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ý Frequently Asked Questions þ

You've got questions? We've got answers! If we haven't answered them here,  let us know. Save yourself a phone call by emailing us at trujillo@davenportdiocese.org

 

*When should I apply to the Diocese of Davenport?

          You should apply as soon as possible. It is best to start early and have everything in        

          order long before you are suppose to leave for the United States. Please follow the steps 

          on How to Apply for F1 status.

 

*How do I apply?

          Instructions and forms needed to apply for admission are here. Or you may contact the

                     Diocese of Davenport:

                     Virginia Trujillo

                     Diocese of Davenport

                     2706 N. Gaines St.

                     Davenport, Iowa 52803

         You can also email Virginia at trujillo@davenportdiocese.org. The telephone number is

         563-324-1912 ext. 256 and the fax number is 563-324-5811.

 

*What test do I have to take?

          We have a English Proficiency Test (separate one for elementary, middle and high

          schools, please see Forms link) that we administer but the school might have another

          assessment they will want you to complete. You can complete the test at

          www.transparent.com/tlquiz/proftest/english/tlengtest.htm, upon completion please send

          us the result page.

 

*What education documentation do I need?

          Transcripts written in a language other than English must be translated into English at the

          student's expense. 

 

*Is financial aid available for international students?

          The Diocese of Davenport offers excellent value in private education. International

          students are not eligible for scholarships.

 

*What other documentation is involved in the admissions process?

          There are several documents you must submit for the admissions process to be

          completed. The documents that are available from this website are below. You must send

          all completed documents in the same envelope to the address above.

                       * Student Application for Admission

                       * Declaration of Finances

                       * Supporting financial documents which must include employer and bank

                          statements.                            

                       * Immunization records

                       * English Proficiency Test or Result page (for high school students)

                       * English Proficiency Test - print out test and complete, send original

                          w/paperwork

                       * 2 letters from English teachers or tutors

                       * letter from students on why they want to attend our school

                       *Standard of Conduct

        

          Go to Forms and How do I apply.....

 

*Do I need a visa to be a full-time student?

          YES! Once you are accepted, the I-20, Declaration of Finances, and financial statements

          needed to obtain your visa. IMPORTANT: Wait for this documentation to arrive before

          coming to the United States! You will need to take these documents to the local

          American Embassy where a decision on granting you a visa will be made. The Embassy

          will be looking for a number of things including your financial ability to attend, and

          willingness to return to your country upon completing your studies (since you are applying

          for a non-immigrant visa).

 

          Entering the country on a tourist visa will stop you from becoming a full-time student.

          Please follow all procedures requested by the Diocese of Davenport and the Visa Officer

          on the American Embassy in your country.

 

*How do I obtain my visa?

          After you have submitted the appropriate documentation an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

          for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status will be sent to you and you should make an

          appointment with the U.S. Embassy in your home country. (Please do this as soon as

          possible since it sometimes takes weeks to secure an appointment at the Embassy.) You

          will need to take the I-20 and supporting financial documents with you to this

          appointment. You will be interviewed and a determination to issue you a student visa will

          be granted after considering:

                     1)  Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the U.S.?

                     2)  Do you have sufficient reasons to return to your home country? You are

                          applying for non-immigrant visa and most are denied if the Consulate Officer

                          suspects you will attempt to immigrate to the U.S.

                     3)  Do you have a legitimate offer of acceptance from a U.S. school?

 

          If you are granted an F-1 student visa you should receive a stamp or sticker for your

          passport saying so. You may make your travel arrangements to arrive by the date posted

          on the I-20. Please note that an F-1 student cannot work while in high school.

 

          If you have difficulties at this point please call the Diocese of Davenport and we will try to

          help you.

 

*What do I need at the Port of Entry?

           At the port of entry you will need your passport, visa, I-20 and evidence of financial

           support. The immigration official will give you an I-94 white card that shows your

           date/place of entry and alien status as an F-1 student. You will be given an eleven digit

           admissions number. The official will take the school copy of your I-20 and return the     

           endorsed student copy to you. Make sure they return both the white card and I-20

           student copy to you.

