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    International Students

    Welcome International Learners!

    If you’re looking for an educational option that gives you an up-close and personal look at life in the United States, Hocking College is the perfect place for you. Hocking's career-ready majors and engaging campus activities will provide an international study experience to remember.

    Located within driving distance of several major U.S. cities, international students who study at Hocking College get the best of both worlds. 

    Founded in 1968, Hocking College now serves more than 5,000 students. Set in the scenic town of Nelsonville, Ohio, the 2,300-acre institution is rich in history, nature, art, and culture. Hocking College also has the Perry Campus located in New Lexington, Ohio and the Logan Campus. In addition to the school’s on-campus residents, who attend Hocking from throughout the United States and around the world, local students commute from all over Southeastern Ohio.

    Hocking College offers more than 50 associate degree and certificate programs that provide students a hands-on, quality educational experience that is flexible, affordable and applicable to their career goals.

    With more than 50 job-ready careers, Hocking College has a degree or certificate for every type of student.

    To view the full list of majors, please visit our majors page by clicking here.

    It is essential to plan your entire U.S. education, including how to finance it, before you leave your home country. Some colleges, universities, and U.S. consulates require foreign students to provide certification of funding for the entire planned period of study.

    About the GREAT Scholarship

    Hocking College is proud to extend the Global Reach to Engage Academic Talent (GREAT) Scholarship to all Bahamian and Jamaican students.

    This scholarship opportunity allows full-time enrolled students to receive in-state tuition.

    To be eligible to receive this scholarship, Bahamian and Jamaican students must complete the Hocking College International Student Checklist and the International Student Application.

    Other Scholarship Opportunities

    You may be looking for scholarships to finance your education. This is a list of resources compiled by Study in the USA to help your search. 

    Scholarships for International Students studying in the USA include:

    In order to get started on studying abroad with Hocking College, International students must first complete the International Application and submit their $150 application fee. 

    Download the International Student Checklist and the International Student Procedures for more information on your next steps.
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    Studying in the United States of America

    When you are accepted to an SEVP-certified school, your school has sent you a document called a Form I-20. The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in our database called SEVIS. Each school that accepts you will mail you a Form I-20. Before you apply for your visa, you must select one school’s Form I-20.

    As an F-1 student, you will become part of SEVIS upon entry into the United States. SEVIS is a national tracking/monitoring system that will allow the United States government to monitor and track various events during your program of study.

    • Your Name, Date and Place of birth
    • Country of Citizenship
    • Local Address
    • Status (enrolled, not enrolled)
    • Date of commencement of studies
    • Degree program and field of study
    • Practical training termination date and reason
    • Documents related to your admission

    The United States Department of Homeland Security requires visa applicants to pay an administrative fee of $350 to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee must be paid prior to applying for the visa. If you do not pay this fee prior to applying for the visa, you will not be issued a visa for admission to the United States.

    The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three business days prior to applying for your visa. The fee can be paid by mail or online and be accompanied by a Form I-901. Completing the form online will help ensure that you provide all the information in the correct format and speed processing.

    1. Complete the online Form I-901.
    2. Complete the form online and supply the required credit card information. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20.
    3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
    4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.
    1. Download Form I-901
    2. Print legibly
    3. Make sure your last name and date of birth is entered exactly as it appears on your 1-20
    4. The fee amount is correct
    5. The address is where you want your receipt sent, and if you have chosen expedited delivery, it is a street address and not a post office box.
    1. Download Form I-901
    2. Payment must be by international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States dollars
    3. Supply your name and SEVIS ID number on the check or money order
    4. Make the check/money order payable to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
    5. If you are using a coupon printed from the Internet, find the control number on top of the coupon and note it on your check or money order
    6. Attach your check or money order to your coupon or paper Form I-901

    In addition to some of the other resources provided, please consider downloading our Guide to Studying in the United States.

