Frequent Questions

UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS

• What documents do I need to send with my application for admission?

  • The documents that we require with your application for admission are your official transcripts from high school and proof of graduation with English translations (and official college transcripts, if transferring), your official TOEFL or SAT score and your notarized Affidavit of Support and Bank Statement. ACT and IELTS exams are also acceptable. No application fee is necessary.

• Can I send part of the information that you need now and send the rest later?

  • Yes, you can send the information in parts, and we will wait for any additional documents. However, please try and send as much as possible at one time.

• Are both the SAT and TOEFL required?

  • No, both test scores are not required. We need only one in order to make an admission decision. However, we encourage that you take both the SAT and TOEFL if possible, because you may score better on one than the other. Remember that we also accept the ACT or IELTS exams in case you are not able to take the TOEFL or SAT.

• Do I have to take the TOEFL test if the official language of my country is English?

  • Yes, we do require that you take either the TOEFL or SAT, even if the official language of your country is English. American students are also required to take a standardized test in order to be admitted to a U.S. college or university. However, for acceptance into the Associate Degree Program, we can waive the TOEFL and SAT score if the official language of your country is English or you have been educated in an English speaking country.

• How do I go about taking the TOEFL test?

  • We recommend that you visit www.toefl.org to get information about the test, how to register, and where it is being offered. You can also talk to your high school or college counselor; they may have some information about the TOEFL. (For more information about the SAT, go to www.collegeboard.org.

• What is the best way for me to send you my official TOEFL or SAT score?

  • The best way to send us your official TOEFL or SAT score is to enter the code for Goldey-Beacom College, 5255, when filling out the score sheet prior to the test.

• Do you have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

  • GBC does not have an ESL program and this is why we require a TOEFL and/or SAT score for admission. GBC does have agreements with several local ESL centers and we can coordinate your admission. You will be conditionally accepted to GBC and will be permitted to begin classes when you have completed the English Language program of your choice or have obtained the appropriate TOEFL/SAT score.

• What exactly are the Affidavit of Support and Bank Statement?

  • The Affidavit of Support and Bank Statement are forms created by Goldey-Beacom College to be completed by your sponsor. These forms must be signed and notarized. We cannot accept photocopies. If you have more than one sponsor, each one must complete a separate set of forms. Please make sure you keep a second original copy for you to prove to the United States Consular Office that you have sufficient funds.

• What is a sponsor? Can I be my own sponsor?

  • A sponsor is someone who accepts financial responsibility for the tuition and living expenses for a student’s education. Typically, a sponsor is one’s parents or a family member, but a sponsor can be anyone who agrees to be financially accountable. This includes an employer or company/organization. Yes, it is possible for you to be your own sponsor.

• How soon will I know about my admission once I submit my application?

  • Once your application package is complete with all required documents, the final decision is usually made within one week. However, we will be in contact with you throughout the entire admissions process.

• Once I am accepted to Goldey-Beacom College, is there a deposit I must pay?

  • Yes, there is an initial tuition payment of $ 4,000 (US). This deposit confirms your intention to accept our offer of admission. The entire payment will be applied towards your first semester fees. We encourage students to submit this payment as soon as possible after being accepted. Course scheduling, final registration and housing assignments may not be completed until the initial tuition payment has been received. The payment can be paid by money order, credit card, wire transfer or personal check made payable to Goldey-Beacom College.

• When will I receive my SEVIS I-20?

  • Once your acceptance has been processed and your initial tuition payment of $ 4,000 has been received, we will issue your SEVIS I-20 and send it to you via express mail. The expense of mailing the I-20 via express mail will be charged to your student account. Once you receive the I-20, you should visit www.fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS fee to the U.S. government.  You must have confirmation of this payment prior to your embassy appointment.

• Does Goldey-Beacom College transfer credits from other colleges and universities?

  • Yes, GBC transfers credits only from accredited colleges and universities across the world whose curricula are compatible with Goldey-Beacom College. Evaluations are done on a course by course basis and we ask that students submit a course catalog from their former school to better assist us. We also transfer credits from International Baccalaureate (I.B.), Advanced Placement (A.P.) and A-level programs.

TUITION

• What are the undergraduate tuition and fees for international students?

  • The tuition and fees for international students are the same as tuition and fees for domestic students. Effective Summer 2009, undergraduate tuition is $586 per credit with a $10 Student Service & Technology fee for each credit. We estimate 34 credits per academic year (17 credits per semester).

• How much does it cost for meals?

  • GBC does not require you to purchase a meal plan; however, meal plans can be purchased to assist you in budgeting your food expenses. Our meal plan allows you to purchase food and beverages from our comprehensive on-campus food service, called the Lightning Café, which operates from the student lounge. In addition, our students can access many great grocery stores and restaurants, all in close proximity. It is difficult to determine the exact cost of one’s meals, but we estimate an expenditure of about $100 per week on food. Students also enjoy fully-equipped kitchens in our apartments on campus, where they have the ability to prepare their own meals!

• What other expenses can I expect besides my tuition and housing?

  • Besides food, expect miscellaneous expenses for books/supplies and health insurance. We estimate that books will cost between $600-$700 per year. Health insurance is required and can be obtained through GBC.  Student health insurance costs approximately $1,123 for the 2009-2010 school year. If you decline to use our program, you must provide proof of health insurance coverage applicable in the state of Delaware and complete the Student Health Insurance Online Waiver at the College. Parking is free at Goldey-Beacom College.

• Are there installment plans offered to help me pay for my tuition?

  • Yes, our Business Office does offer installment plans to assist in paying your tuition. You can find more information about payment options and installment plans here.

