International Education Programs

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Study Abroad Programs

Since 1974, Broward College has conducted study abroad programs around the world that allow students the opportunity to travel to another country while earning academic credit toward their degree. Study abroad is open to students of all programs of study who are at least 18 years of age and have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Programs range from one week to an entire semester in length. Information regarding BC study abroad programs and available scholarships can be obtained by contacting the Greene International Education Institute at 954-201-7709, by visiting the webpage online at www.broward.edu/studyabroad or reaching out to: abroad@broward.edu .  The College offers two types of Study Abroad opportunities for students: CCIS and Faculty led programs.

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) Study Abroad Programs

Broward College is an active member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) www.ccisabroad.org, an international organization established for the purpose of providing affordable, high-quality study abroad programs to college students. Through our membership in CCIS, Broward College offers summer and semester-length academic programs in nearly 30 countries around the world including Australia, Japan, China, Ecuador, England, France, Spain, and Italy. Students earn Broward College credits through their participation in these programs. BC sponsors CCIS programs in Spain, Costa Rica and Austria with discounted rates and scholarships available for Broward degree-seeking students.

The Broward College Spain Program was established in 1979 to provide students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or summer in beautiful Seville, Spain. Students can enroll at the International College of Seville or the University of Seville and earn 12-15 U.S. credits during the semester program and 6 U.S. credits during the summer program. Unlike other study programs in Spain, this program does not require prior proficiency in the Spanish language. Students may participate in additional coursework in English or Spanish depending on their existing level of language proficiency.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Broward College also conducts several short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs during the spring break and summer term. Destinations and coursework offered to vary by the year. Programs are led and coursework is taught by Broward professors who accompany the students abroad during the international travel component, which lasts between 1-3 weeks. Participants earn between 3-6 credits upon successful completion of the program and course. Programs are open to BC students at least 18 years of age with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher and community members at least 18 years of age who wish to apply to the college and register for a study abroad program. For information on available programs, please contact the Greene International Education Institute at 954-201-7709, visit the webpage online at www.broward.edu/studyabroad or write to abroad@broward.edu

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many types of state and federal aid may be applied to study abroad programs. There are also scholarship opportunities available to students looking to subsidize their travel costs. Institutional funding such as the William E. Greene Scholarship for Semester Study Abroad—a full scholarship awarded each fall and spring term to students interested in studying abroad in Spain, Costa Rica or Austria. Also, short-term travel grants are available to BC degree-seeking students who are participating in BC sponsored study abroad programs. External scholarships such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship also provide additional funding for study abroad programs. For information on funding opportunities, please contact the Greene International Education Institute at 954-201-7709 or write to abroad@broward.edu 

International Students (F1/M1 VISA) Admissions Process

Applying to Broward College as an international student is simple. Here you will find an outline of the admissions requirements, documents needed, international student application, and a guide on what to do after you apply. International students should apply to the college four to six months in advance of the anticipated semester of enrollment to allow time for the visa appointment at the American Embassy.

The application process and deadlines are available at https://broward.edu/ISSO.

Overview

  • Step 1: Apply online.
  • Step 2: Submit the International Student Supplemental Application form and supporting documents.
  • Step 3: Provide test scores or take a placement test
  • Step 4: Submit the Financial Affidavit of Support form and supporting documents.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed by ISSO in the order in which they are received once all supporting documents and test scores are complete. Application deadlines are available at https://broward.edu/ISSO.

Application Process

Before an applicant can be fully accepted as an international student and receive the Form I-20, used to apply for the F1 student visa, the application steps below need to be completed.

Programs not available to international students: International F1/M1 students are NOT eligible to enroll in certain programs, including, but not limited to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); the Paramedic Technical Certificate; the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI); Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Automotive Service Management Technology & Marine Engineering Management; Associate of Science (AS) degrees in Building Construction, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Human Services, Paralegal Studies, Culinary Arts Management,* Medical Laboratory Technology,* Medical Assisting,* or any programs for which the majority of classes are not available on-campus (face-to-face) as required by federal regulations for F1 international students.

* Students who have completed the required articulated courses for the Medical Lab Tech, Culinary Arts, or Medical Assisting programs at an authorized technical school, may apply to the programs.

Students whose primary language is not English and who wish to enroll in a degree program must provide proof of English proficiency in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (PDF) Level 3 classes or above. Students with language placement scores at Level 3 or 4 will be admissible to an academic program and will be required to take additional language training classes. A student placed in the Language Training program will be eligible to continue with a college degree without reapplying or getting a new visa upon program completion.

Step 1: Apply Online

Online Application Instructions

Pre-Application Steps:

  1. Read descriptions on types of students carefully, Students applying for a bachelor's degree (BS/BAS), must be a transfer or returning student and have 60 qualifying university credits
  2. Say no to "Are you interested in a Limited Access Health Science Program" unless you have the prerequisite classes required for admission

Application Steps:

  1. If you did not graduate from a United States high school, choose the country where you completed your secondary education (high school). In the next line, type in the country where you graduated, and a dropdown list will appear. You will see a list of U.S. accredited schools, diplomas, or leaving certificates from your country. If your country uses the British education system you will select the external exam you took (such as GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, KCSE, or HKCE). Diplomas or leaving certificates with characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages) must also include an American Translators Association (ATA). Certified English language translation of the document.
  2. If you have attended postsecondary school (university or college), list the institutions you have attended. You must disclose and attach a transcript for all schools attended even if you did not graduate. If your transcript is not in English, you must also attach a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA).

