Office of International Programs

Heather Catton, director
Dugas Liberal Arts North, Room 402
Phone: (936) 468-6631
Fax: (936) 468-7215
P.O. Box 6152, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Web: sfasu.edu/oip

The Office of International Programs serves as a facilitator for international activities and exchanges at SFA. OIP serves students, faculty and administrators in disseminating information about study abroad, encouraging and facilitating the organization of faculty-led study abroad programs, and administering study abroad scholarships and international programs scholarships. Simultaneously, the OIP directs the recruitment of qualified international students as matriculated students and as ESL students in the English Language Institute.

The OIP also assists faculty with teaching exchanges. The unit oversees the negotiation of cooperative agreements between SFA and foreign universities for the exchange of students and faculty and for the development of joint research projects.

The OIP contributes to the campus further by raising awareness of international issues and studies so that our students are better prepared for lives in an increasingly globalized society.

Study Abroad

OIP coordinates and facilitates opportunities for SFA students to study abroad through SFA faculty-led programs, exchange opportunities or via programs offered by other academic institutions. Students need to visit with the study abroad office, select from many opportunities and experiences that meet their academic goals, meet with their academic advisors to determine transferability of such courses to SFA, participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation and, upon return, provide an opportunity for debriefing on experiences, accomplishments and perception of the study abroad activity.

Scholarships are available and financial aid applicable for most study abroad programs.

English Language Institute

Elaine Lambright, coordinator
Dugas Liberal Arts North, Room 410
Phone: (936) 468-2388
Fax: (936) 468-7215
Web: sfasu.edu/oip

The ELI is an intensive English language program that helps provide international students with the necessary English skills to succeed in undergraduate and graduate university programs in the United States.

Please note that the ELI does not provide beginning English instruction. Students should already possess an intermediate level of English proficiency. To succeed in the ELI program, students should enter with skills equivalent to a score no lower than 46 on the TOEFL or a 5.5 on the IELTS. Students should be able to comprehend and respond to conversational English, read and comprehend simplified academic texts, and write simple sentences. For most students, a minimum of two years’ previous study of English is necessary for success in the program. Students who successfully complete the program of study will be granted admission into the regular undergraduate or graduate program at SFA if other entrance requirements are met. No additional language test scores are needed.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the ELI application form at sfasu.edu/oip.
2. Provide a diploma or certificate from high school or highest level of education.
3. Provide an official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE exam score.
4. Pay a $50 nonrefundable application fee (U.S. check, international bank draft or money order made payable to SFA).
5. Provide proof of financial support (required for visa purposes; form available on the ELI website).

Successful applicants will be sent a letter of acceptance and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form). The I-20 form is required in order to apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate.

ELI provides a range of instruction. Students will be placed in appropriate levels based on the submitted English exam (i.e., TOEFL, IELTS or PTE). A full program of courses will typically include 20 hours of instruction, including conversation hours, lab time, as well as formal instruction in composition and writing, oral communication, reading, academic grammar, vocabulary, and U.S. life and culture. Students also have access to university computer facilities, a recreation center, a tutoring center and a student center, which houses a movie theater, restaurants, a bookstore and cafés.

Foreign Non-Degree Students

SFA welcomes international students who are on a non-degree path, usually some type of study abroad experience. Two types of entrances are available:

1. Sponsored programs, such as IREX, Fulbright, Rotary, etc.
2. ISEP or other authorized bilateral exchange program - normally a student who is enrolled in a foreign university and wishes an international experience for a maximum of one year. Both types of students usually intend to transfer SFA credits back to their home institution.

Procedure

1. Submit International Student Application and $50 fee, indicating on the form “Transient Non-degree.”
2. Submit official transcript of university currently attending, showing the applicant is a student in good standing.
3. If a sponsored program, submit a letter of support and any intended goals or results of experience.
4. Submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if English is not the native language of the applicant. For full enrollment, the paper test TOEFL score required is 550, and the internet-based test score is 79, IELTS is 6.5 or PTE at 53.
5. Apply to live on campus through mySFA. For non-degree students attending SFA for one year or less, the student is advised that university residence halls are the most beneficial option to enhance the international student’s exposure to U.S. culture.

Students in this category are exempt from testing required for TSI.

Students also are required to attend International Student Orientation at the beginning of their first semester. Provisions are made for transportation to Nacogdoches from Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston upon arrival in Texas on the day before the orientation.

All students are assigned an advisor to assist with the appropriate choice of courses to fulfill goals or desires of the exchange experience.

Evidence of financial support is required for non-degree students. Upon admittance to SFA, a letter will be sent to the applicant with instructions about obtaining a visa for entrance to the United States.