    Below are additional helpful links that will further explain some of the nuances of studying in the United States:

    Homeland Security: Studying in the States 

    Form I-20

    Designated School Officials (DSOs)

    About Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee

    Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee

    Applying for a VISA

    U.S. Embassy Finder

    Maintaining Status 

    Duration of Status

    Download the International Students Checklist Here
    Download Here

    Immigration Status

    We want you to successfully complete your studies at Hocking College. Please read and fully understand the following information regarding maintaining your immigration status, once you are a student at Hocking College.

    Your passport must be valid at all times. Renewal applications can be made with the embassy or consulate of the country issuing the passport. Obtain a certificate of student status from Hocking College International Student Services. Addresses of embassies are available from the US Department of State.

    International students are required to report all address changes to International Student Services within 10 days of the address change, by submitting an address change form. This includes address changes of any of your dependents, as well.

    You are required to turn this documentation in to ISS unless you are subject to the U.S. Government's Special Registration Procedures, then you must report address changes within 10 days to the government by using this form.

    Students are also required to report any changes in employer to International Student Services within 10 days of employment change, by using the same forms as above.

    International students need to pursue a full course of study (12-16 credit hours) during normal enrollment periods (autumn and spring semesters). We understand, however, that serious events can occur that prevent you from being able to enroll full-time.

    The Reduced Course Load Certification form must be completed prior to dropping below a full-time status. Full-time at Hocking College is 12 credit hours for international students.

    You are allowed to deviate from this full course of study with prior authorization from an International Student Services advisor, and under very limited circumstances. You can drop below full-time only one semester of your entire degree.

    Sometimes, and for a variety of reasons, students leave the College early or unexpectedly. Some of these reasons include early graduation, leave of absence, suspension, expulsion or family emergencies.

    Inform International Student Services if you plan to leave the College before the date on your immigration document (I-20), and the reason for doing so.

    As an international student, you are permitted to work on campus for a maximum of 15 hours per week while school is in session. During holidays and breaks, you may be permitted to work more.

    Student Employment maintains a listing of part-time job opportunities and can help you find a position with an employer on campus.

    Working off-campus requires prior authorization from the U.S. Federal Government and/or the International Student Services, depending upon your visa status type.

    You are currently authorized to attend Hocking College. If you decide to attend another school in the United States, notify International Student Services of your intent to transfer and the name of the new school.

    International Student Services will then enter a "Release" date in SEVIS. After this date is reached, the new school can issue you a SEVIS I-20.

    You will then have to report to the Designated School Official/Responsible Officer at the new school within 15 days of the program start date.

    Apply for an extension of your program prior to the expiration date on your Form I-20, if you cannot complete your program by the original date. Requests for extensions must be submitted 15 but no more than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the Form I-20, so the extension process can be completed prior to the expiration date on your F-1.

    Obtain a new Form I-20 before changing your academic program (e.g. from Accounting to Business Management) from an International Student Services advisor within 15 days of beginning the new program.

    Notify International Student Services prior to traveling outside the U.S. so that the Form I-20 can be endorsed for travel or a new form can be issued, if required.

    Students should complete and submit an International Student Services "Travel Request Form" at least five working days prior to the anticipated travel date, although you are strongly encouraged to submit the form earlier.

    Please also notify International Student Services upon your return. F-1 visa holders need the following documents to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence:

    1. Form I-20 endorsed by International Student Services for travel
    2. Valid passport and U.S. F-1 visa
    3. Verification of adequate financial support
    4. Verification of enrollment

    Notify International Student Services of any accompanying dependents in F-2 status and provide biographical information (e.g., full name, address, country of birth, etc.) and immigration information (e.g., passport information, visa information, etc.) regarding those dependents. The International Student Services is required to report information to BCIS and/or DOS regarding your dependents.

    Retain your I-94 card at all times. If you lose it, complete an application form I-102. A fee of $100.00 must be submitted with the application. After details of your entry are verified, a new I-94 will be mailed to you.

    A valid visa is not required in order for you to maintain status. However, once your visa is expired you can only travel to your home country. When you intend to travel outside the United States and your visa is expired, you must visit the American Consulate/Embassy Office in your home country in order to get the visa stamp issued.