Begin or complete the online application: Apply to Broward College

Step 2: Supplemental application

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

International Student Supplemental Application: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide the personal information required during the application process to Broward College.

Documents to be attached to the Supplemental Application:

  • PASSPORT (biographical page)
  • EDUCATION RECORDS
    High School (secondary education): Appropriate proof of high school graduation is required for acceptance. For most countries outside the United States, this is satisfied by attaching a copy of your official high school diploma or leaving the certificate to the Supplemental Application and then bringing the original document to Broward College after arriving in Florida.
    For diplomas or leaving certificates using characters (i.e., Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) you must also provide a certified American Translators Association (ATA) English language translation of the document.
    Students with credentials from countries using the British education system must show General Proficiency on the GCE, CXC, BGCSE, WAEC, WASC, or HKCE exams, and should not submit high school transcripts or diplomas.
    For high schools in the United States or overseas high schools that are regionally accredited by a U.S. accrediting body, an official transcript must be sent to the Registrar's Office.
    IMPORTANT: Original documents will be required upon arrival at Broward College. Records from U.S. institutions must be OFFICIAL.
    University Transcripts (post-secondary education): Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must provide a copy of the official transcript even when courses are in progress. If the document is not in English, the applicant must also provide a certified English translation from a member of the American Translators Association (ATA). A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or its equivalent is required.
    IMPORTANT: Although you are attaching copies of your post-secondary transcripts and translations to the supplemental application, once you are accepted to Broward College, you must also send official transcripts (and any required ATA translations) directly to the Registrar's Office. The transcripts should show that there is no coursework in progress. Click the link for instructions on how to Send Transcripts to Broward College.

    Video: How to check if your official transcripts have been received by the Broward College Registrar's Office

  • DEPENDENT(S) RECORD (if applicable)
    If you are applying for your spouse or children to get an F2 visa, you must attach their passport biographical pages as well.

REQUIREMENTS FOR F1 TRANSFER APPLICANTS

  • If you are currently in the United States under an F1 visa, you must also attach to your Supplemental Application your current I-20, I-94, or F1 visa (if applicable)
  • If you are an F1 transfer student with dependents, we also need your I-20, I-94, and F2 visas.
  • F1 STATUS VERIFICATION FORM - This form is used by international student applicants (F1 visa) to determine if the person can be transferred to Broward College upon acceptance. This form does not guarantee acceptance nor transfer. The Designated School Official (DSO), from the current school, will NOT release the Form I-20 until the student provides the official acceptance letter from the International Student Services Office (ISSO) to the DSO. Let your DSO know he/she will need to create an account to complete the Dynamic Form.

Step 3: testing

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

Use the Placement Test Form*: to either attach a placement test result (TOELF, IELTS, SAT, ACT, etc.) or to request a Broward College placement test (see below). This is a requirement for admission.

Test Location & Cost: If you are currently in South Florida, you can request to take a Broward College test on campus. If you are not in South Florida, you need to request a remote test. There are testing and proctoring fees for remote tests.

Students from English-Speaking Countries: must take an ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) test unless they have valid SAT or ACT scores or postsecondary transcripts from a U.S. regionally accredited institution that waives them from testing.

Students from Non-English-Speaking Countries: must take the Levels of English Proficiency ACCUPLACER ESL (LOEP) test, unless they are able to submit a valid TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or another valid test listed on the EAP Placement Test Table. Students from non-English speaking countries with valid college-level SAT or ACT scores in English and Reading, do not need any further testing.

Applicants from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, showing high school transcripts with the following English grades are eligible to take the ACCUPLACER NG. However, if the applicant does not place at the college level for reading and English, the applicant must take the LOEP.

  • Sweden - VG (pass with distinction) or higher (1996 - 2012). VG is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Sweden - D or higher (as of June 2014). D is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Norway - 4 (good competence in the subject) or higher. 4 is equivalent to B in the U.S.
  • Denmark - C (good) or higher. C is equivalent to B in the U.S.

Step 4: financial documents

For Application Steps 2, 3, & 4 you must use the online Dynamic Forms to submit required documents electronically.

Note for filling out Dynamic Forms: You must create a username and password using your personal email. Your Broward College (BC) email will not be active until after you are enrolled. You can only use the BC username to log in to your student portal (myBC page) at this time.

Note for sponsors filling out Dynamic Forms: The Financial Affidavit of Support is a Dynamic form. If you are using a sponsor other than yourself, you will need an email for your sponsor that is different from yours. You should inform your sponsor(s) that they will need to create a username and password before being able to complete and electronically sign the form.

