International Students

Welcome to Longwood University! 

International Students at Longwood Photo Album

Campus Photo Album

  
Longwood University "Rotunda" Ruffner Hall

Longwood University offers immersion in a typical small American college community offering outstanding academic offerings along with personal attention and small classes.  Founded in 1839 in central Virginia, Longwood University is a comprehensive state institution offering programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in a wide variety of subjects.  With an undergraduate enrollment of 4,500 students, Longwood University combines the ambiance of a private college in a small town setting with the cost benefits of a public institution. For the tenth straight year, Longwood University is ranked among the best in the 2008 U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges;” this year, Longwood continues to rank as one of the “Top Public Universities—Master’s” in the South at the number 11 position. Better still, Longwood was cited recently in America's 100 Best College Buys, a national publication that profiles schools that are the highest rated academically but have the lowest annual costs. Small classes (average 25 students), a favorable faculty/student ratio (1:19), and a friendly atmosphere provide an opportunity for professors and students to develop close, personal relationships that foster achievement and innovation.

Longwood University is a residential campus with charming parks and attractive walkways, as well as state-of-the-art modern buildings with a traditional Virginian architectural style.  Many of the academic buildings are new within the last two years or have been newly renovated, and all contain the latest technology and lab facilities.  Residence halls are also renovated on a regular basis.  All buildings are fully networked, with access to the Internet from all campus buildings and each residence hall room.  Classrooms and labs have all the latest technology; the new Longwood University Health and Fitness Center opened in 2007 with spectacular facilities and Longwood University’s new soccer and Lacrosse fields are ready for Division I sports events.

Location

·            Longwood University is located in beautiful Central Virginia, in a traditional American college-town setting, within a friendly and safe community.

·            The campus is conveniently located 3 hours away (by car) from Washington, DC, to the north; Virginia Beach and the Atlantic Ocean to the east; and the mountains of Virginia to the west. 

·            Longwood is only 1 hour from Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, and 1 hour from Charlottesville or Lynchburg.

·            Longwood University provides airport pick up and transportation to Longwood for international students arriving at Richmond International Airport.

Academics/Programs

·            Longwood University has three Colleges:  the College of Arts and Sciences,  the College of Business and Economics,  and the College of Education and Human Services.

·            Students may choose from more than 100 areas of study at the graduate and undergraduate level.

·            80% of faculty hold the terminal degree; there are no “TAs” at Longwood, so you will have experienced professors as your mentors and teachers.

·            The Academic Support Center offers free tutoring, workshops and programs to help students develop skills for academic success.

·            The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides support services for international students, including the International Buddy Program, and recreational and social events.

·            Small classes give students personal attention.

To find the programs of study available, please visit:

College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business and Economics

College of Education and Human Services 

Housing:

Most international students live in a residence hall on campus.  Longwood University attempts to place every international student with an American roommate, so that students can interact and learn about the many cultures represented among our students.  This is a great way to make friends and to become involved in the life of the campus.  Most of the residence halls are configured in “suites,” with two rooms sharing a bathroom.  Each room has Internet access, cable TV, and voicemail.

The Longwood University Dining Hall is a popular place for students; in addition to the daily entree selections, you may select from the pasta bar, salad bar, omelet bar, yogurt and ice cream bar, the grill, and the sandwich deli as well as vegetarian and vegan selections.

For further information regarding housing, please visit the Residential and Commuter Life.

Student Life

No matter what your interests, you’ll find a community of friends to share them with at Longwood University.  You will discover more than 125 clubs, organizations and special interest groups, in almost any field you can imagine, as well as a growing Division I athletics program. All are waiting for you on campus, along with student-run festivals, a thriving live music scene and countless other activities that will make your time at Longwood unforgettable.

Clubs, organizations and Activities:

Volunteer and Service-Learning Opportunities:

Each year, students, faculty, and staff volunteer over 20,000 hours of community service to over 60 agencies.

Other activities on campus:

Campus Events:  For a listing of current and upcoming programs, speakers, concerts, conferences and workshops held at Longwood University, visit:  http://www.longwood.edu/news/newsline/ and click on "Campus Activities"

Sports:  Longwood is a member of the NCAA Division I athletic program.

How do I apply?  Admissions Office or International Affairs Office?

International Admissions at Longwood University

Longwood University is a perfect place for international students to experience life in a welcoming friendly American community.   