    To get your visa renewed, you will need a valid passport, a properly executed I-20, proof of financial support and/or letter of certification. A student visa cannot be renewed in the United States.

    If you are traveling in Canada, Mexico or other contiguous U.S. territories for less than 30 days, you do not need to get your visa renewed.

    Always see an International Student Services staff member before you consider contacting the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS.)

    The BCIS is a very busy agency and the officer answering your call may not have the time required to fully understand your problem. If necessary, International Student Services will contact the BCIS for you.

    So that we may assist you properly, please bring your passport and all relevant immigration documents (I-20, passport, I-94) and financial documents when you come to International Student Services with requests.

    If at anytime you are uncertain about your status, require assistance or have any questions, do not hesitate to call an International Student Services staff member.

    Pathways for Jamaican Students

    The Jamaican Ministry of Education Occupational Degree Pathways

    In September 2016, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Excelsior Community College (ECC) in Jamaica and Hocking College. The MOU allows Jamaican students to study abroad at Hocking College for a semester starting in Autumn 2017. 

    Jamaican students participating in the program are eligible for Hocking College’s G.R.E.A.T scholarship to help alleviate the cost of tuition. To apply, students need to complete the international student checklist and application.

    JCTE-COS & Hocking College International Dual Degree

    Spend a summer semester in the U.S. at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio and extend your education! 

    Jamaican students will receive dual certification by having the Jamaican Occupational Associate Degree, in addition to receiving a United States Associate Degree.

    Choose from over 12 degree pathways, including Culinary Arts, Fitness Management, and more!

    Spend a summer semester in the U.S. at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio!

    Jamaican students will receive dual certification by having the Jamaican Occupational Associate Degree, in addition to receiving a United States Associate Degree

    Degree Pathways include:

    Excelsior CC & Hocking College International Dual Degree

    Spend a summer semester in the U.S. at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio! Jamaican students will receive dual certification by having a degree from Excelsior CC, in addition to receiving an United States Associate Degree.

    Spend a summer semester in the U.S. at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio!

    Jamaican students will receive dual certification by having a degree from Excelsior CC, in addition to receiving an United States Associate Degree.

    Degree Pathways include:

    English as a Second Language

    Get a firsthand look at American culture, traditions and customs, all while learning and perfecting the English language at Hocking College.

    Come and study English as a Second Language in the United States. Even if you have lived in the USA, you may need to improve your English skills.

    The ESL classes at Hocking College can help you. We have taught students from various backgrounds and ages to improve their language skills in our classes.

    ESL classes have academic benefits, which include a better understanding of teachers, other students and the material in traditional classes; improving job prospects and work relationships; and, better life experiences as a result of stronger English skills.

    Since 1990, we have taught students from the following areas:

    Argentina, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Siberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

    ESL classes offer several levels. After a student is tested, he or she can register for ESL classes. ESL courses are credit-bearing. The ESL faculty will assess, evaluate and place students into one of five levels. If a student does not pass classes on a level, he or she will need to repeat it.

    Level 1 (0-12 TOEFL) (3.0-0 IELTS)

    Students who test and place in Level I may not be able to complete the testing fully, or not be able to produce enough English for evaluation. Essentially, at this level, the student has an inability to communicate in English. This person's meaning may or may not be understandable. A student at this level is starting at the beginning of the language.

    Level 2 (13-36 TOEFL) (3.5-4 IELTS)

    Level 2 is for someone who is continuing and developing the basic level. Someone at this level has some, but limited, ability to communicate, but without adequate control due to the holes in the person's English skills. This student has frequent errors, but might be communicative.

    Level 3 (37-54 TOEFL) (4.5-5 IELTS)

    A Level 3 student communicates a message that can be followed most of the time; however, this person has a limited ability to use English appropriately, relevantly and in sufficient depth.

    Level 4 (55-71 TOEFL) (5.5-6 IELTS)

    Students entering at the Level 4 level can organize information well enough for a message to be followed and understood with some strain for the listener/reader. This student still has difficulty distinguishing main ideas from details, and has some noticeable error intrusion, but is able to self-edit with help. At this level, students may be eligible to begin enrolling in one or two academic major classes.