Financial Affidavit of Support: This online Dynamic Form is used by international student applicants (F1 or M1 visa) to provide proof of financial support for the duration of their studies at Broward College. Applicants will state if they have a financial sponsor(s) or if they are using personal funds. Applicants who have more than one source of financial sponsorship will need to submit a Financial Affidavit of Support for each sponsor. The sponsor's bank statement or letter MUST be attached to the Financial Affidavit.

Most recent bank letter/statement: The account holder must be the same as the sponsor listed on the financial affidavit. If using a bank statement, you only need to submit the summary page showing the bank name, account holder, date of the statement, available account balance, and currency. If the currency is not shown on the bank statement or letter, ISSO will calculate conversion to USD based on the currency of the country where the bank is located. We do not accept 401K plans or other retirement accounts, life insurance policies, tax return documents, paystubs, or other payroll documents.

  • Estimated Annual Cost of Education:
    • Associate (freshman and sophomore level classes) - $22,500 USD
    • Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology - $50,000 USD
    • Bachelor (junior and senior-level classes) - $27,500 USD
    • Language Training program - $22,500 USD
    • $7,000 USD is required per dependent accompanying the F1

Students who start in Summer or Spring will need to expect first-year tuition costs of $15,000 to $20,000. See Estimated Cost of Attendance for additional information.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses: This form is OPTIONAL and used by international student applicants who will be living with a relative or family friend in South Florida. The person signing the form will be responsible for all living expenses (i.e. housing, transportation, food, etc.). When using this form, the sponsor providing the Financial Affidavit of Support can deduct the following amounts from the total funds required: (1) USD $12,500 for the student and (2) USD $7,000 for each dependent, if applicable.

Disclaimer: Students who use the Affidavit of Support for Living Expenses may be required to present Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) to the embassy when applying for the F-1 student visa. Students must contact the American Embassy, before going for the interview, to make sure he/she is bringing all the necessary financial documents. The I-134 is presented to the embassy, not Broward College.

applications review / acceptance packet and form i-20

Applications are reviewed once all online forms with the required supporting documents and test scores are received and approved by ISSO. The estimated review period is 5 to 10 business days (Monday thru Friday excluding holidays). Two weeks prior to and after the application deadline, it may take up to 15 business days for review, and priority is given to applications for the immediate upcoming term.

ISSO will notify accepted applicants by email. The Form I-20 will be processed as follows:

  1. Applying for the F1 student visa in the home country: The student will receive the acceptance letter and I-20 to apply for the student visa at the American Embassy or Consulate. Once the F1 visa is approved, the student may travel to the United States no earlier than thirty (30) days before the program start date as stated on the I-20.
  2. Transferring the I-20: Students transferring their I-20 from another institution to Broward College (BC), must provide the acceptance letter from ISSO to the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current institution. The transfer I-20 will be issued once the student is fully registered for classes at BC and the I-20 has been released to BC.
  3. Changing immigration status in the United States (U.S.): Students intending to change their immigration status in the U.S. should seek legal counsel to understand the process. ISSO will process the I-20 for the change of status (COS) after meeting with the student. COS students are only eligible to register for classes once the F1 status has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Once students receive the acceptance packet, they must review the entire document to understand their next steps, including but not limited to, paying the SEVIS fee, proving proof of health insurance coverage, registering for classes, etc.

Florida Residency

Students in F-1 or M-1 status are considered temporary residents of the United States and may not be deemed Florida residents for tuition purposes.

Federal Income Tax

International students are required to submit tax documents to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) each year. All non-residents are subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless exempted. Federal income tax may be withheld from U.S. source funds students receive from the college such as scholarships or employment. Certain countries have tax treaties with the US where some taxes may be reduced or exempted and recouped at year end from the IRS. For participating countries, please visit the IRS website. 

F1 students who have resided in the United States for less than five (5) calendar years are considered non-resident alien for taxes purposes. Here are the forms to file as a non-resident alien:

  • If a student has NOT received any source of income, he or she will need to file Form 8843.
  • If a student, has dependents (spouse and children of all ages), each dependent will have to file the Form 8843.
  • If a student has received income, he or she will need to file Form 8843 and Form 1040NR.
  • If a student has received income and is a citizen of a country with treaty benefits, he or she will need to file Form 8843, Form 1040NR and Form 8833. Publication 4011 (page 17) shows the countries with treaty benefits for studying and training.

Forms can be obtained online at https://irs.gov. 

For filing as a resident for taxes purposes, contact the IRS and/or a certified public accountant.

Employment

International students are not permitted to work off campus without approval. On-campus employment, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be permitted. Please contact the International Student Services Office (ISSO) for additional information on employment.

Financial Assistance

Non-U.S. Citizens (or non-eligible residents) do not qualify for Federal or State Student Financial aid. International students already attending Broward College may qualify for institutional scholarships. They are encouraged to visit https://broward.edu/scholarships to explore scholarship opportunities.

Social Security Number

If a student has a Social Security Number (SSN) or a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), federal law requires that it be furnished to the College so that it may be included on all documents filed by the institution with the Internal Revenue Service. Students who fail to furnish the College with the correct SSN or ITIN may be subject to an IRS penalty of $100 unless the failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

Contact Information

Contact information for international student admission can be obtained from the College website. Visit www.broward.edu/ISSO.