Contact Information

Director:  Rebecca Snodgrass, MA
E-mail: rlsnodgrass@lcsc.edu / international@lcsc.edu
Office: Reid Centennial Hall (RCH) 212
Phone: 208-792-2177
Web: lcsc.edu/international

Office Overview

The International Programs Office (IPO) supports LC State’s global mission by serving international students, coordinating study and exchange opportunities, and fostering cross-cultural engagement on campus and in the community. The IPO works closely with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to support student success.

Areas of responsibility include:

• International Student Services
• International Student Admissions
• Student Visa and Immigration Compliance
• International Student Scholarships and Waivers
• Bridge Pathway and Short-Term ESL Programs
• Campus and Community Engagement
• Study Away, including National Student Exchange and Study Abroad

International Student Services

The IPO is a resource for international students before, during, and after their programs at LC State. The IPO offers orientation and advising to help students prepare for U.S. study, navigate American college life, maintain immigration compliance, and plan curricular and optional practical training. The IPO serves as the Designated School Official (DSO) office for Lewis-Clark State College and is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enroll F-1 nonimmigrant students. The Director of International Programs serves as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and is the institution’s primary point of contact for SEVP compliance.

Both the F-1 student visa and the J-1 exchange visitor visa are nonimmigrant visa classifications. Students holding either visa classification are authorized to be present in the United States temporarily for the purpose of study and must maintain lawful immigration status for the duration of their program. 

International student advisors in the IPO assist students at every stage of their enrollment, including:

• Reviewing admission and financial documentation and issuing Form I-20 for F-1 students.
• Facilitating the evaluation of foreign credentials.
• Advising on visa application procedures and consular interview preparation.
• Registering students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Advising on maintaining lawful F-1 or J-1 status, including full-time enrollment requirements, authorized absences, program extensions, and school transfers.
• Advising on work authorization, including on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Serving as liaison between students and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, consular offices, and sponsoring agencies.

The IPO is committed to supporting international students in understanding and maintaining their immigration status. Students should meet with an international student advisor before making any changes to their enrollment, employment, or travel plans that may affect their visa status.

International Student Healthcare and Insurance

LC State strongly encourages international students to carry health insurance. Medical care can be expensive in the USA. 

International student-athletes will be automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan for athletes.  Student-athletes holding equivalent insurance plans may request a waiver of the LC State student-athlete health insurance plan with Athletics.

Though LC State does not endorse a specific insurance company or program, the following companies provide coverage for international students and their dependents:
• ISO Insurance
• iNext
• CISI
• Visit International Health Insurance
• Compass Student Insurance
• International Student Insurance
• BETiNS International Health and Travel Insurance

International Programs is happy to discuss recommended insurance coverages as well as on-campus and local healthcare resources.  Further information can be found on the LC State website here. Please contact international@lcsc.edu with questions.

Admissions

International Programs and the Office of Admissions work together to admit new international students.

Admission Categories

• Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Admission

The Admissions Standards page of this catalog provides detailed admission standards, including admission requirements for international students. International student athletes must meet all requirements for undergraduate admission and must also consider athletic eligibility in the application process. Students should contact the IPO and the Athletic Department early in the application process. Prospective student athletes should review the NAIA International Students resource page and InCred transcript evaluation requirements.

• Graduate Admission

Complete graduate admissions details can be found on the Graduate Admissions page of this catalog. Non-native speakers of English must meet the minimum English proficiency standards for the program. Students should contact the IPO for information on graduate studies and immigration compliance.

• Bridge Pathway Admission

The Bridge Pathway Program is an intensive English language and academic preparation program designed for international students who meet LC State’s academic admission requirements but who do not yet meet the English language proficiency requirement for full undergraduate enrollment. See Bridge Pathway Program section below.

• International Exchange — Study Abroad in Idaho Program

LC State offers exchange opportunities to international students currently enrolled at approved overseas universities or exchange programs. Students may study at LC State for a semester or academic year and arrange in advance for credit to transfer back to their home institution. Students are expected to have pre-approval from their home university or exchange program for each course taken at LC State. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of study at their home institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who meet the undergraduate English language proficiency requirement may be admitted in either the fall or spring semester. Applicants who do not meet the undergraduate English proficiency requirement will be considered for the Bridge Pathway Program.