Longwood University welcomes two categories of International Students:

1. Admissions Office:  Students who pursue a degree program (4 years) at Longwood University:  Students who wish to apply to degree programs should apply through the Admissions Office.  For more information:

• International Admissions Procedures and Deadlines

• Admissions Requirements

• Student Visa information

2. International Affairs Office:  Students who study at Longwood University as exchange students or study abroad students for a semester, a year, or two years:   Exchange or Study Abroad students will be enrolled in a non-degree program of study, and will receive an official transcript of their grades upon completion of their program.  Students who wish to apply for exchange or study abroad should apply through the Office of International Affairs.  For more information:

• Study Abroad Students:  Students who are enrolled in degree programs at universities outside of the United States may apply to attend Longwood University for a semester or a year as study abroad students.

• Exchange Students:  Students who are enrolled in degree programs at universities outside of the United States that have an established exchange program with Longwood University may study for a semester or a year at Longwood as exchange students.

• International Exchange and Study Abroad Admissions Procedures

• Admissions Requirements and Application Deadlines

• Student Visa information

• Required Health Insurance Information for international students

• Required Immunizations

Requirements for Admission: 

·            Students applying for study abroad or exchange at Longwood University must have a minimum cumulative GPA equivalent to a U.S. 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (above average grades).

·            English Language Ability:  Applicants from an institution whose language of instruction is not English are required to demonstrate adequate English language skills.  This may be demonstrated by a letter from an English language faculty member at the home university, by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or by a minimum TOEFL score as follows: paper examination, 550; computer-based examination, 213; Internet-based examination, 79. Official TOEFL scores are not required but photocopies of results can be submitted with the application. 

Application Deadlines for Exchange or Study Abroad at Longwood University

·            To attend spring semester (January-May): approved applications must be received by Longwood University by October 1.

·            To attend fall semester (August-December):  approved applications must be received by Longwood University by March 1.

·            To attend summer terms (May-August):  approved applications must be received by Longwood University by February 1.

Procedures for International Admissions for Exchange and Study Abroad

1.  Study Abroad students should complete the Study Abroad Application Form
     Exchange students should complete the Exchange Student Application Form

2.  Submit the application to the study abroad or international office at your home institution. 

3.  The Application should be approved by the official in charge of the study abroad office at the student’s home institution, or the exchange coordinator, who will sign the Application Form and send it to the Office of International Affairs at Longwood University by the deadlines for the semester requested.  Application forms should be faxed, with the original copy sent by express mail, along with an official transcript of the student’s grades.  

4.  Upon acceptance, students will receive an acceptance letter and information packet, including the necessary documents and instructions for requesting a student visa, and information about required health insurance and immunizations.

5.  All international students must pay the required $100 SEVIS I-901 fee to the United States Department of Homeland Security; you will receive instructions with the visa document.  It is not possible to pay the SEVIS fee before receiving the I-20 or the DS-2019 document. 

Visa Information:  F-1 (Study Abroad) or J-1 (Exchange)

6.  Students accepted into a Longwood University exchange or study abroad program will maintain registration status with their home institution, and they will be enrolled at Longwood University as non-degree students.  The home institution will administer any financial aid, arrange transfer credit, and handle predeparture orientation. 

Proof of Financial Support

As part of the application, Study Abroad students must provide evidence of financial support, $12,000 for one semester or $24,000 for a year.  This needs to be an original document; for example an original bank statement, a letter signed by an official of a financial institution attesting to the availability of funds at these levels, etc.  Exchange students may not need to provide evidence for these amounts, since they do not pay for Longwood tuition and fees and in some cases do not pay Longwood for the room and board.  Please contact your university's exchange coordinator for details of the amounts you will need to provide.

Financial Obligations of Study Abroad Students

Study Abroad students are required to pay all program costs (tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, etc.) at the same rate established for Longwood University students prior to arrival at Longwood University.  Exchange students in programs not including the room and board must pay these costs prior to arrival.  The normal payment schedule for programs starting in Fall is August 1, and for programs starting in Spring (January), December 1; Summer I May 1; Summer II June 1; Summer III June 15.  Payment is required to be made online by credit card unless an alternative form of payment has been approved by the Office of International Affairs. Students attending an academic year program will have their costs assessed on a semester basis.  Please see the "Useful Links" below for amounts and details.

Health Insurance

For All International Students:

Medical services in the U.S. are not nationalized. Health care in the United States is extremely expensive (one visit to the Emergency Department can cost US $3000). It is imperative that international visitors purchase adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States.

