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Types of international students

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1+2+1 Chinese program students

Most 1+2+1 students transfer two semesters of coursework to Northern Arizona University. Due to the Chinese academic calendar, the Center for International Education (CIE) may not receive the translated second semester transcript until late August or early September, so it is possible that new 1+2+1 students will not have all of their transfer credit posted before international student orientation.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the school and have the transcripts sent to CIE. Departments will review transfer credits for direct equivalencies.

1+2+1 students do not complete Northern Arizona University liberal studies requirements. 1+2+1 students are granted an International General Elective (INTGE) transfer of 35 units posted to their transfer credit report.

The INTGE is listed on the transfer credit report as “0” units until the students complete their degree. 1+2+1 students must complete the ENG 105, a Math Foundation, and US/Ethnic Diversity credit.

Each semester, international students are permitted to take one online course if they choose. During summer and winter semesters, these requirements do not apply. All international students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for fall and spring semesters in order to remain in compliance with immigration status.

Given the posting of the INTGE and two semesters of coursework, 1+2+1 students should always be advised by the departments, even if they are showing less than 24 transfer units. If students wish to change their major, they must have permission from their home institution to do so. If a student comes to you and wants to change majors, please have him or her contact Kathleen.McKeiver@nau.edu

 Snapshot:

  • INTGE = 35 units of transfer credit
  • Only advised by department advisers, regardless of posted transfer credit
  • ENG 105, a Math Foundation and Ethnic Diversity courses are required.
  • Change of major must be approved through CIE
  • Need to be registered for at least 12 credit hours due to their Federal Government immigration status
  • J-1 visa
  • F1/J1 student group
  • Study agreement code of IDDA

1+3 Chinese program students

1+3 Students are not part of a dual degree program. These students transfer between two and four semesters of work, and should be advised as any other international degree-seeking transfer student. Depending on transfer credit, these students may be advised by Gateway or the departments.

Students will only be receiving a Northern Arizona University degree, and will complete all Northern Arizona University requirements. 1+3 students sometimes believe that they are 2+2 students because they have completed two years of study in China; however one of those years is English Language study.

Each semester, international students are permitted to take one online course if they choose. During summer and winter semesters, these requirements do not apply. All international students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for fall and spring semesters in order to remain in compliance with immigration status.

Snapshot:

  • Advise like any degree-seeking transfer student
  • Not a dual degree. Student will only get a Northern Arizona University diploma upon completion of all Northern Arizona University requirements, including liberal studies
  • 1+3 students will sometimes mistakenly believe they are 2+2 students
  • Need to be registered for at least 12 credit hours due to their Federal Government immigration status
  • F-1 visa
  • F1/J1 student group
  • Study agreement code of 1+3
  • XISU course descriptions

2+2 Chinese program students

Most 2+2 students will transfer in four semesters of coursework. Due to the Chinese academic calendar, CIE may not receive the translated fourth semester transcript prior to international student orientation, so it is possible that new 2+2 students will not have all of their transfer credit posted before they meet with an adviser.

In addition, 2+2 students generally do not complete Northern Arizona University liberal studies requirements. 2+2 students are granted an INTGE transfer of 35 units posted to their transfer credit report, unless the student changes his or her major without approval from their home institution.

The INTGE is listed on the transfer credit report as “0” units until the student completes his or her degree. 2+2 students must complete the ENG 105, a Math Foundation and US/Ethnic Diversity requirement.

Each semester, international students may take one online course if they choose. During summer and winter semesters, these requirements do not apply. All international students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for fall and spring semesters in order to remain in compliance with immigration status.

Because this is a dual degree program, any 2+2 student who changes his or her major without approval from their home institution will no longer be participating in the 2+2 program. In this instance, the student will have the INTGE removed and will have to complete all Northern Arizona University requirements including liberal studies. Please see Official Northern Arizona University policy for more information.

Snapshot:

  • INTGE = 35 units of transfer credit
  • Only advised by department advisers, regardless of posted transfer credit
  • Change of major must be approved through CIE
  • If students change major without approval, they will lose their INTGE and no longer be part of the 2+2 dual degree program
  • Need to be registered for at least 12 credit hours due to their Federal Government immigration status
  • F-1 visa
  • F1/J1 student group
  • Study agreement code of 2+2

Degree seeking and transfer students

These students are advised as any other Northern Arizona University student. However, in order for students to remain in compliance with immigration law, students must be enrolled in 12 units. Each semester, international students are permitted to take one online course. During summer and winter semesters, these requirements do not apply.

Exchange students

Exchange students typically study at Northern Arizona University for one or two semesters. Exchange students are classified as non-degree seeking students (with the exception of our dual degree students) and are usually attending Northern Arizona University at least at the sophomore level.

Because students are only here for one to two semesters, we do not post transfer credit. The departments will enroll exchange students in any course that needs pre-requisite approval. CIE will assist in enrolling students in additional eligible courses, and students will have the ability to enroll on their own after the first day of open enrollment. Students are requested to send in course descriptions and transcripts for evaluation by the department.

Snapshot:

  • Non-degree seeking
  • Sophomore level or above
  • Departments enroll exchange students in prerequisite courses
  • CIE removes all exchange academic advising holds on the first day of open enrollment
  • Need to be registered for at least 12 credit hours due to their Federal government immigration status
  • J-1 visa
  • Study agreement code of either ISEP or ISEIN
  • Exchange Partner University Course Catalogs
  • Exchange Student Registration Guide

To learn more about partner schools, please visit Northern Arizona University and ISEP Exchange Programs.

To learn more about the Exchange Student application process and important next steps, please visit Northern Arizona University Exchange Partners.

To learn more about immigration requirements for these students, please visit Northern Arizona University J-1 student information.

Sponsored students

The majority of sponsored students come to Northern Arizona University from Middle Eastern countries. The students are sponsored by their governments or private agencies while they are completing their Northern Arizona University degree.

Sponsored students are usually pursuing a degree in business or engineering. If a sponsored student wishes to change his/her major, they must have permission from their cultural mission to do so.

Departmental academic advisers will submit an updated eight-term progression plan for each sponsored student once every academic year, even if the student is advised at Gateway. Transfer credit and expected graduation letters may be completed by the departmental adviser or our sponsored student programs coordinator at CIE. For any concerns regarding sponsored students, please contact Andrew Janusz.

Program in Intensive English (PIE)

The Program in Intensive English is a full-time program focused on increasing English skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students have full access to Northern Arizona University facilities and graduates of this program are prepared to be successful in their university major classes. To learn more about PIE, visit the PIE website.

Snapshot:

  • Academic Plan is PIEUNCONDLP or PIEONLY
  • Academic Program is UGRD Degree Seeking or UGRD Non Degree Seeking
  • Student F-1 or J-1 visa
  • F1/J1 student group

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