step 2. Students must obtain a Study Abroad Course Approval Form (SACAF), available at www.Benedict.edu. or at the OIP.
Step 3. Students must plan and select their courses in consultation with their academic advisors, the Chair, the Dean, and the OIP Director.
Step 4. Upon selection of courses, the SACAF must be signed by the student, the student’s advisor, the School Dean, the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Student Account, the Director of International Programs and the Director of the Office of the Registrars. The original SACAF remains with the Office of the Registrar and Student Records for course registration, and a copy remains at the OIP. All courses selected must conform to the student’s program of study and must be taken for academic credit transferable to Benedict College.
Step 5. Compete OIP sponsored pre-departure orientation session.
The OIP does not sponsor travel to countries with Department of State travel alerts. Students must go to www.travel.state.gov to view countries with travel alerts.
Note: Students who complete a semester of full-time study abroad (minimum 12 credit hours) will graduate with a Country Specific Minor in International Studies.
Study Abroad Course Load
An international full academic exchange semester/year program should consist of a minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of fifteen (15) academic credits per semester. Shorter terms are offered for specific programs, such as language, summer, and cultural programs.
Grade Transferring and Recording
In cases where the host institution’s mid-term schedule does not coincide with those of Benedict College, immediately upon semester completion, the host institution will forward the students’ official final grades to the Office of the Registrar and Student Records for final recording in the students’ transcripts.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the host institution forwards the transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at Benedict College. Students are also advised to bring original transcripts upon their return to the College. The transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and must bear the signature of the respective host institution authority on the back flap of the sealed envelope.
Documents Required for Study Abroad Travel
Letter of Admission from the International Host Institution
Upon selection and approval of courses, the OIP will send the host institution abroad the biographical information of the student and the course selection information to request a letter of admission that will be used to satisfy one of the visa requirements. The letter of admission must indicate that costs for room and board, local transportation, and tuition are covered by the International Exchange Agreement. In some countries, additional forms must accompany the letter of admission. In China, for example, a JW202 form signed by the Regional Minister of Education must accompany the admissions letter for visa purposes. The OIP will request the additional forms from the host institution when required.
General Assumption of Risk Form (GARF)
All students must read and sign the GARF before traveling abroad. The form can be found online at www.Benedict.edu or at the OIP. The student will receive a copy of the form, and a copy will be kept at the OIP. If the student is a minor, this form must be read and signed by the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s).
Passport
Students must present a copy of their valid passport before traveling abroad. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of the exchange.
Visa
Some countries require that students obtain a visa from the U.S. Consular Office of that country. Students must consult with the OIP for countries requiring a visa, or they can visit www.travel.state.gov.
Medical Insurance
The Department of State (DOS) requires that all study abroad students obtain full medical coverage for the entire duration of their study abroad period, and there are NO exemptions to this rule. The policy must include worldwide 24/7 medical and emergency care, including the cost of security evacuation, and repatriation. The DOS maintains a list of travel insurance companies to choose from. For more information, you can visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid to support study abroad is available for those who qualify. Students must consult with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information. It is the responsibility of traveling students to check with the Office of Student Accounts for term bills and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for financial aid application deadlines for the next academic semester/year.
Study Abroad Assessment/Evaluation Form (SAAEF)
Upon return from the host country, students will be asked to fill out an SAAEF describing their semester abroad experience. The comments can be shared with prospective study abroad students and can be used for assessing and improving the Study Abroad Program.
Foreign Students Attending Benedict College Under the J-1 Exchange Visitors Program
The selection process of students coming to the U.S. to participate in the J-1 exchange program at Benedict is conducted by the foreign institution. Foreign Students must fill out a Benedict College Foreign Student Exchange Application (FSEA), available online at www.Benedict.edu A personal statement stating the reason for choosing Benedict as their study abroad destination, a copy of their passport, and their original transcripts are also required. The documents must be sent to the OIP for review and admission. The FSEA includes the courses selected by the student in conjunction with their foreign advisors which will transfer to the student’s program of study at the home institution. Once the student is admitted at BC, the OIP will issue an I-20 or a DS 2019 form for visa purposes. Foreign students must register as full-time students at Benedict and must take a full course load (minimum 12 credits) and are entitled to room and board and to enjoy the same privileges as Benedict students.