 

           If you have any difficulties at this point please call the Diocese of Davenport immediately

           and we will try to help you.

 

*What kind of travel arrangements should I make?

           The Immigration and Naturalization regulations allow for the student to arrive no sooner

           than 90 days prior to the date posted on the I-20 under section 5. The closest

           international airport to most of our schools is in Moline, Illinois. This is located just 15

           minutes by car, taxi, or limo. Flights can also be booked to O'Hare International

          Airport in Chicago, Illinois. A bus/or limo are available to take you from O'Hare to

          Davenport and/or Moline, Illinois.

 

         When you arrive please take your documents to the school office and register. They will

         need to make copies of your documents.

 

*How soon can I come to the United States after being granted and F1 visa?

          No more than 30 days prior to the program start date.

 

*What do I need to do if I can not attend school by the program start date?

           Notify the DSO immediately. If the program start date has passed, we will not be able 

           to defer your attendance. You will need to get a new Form I-20. While it is possible that

           the POE (Port of Entry) will allow the student to enter after the program start date, if the

           record has been cancelled, the DSO will not be able to activate it. The student will have

           to leave and reenter with a new Form I-20 or apply for reinstatement. Students who

          cannot arrive by the program start date, must contact us, defer their program start date,

          and get a reprinted Form I-20.

 

*What do I do when I arrive on campus?

           You need to report to the school office immediately upon arrival. You are required to

           arrive on campus within 30 days of your admission at the POE. You will need to provide

           our original I-20 with 3 signatures (DSO, students, and parents), VISA, I-94, and

           Passport. The school office will need to make copies of these documents and send them

           to the Diocese of Davenport.

 

*What is maintaining status?

          Once a nonimmigrant student starts a program in the United States, the student must

          comply with the terms and conditions of their F-1 visa.

                    • Maintaining Status: complying with these regulatory requirements is referred to as

                      maintaining status.

                    • Out of Status: students who fail to meet any of the regulatory requirements are    

                       potentially out of status.

 

*Can I travel outside the United States on my I-20?

           Regulations allow F and M students in good status to travel outside of the United States,

           and to reenter the country without jeopardizing their nonimmigrant status. The only

           restrictions on such travel are as follows:

                    • The student needs a Form I-20 with current information that is signed by the

                       DSO on pages one and three allowing travel outside of the United States.

                    • The student's visa and passport must still be valid at the time the student reenters

                       the United States (this means that the expiration date on the student's visa has

                       not passed at the time of reentry)

        

*What do I do if I want to transfer to another school?

            • Contact the DSO immediately

            • Transfer Form needs to be filled out complete (go to Forms link)

            • The school you want to attend needs to contact our office

            • All fees due to the current school need to be paid

            • The school you want to attend needs to be a SEVIS-approved school

            • Need to apply for enrollment at the school you want to attend

            • Student needs to be in good status

            • Have proof of acceptance at the other school

 

*Application Process and Guidelines do I need to know?

Once you are accepted, our schools will send me an acceptance letter. Once I receive the required documentation (forms), I will then issue an I-20 and send to you with the supporting documents you need to take to your consulate appointment. Many consulates require fee payments to local banks that will give you a receipt for fee payment (I-901). Interviews are required, so check to find out if you need to make an appointment.

 

*What documents are required for the visa?

*When should I apply?

Because of a personal interview may be required of most visa applicants, you should learn about the process at the particular post where you'll apply and make an appointment in advance. The appointment date should be a a time when the documents listed above will be in hand. Security measure are in place, so the earlier you go the better. Also, you want to make sure you'll have the visa before the semester of admission.

 

*What should I do if my visa application is denied?

Some visa applicants may be able to overcome a visa application denial. The U.S. Department of State has useful information on its Web site regarding visa denials or visit our link above. See travel.state.gov/visadenials.html for more information.

 

Tuition & Common Expenses

*How much will it cost?

The cost of attending school in the United States varies widely by school, from approximately $2450 - $5310 for high school and $1200-$4300 for elementary school per year for tuition (does not include other fees). You must also consider the cost of books, living expenses, health insurance (recommended).

