The Office of International Students in a collaborative effort with other collegewide units that deal with international students, is in the process of compiling a range of questions any international student is likely to ask while attending Columbia College. The questions below are just be a snap shot of the several questions and answers the office is compiling. If the answers provided are not satisfactory, we ask that you contact the International Student Affairs staff provided in this website.

Can I accept to be paid if I opt to accept internship as part my curriculum?
Answer : Yes, you can work so long as the job fall within your area of study and annual IRS taxes are filed.

How safe is Chicago and which place is safe to live?
Answer : Referrals for affordable living housing are provided. However, it is difficult to give definitive answers regarding safety.

How to I get a social security number?
Answer: The Office of International Student Affairs provides all necessary details to enable new and enrolled students apply for social security numbers.

Are there any students from my country enrolled currently at Columbia College Chicago?
Answer are provided depending on information available from MIS.

Does Columbia College offer ESL Programs?
Answer : Columbia College offers an IntensiveEnglish Language Program (IELP), which is one year, 21 credit hour program that combines the study of English language and US culture with exposure to majors in the arts and communication. For more information, please contact Suzanne Blum-Malley, Director of ESL Program at sbmalley@popmail.colum.edu or visit the department's webiste at http://www.colum.edu/undergraduate/english/ESL/index.html

Is there a separate tuition charge for international students?
Answer: No, Columbia College is a private educational institution. Therefore its tutition charge is the same for both local and international students.

What are the requirements for international student admission?
Answer: Students are required to submit the following items:

• Undergraduate International Admissions Application
• $25.00 application fee
• Letter of recommendation (in English) from instructor or other peofessional who is qualified to comment on the applicant's potential to complete college level education especially in the arts and communication curriculum.
• An official TOEFL score (minimum score of 500 is required)
• Financial documentation
• An Immunization record
• Official transcripts or certified photocopies of all schools attended beginning with high school (secondary education) officially translated into English Note: Foreign credentials MUST be professionally evaluated by agencies as World Education Services or Educational Credentials Evaluators.

If I took college-level English courses at college in the US, is a TOEFL score still required?
Answer : If a student has taken university/college level English courses such as English Comp I and II and received a grade "C" average or better, a TOEFL score is not required.

What is the deadline for admission?
Answer : For the Fall term, it is strongly recommended that applicants submit and complete their file prior to August 15 . However, if applicants are interested in on-campus housing, the priority deadline is April 15 . For Spring term, it is strongly recommended that applicants submit and complete their admission file prior to January 1 . for the Summer term, applicants should submit their information no later than May 1 .

Does Columbia College offer 2nd Bachelor's program?
Answer: Yes, but not all departments. Students are asked to contact the International Undergraduate Admissions Office for current listing of departments offering this degree option.

Is there any financial aid for international students?
Answer: At the moment, there is no financial assistance for incoming international students. However, once a student has completed one semester at the College and has a grade point average of 3.0, he/she is eligible for the college's "Academic Excellence Scholarship Award"

Who is ocnsidered an international student?
Answer: One who is neither a permanet resident of the United States nor a U.S. Citizen.

Can I work off-campus?
Answer: No, for new students unless there are special INS based arrangements. Once, a student completes 9 months (considered as one academic year), he/she can apply for a work permit to work off-campus through the Office of international student Affairs demonstrating such need.

Is there on-campus housing available for international students?
Answer : Yes, you are asked to contact the Residence Center at your earliest convenience through its Director at moakes@popmail.colum.edu for more information

Is it a MUST for new and transfer students to attend orientation?
Answer : Yes. Attendance is MANDATORY. In addition, you are asked to attend any other orientation sessions hosted by the International Student Affairs Office.

More questions and answers will follow soon.