• Non-Degree Admission

International students eligible to enroll on a short-term basis may be admitted as non-degree. Non-degree international students may submit unofficial academic transcripts; however, official transcripts are recommended for students wishing to enroll in courses that require prerequisites or who intend to apply to a degree program in the future.

How to Apply

A complete international application for admission should include:

• Passport ID Page: Copy of unexpired passport identification page.
• Official Transcripts:
  • High School Transcripts: Official secondary school transcripts are required. Students with fourteen or more semester credits (21 quarter credits) from an accredited U.S. or overseas college or university do not need to submit high school transcripts.
  • College/University Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Official, recent test results or proof of exemption are required. See English Language Proficiency section below.
• Proof of Financial Ability: Financial documentation showing sufficient support for tuition, fees, course materials, health insurance, and living expenses for one academic year is required for I-20 issuance. See Student Visa and Immigration section below.
• $50 application fee payment (mandatory and non-refundable).

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary education, along with certified English translations, are required for degree-seeking applicants. The school or certifying agency should send official documents directly to the LC State Admissions Office. All documents should be original, in a sealed envelope. If original documents are not available, submit copies certified by a school, university, or government official with the appropriate official stamp. Transcripts become part of the official student record and will not be returned. LC State will accept scanned copies of transcripts for tentative admission pending receipt of official final transcripts. LC State will convert international grades to a 4.0 scale using guidelines provided by professional organizations. Some applicants may be required to submit transcripts to an approved credential evaluation service.

Tentative Admission

Students may be admitted tentatively with unofficial or incomplete transcripts when final transcripts are not yet available. Tentative admission allows International Programs to issue an I-20 so the student may apply for a student visa. Full admission will be granted when all final, official transcripts are received.

Provisional Admission

International applicants whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0 may be considered for provisional admission. Provisional admission information can be found in LC State’s Admissions Standards. International applicants who do not meet English proficiency requirements but who otherwise meet admission standards will be considered for provisional admission and should complete the Bridge Pathway Program — or otherwise demonstrate English language proficiency — before receiving full admission to their degree program.

Denial of Admission

Admission may be denied based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Cumulative high school GPA below 1.8;
• Cumulative transfer GPA (from all institutions attended) below 1.8;
• Submission of fraudulent, falsified, or misrepresented documents; or
• Prior dismissal or suspension from LC State.

Students who are denied admission may petition the admission decision. The submission of fraudulent or misrepresented documents may result in a permanent bar from admission and may be referred to appropriate authorities.

English Language Proficiency

Most international applicants for whom English is not the first or native language must demonstrate English proficiency before admission can be granted. Test scores must be less than two years old from the date of the test. The following minimum scores are required for each program level. Permitted exams and exemptions are at the discretion of the program. LC State reserves the right to require English proficiency testing when deemed necessary.

Minimum English Proficiency Exam Scores for Admission

TOEFL iBT

• Bridge: 54
• Undergraduate: 61
• Nursing (BSN): 84 (26 verbal)
• Graduate: 84

TOEFL pBT

• Bridge: 480
• Undergraduate: 500
• Graduate: 562

IELTS

• Bridge: 4.5
• Undergraduate: 5.5
• Nursing (BSN): 6.5 (6.0 all sub-scores)
• Graduate: 6.5

Duolingo

• Bridge: 80
• Undergraduate: 90
• Graduate: 110

SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing

• Undergraduate: 530

ACT English

• Undergraduate: 19

iTEP Academic

• Undergraduate: 2.5
• Graduate: 3.5

PTE Academic

• Bridge: 30
• Undergraduate: 43
• Nursing (BSN): 55 (50 all sections)

PTE General

• Undergraduate: Level 1
• Graduate: Level 2

Cambridge English

• Bridge: Key 120–139
• Undergraduate: Key 140–159

EIKEN

• Undergraduate: 2
• Graduate: 2A

Exams not listed for a program level are not accepted for that level.