Longwood University requires that international students subscribe to a health insurance plan before arriving.  The policy must provide the following minimum coverages:

• (1) medical benefits of at least US $50,000 per person per accident or illness;

• (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of US $7,500;    and

• (3) expenses associated with medial evacuation in the amount of US $10,000.  A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds US $500 per accident or illness and must cover the academic year, beginning with the date of entry to the US.  In the United States certain kinds of elective medical care, such as eyeglasses or dentistry, are ordinarily not covered by insurance, and they are very expensive. To the extent possible, students should take care of such needs before leaving home.

Admitted students must provide proof of coverage in the form of a confirmation letter from the insurance company, listing coverages and effective dates, before arrival in the US.  This proof or confirmation may be sent by e-mail or fax, as follows:

• Degree-seeking students must send confirmation to the Office of Admissions admit@longwood.edu, fax (434-395-2332).

• Study Abroad and Exchange students must send confirmation to the Office of International Affairs  ramseysm@longwood.edu, fax (434-395-2141). 

Coverage must be maintained during the entire course of study at Longwood University.  Students already enrolled at Longwood University must provide proof of coverage to the Office of Multicultural Affairs each academic year (e-mail calhounli@longwood.edu  fax 434-395-2141). 

Students without coverage, or whose coverage lapses, will not be able to register for classes. 

Students should not purchase insurance from their home countries, as it will not meet the University's requirement. 

List of Insurance Companies

Immunization Requirements  

Every full-time undergraduate student must have a Certificate of Immunization on file. This record must include immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus. Meningitis, and Hepatitis B immunizations are also required, however, waivers can be signed for Meningitis and Hepatitis B if the student chooses not to receive these immunizations. Screening for Tuberculosis is required.  (Click here for list of required and optional immunizations.)

Students may not be able to register for classes without complying with these immunizations. If you have particular medical needs, or to access the Certificate of Immunization on-line, you may contact the Longwood Office of Student Health and Wellness.  http://www.longwood.edu/health

For information on immunizations, diseases and other health issues, please visit the US Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Useful links:

Academic calendar:  http://www.longwood.edu/academic/affairs/academic_calendars.htm

Course offerings and schedule of classes:  http://www.longwood.edu/registrar/ 

Housing information:  http://www.longwood.edu/rcl/ourhalls.htm

Room plans and rates:
http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.htm#RoomRates

Meal plan information: 
http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSE/Longwood/MealMembership/MealPlans.htm

Meal plans and rates:
http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.htm#MealPlanRates

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees:  http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.htm#outofstateunder

Graduate Tuition and Fees:
http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.htm#outofstategrad

Summer Tuition and Fees:
http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.htm

Online Payment instructions:  http://www.longwood.edu/studentaccounts/EPOS.htm
Then “click here to pay on line” (You will need your student ID number)

Mandatory Immunization information:
http://www.longwood.edu/health/services/immunizations/index.htm 

List of required and optional immunizations:
http://www.longwood.edu/studyabroad/InternationalStudents.htm#required

Mandatory Health Insurance information:  http://www.longwood.edu/studyabroad/InternationalStudents.htm

Resources for Financial Aid for International Students (NAFSA website):
http://www.nafsa.org/students.sec/financial_aid_for_undergraduate

Health Insurance Providers

Below are some health insurance providers. Longwood University does not endorse or affiliate with these companies. It is always to your benefit to compare two or more companies.

Immunization Requirements 

Spotlight on International Exchange Students

  
Chinese students with American "buddies,"  Fall 2008

Chinese student with American "buddy,"  Fall 2008

Exchange Professor Dai Junxia from Anhui University of Technology
with students from China and The Netherlands
Fall 2007

Iris Praster and Roy Gisbers from The Netherlands, Fall 2007

Students from China and The Netherlands, Fall 2007

Students from Anhui University of Technology, China
Speaking to the Board of Visitors, Longwood University

Students from Anhui University of Technology, China

Georges Malek and Franziska Belluzzo
University of Geneva, Switzerland
Fall 2006

Thomas Blond, Advancia, Paris, France
Fall 2006

"Queenie" Wei Yaxuan with "Miss Bee" Edmunds

Students from China, England, and France
with professors and deans, April 2006

President Cormier awarding Certificate of Participation
April, 2006

Chinese Students Visiting Elementary School to Make a Presentation about China
Kirsten Lin Rong, Marisa Ye Huijie, Linda Qi Lin, Wande Yao Mei,
Julie Cao Yi, Cleo Wang Yuan, with Ms. Barbara Haven and Dr. Lily Anne Goetz
November 2006
 

 
At the Elementary School

  Longwood University Campus Scenes

 
Longwood University "Brock Commons"

Chichester Hall (Sciences)

                                   International Affairs Longwood University