Friday, April 1, 2011

F-1 Student Travel and Re-entry

Are you a current NOVA student?  Are you planning to go home for the summer?  Visit the Travel and Re-entry section of our website for information on what you need to do before you leave!

Go to the Office of International Student Services or see an international student advisor on your campus at least two weeks (10 business days) before you plan to travel outside the United States. You will need to obtain a travel signature on your I-20 and submit the F-1 Travel Outside the United States form.
Travel safely!  We love souvenirs!


Sunday, March 20, 2011

NOVA Student Housing Information

Are you thinking about studying at NOVA but don't know where to live?  One thing you should keep in mind is that NOVA does not have dormitories.  Our international students live in apartments and houses in the local area near our campuses.

Visit the Off-Campus Housing Service website for more information on places to live.  There are listings for local apartment buildings and a message board where you can connect with other students.

If you want to live with a host family in a home stay, we recommend you contact Just Like Home.

Contact the Office of International Student Services if you would like more information on housing options.


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Transfer to NOVA

Are you an F-1 student in the U.S. studying at another school?  Transfer to NOVA! Students may apply to transfer up to the following dates:

Transfer Application Deadlines:
Associate's Degree Program
Spring Semester - December 1
Summer Session - May 2
Fall Semester - August 8


Intensive English Program
Spring Semester - December 1
Summer Session - Download our Summer IEP Schedule
Fall Semester - August 8

Visit the website for information on how to apply and how to complete the F-1 Transfer Process.

Questions? Contact the Office of International Student Services by email or phone 703-323-3423.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Help with Financial Documents

We receive more questions about financial documents than any other part of the international student application process. 


Can I have more than one sponsor? 
How much money do I have to show in the bank account?
Can my sponsor be from my home country or do they need to live in the US?
Do I have to have the bank statement translated into English?
What documents should I submit if I have a scholarship from my country's government?
Can the bank statement be in my own name or do I have to have a sponsor?
What is the F-1 Financial Statement Form and how do I fill it out?

Visit our website for answers to these questions and many more.
The requirements for financial documents are different depending on which program you apply for:
Intensive English Program
Associate's Degree Program




Friday, February 4, 2011

Why do international students choose NOVA?

Here are just a few of the reasons why international students from all over the world choose to study at Northern Virginia Community College:


NOVA has approximately 35,000 full time students. Among them, we welcome over 2,000 international students from more than 100 different countries.

Students who complete an associate’s degree at NOVA transfer to prestigious universities all across the US including University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, American University and many others.

Overseas Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Sessions: April 1 and May 6
Download the Summer IEP Schedule.

Visit our website for more information on how to apply to NOVA.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Welcome New International Students!

New international students are arriving from all over the world to study at NOVA!

Here's a quick checklist of what to do:

1.  Arrive in the U.S. within 30 days of the date listed on your I-20.
2.  Go to your campus and check in.
3.  Take the placement test(s).
4.  Enroll for your classes.
5.  Pay your tuition. 
6.  Go to orientation.
7.  Start class!

Need more information?  Visit our website about Getting Started!


Friday, November 5, 2010

NOVA Representative in Vietnam and China


NOVA International Student Advisor JoAnn Benjamin recently visited Vietnam and China to meet prospective international students who wish to study in the United States. JoAnn represented the Office of International Student Services and the Office of Global Studies and Programs at recruitment fairs in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hanoi and Beijing.

China (#2) and Vietnam (#9) are both among the top ten countries of origin for students studying in the U.S. The number of Vietnamese and Chinese students that choose the U.S. as a destination for study abroad has risen significantly in recent years.

For more information on the admissions process for international students, visit the international student website.

Friday, October 1, 2010

F-1 Visa Application Process

NOVA currently has approximately 2,000 international students from 180 different countries! How did they get here?

International students must follow these steps to study at NOVA:

1. Apply to NOVA for an I-20.
2. Go to an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain an F-1 visa.
3. Travel to the U.S.
4. Begin studying at NOVA!

Do you want to become an international student at NOVA or do you know someone who does? Visit our website for more information on the F-1 Visa Application Process.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

NOVA Representatives Travel the Globe!

Northern Virginia Community College will be attending US higher education fairs in various cities around the world this fall. A representative from NOVA will be there to meet with students and answer questions about applying for the College and for the F-1 student visa. For more information on any of these fairs, please visit the link below or email JoAnn Benjamin.


Hanoi, Vietnam - October 5, 2010

Danang, Vietnam - October 7, 2010

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - October 9, 2010

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - October 11, 2010

Beijing, China - October 16-17, 2010

Kyiv, Ukraine - October 27-29, 2010 and November 18-20, 2010

Moscow, Russia - November 11-13, 2010