International Student Admission

If you are planning to take a college degree in the United States, consider Naugatuck Valley Community College. We welcome applications from international students from all over the world. We currently have students from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Rim. Students who are not residents of the United States may apply as an International Student on an F-1 Visa. We have International Student Advisors committed to help you earn your degree.

Naugatuck Valley Community College is located in Waterbury, Connecticut in a suburban setting. We are conveniently located between New York City and Boston, within an hour and a half drive to each city. The climate in Connecticut is moderate in spring, summer, and fall, and cold in winter. We are known for exquisite multi-colored fall foliage, and beautiful beaches along the coastline. Shopping and cultural events are nearby in Waterbury and various cities throughout Connecticut that are reachable within a half hour drive.

Use these links to learn more:

Application Deadlines for F-1 Applicants
Admissions Application and Fee
Forms and documentation needed for Form I-20
Tuition, Fees and Living Expenses
Transferring
International Students' F.A.Q
Contact a NVCC College Advisor
Academic Calendar
Academic Programs Offered

Application Deadlines for F-1 Applicants

Students are admitted for fall and spring terms. We recommend that international students apply for the following dates:

Admission Application and Fee

A Naugatuck Valley Community College application and non-refundable $20 fee are required. The application form is available as a downloadable PDF file and requires Acrobat Reader or you can request it by mail from the office of Admissions. If you apply on the web, you will need to pay the fee with a major credit card. If you mail your application, attach your check or money order (converted to U.S. currency and payable to NVCC) to the application. Do not send currency.

You must present the following documents with your completed application form:

• Academic Records
  Academic transcripts (official copies) of high school and/or college transcripts translated into English along with diploma(s). High School and college diplomas may need to be evaluated by World Education Services.
  
  World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 5087, Bowling Green Station
  New York, NY 10274-5087
  Phone: (212) 966-6311 or (800) 937-3895
  Fax: (212) 739-6120
  E-mail: info@wes.org
  Website: www.wes.org
  
  
• Immunization Records
  Proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella must be provided.
  
  
• Evidence of English Proficiency
  A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 500 on the paper test is required and 173 on the computer test.

After you submit the above forms, a letter of acceptance will be sent to you. At that point, you must submit the documents listed below in order to process the
Form I-20.

After Acceptance: Steps Needed to Obtain the Form I-20

Forms and documentation needed for Form I-20

In order to receive the Form I-20, international students must complete the following forms and present the required documentation listed below.

Click to request the International Student Information Package by mail

To download and print PDF copies of the following forms click below:

1. International Student Information Sheet
   
   
2. Certification of Finances Application form: Contains statement of student’s financial resources and ability to pay for tuition, fees, and living expenses. This form requires some assistance from the International Student Advisor to complete. Contact: (203) 575-8223
   
   
3. Promise of cash support: Cash support form from sponsor along with a letter stating that he or she will assume all responsibilities for usual and emergency expenses during your stay in the U.S.
   
   
4. Promise of Free Room and Board Support: This form is necessary if a local sponsor is providing your housing and food.
   
   
5. Copy of Passport pages 1 – 4 (passport photo and name pages)
   
   
6. I-94 (front and back) If you are applying inside the U.S., you will also need to provide a copy of the I-94 (front and back) and a copy of your U.S. visa stamp in passport. If you are applying from outside the U.S., you will need to bring these documents to the college upon your arrival.
   

The issuance of the Form I-20 certificate for student visa will not be given until all of the above items have been received and the applicant has been admitted.

• Students will be advised on how to pay $100 SEVIS Fee required by the Department of Homeland Security.
  
  
• Students who are currently in the United States on a visa other than F-1 will need to apply to Immigration for a Change of Status.
  

Tuition, Fees and Living Expenses for 2006-2007

The above is only an estimate. Many students take 15-18 credits each term to complete their degrees sooner. International students with families need to add $1000 per term per dependent accompanying them.

Housing
There are no dormitories on campus. Room and board costs are based on students living with a host family in a rented room. If you plan to live I an apartment, housing will be more expensive. If your family is not charging you rent, you still have to include costs for food and utilities in your total estimated cost. (Estimate: food = $200/month; utilities: $80/month)

Transferring

If you are transferring to Naugatuck Valley from another school in the United States you must follow the produces outlined below. These additional documents are required:

Notify the school you currently attend that you wish to transfer to Naugatuck Valley Community College. Ask the DSO (designated school official) there to:

a. Enter into SEVIS your intent to transfer to NVCC.
b. Enter into SEVIS a “transfer release date”.
c. Complete the bottom portion of the Transfer Verification Form.
d. Provide a copy of front and back of current I-20.

What happens after you send your application to us?

1. Once the Admissions Office receives your application, fee, and supporting documents we will review and assess the information. This process takes 15-20 days.
2. If you meet all the college requirements for enrollment, we will send you an acceptance letter and the U.S. Immigration Form I-20 with instructions on how to get a visa. It takes an additional 15 days to process the completed application and mail the I-20.
3. If you are applying from overseas, you will need to go to the American consulate or embassy to apply for an F-1 student visa. It takes approximately 30 days for visa requests to be processed.

Keep in touch with the Admissions Office if you have any questions.

International Students' F.A.Q

What is a community college and why should I attend a community college instead of a university?

A community college offers a variety of academic programs including one-year certificates in a specialized area of study, two-year technical vocational degrees, and university transfer degrees. A student can complete the first two years of a bachelor degree program at a community college.

Some of the advantages of attending a community college are the following: less expensive tuition, smaller classes, more attention from instructors, and personalized instruction.

What is the TOEFL and is it required for admission to Naugatuck Valley Community College?

TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is required to enter our academic programs. Naugatuck Valley Community College requires a TOEFL score of 500 on the paper test or 173 on the computer test.

To apply for the TOEFL test, write or call:

TOEFL
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Phone: (609) 771-7100
www.toefl.org

or, you may apply locally to:

Sylvan Learning Center
1700 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden Commons
Hamden, CT 06514
Phone: (203) 287-9677

Can an International Student work?

Students on F-1 visas who maintain their status and good academic standing may apply for on-campus employment and work up to 20 hours per week. You cannot work off campus unless authorized by the U.S. Immigration office. During the second year you can apply for work if you are in good standing. You will need to obtain authorization from the colleges DSO(Designated School Official)

When does school start and when do I need to arrive at the college for registration?

At NVCC, you can start two times a year: in September, or January. Summer Session is optional and starts in late May. You should plan on arriving at the college at least one month before classes begin.

Where can I live?

This is a non-residence campus. You must find other accommodations with your host family or on your own.

Contact Information:

Maritza Tiru, M.A Director of Career Services Naugatuck Valley Community College Kinney Hall, Room K520 Telephone: 011-1-203-575-8143 E-mail: mtiru@nvcc.commnet.edu Fax: 011-1-203-575-8003

Allison Terry Secretary Naugatuck Valley Community College Kinney Hall, Room K520 Telephone: 011-1-203-575-8223 E-mail: aterry@nvcc.commnet.edu Fax: 011-1-203-575-8003

International Student Advisors

Naugatuck Valley Community College welcomes students from all over the world and provides services to help you earn your degree. If you are an international student considering studying in the United States, contact our International Student Advisors. We will assist you in the application process, help you select courses, and offer the advice you need as you attend classes at our college.

You may contact our office Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST.