Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions? We got answers!
If we haven't answered them here, let us know. Save yourself a phone call
by emailing us at global@sau.edu.
When should
I apply to St. Ambrose University?
You should apply as soon as possible. It is best to start early and
have everything in order long before you are supposed to leave for the
United States.
How do I apply?
Instructions and forms needed to apply for admission are here.
Or you may contact the International Student Coordinator:
Michel Pontarelli, International Student Services
St. Ambrose University
518 West Locust Street
Davenport, Iowa 52803
You can also email Michel at global@sau.edu.
The telephone number is 563/333-6309 and the fax number is 563/333-6321.
Do
I need to sit for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
You need to take the test if your formal education has not been in
English. As a potential undergraduate student, you must score a 500 on the
paper and pencil test and 173 on the computer based test. As a potential
graduate student, you must receive a 550 on the paper and pencil test and
213 on the computer based test.
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What education
documentation do I need?
You must supply attested copies of all your educational history. The
attested copy must come directly from your school. Transcripts written in
a language other than English must be translated into English at the
student's expense. The attested copy and translation will be used to
evaluate your educational background and admissibility.
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Is
financial aid available for international student at St. Ambrose?
St. Ambrose offers excellent value in private education. International
undergraduate students may be eligible for academic scholarship assistance
based upon their marks for previously completed academic work. The level
of assistance will vary depending upon cumulative marks. ACT/SAT scores
and your choice of housing. Students also may apply for athletic and fine
arts scholarships. Generally, a first-year student living on campus could
be eligible for a maximum of $8500 in scholarship aid per year, on the
basis of the above eligibility factors.
International graduate students are not eligible for scholarships, but
may apply for graduate assistantships in various departments on campus.
All international students on an F-1 visa also may apply for on campus
work, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year.
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What
other documentation is involved in the admissions process?
There are several documents you must submit for the admissions process
to be completed and a decision made. The documents that are available from
this Website are below. You must send all completed documents in the same
envelope to the address above.
- Student Application
- Declaration of Finances
- Supporting financial documents which must include employer and bank
statements
- Housing Contract
- Medical History Form
- Proof of Health Insurance
>>Go to
admission procedures
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Do I need a
visa to be a full-time student?
YES! Once you are accepted we send you a letter of invitation, the
I-20, Declaration of Finances, and financial statements needed to obtain
your visa. IMPORTANT: Wait for this documentation to arrive before coming
to the United States! You will need to take these documents to the local
American Embassy where a decision on granting you a visa will be made. The
Embassy will be looking for a number of things including a formal
invitation from the school, your financial ability to attend, and a
willingness to return to your country upon completing your studies (since
you are applying for a non-immigrant visa).
Entering the country on a tourist visa will stop you from becoming a
full-time student at St. Ambrose. Please follow all procedures requested
by St. Ambrose and the Visa Officer of the American Embassy in your
country.
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How do I obtain my visa?
After you have submitted the appropriate documentation an I-20 Certificate
of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status will be sent to you
and you should make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in your home
country. (Please do this as soon as possible since it sometimes takes
weeks to secure an appointment at the Embassy.) You will need to take the
I-20, the St. Ambrose University acceptance letter, letter to the U.S.
Embassy, Financial Statement, and supporting financial documents with you
to this appointment. You will be interviewed and a determination to issue
you a student visa will be granted after considering:
1. Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the U.S.?
2. Do you have sufficient reasons to return to your home country? You
are applying for a non-immigrant visa and most are denied if the
Consulate Officer suspects you will attempt to immigrate to the U.S.
3. Do you have a legitimate offer of acceptance from a U.S. school?
If you are granted an F-1 student visa you should receive a stamp or
sticker for you passport saying so. You may make your travel arrangements
to arrive by the date posted on the I-20 under item 5. Please note that an
F-1 student cannot work off campus in the U.S. without authorization by
the school and must take a full course load of study.
If you have any difficulties at this point please call the school and
we will try to help you.
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What do I need at the
Port of Entry?
At the port of entry you will need your passport, visa, I-20 and
evidence of financial support. The immigration official will give you an
I-94 white card that shows your date/place of entry and alien status as an
F-1 student. You will be given an eleven digit admissions number. The
official will take the school copy of your I-20 and return the endorsed
student copy to you. Make sure they return both the white card and I-20
student copy to you.
If you have any difficulties at this point please call the school
immediately and we will try to help you.
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What kind
of travel arrangements should I make?
The Immigration and Naturalization regulations allow for the student to
arrive no sooner than 90 days prior to the date posted on the I-20 under
section 5. The closest international airport to St. Ambrose University is
in Moline, Illinois. This is located just 15 minutes by car, taxi, or
limousine from campus. Flights can also be booked to O’Hare
International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. A bus and/or limo are
available to take you from O’Hare to Davenport, Iowa and/or Moline,
Illinois. Once you are in Davenport or Moline someone from campus will
pick you up if necessary.
When you arrive on campus please bring all your immigration documents
to the International Student Services. We will need to make copies
of these.
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Do I need Health
Insurance coverage?
Yes, you will need to show proof of health
insurance coverage before you will be allowed to register for classes each
semester. This is required to protect you in the event of a serious
accident or illness. If you do not obtain health insurance before arriving
in the U.S. our office can make some suggestions for you to consider once
you get to campus.
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