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International Students
Searching for the university that best matches your needs as an international student? As a Catholic coeducational liberal arts institution that embraces students of all faiths, Seton Hill University offers a supportive environment in which to learn, live, and grow.
Seton Hill's charming campus - located on the rolling, tree-lined hills of southwestern Pennsylvania - puts everything you need within walking distance. With a student body of more than 2,000 students, you can count on running into friends between classes or at meals. Our students and faculty share a strong sense of community in a friendly and casual atmosphere, a tradition carried on since the institution's founding in 1885 by the Sisters of Charity.
The current international student body at Seton Hill University represents dozens of nations around the globe, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Moldova, Nepal, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Taiwan and the Virgin Islands.
As an important part of the Seton Hill community, international students are encouraged to share information about their unique cultures. The Intercultural Student Services Office sponsors programs and activities throughout the year to promote harmony and understanding between all cultures. The Intercultural Student Services Office is also always available to help with nonacademic issues, such as immigration status and social or personal adjustment to life in the United States.
Seton Hill strives to help international students learn more about American lifestyles while studying here. The International Orientation program for new students acquaints students with the University, the local community, and American life, including an introduction to a variety of American social and cultural customs. Orientation begins several days prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Academics
Seton Hill students enjoy small classes with a low student-to-faculty ratio. At Seton Hill, you receive individualized attention from your professors, and the help of an academic advisor to plan a course of study and schedule classes.
Academic learning opportunities occur in more than 30 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs, with plenty of room for designing a degree suited to a particular student. Bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete; master's degrees generally are completed in two years.
The undergraduate core curriculum provides each student with a broad liberal arts perspective. All undergraduate majors encourage or require internship experience. Undergraduate students can also participate in the Honors program, independent study, and seminar work.
The academic year consists of two 14-week terms. The fall term begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring term begins in late January and ends in mid-May. A number of intensive summer classes are available in June and July, and Seton Hill also offers intensive courses in a J-term (two weeks in January) and an M-term (two weeks in May).
If English is not your native language, you will be required to provide examination scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Seton Hill's M.B.A., Inclusive Education, Special Education, Elementary/Middle Level Education and Genocide and Holocaust Studies Certificate Programs require a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based), 100 (internet-based) or 250 (computer-based); or an IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction, Marriage and Family Therapy, Art Therapy and Physician Assistant Programs require a TOEFL score of at least 650 (paper-based), 114 (internet-based) or 280 (computer-based); or an IELTS score of 7.0 for admission. Applicants should make arrangements to take the test as soon as graduate study is anticipated and should request that the official test score be forwarded directly to Seton Hill's Office of Graduate and Adult Studies. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for all international students except those who are citizens of Australia, Bahamas, Canada (except Quebec province), Jamaica, New Zealand, Scotland or the United Kingdom. Prospective students who have earned a bachelor (or higher) degree from the United States of from one of the aforementioned countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
International students must provide a transcript evaluation from the World Education Services (WES).
ESL - English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language studies at Seton Hill offer international students the encouragement and support to succeed in the four literacy domains: writing, reading, speaking and listening. Professional staff assist students in the following areas: generating ideas for writing topics, locating main ideas within texts, demonstrating clear sentence structures to practice grammar rules and developing presentation skills. For English language learners, Seton Hill also offers two three-credit courses covering grammar, composition, listening and vocabulary development. These courses are offered on the intermediate and advanced levels. English language learners may also register for a one-credit tutorial course in written or spoken English.
The Campus and Community
Expect to find plenty of activities on Seton Hill's 200-acre campus, located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, just 5 minutes from the town of Greensburg, Pa., and only an hour from metropolitan Pittsburgh. The natural surroundings on campus, and the nearby retail and historic districts of Greensburg make both outdoor recreation and shopping and cultural experiences readily available. The Greensburg community also provides convenient opportunities for internships in government, business, social services, journalism, and many others.
More than 60 student organizations, 21 varsity athletics teams, and a full schedule of concerts, performers, special speakers and events give students plenty to do when not involved in scholarly pursuits. Students also participate in volunteer projects, cultural events, and University-sponsored trips to Pittsburgh, New York City, and Washington, D.C. as well as other activities.
The Seton Hill campus boasts 16 academic and residential buildings, including the recently renovated 120 year-old Administration Building (where students learn in "smart classrooms" equipped with the latest technology), the Katherine Mabis McKenna Recreation Center, and the world-class Performing Arts Center.
Seton Hill students live in a safe learning environment. The University employs its own security police. All officers are specially trained and certified by the Pennsylvania State Police, and patrol the University 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Seton Hill also benefits from the support of the law enforcement and emergency services of Greensburg, Pa., which are always available to assist Seton Hill police and emergency response personnel.
Housing
On-campus housing is guaranteed for single undergraduate and graduate students for four years. Additional charges apply for students who remain in the halls for vacations during the academic year. Undergraduate students generally share a room with another student. Graduate students usually do not share a room. Rooms are equipped with a bed, dresser, closet, and mirror. Students provide their own linens. The cost of room and board includes meals. Seton Hill offers campus-wide wireless access.
Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of our intercultural students receive some type of financial aid! Our scholarships are based on academic merit, and we also give other monies based on financial need. Employment opportunities on campus exist to supplement your education. Seton Hill is dedicated to empowering intercultural students to succeed, and that includes financial assistance.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for intercultural students. Student health insurance is available to all international students at a cost of approximately $500 per year. Please note that medical services in the United States are often very expensive; the United States does not have a national health program. Having insurance will cover, or offset, the cost of health care services.
Transportation
Seton Hill University guarantees ground transportation from Pittsburgh International Airport, or any Pittsburgh transit station, upon arrival for the first time to campus. The Pittsburgh International Airport, 45 miles from Greensburg, is served by many airlines. A travel itinerary must be submitted and approved prior to departure by the Intercultural Student Services Office. Train service exists between Greensburg, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Seton Hill can arrange to have a security officer meet you at the train station if you notify the University of your arrival time. More information about traveling to Seton Hill can be found here.
Climate and Clothing
Once on campus, plan for a variety of weather conditions throughout the academic year. Southwestern Pennsylvania experiences four distinct seasons. Hot, sunny, summers are followed by stunning autumns, where the trees on and around campus turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Our cold, snowy winters (perfect for skiing and other winter sports) lead to bright flowery springs.
Click here for U.S. Immigration Regulations & Visa Information
Next Steps
Are you ready to apply to Seton Hill? Visit the International Application portion of the Web site to start the process. Seton Hill University is also a partnering institution with the Common Application.
You will receive formal notification from the University of the admission decision. If accepted, you must send a $100 registration fee. This fee will hold a room in the residence hall and will be credited to your account for the first term. Tuition and room and board charges must be paid in full prior to the beginning of each term. Upon receipt of your registration fee we will forward you International Student Orientation materials. Please complete and return the travel itinerary and health forms promptly.
Do you still have questions? Please feel free to contact Keisha Jimmerson, Student Life - Intercultural Student Services Office, jimmerson@setonhill.edu.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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