Preparing to attend college in a foreign country can be very exciting, but it can also seem a little overwhelming at times. This International Guide is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Olivet Nazarene University.
Click on the links below to answer your specific questions, or scroll down through this page to read the guide in its entirety.
Applying to Olivet
Financial Arrangements
SEVIS Fee
Health Insurance
Housing
Dining
Telephone Service
Physical Examination
Healthcare
Clothing
A Touch of Home
APPLYING TO OLIVET
STEP 1: Fill out the online application to begin the process of applying to Olivet Nazarene University.
STEP 2: In order to complete the application process, some materials must be mailed to Olivet:
- Signature Page
- Two (2) Recommendation Forms
- Two (2) documents supporting educational qualifications, such as:
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): PBT = 500 and CPT = 173
- Completion of Level 109 at ELS Language Centers
- Two (2) Photos
STEP 3: Once you have received your letter of acceptance, before an I-20 can be sent, the following must be sent to Olivet:
- Proof of ability to pay. The following are acceptable forms of proof:
- Formal statement of amount of support available
- Supporting documentation for family and/or sponsor (bank statement or letter from bank official indicating amount of funds available)
- Statement of support
- Advance payment of first semester’s tuition and fees
Financial Arrangements
Making sure that financial matters are taken care of is a very important part of the process of applying to a college or university in the United States. School officials must certify that the applicant has demonstrated ability to pay for the costs of his or her education without resorting to unauthorized employment.
To view a list of undergraduate costs, click here.
Limited financial assistance may be available for international students. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
SEVIS Fee
Beginning September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule went into effect. This rule requires F-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $100 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For more information on the SEVIS fee, click here, or visit the SEVIS website.
Health Insurance
The matter of health insurance coverage for foreign students enrolled in the U.S. is of great importance. Without health-care coverage, a student who incurs medical expenses would generally not be able to pay for them out of his or her own resources.
Olivet Nazarene University has contracted with the International Medical Group (IMG) to provide health-care coverage for our international students. Electing insurance with the Olivet provider is required for admission and enrollment at Olivet. Upon arrival, the student needs to be prepared to pay a health insurance premium per year which will be added to the school expenses. This premium is a part of the expected financial cost of attending ONU as listed on the student’s 1-20 documentation. For 2011-2012, students between the age of 19-24 paid $1,020.00 for coverage August 1-July 31. Each international student will be enrolled within the insurance program by the International Student Insurance Coordinator. For details on the medical coverage, please click here. Students must take care of paying the premium prior to the final day for registration each semester or they will not be cleared to begin classes that semester.
Residential life
Students living in residence halls are provided with the following:
- Bed
- Desk and chair
- Mirror
- Closet (for storing clothing and personal items)
- Chest of drawers
Students will need to purchase in the U.S. or bring with them the following (NOT provided by the school):
- A pillow
- Bed linens
- Towels and washcloths
- Laundry bag or basket
- Clock with alarm
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener
- Blankets
- Toiletries
During the orientation, the international student adviser will allow time for shopping in the local area. Olivet recommends that students buy most of the above items here. For some items, roommates generally decide who purchases what or how they can share the costs.
For more information about residence halls, click here.
Dining
Olivet offers a wide variety of options for every meal through Sodexo Food Services. Students may elect to be on one of five meal plans: 8 meals per week, 14 meals per week, block 1, block 2 or 21 meals per week. All meal plans except the 21 meal plan is included in room and board. The 21 meal plan is an additional $250 per semester. The price of these meal plans will be added to the tuition fees.
To learn more about Olivet’s dining options, click here.
Telephone Service
Telephone service will be explained during the orientation session. The cost for telephone service is not included in the fees for room and board. A one-time fee of $25 is charged for setting up the student’s account. Billing for calls made will go directly to the student. Students may also purchase pre-paid telephone cards, particularly for long-distance calls. This ensures that there is money to pay for the call prior to placing it. There is no charge for on-campus local telephone calls.
Physical Examination
All students must have a complete physical examination before coming to the U.S. The completed health form should be given to the international student adviser during the orientation. The campus nurse will review all forms and advise students if anything further needs to be done. If any additional immunizations are required, the international student adviser will take the student to the Kankakee County Clinic. The clinic charges a small fee for each immunization (about $7).
Health Care
A small clinic is located on the south end of campus to provide for routine health-care, minor illnesses and injuries, and some immunizations. Students who are ill should first check with their resident assistant or resident director and then the campus nurse.
Clothing
Olivet Nazarene University maintains a dress code for school functions and classroom attendance. In general, athletic attire is to be worn only for athletic activities. (Jogging or sweat suits are considered athletic attire.) Blue jeans are permitted. Modesty is always appropriate. Details about rules and regulations pertaining to dress, as well as other aspects of campus living, will be given out during the orientation.
Illinois has a temperate climate, which means that we can get all the extremes of weather conditions. When you arrive, it may be very hot and humid. As the year comes to a close in November and December, the weather gets much colder. January and February are typically the coldest months. Plan for winter apparel: sweaters, warm pajamas, coats, gloves, hat or scarf and boots. Our buildings are heated.
You can, of course, buy most anything here that you will need for the various weather changes. Remember, it is not important to buy expensive clothing or the best clothing. Even used clothing is considered appropriate. Second-hand shops are available where good clothing of all kinds can be purchased at reasonable costs.
A Touch of Home
Speaking of dress, you should plan to bring with you some kind of traditional dress from your culture. Perhaps different examples of what people in your country may wear for special occasions or just every day. The foreign students on campus have several opportunities to model their clothing or to share information about their culture. It would also be helpful for you to bring along some items that represent the crafts and artwork found in your culture.
As you pursue your education in the U.S., you are also helping to add another dimension to the education of your classmates. They need to know about your background and lifestyle. There will also be occasions for you to share at public events, such as the Rotary Club annual international dinner at which you are the special guests, the local YMCA International Festival or in local churches and schools. Sharing is an important facet of your stay in the U.S. Don’t be shy about talking to people about your homeland. You will gain confidence in public speaking and we will be enlightened about cultures and lands that most of us will never see.