Applicants who have not met the score requirement for their intended program may contact international@lcsc.edu to provide additional evidence for consideration. The student may be asked to participate in an interview to further assess their level of English proficiency.

Exemptions to the English Proficiency Requirement

Exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with an English proficiency exemption may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency before or after enrollment. Supporting documentation should be submitted to admissions@lcsc.edu or uploaded with the application.

English-Medium Secondary Education

• Undergraduate: Graduation from a U.S. high school with at least 3 years' attendance (or equivalent).

English-Medium Post-Secondary Education

• Undergraduate: Completion of 14 or more transferable credits at an accredited U.S. college or university with a GPA of at least 2.0.
• Graduate: Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university with a GPA of at least 3.0.

Bridge Program Completion

• Undergraduate: Successful completion of the LC State Bridge Program with at least a 3.0 GPA in Bridge courses and a grade of C or higher in college course(s).

Native English Speaker

• Undergraduate: Citizenship or permanent residency in a country where English is an official language. Qualifying countries: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, British Overseas Territories, Canada (except Quebec), Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Saba, Sierra Leone, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, U.S. Pacific Trust, U.S. Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Transfer Students and Credit Evaluation

LC State degrees consist of three components: general education (Core), general electives, and major requirements. Each degree program has published degree requirements available in this catalog.

How Transfer Credit is Determined

The IPO assists students in navigating the transfer credit evaluation process. Initially, transcripts are evaluated for general education core credit. The student should then meet with their academic advisor to discuss evaluation of program-specific transfer credits. A preliminary credit transfer assessment may be possible before the student arrives but is often non-binding without detailed documentation.

Documentation Requirements for Transfer Credit Evaluation

Official transcripts of all post-secondary education and certified English translations are required for degree-seeking applicants. Transcripts must list the institution’s name, dates of attendance, subjects studied, credits and grades earned, and any degree or diploma conferred.

Accompanying course descriptions should include course learning objectives, contact hours, mode of instruction, and assessment method. If course descriptions are not available in English, a translation should accompany the original. The more detailed the documentation provided, the more accurately LC State can evaluate prior coursework.

Global Assessment Certificate (GAC)

LC State recognizes the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program. For information on transfer credit equivalencies and admission requirements for GAC students, contact international@lcsc.edu.

Student Visa and Immigration

The Form I-20

The Form I-20 is an official U.S. government document issued only by Designated School Officials (DSOs) authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The I-20 certifies that a student has been admitted to a full course of study at LC State and has demonstrated sufficient financial support to study in the United States without unauthorized employment. A student must have a valid I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, and to maintain lawful immigration status throughout their enrollment, including when transferring between U.S. institutions.

The IPO issues the I-20 after a student has been admitted and has submitted complete financial documentation. Students should allow adequate processing time before their intended visa appointment.

Financial Documentation for I-20 Issuance

To receive an I-20, students must provide sufficient documentation demonstrating financial support for a full year of study. Acceptable financial documentation includes one or more of the following:

• Original bank letter or statement showing the student has sufficient funds to support the full course of study.
• Signed Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) from a sponsor, accompanied by documentation of the sponsor’s financial ability to provide support, such as original bank statements, formal proof of income, or copies of tax documents.
• Sponsor sworn statement of free room and board.
• Official letter of support from a government sponsor, indicating the amount of support, duration of support, and conditions for receiving continued support.
• Scholarship award letters indicating the amount of support, duration of support, and conditions for continued eligibility.

Financial documentation must be dated within the past six months and is subject to review and verification by the IPO. Embassies and consulates may require original documents for the visa interview.

Applying for the F-1 Student Visa

Once a student has received their I-20, they must complete the following steps before beginning study at LC State:

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at fmjfee.com.
• Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online.
• Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
• Present the I-20, SEVIS fee payment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation, financial documentation, and other required materials at the visa interview.

Canadian students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee but are exempt from the visa application and interview requirements listed above.

International students currently in the United States in a valid nonimmigrant status who wish to change to F-1 status should contact the IPO for guidance before taking any action.

