Once you’ve decided on Benedictine, the process to become a Benedictine student takes five steps.
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Complete the application process |
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Benedictine University has welcomed international students since 1954. Benedictine is committed to carrying out international educational opportunities for students from abroad and at home. Currently, Benedictine welcomes students representing more than 30 countries. |
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The China Institute has established scholarships that offer unique opportunities for Chinese students to pursue an advance degree at Benedictine. Simply visit our Web site and complete an application for a scholarship. |
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There are two ways to apply for admission to Benedictine University: |
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Apply through the China Institute Web site at www.ben.edu/China |
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Simply complete the application form along with other required documents and mail them directly to Benedictine China Institute.
Admission for International students: http://www.ben.edu/admissions/international/
Application requirements and deadlines can be found at
http://www.ben.edu/admissions/ international/deadlines_requirements.asp
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Apply through Benedictine University recruiting agencies |
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You may obtain an admissions package from our recruiting agencies, which are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Guangzhou. The agencies act as the contact point for Chinese students who wish to study at either our Lisle or Springfield, Illinois campuses. Students are encouraged to complete the application process prior to submission deadlines; applications are evaluated after all required documentation has been received.
For questions regarding your application, please contact Benedictine’s Enrollment Center by e-mail at admissions@ben.edu.
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Apply for a student visa |
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Once you have been admitted, our international office will create visa documents and a welcome packet for you. The welcome packet takes 7-10 days to be delivered after your official acceptance to the University. The Immigration Specialist will e-mail a tracking number to help you plan for the delivery of your package. |
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Also note that children or spouses require separate documentation. |
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Questions regarding your visa documents, such as the I-20 form, should be directed to: |
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Immigration Specialist and Program Coordinator, International Programs Office
Phone (630) 829-6353; Fax (630) 829-6244
intcenter@ben.edu and jleedock@ben.edu; www.ben.edu/internationalcenter
After you receive the welcome packet, you will need to contact your local American Embassy to set up an interview and apply for a student visa. For assistance with your visa process, please contact one of our recruiting agents in China.
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| Step 3 |
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Pay tuition deposit |
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After receiving your visa, the next step is to pay a tuition fee deposit. As an international student, you are required to pay the tuition deposit prior to your departure to the United States. The amount of tuition deposit is provided in your welcome packet and the payment will be applied toward to your tuition fees.
Once you wire the tuition payment, please e-mail the confirmation of payment along with your name (both in Chinese and English) and student ID number to: |
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We will notify you when we receive the confirmation of payment. If your fees are not paid when they are due, your enrollment will be cancelled. For Benedictine University’s bank wiring information, please contact the recruiting agencies or the China Institute. |
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Students participating in Benedictine University programs are subject to the academic requirements, rules of conduct, and withdrawal and refund policies of Benedictine University. |
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Complete the pre-departure checklist |
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Before you book a flight, please be sure to contact the International Office regarding the following arrangements: |
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Accommodations |
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It is important to submit your housing request and confirm your accommodations before you leave your home country. The University’s residence halls are often booked early. |
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Confirm class start day |
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It is recommended that you arrive at least two weeks before classes begin. This will allow time to adjust to your new environment, attend orientation, meet your advisor, purchase textbooks, open a bank account and make many other arrangements |
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Check the schedule for International Student Orientation |
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As an international student, you are required to attend the International Student Orientation conducted by the International Office. This orientation is designed to help new students become familiar with the campus and surrounding area. It is held the Friday before classes begin. We will explain your visa requirements, employment options, campus departments, and give tips on traveling in and around Chicago. In addition to discussing these important topics, we also squeeze in some sightseeing, shopping and fun. Details about this orientation can be found at: http://www.ben.edu/internationalcenter/orientation.asp. |
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Make an appointment to meet your advisor |
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The beginning of the school year is a busy time for academic advisors. If you have not selected a major program of study, it is strongly encouraged that you schedule an appointment with your advisor before your arrival. Your advisor will assist you with your academic needs and guide you through class selection. If you have not declared an academic major or graduate degree, the International Office will serve as your advisor and help you meet your academic advisor. |
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Book your airline flight |
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Benedictine University is located within close proximity of two major airports, O’Hare International and Midway. You should book your flight to arrive at one of these airports. It is strongly recommended to schedule your arrival on a week day rather than weekend, because many services at the University are inaccessible during the weekend. |
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Confirm your arrival with the International Programs Office by e-mail at intcenter@ben.edu and jleedock@ben.edu. |
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The purpose of the International Programs Office is to provide you with a pleasant and enjoyable transition to the Benedictine campus. Once you schedule your travel arrangements, be sure to e-mail the Immigration Specialist with your arrival schedule. Keeping the International Programs Office updated on your travel plans helps them to prepare for your arrival. |
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Pay your tuition deposit |
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Schedule a taxi for airport pick-up |
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The International Programs office can assist you if given advance notice. The University provides a free pickup service for groups of three or more. For further information on how to arrange this service, please contact the International Office. |
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Gather important documents and contacts. |
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They include:
- A valid passport
- Student visa
- Acceptance letter
- Other legal documents (i.e., your marriage certificate)
- Copies of important documents and contacts
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Items to bring with you |
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Personal items such as clothes, shoes, medications and money. You will immediately need cash ($20 bills or small change) for phone calls, food and tips. As soon as you arrive at Benedictine, you’ll need to open a bank account, apply for a credit card and maybe obtain a cell phone through a telephone company. That way, you can take care of your need for housing, transportation, textbooks, food and other incidentals. |
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| Step 5 |
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Arrive at Benedictine |
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Welcome and Orientation |
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You’ll meet other international students at this gathering, which offers a complete introduction to life on campus and the exciting opportunities and challenges of being an international student in the United States. We’ll talk about everything from getting your student identification card to handling the culture shock of being in an American classroom. Most of all, we’ll make sure you know what to expect as the school year begins. |
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Meet with Your Academic Advisor |
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As previously scheduled, you should meet with your academic advisor to confirm your specific course schedule, discuss academic expectations in your academic program, learn about our many academic resources and tutoring, and other academic requirements. |
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Meet the Chinese Student Association group “China Ben” |
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Our close-knit group of Chinese students offers support for each other, and assists the China Institute with social and cultural events. We might attend a Shakespeare play in Chicago, go on a cruise of Lake Michigan, or host a celebration of the Chinese New Year for Benedictine students. You’ll feel right at home in our group. |
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Register for class |
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We’ll guide you through the process of registering for classes to ensure that you are enrolled in the classes you need for your chosen field of study. |
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Learn about living and studying at Benedictine |
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What is it like to live on campus? Where do students go to study? How do you use an American library? Where can you eat your meals? We’ll answer all of these important questions so you will feel comfortable and settled in a daily routine before your classes start. |
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