Admission
International Students
Bethel College is a 4-year Christian College of the arts and sciences, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602 (800) 621-7440. The college is affiliated with the Missionary Church.
Location
Bethel College is located in Mishawaka, Indiana, approximately 145 km east of Chicago; 410km south of Detroit and 209 km north of Indianapolis. Found in a suburban setting, the campus spans 70 wooded acres. Restaurants, entertainment and shopping venues border the college campus. Area population is estimated at 250,000. Other universities and colleges in the immediate area offer cultural, recreational, and academic opportunities in addition to Bethel activities.
Transportation
Public forms of transportation are available via airlines, trains, and buses. Inter-city bus and taxi service is available near the campus. Students arriving via air fly into the South Bend Regional Airport which is about 13 km from Bethel College.
Climate
Four seasons are experienced each year in Northern Indiana. Winter (December - February) is snowy and very cold. Students should be prepared for temperatures of freezing, or below. Students should have a very warm coat, rain coat, boots, and hand gloves for this season. The summer months (June - August) bring temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Moderate to cool temperatures are experienced in the spring (March - May) and fall (September - November). The various seasons offer a variety of outdoor activities for Bethel College students.
Admissions Policy
- All students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be done by submitting a secondary school diploma from an English speaking institution or by submitting Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. A minimum score of 540 on the paper-based exam and 207 on the computer-based exam must be achieved for acceptance to Bethel College. SAT or ACT exam scores should be substituted when TOEFL scores are not available.
The TOEFL is offered in most countries. Contact the local United States consulate or embassy for information about the TOEFL exam. Information regarding the TOEFL exam may also be found on-line at www.toefl.org. The TOEFL college code for Bethel is 1079. - A student must show ability to meet financial costs to travel to the United States, complete their education and return home. The Declaration of Finances form is to be completed and returned to the Bethel College Office of Admissions. Some financial aid through campus jobs is available, but is not guaranteed.
- Applicants must submit official copies of their completed educational experiences. A student must have completed the secondary level (equivalent to high school in the United States) and must submit a transcript of their courses. Also, submit the post-secondary level transcript of courses completed if you have attended other colleges or universities in your country or elsewhere.
- A formal application for admission must be completed and returned to the Office of Admissions at Bethel College by May 1 for the fall semester, and by October 1 for the spring semester.
- Admission to Bethel College and the I-20 form for obtaining a student visa is not released to a student until the student has demonstrated financial ability to pay for all college and living expenses. The I-20 will not be released until a $3,000 (U.S.) deposit has been received. All but $200 (U.S.) of this deposit is refundable after May 1. The entire deposit is refunded if the student cancels enrollment plans prior to May 1.
Transfer of Credits
Students must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary
institutions attended. Students transferring course work from institutions
outside the United States, must have their transcript evaluated
by World Education Services (W.E.S.). Upon receipt of the W.E.S.
evaluation, the college Registrar will determine the transfer of
credit to Bethel College. Students may visit the W.E.S. website,
www.wes.org, for more information.
College Academic Year Calendar
- Fall semester - 16 weeks (August - December)
- Spring semester - 16 weeks (January - May)
- Summer session - 6 weeks (May - June)
Estimated Costs (9 month budget)
| Tuition for semester credit hours | $14,390.00 |
| Room and Board (2 semesters/20 meals per week) | 4,680.00 |
| Medical Insurance/expenses (required) | 500.00 |
| Books/Supplies (estimated) | 800.00 |
| Entering Student Fee and Technology Fee | 740.00 |
| Miscellaneous (estimated) | 500.00 |
| TOTAL | $21,610.00 |
These costs are for single, undergraduate students. Living expenses
for married students will be higher. Extra costs are possible, depending
on tuition charges, course registration, room and board, etc. We
estimate the total cost will increase about 5% each year.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance through Bethel College is very limited for
international students. Therefore, each student is responsible for
finding his or her own source of funds. International students do
have the opportunity to receive some scholarship assistance as awarded
by the Bethel College International Student Committee. The typical
scholarship awarded to students is a $2,500 (U.S.) scholarship.
On-Campus Employment
International Students have access to on-campus jobs. Students
may apply for an on-campus position after their arrival to Bethel.
Applications are available in the Office of Financial Aid. Students
may contact the Office of Financial Aid at (574) 257-3316 or via
e-mail at finaid@bethelcollege.edu.
Academic Policies
Grading Scale: 4.0 - A 3.0 - B 2.0 - C 1.0 - D
For International student to maintain the F-1 student visa status
with the United States Government, they must enroll for at least
12 hours of classes each semester. A student must maintain a 2.0
grade point average to be considered academically qualified to continue
studies. A cumulative grade point average below 2.0 is classified
as academic probation. A student has one semester to re-establish
regular academic standing before dismissal from the college.
Academic Courses Offered
Bachelor Degree Programs include:
Accounting, American Sign Language/English Interpreting, Art, Biblical Literature, Biology,Business Administration, Business Education, Broadcast, Chemistry, Christian Ministries, Church Music, Communication, Computational Physics, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Drama, Elementary Education, Engineering*, English, English Education, Environmental Biology, Exercise Science, History, Interior Design/Business Administration**, International Studies, Liberal Studies, Math Education, Mathematics, Mathematics/Computer Science, Music Education (instrumental & choral), Music Performance, Nursing, Organizational Management, Piano Pedagogy, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Psychology, Science Education, Social Science, Social Studies Education, Sociology, Sports Studies, Visual Communications/Studio Art** and Youth Ministry/Adolescent Studies.
*Engineering is offered through a consortium arrangement with the University of Notre Dame.
**Cooperative Program with Ivy Tech State College.
International Student On-Campus Counselor
The International Student Advisor is the person who will counsel
International Students concerning their needs while on campus. Matters
such as housing needs, immigration laws, visas, and much more are
handled through the Bethel College Student Development Office.
Student Life on Campus
Bethel is an evangelical Christian college. All students are required to attend chapel three times a week during the fall and spring semesters. The Bible is taught in these services. Various other campus organizations and committees of the student government provide functions on campus of spiritual emphasis, social activities, sporting events and concerts.
Students living in campus housing have curfew hours each day: Sunday - Thursday, 12:30 A.M.; Friday and Saturday, 2:00 A.M. Where possible, international students who desire will be introduced to a host family off campus. The host family will provide housing during break periods when on-campus facilities are closed. The host family will also maintain close contact with the international student and will be available in helping the international student make adjustments in his/her new cultural setting.
Further information may be obtained from:
- Bethel College, Office of Admissions
- 1001 Bethel Circle
- Mishawaka, IN 46545
You may also contact the Office of Admissions through e-mail: admissions@bethelcollege.edu.
