International Students

Welcome!

At Olivet, you will be among a student body made up of more than 2,600 men and women representing 40 U.S. states, several world areas and more than 40 religious denominations.

This International Guide is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Olivet Nazarene University. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact Darlene Swanson, Director of International Student Services. The International Student Services Office is located in the Alumni Center, first floor, and the phone number is 815-928-5541.

"I've worked with our international students for almost 10 years. It brings me great joy to help these students reach their academic goals & dreams of studying in the U.S.  It's a pleasure to get to know the international students & learn about their culture, as they learn about ours." Darlene Swanson, PDSO

Veritas Global

The Veritas Program: Christianity, Culture, and Character, with 20 students per cohort, is a fully online first year experience program available to a limited number of traditional ONU students. 

Learn More

International Scholarship Opportunity

International Student Ambassadors provide a free service to prospective and incoming International undergraduate students by sharing their knowledge about living and studying overseas at Olivet Nazarene University. Ambassadors can share their experience, answer specific questions, and provide practical tips to international students at different stages in the college application process. If you are interested in becoming an International Student Ambassador send the completed application to Darlene Swanson. The deadline for fall 2022 has passed.

Ambassador Application >
Training Manual >

Chicagoland

With campus just 50 miles south of Chicago, Olivet students are only a quick car or train ride away from the third largest city in the United States. Chicago's two world-class airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW), provide easy access for Olivet students from all over the world as they return to campus each year.

Take a walk along the sprawling Lake Michigan shoreline. See a play or hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ride the 150-foot tall Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Stroll Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and visit the finest shops, galleries and restaurants the Midwest has to offer.

And with the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Fire and Wolves, Chicago is a sports fanatic’s dream destination!

Bourbonnais

Located in the historic village of Bourbonnais in the Kankakee River Valley, Olivet students have access to a variety of local internships, recreation, dining, and entertainment in a safe, friendly environment. 

Village of Bourbonnais >

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 and must be paid prior to the final day for registration. This premium is a part of the expected financial cost of attending ONU as listed on the student’s I-20 documentation.

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. Limited financial assistance may be available for international students. 

Undergraduate Costs >
Make a Payment >

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 $350 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For more information on the SEVIS fee, visit this governmental website or download this informational PDF.

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Take the Next Step

Apply Today

Ready to take the next step? Applying takes only a few minutes, and is a great way to get the ball rolling. It helps us know you are serious about college, and considering Olivet. We will take it from there!
 

Apply Today


Video Campus Tour

Explore campus with an online tour and set-up a virtual meeting with your admissions counselor. Of course, you will want to come to campus as soon as possible, but our online visit should help you in the meantime.

Start Your Visit


Schedule a Visit

Excited to experience more? We’d love to plan a personalized visit just for you. Click below and we’ll schedule a time for you to travel to Olivet, take a campus tour, meet your admissions counselor, and visit with a professor.

Schedule your Visit