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International Students

Welcome!

Rio Hondo College is certified to accept non-immigrant F-1 visa students.  Acceptance into the International Student Program is necessary before Immigration and Naturalization Service Form 1-20 (certificate of eligibility) is issued by the college.  The decision to grant an acceptance will be based on all required documents received prior to the deadlines.

Rio Hondo College, a two year college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is authorized by the California Community College Board of Governors to offer semester course which parallel the lower division of most four year institutions and qualify the student for junior classification at the university level.  College transfer courses are accepted at full value at most colleges and universities throughout the United States.

As a comprehensive community college, Rio Hondo offers many strong career-technical programs, such as nursing; fire and police academies; automotive and alternative fuels; a full transfer curriculum; and basic skills courses and services.  The college also offers a rich complement of community service programs on campus and at satellite locations.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

SEMESTER OUTSIDE THE U.S INSIDE THE U.S. SEMESTER BEGINS
Summer 2018 March 12, 2018 April 20, 2018 June 4, 2018
Fall 2018 May 11, 2018 July 8, 2018 August 18, 2018
Spring 2018 November 8, 2017 December 11, 2017 January 27, 2018

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS – subject to change without notice

__ 1.  International Student Application

__ 2. Copy of passport – Due with the application

__ 3. A non-refundable processing fee of $40.00 U.S. dollars –  Due with the application. Please make the money order/bank check payable to Rio Hondo College.

__ 4.  English Proficiency – May be met by one of the following methods:

  • Approved test: Minimum TOEFL 45 iBT, or IELTS 5.0, or Pearson 39, or GTEC CBT 901, or ITEP 3.0.  Official test scores must be less than 2 years old.
  • Approved language instruction: 2 years of high school in the U.S., or official U.S. college transcripts with a passed Academic English course, or American English College Main & Branch Campus Level 6, or Kaplan Higher Intermediate Level, or Language Systems International Level 6, or Olympia Education Institution Level 8, or USC International Academy Level 6
  • If you come from an English speaking country this requirement may be waived.

__ 5.  Bank Letter/Affidavit of Support – A bank letter/bank verification and Affidavit of Support must be provided stating a minimum of $20,000.00 U.S dollars (approximately 2 college semesters
of expenses).

__ 6.  Age – International students must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the semester.

TRANSFER STUDENTS ONLY

__ 6.  Copy of passport, I-94, Visa and I-20

__ 7.  Official transcripts from all colleges/universities – Must be mailed directly form the institution to Rio Hondo College.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Once accepted by the International Program, students must:

  • Take an Assessment/Placement Test
  • Meet with a counselor
  • Attend an Orientation Session
  • Register for classes

MAINTAIN STATUS

Students must:

  • Register for classes (minimum 12 units)
  • Complete 12 units
  • Maintain overall 2.0 GPA

COST OF ATTENDANCE 2017-2018  (Fees and estimates subject to change without notice)

Minimum 12 units per semester

COST SEMESTER(12 units) YEAR(2 semesters)
Out-of-state tuition      $258.00 per unit           $3,096.00         $6,192.00
Enrollment       $46.00 per unit           $552.00         $1,104.00
College fees       $76.00           $76.00         $152.00
Books/Supplies(estimate)       $775.00           $775.00         $1,550.00
Living expenses(estimate)       $5,501.00           $5,501.00         $11,002.00
TOTAL COST:
      $10,000.00    $20,000.00

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

International students are expected to be financially independent.  An Affidavit of Support must be signed by the student AND his/her sponsor and evidence (bank letter/bank verification) that the student has sufficient financial resources to meet all expenses during his/her attendance at Rio Hondo College.  Financial Aid is NOT available to International Students.

HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE

In the United States medical care is extremely expensive and there are no free medical facilities.  Students must be prepared for the possibility of sickness or injury.  Health and accident insurance is mandatory.  You must provide proof of health insurance to the International Student Specialist once you are accepted into Rio Hondo College.

LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS

Rio Hondo College does not provide living accommodations.  The Student Life & Leadership Office will assist students with housing information but students must arrange for their own housing.  The college is not responsible for arranging housing.  For more information call (562) 908-3427.

CATALOG

You can access the current catalog online here.