Before enrolling at a one of our schools, you will be required to show proof of financial support. This means having enough money to pay for one full year of tuition. Health insurance can also be a major expense.

 

Balancing School and Sports

*Are sports scholarships available to international students?

Contact the school for more information about scholarship availability. Because of telephone calls from foreign countries can be expensive, it's wise to use the Internet for your research. We have a link to each one of our schools on the International Students Homepage.

 

*How can international students balance athletics with schoolwork and academic life?

Many international students athletes face language and cultural challenges upon arriving at our schools. Programs, as well as academic and athletic support is available at our schools and will assist student athletes with adjusting to their new environment. Many athletic departments offer tutoring and mentoring services to assist athletes with the transition. Check with a counselor for more information.

 

Planning Your Stay

*Are you getting your answers?

You've decided to study in the United States. Now what steps do you take to ensure the transition goes smoothly? Follow the instructions in the link How to Apply and it should be able to provide you with the information you need.

 

Travel Tips

*Do you have everything you need for traveling?

Plan ahead, and make your travel plans as soon as possible. Be sure to arrange for transportation to our school. Clearly label all your baggage, and carry important documents, such as your passport, with you at all times. Most of our schools will ask you to arrive approximately one week before classes start to attend orientation and to become familiar with the campus.

 

Tests and Grading

The U.S. system of education differs from what you're accustomed to in your native country. The types of exams administered, the academic calendar, and the grading system will seem unusual to you at first. Make an effort to understand the education system and your transition to academic life will be more comfortable and less overwhelming.

 

*Academic Calendars?

A majority of American schools operate under the semester system - approximately 15 weeks of class. Classes and exams occur during two separate semesters. Generally, fall semester begin in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in early January and ends in late May.

 

*Exams?

The tests you'll take in the U.S. will vary by school and class. Large classes will usually include multiple-choice tests capable of being quickly graded. Smaller classes will feature tests that have a mixed format of multiple choice and short answer questions, along with one or two more in-depth essay questions.

 

*Grading System?

Most schools in the United States uses the following five letter grading system:

    A = Excellent

    B = Good

    C = Average

    D = Below Average

    F = Failing

 

At the end of each quarter, the letter grades will be given in a report card. You will receive progress reports half way through the quarter to show how well you are doing and how you might improve if needed.

 

*What are the customs?

Names - In many countries, when people give their name, they refer to themselves using their last name. In the United States, however, people generally refer to themselves using their first name. On the first day of class, teachers will introduce themselves and will tell you how they'd like to be addressed, as well.

 

Culture Shock - It is common for people living far away from home to experience culture shock, but this doesn't have to spoil the experience. If you find yourself feeling homesick, call a friend at home or go to your school's counselor. Culture shock is a normal part of living in a new environment, so do not be alarmed.

 

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      If you have any questions, please contact:

Virginia Trujillo, DSO

Diocese of Davenport

International Student Services Office

2706 N. Gaines St.

Davenport, IA 52804

Tel: 563-324-1912 ext. 256

Fax: 563-324-5811

Email: trujillo@davenportdiocese.org

 

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Effective Immediately:

ALL paperwork will need to be provided to the International Student Services Office before an I-20 can be issued. Please allow 2-3 days for the review process. If required paperwork is missing, NO I-20 will be issued till the required paperwork is provided to us. Upon review of the required documents and I-20 will be issued. Please give us address information on where the I-20 and documents should be sent. A fee will be charged if we mail outside the U.S. If you would like to pick up the I-20, an appointment will be required. No walk-in I-20's will be done.

Every effort has been made to keep this information accurate, however all policies, procedures, tuition and fees, and curriculum are subject to change by appropriate action of the faculty or Diocese of Davenport.

 


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Chancery Address:  2706 N. Gaines St, Davenport, Iowa  52804-1998
Phone: 563-324-1911      FAX: 563-324-5842      Email: communication@davenportdiocese.org
© Diocese of Davenport 2005