     

    Hocking College Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam Preparation courses are optional courses designed especially for upper-intermediate and advanced level ESL students who wish to study at North American universities or colleges. A high TOEFL score is required of international students before they can be accepted at most North American universities and colleges.

    The TOEFL exam preparation courses at Hocking College are intensive and may range from four to 18 credit hours per term. They teach TOEFL exam test-taking strategies, while enhancing students' knowledge of English reading, speaking, listening and writing - the four fields tested on the TOEFL iBT Exam.

    The Hocking College TOEFL Exam Preparation curriculum is the only one in the region offering students courses aimed at mastering the official, internationally acknowledged, TOEFL Exam.

    The TOEFL Exam Preparation Courses help students to:

    • Enhance English language skills in reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
    • Master grammatical patterns and structures that regularly occur on the TOEFL.
    • Gain test-taking strategies for higher achievement on each section of the TOEFL.
    • Practice and develop a higher-level of English language receptive and production skills while under time-pressure.
    • Learn the TOEFL Exam format and scoring procedures in order to properly interpret their own test scores.

    You may enroll in Hocking College TOEFL Preparation Courses after successfully scoring at the upper- intermediate level, or above, as assessed by the ESL faculty at Hocking College.

    If you need to leave Hocking for a term or longer, when you return, you will be re-tested before you can register for classes. This way, if your level has changed, you will be in classes that best fit your level.

    Students who would like to receive an ESL Certificate of Participation must register for and complete 13 or more ESL credits in any particular term, and on any level. This certificate shows proof of attendance and work. It is not dependent on passing final grades for that term.

    Students who would like to receive an ESL Certificate of Completion must be tested eligible to enroll in the Level 3 or higher classes. He or she must register for and complete all the classes on that level and pass each class with a 80 percent or higher. This certificate shows proof of attendance, work and a passing level of achievement.

    Students who would like to receive an ESL Certificate of Excellence must be tested eligible to enroll in the Level 4 or higher classes. He or she must register for and complete all the classes on the levels and pass each class with a 85 percent or higher. This certificate shows proof of attendance, work and a strong level of achievement.

    Follow this step-by-step checklist to register for classes on time:

    Step 1. All international students must report to the International Admissions Office in Light Hall for immigration check-in before testing and registration.

    Step 2. All international students for whom English is a second language (ESL) must take the ESL placement test before registration. (See the testing dates and times in the calendar below.)

    Step 3. After the testing, all the ESL international students must see the ESL faculty who will help them find classes and create a Student Education Plan (SEP). Contact the ESL faculty at riederr@hocking.edu

    Step 4. Students must have their SEP approved before they can register for the classes.

    International Student Services Office

    The International Student Services Office helps you to build a foundation for a challenging and fulfilling career by preparing you to compete in an ever-changing employment landscape. The team in the International Student Services Office also helps to set our international students up for success by accommodating studying needs on campus and providing opportunities to learn about other cultures, languages and countries.

    For additional information, please contact our Admissions Department:

    admissions@hocking.edu

    740-753-7050

     
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    You can register for the payment plan only after your first semester of classes. First semester students are required pay their tuition and fees upon initial registration. The payment plan is administered through the Cashier's Office.

    It is very important that you are registered for classes no later than the first Friday of each semester. All classes should be added or dropped in the same timeframe. You are strongly encouraged to solidify your schedule by then. Being registered for classes full time (12-16 hours) is required of all F-1 students. Please visit the Cashier's Office webpage for more information regarding Hocking College's Refund Policy.

    Contact an International Student Services staff member to let them know that you plan not to attend classes. The staff will inform you of how your status can/will be affected by not attending, as well as any applicable refunds as follows:

    • Withdraw before the start of the Term: 100% refund
    • Withdraw first day of term up through the 15th calendar day of the term: 85% refund
    • Withdraw after the 15th calendar day of the term: 0% refund
    • Flex Classes: No charge before the start of the course. Full charge after the start of the class.

