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• International students

International students

Summer College welcomes international students and encourages you to take advantage of this chance to experience college life at a world-renowned university. Students at Cornell come from more than 120 countries and are well supported by our International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

In addition, you'll find that Ithaca, New York is a friendly and vibrant small city. You'll hear more than English spoken at Summer College. And, we hope you'll share your culture and cuisine with us during culture nights.

We'd also like to highlight three important items for international students:

1. If your first language is not English, and you've taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you need to have received a TOEFL score of at least 550 (or 100 on the Internet-based test) or at least a 7 on the IELTS to attend Summer College. These required scores reflect the minimum level of English proficiency you need to take Summer College courses. If you've not taken the TOEFL or the IELTS, you must submit a letter from a teacher telling us about your proficiency in English and your ability to succeed in college-level work in English. We may make recommendations to you about the most appropriate courses for you to take here. We strongly advise international students to enroll in one of the "English for Academic Purposes" courses listed in the course roster (see ENGLB 1050 or ENGLF 1011).
2. You'll need an F-1 student visa to attend Summer College. (Students cannot study at the university on a tourist visa. Any attempt to do so, will put your enrollment in jeopardy.) To ensure there is enough time to process your F-1 visa, complete the Request for Student (F-1) Visa form and return it to us with your application and the requested documentation right away. We recommend you keep a copy of these materials. The form is available here as a PDF document, or you may contact our office for a copy.

3. If you are accepted to Summer College, you must go to the ISSO office, located in B-50 Caldwell Hall, within fifteen days of arriving at Cornell. You must bring your passport and the I-94 card issued at your U.S. port of entry. ISSO is required to check these documents and confirm your status in the United States. In addition, ISSO will give you important information regarding your legal stay in the United States. For more information, call 607.255.5243, visit the ISSO Web site, or e-mail isso@cornell.edu.

If you have any unusual circumstances or questions, contact the Summer College office prior to obtaining your visa and entering the United States.