• Can I apply for financial aid?

  • At GBC, non-U.S. residents can apply only for academic and athletic scholarships.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• What kinds of scholarships do you offer to international students?

  • We offer academic and athletic scholarships to international students. Please contact the Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan for more details about athletic scholarships (morganc@gbc.edu).

• How do I apply for scholarships?

  • To apply for scholarships, contact the International Admissions Representative at international@gbc.edu.

APPLYING FOR VISA

• How do I apply for my F-1 student visa?

  • Once you have been accepted and your initial tuition payment of $ 4,000 (US) has been received, we will issue a SEVIS I-20 and send it to you via express mail. The expense of mailing the I-20 via express mail will be charged to your student account. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to get your visa from the nearest U.S. Embassy. You can find more information here.  Once you receive the I-20, you should visit www.fmjfee.com to pay the fee to the U.S. government.  You must have confirmation of this payment prior to your embassy appointment.

• How can I change my current visa to an F-1 student visa?

  • Depending on the type of visa you currently have, the International Admissions Office can assist you in the process of changing your visa. You can see, if you qualify to change your visa, here. 

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

• Can I work on/off campus?

  • Jobs on campus are very limited but you will be able to get a work authorization off campus upon certain conditions (CPT) after one academic year.
    
    GBC offers Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to international students. For Curricular Practical Training, students can work off-campus in their field of study after one academic year of attending GBC.
    
    For Optional Practical Training, students can apply for one year of full-time employment once they complete their degree program. Student must apply before the completion of their studies.  Students should also familiarize themselves with the employment regulations for International Students.

ENVIRONMENT

• Is it a safe location?

  • GBC is located in the suburbs of Wilmington, Delaware and is considered to be a very safe area. There is trained security on campus for the protection of the students, staff/faculty and their surroundings. The campus meets all relevant fire safety codes and there are trained Resident Assistants in each residence hall, supervised by a full-time Director of Housing and Residence Life. Please go to www.delawarepublicsafety.com to find out more about what the Delaware Department of Public Safety is doing to "promote and protect the safety of people and property in Delaware." You can see our low campus crime statistics here.

• What is there to do in Delaware?

  • Delaware is just a short car, train or bus ride away from Delaware and New Jersey beaches, as well as major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C. Please use the links below to find out about Arts organizations, attractions, beaches and resorts, movies, museums, music, parks and theater/drama in Delaware.
    
    www.state.de.us
    www.delaware.com
    www.delawareonline.com
    www.delmarweb.com
    www.atbeach.com (beach locations, weather, events and vacation packages)
    www.ticketmaster.com (ticket information for arts, music and sporting events)
    
    All the fun is not limited to Delaware! Go to www.citysearch.com to find events up and down the East Coast of the US. See a show in New York City or visit the nation’s capital in Washington, DC.

• Is there anyone else there from my country?

  • Seventy different countries are represented at Goldey-Beacom College by our international student population. Chances are there is definitely someone from your area of the world and probably from your country. If not, what an honor it is to be the first!

HOUSING

• What are the residence halls like?

  • Each two bedroom apartment in each of the four residence halls is fully furnished and complete with a large living room, kitchen and 1½ or 2 bathrooms. All units are air conditioned and utilities are included, such as cable. Students are responsible for their own telephone service. Each building has laundry facilities with up-to-date coin-operated machines. There are quiet hours and “quiet-floor” options for those who prefer more solitude. Trained Resident Assistants in each hall oversee the residents and facilitate activities and meetings.

• What do I need to bring?

  • In choosing clothing, please keep in mind that students will experience all four seasons while in Delaware. Therefore, please be aware of all possible climate changes. You can also consult the Residence Hall “What to Bring Checklist”.

ACTIVITIES

• What sports/athletic programs does Goldey-Beacom College have to offer students?

  • Students are encouraged to participate in NCAA Division II sports. Fall sports include men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, women's tennis, and men’s and women’s cross country. Winter sports include men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Spring sports include women’s softball and men’s golf. We are very proud of our state-of-the-art fitness center, beautiful sports complex and the gymnasium. Not only are there tennis and racquetball courts on campus, but GBC is located near the Del Castle Recreational Center and several state parks.

• What do I need to know about try-outs if I am interested in playing a sport?

  • For information about try-outs, please contact the Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan at morganc@gbc.edu or go to www.gbc.edu/athletics.

• What is there to do on-campus?

  • In addition to the many student organizations and clubs for you to join, GBC schedules various events throughout every month for students. You can see the current GBC Activities Calendar here.

ARRIVAL IN THE U.S.

• What arrangements must be made for my on-campus housing before I arrive?

  • In your acceptance package, you will receive a housing contract. Please fill out and return the housing contract to International Admissions as soon as possible, so that we can make proper arrangements for your housing on campus. For more information regarding housing, please contact Kevin Martin, the Director of Housing and Residence Life at martink@gbc.edu.

• When is the best time to schedule my arrival?

  • The best time to schedule your arrival is as close to the start of the semester as possible. We will try to accommodate your arrival time to the best of our ability. Please give as much notice about your arrival as possible and try to come the weekend before classes start. You can also contact Kevin Martin, the Director of Housing and Residence Life at martink@gbc.edu to discuss your arrival.

• Where do I arrive and who will take me to the campus?

  • We recommend that all students arrive to the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is located approximately 45 minutes from the campus. If desired, we can arrange for the Delaware Shuttle Express service to pick you up from the airport and bring you directly to the campus. The charge for the shuttle is approximately $ 35 (US) and driver’s gratuity for one passenger.