Admitted students transferring from another U.S. college or university should send a scanned copy of their current F-1 visa and I-20 to international@lcsc.edu to initiate the transfer process.

Maintaining F-1 Immigration Status

Maintaining lawful F-1 status is the student’s responsibility, and the consequences of a status violation can be serious. The IPO is here to help students understand their obligations and navigate any questions or changes that arise during their enrollment.

F-1 students are required to:

• Enroll full-time each semester (minimum 12 credits for undergraduates) except as specifically authorized by the DSO.
• Report any change of address, major, or program level to the IPO promptly.
• Maintain a valid passport at all times.
• Obtain DSO authorization before reducing course load, taking a leave of absence, or withdrawing.
• Obtain DSO authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment.
• Apply for a program extension through the IPO if unable to complete the degree within the program end date listed on the I-20.

When in doubt, ask first — the IPO is a resource, and early communication makes a significant difference in protecting a student’s status. General resources explaining the rules and regulations governing F-1 students can be found at Study in the States.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Students

J-1 Exchange Visitor students are sponsored by an outside agency or exchange program, which issues the DS-2019 and serves as the student’s Responsible Officer (RO). LC State serves as a host institution for J-1 students and does not issue the DS-2019. J-1 students enrolled at LC State are welcome to contact the IPO with questions about their enrollment, campus resources, or general immigration matters, and should direct visa-specific questions to their sponsoring agency. General resources explaining the rules and regulations governing J-1 students can be found at Study in the States.

International Student Scholarships and Waivers

International students may be eligible for LC State scholarships and waivers to help offset the cost of non-resident tuition. Additional scholarship and waiver opportunities are listed on the Financial Aid page.

Presidential Academic Waiver and Community College Transfer Waiver

The Presidential Academic Waiver and Community College Transfer Waiver reduce the cost of the student’s non-resident (out-of-state) tuition. These awards may not be applied toward in-state tuition and fees.

Eligibility

New international students will receive automatic consideration for the Presidential Academic Waiver.  Students transferring with an Associates degree from a U.S. community college may apply for the Community College Transfer Waiver through the International Programs Office. Selection criteria include a converted grade point average of 3.0 or higher and admission to an undergraduate program. International students are eligible to receive these awards for the duration of their enrollment at LC State, provided they meet renewal requirements.

Renewal

The Presidential Academic Waiver and Community College Transfer Waiver may be renewed each semester if the student:

• Maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Enrolls in twelve or more credits; and
• Otherwise maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Study Abroad in Idaho and Exchange Waivers

Incoming international students participating in the Study Abroad in Idaho program are eligible to apply for the Presidential Academic Waiver and certain exchange waivers available through their home university or exchange program. Contact international@lcsc.edu for information on available scholarships and waivers for your institution or program.

Bridge Pathway Program

The Bridge Pathway Program is an intensive English language and academic preparation program designed for international students who meet LC State’s academic admission requirements but who do not yet meet the English language proficiency requirement for full undergraduate enrollment. Students take a combined schedule of Bridge Pathway ESL courses and select undergraduate courses, depending on their English proficiency and program goals. Bridge Pathway students are advised by the International Programs Office. Bridge Pathway instructors are LC State faculty/staff with a Master’s degree or higher and extensive experience teaching non-native speakers of English.

Students who successfully complete the Bridge Pathway Program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in their Bridge courses and a grade of C or higher in their college course(s) will be granted full admission and may enroll in undergraduate courses full-time the following semester. Successful Bridge completion also satisfies the English language proficiency requirement for undergraduate admission.

Bridge students who meet the undergraduate English language proficiency requirement during or after the Bridge Program may petition to transition to full undergraduate enrollment. Students in the Study Abroad in Idaho program who do not meet the undergraduate English proficiency requirement may be admitted to the Bridge Pathway Program and follow the same pathway to full enrollment.