    Being registered for classes full time (12-16 hours) is required of all F-1 students.

    If your I-20 is going to expire, contact the International Student Services staff for a new 1-20. An expired I-20 leaves you out of status, so please contact the International Student Services staff as quickly as possible.

    All international students and accompanying dependents are required to complete an income tax return annually. For most of you, this will mean completing the form 1040NR-EZ (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return) and a form 8843. You are required to file an income tax return even if you have no income from U.S. sources, or if your income is exempt from U.S. taxes due to treaties between the U.S. and your home country.

    The U.S. tax system encompasses many different types of taxes (e.g., income tax, Social Security tax, sales tax, personal property tax) and three layers of taxation (local, state, and federal). You have obligations at several levels.

    Sources of U.S. income may include on-campus employment, scholarships, practical or academic training and any compensation received for labor. International students do not have to pay taxes on interest paid to them by U.S. banks.

    Note that income is not limited to wages paid to you in cash, but also includes that portion of your scholarship that is applied to your housing and meal expenses. The portion applied to your tuition fees, books and supplies is not counted as income. International Student Services will help you make these distinctions. Be sure to inquire about the applicability of any tax treaty that might exist between your country and the United States.

    For additional information, visit the United States Internal Revenue Services (IRS)

    F-1 Students should obtain an I-20 to send to family members (spouse or children) who wish to visit the United States. The family member(s) will use the I-20 to support their application for an F-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

    The Embassy/Consulate will require evidence that you have adequate financial resources for family member(s) support without recourse to employment. As such, you must furnish proof of financial support to International Student Services in the amount of $4,000 per year for a spouse and $2,000 per year for each child in addition to the amount needed for your own studies and living expenses.

    You must realize that under no circumstances will your spouse be permitted to take any employment after he/she reaches the U.S.

    F-2 children may attend elementary or high school. F-2 spouses or children are not permitted to study at the college level full-time without changing status to F-1.

    In addition, bringing family members to the U.S. is not considered a valid reason for needing employment authorization.

    International students are required to report all address changes to International Student Services within 10 days of the address change, by submitting an address change form. This includes address changes of any of your dependents, as well.

    You are required to turn this documentation in to ISS unless you are subject to the U.S. Government's Special Registration Procedures, then you must report address changes within 10 days to the government by using this form.

    Students are also required to report any changes in employer to International Student Services within 10 days of employment change, by using the same forms as above.

    As an international student, you are permitted to work on campus for a maximum of 15 hours per week while school is in session. During holidays and breaks, you may be permitted to work more.

    Student Employment maintains a listing of part-time job opportunities and can help you find a position with an employer on campus.

    Working off-campus requires prior authorization from the U.S. Federal Government and/or the International Student Services, depending upon your visa status type.

    If a student is in the US and wants to transfer, whether in or out of Hocking, they should go through the application process of the desired college. Once they are accepted into the new college they should provide their current college with their acceptance letter. That will allow the current college to transfer their I-20 to the new college for the upcoming semester.

    A valid visa is not required in order for you to maintain status. However, once your visa is expired you can only travel to your home country. When you intend to travel outside the United States and your visa is expired, you must visit the American Consulate/Embassy Office in your home country in order to get the visa stamp issued.

    To get your visa renewed, you will need a valid passport, a properly executed I-20, proof of financial support and/or letter of certification. A student visa cannot be renewed in the United States.

    If you are traveling in Canada, Mexico or other contiguous U.S. territories for less than 30 days, you do not need to get your visa renewed.

    This is a list of resources compiled by us to help your search. Don’t overlook the possibility of academic and need-related scholarships from the college or university where you’ll be studying. We hope you find this useful! 

    Scholarships for International Students studying in the USA:

    Starting the next phase of your life through education may seem daunting. That's why we're here to help every step of the way.
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      3301 Hocking Pkwy.
      Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

      (740) 753-7050
       877-HOCKING

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      (740) 753-7050
      admissions@hocking.edu
                          
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