The Summer Cultural Internship for Students (SCIS)
The OIP has partnered with some international organizations for student internships and cultural programs. The internships can be for a period of one week to three months and can be tailored to suit the academic and cultural interests of the participant. More information about the SCIS is available at: www.Benedict.edu.
NOTE: Benedict College students who travel internationally during the Academic year or who travel in an official capacity for the College must do so through the OIP. OIP Handbooks are available online at www.Benedict.edu or at the OIP.
The International Faculty and Staff Exchange Program (IFSEP)
This program allows for the exchange of faculty and administrators under J-1 visa sponsorship. Faculty interested in the exchange must send a letter of interest specifying which project they will be conducting at the host institution. The project must have the approval of the respective school’s Dean, the OIP Director, and/or OIP Committee. In addition, participants in the IFSEP must follow guidelines and procedures for exchanges as specified on the OIP website.
The Senior Research Faculty Fellowship (SRFF)
The OIP offers Benedict College faculty and staff the opportunity to interact with foreign counterparts in the exchange of knowledge, training, and culture. To qualify for the SRFF interested participants must:
- Fill out an SRFF Form (available online at www.Benedict.edu).
- Present a proposal in their area of interest to the OIP. The proposal must specify the research or project to be conducted at the institution abroad, and must be approved by the respective School Dean, the OIP Committee, and the OIP Director.
- Present one (1) letter of recommendation.
- Obtain the appropriate visa, when required.
- Obtain medical coverage as required by the Department of State
- Attend all pre-departure orientation sessions.
- Agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the host country, including following all security protocols.
- Agree to make at least two (2) presentations at Benedict College upon return.
- Agree to write a research paper to be submitted for publication.
- Fill out an Assessment Form upon return.
The Distinguished Visitors Series (DVS)
The purpose of this program is to offer the Benedict College community the opportunity to share the exchange of social, cultural, political, educational, and community knowledge with world leaders, celebrities, scholars, researchers, grassroots leaders, community organizers, and students. Benedict faculty, students, and administrators are encouraged to share with the OIP their interest in inviting to the campus a distinguished visitor.
The International Service Award (ISA) Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to foreign high school graduates who have demonstrated community involvement within their local and/or international communities. To qualify for the ISA, a student must:
- Follow international admission procedures as specified in this catalogue;
- Have a High School Diploma, or its equivalent;
- Have a GPA of 3.2 or better;
- Obtain 1 or 2 letters showing participation in local or international community-related activities in their home country;
- Be a citizen of another country
- Participate in two (2) international-related activities per month at Benedict College;
- Participate in other activities as required by the OIP;
- Agree to become a member of the International Students Association (ISA); and
- Work two (2) hours per week at the Office of International Programs
Other Scholarships for Study Abroad Available to United States Citizens Abroad
Following is a partial list of institutions that offer scholarships for study abroad:
The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship www.iie.org/gilman
The Fulbright Scholarship www.fulbright.org
The United Negro College Fund www.uncf.org
The Boren Awards for International Study www.borenawards.org
The Ambassadorial Rotary Scholarships www.rotary.org (Does not require US Citizenship)
The International Ambassadors Club (IAC)
Students, faculty, and staff who travel abroad may qualify to join the IAC. Admission to the IAC is subject to the participant having completed all required components of the program, including research and presentations upon return. Additionally, the IAC members can assist the OIP in orientation sessions and advising prospective travel abroad participants. An OIP Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to IAC members.
The International Students Association (ISA)
The International Students’ Association (ISA) is a student-led organization that represents the specific interests of the increasing number of international students at Benedict College. The ISA promotes awareness and understanding of the international student community at Benedict and creates opportunities for cultural exchange by organizing social events and coordinating a variety of programs designed to enrich student life on campus and to celebrate the geographic, international, and ethnic diversity represented at Benedict College. The OIP director is the ISA advisor.
The United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
The United Nations Academic Impact Initiative defines itself as “a global initiative that aligns institutions of higher education with the United Nations in actively supporting ten university accepted principles in the areas of human rights, literacy, sustainability and conflict resolution. UNAI also asks each participating college or university to actively demonstrate support of at least one of those principles each year.” Benedict supports the principle of Human Rights and will host yearly activities on the campus.
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