Short-Term ESL Programs

The International Programs Office offers customized, short-term English language and culture programs. The IPO will work with schools and providers to design custom programs including ESL instruction with discipline-specific content, experiential learning, cultural studies, and field trips. Packages may include dormitory-style accommodations or homestay with an American family. Program instructors are LC State faculty/staff with a Master’s degree or higher and extensive experience teaching non-native speakers of English. Contact international@lcsc.edu for further information.

Campus and Community Engagement

The IPO fosters cross-cultural connection between international students, the LC State campus, and the greater Lewiston-Clarkston community. Engagement opportunities include international student clubs and activities, volunteer programs, the Host Family program, and the Friendship Family program. The Campus Life & Community Commission plans activities to foster student engagement and educational exchange. For current programming information, contact international@lcsc.edu.

Study Away

Contact Information

Study Away Coordinator: Beth Matuska, M.A.
Office: RCH 212
Phone: 208-792-2329 or 208-792-2177
Web: http://www.lcsc.edu/study-away/
E-mail: studyaway@lcsc.edu

Overview

Students at LC State have the following options for approved study away programs:

• National Student Exchange (NSE)
• ISA by Worldstrides
• Study away through approved LC State study away third-party program providers
• Faculty-led study away programs

Students participating in the above programs are required to work with the Study Away Coordinatorand other LC State officers to facilitate credit transfer and financial aid/scholarships. Application fees vary with the type of program chosen. Students who choose independent/self-directed programs are individually responsible for arranging all parts of their proposed program, including finances. As independent/self-directed programs are not official LC State study away programs, LC State financial aid does not apply.

Students interested in studying away should note:

• Federal and institution financial aid is only available for approved LC State study abroad programs.
• Students reliant on financial aid are strongly encouraged to go abroad either for a full academic year or in the spring semester only. This is because the Financial Aid Office requires official transcripts for Fall coursework before disbursing Spring awards.
• LC State reviews its list of approved programs annually and has selected to work with the chosen partners and programs based on a number of factors, including financial, risk management, academic and LCSC international strategy considerations. Programs will not be added to the official LC State list based solely on individual student interest.
• Scholarships:
  • Institutional scholarships available only to LC State students (may be applied for through the Study Away office):
  • Helen Bernfield Study Away Endowment Scholarship
  • Study Away Scholarship
• External Scholarships are available through the third party program providers, government institutions and other private organizations. Inquire with the Study Away Coordinator for current opportunities, including NSEP/Boren and Gilman scholarships.

• Students must be fully admitted and degree-seeking. Dual-enrolled students are not fully admitted until they complete high school.
• Students must be registered full-time in the fall or spring semester before the term away/abroad.
• Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA (higher for some programs).
• Students must have sophomore standing (transfer credit is applicable).

For more information, contact the Study Away Coordinator at 208-792-2329. Students should first discuss study away plans with their academic advisor. 

LC State is a member of National Student Exchange, a consortium of four-year colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and Canada that have joined together for the purpose of exchanging students among the member institutions. Students may study away for a semester or a year, with occasional opportunities made available for summer terms. Outgoing LC State students who participate in the NSE program pay LC State tuition and fees, plus a $200 application fee ($150 NSE, $50 LCSC Study Away). They do not pay tuition or fees at the host institution, except for special class or lab fees, activity fees, room/board, etc. Incoming NSE exchange students do not pay LC State tuition and fees, as they will have already paid these at the home institution. The only fees paid to LC State in that case are special class or lab fees, activity fees, room/board, etc. Financial aid may apply for out-going LC State students, but is not available to incoming NSE exchange students, who should apply for financial aid from their home institution prior to the exchange. Incoming and outgoing exchange students must show proof of medical insurance for the duration of their exchange. For more information, visit www.nse.org.

LC State has an agreement with the ISA program to offer summer, semester, and year abroad options in more than 20 countries around the world. Students who participate in the ISA program do not pay LC State tuition. Instead, they pay a $95 deposit to ISA along with the program cost, plus a $50 LC State Study Away Application fee. Financial aid may apply. For more information, visit www.studiesabroad.com.

Periodically, LC State may offer faculty-led short study away programs for LC State students to study language and culture in other countries while earning college credit. Contact the Study Away Coordinator for more information.