Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
1. Does El Centro College have an intensive English language program?
El Centro College cannot issue I-20's to students who wish to pursue an intensive ESL study program. In order to be admitted to the College, you must earn a score of 530 (Paper Based), 197 (Computerized Based), or 71 (Internet Based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL.
This test is given world-wide, and must be taken before application is made. Indicate the institutional code 6199 on the TOEFL registration form to have the TOEFL scores sent directly to El Centro College. For more information about this exam, contact the Educational Testing Service at 609-771-7100.
If you need to study English before beginning a degree program, you are encouraged to study at an intensive English program and transfer to El Centro College after you achieve the required TOEFL score.
There are many programs to choose from, including Richland College, Brookhaven College, and Mountain View colleges who are sister colleges with in the DCCCD.
2. English is the official language in my country. Do I still need to take TOEFL?
Very few students qualify for an exemption from TOEFL requirements (e.g. students from England, Canada, Australia). There are many countries in which English is an official language or primary language of instruction, however, the majority of the people speak a language other than English in the home. The TOEFL allows us to evaluate English proficiency, giving us an indication of how you will perform in a classroom with American students.
3. How many classes must I take each semester?
All F-1 students must complete 12 credits during the fall and spring semesters in order to remain in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration and Services (USCIS). The number of credits awarded per class varies, but in general, students enroll in at least 4 classes per semester. Summer session is optional unless summer is your first semester.
4. May I choose my own classes?
All new students take placement tests in reading, writing and math before registering for classes. Once the tests are completed, an academic advisor will assist in choosing classes at the appropriate skill level in accordance with your educational plan. For students who intend to transfer to a Bachelor degree program, an advisor will help you locate guides to help you choose classes that will be accepted for transfer.
5. How much does it cost?
Although actual expenses vary greatly according to individual circumstances, international students must have a minimum of $17,000 available for each academic year to cover tuition and living expenses. Summer expenses are not included. Tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration. It should be noted that F-1 students are expected to have the resources to meet their financial needs without working in the United States. El Centro College does not offer scholarships to international students. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
6. Are there dormitories or hostels available for international students?
El Centro College does not operate any student housing. There are, however, a number of apartment complexes located closely within 2 miles radius to the DART station. As El Centro student, you can ride free on DART train and buses. Apartments rent for approximately $350-700 per month, depending on the amenities offered. The cost of rent does not include utilities (e.g. electricity, phone). If you do not have friends or family in the Dallas area that can provide temporary lodging when you arrive, you will need to bring extra money with you to stay in a hotel until permanent accommodations are established. Our International Students Center will assist you in giving you apartment referrals. You can call at 214-860-2664.
7. How will I get to and from school?
International students at El Centro College can ride free on DART trains and buses anytime, anywhere during the semester for which you register at least six (6) credit hours during the fall or spring, or three (3) credit hours during the summer. If you choose an apartment along the train route, you can use trains and buses any time with out having to pay for it. Neighboring communities such as Arlington do not have bus service. Many students decide that driving their own car is the most efficient way to get to and from school. Although driving is a convenient way to get around, it is also expensive. You must obtain a license, purchase insurance, have the car inspected for safety, and pay a registration fee annually in addition to the cost of gasoline and maintenance.
8. Will I be allowed to work?
By submitting a financial statement to the College in order to receive the I-20, you are confirming that you have the financial resources to study for the duration of your academic program. You should not expect to work in order to meet your financial needs. Under the terms of the F-1 visa, you may seek ON-CAMPUS employment only (up to 20 hours per week). The number of on-campus jobs available is extremely limited, so this work should be viewed as supplemental income only. Working off-campus without authorization is strictly forbidden and grounds for deportation from the United States.
9. What happens if I become ill?
Because medical care in the United States is expensive, it is essential that students carry health insurance. There are no programs other than private insurance to assist international students with health care expenses. Students who fail to carry insurance and suffer illness or injuries resulting in high medical bills have often been financially unable to continue their education. The International Center has a selection of insurance policies designed specifically for international students. You can pick the brochures any time from the international center. These policies do not include coverage for dental work. It is strongly recommended that all dental work be completed before arriving in the United States.
10. Is the orientation for International Students mandatory?
Yes, all International students must participate in mandatory international student orientation.
11. What is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)?
The State of Texas and El Centro College requires that all students must be tested to determine readiness to enroll in college level courses. This requirement is referred to as the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). A major emphasis of TSI is to insure that all students be tested to determine if they are "college ready" in reading, writing, and mathematics. Testing is mandatory and must be completed prior to one's first enrollment at ECC unless it is determined that the student has been waived or exempted from TSI requirement, (please see your college counselor for advisement.)
12. What is a Semester Credit Hour?
Academic credit is expressed in semester credit hours (SCH). Generally, one class lecture hour per week for the semester earns one SCH. A class meeting three lecture hours a week, therefore, has three SCH.
13. What happens if I drop my courses and be less than a full-time student?
By Immigration law you must pursue a "full course of study". This means you need to be enrolled in 12 Semester Credit Hours in order to keep your status as an F-1 student. If you withdraw from a class with a “W” grade, this will affect your F-1 status which means you will loose your status as an F-1 student.
14. If I lose my F-1 Status, what do I need to do?
You may need to leave the United States of America to reestablish student status by reentering the country with a new I-20, or file a reinstatement request with the USCIS. For more information please see your International Student Specialist to determine which choice is the best for you.
15. How many Distance Education (Online or TV) courses can I take as International Student?
No more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class or 3 semester Credit hours per semester may be counted towards the "full course of study" requirement.
16. Do you have international student club or organization?
Yes we do!! We have El Centro College International Student Association. We would like you to participate in the association. We do several programs every year. Please call 214-860-2664 or email: rajini@dcccd.edu for more information.
17. When does school start, and when should I physically be in town?
We recommend that you be in Dallas one month prior to starting school, so you can get settled in before classes begin. However, you may not enter the United States more than 30 days before your program start date listed on the I-20 Form. You must report your entry to the United States to the International Student Center at 801 Main Street, Dallas Texas, 75202 prior to registration.
18. How can I get answers to questions not covered here?
Please contact us by stopping at the International Student Center (CM60) in C-Building or contact:
International Students Center
El Centro College
801 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75202
Phone: (214) 860-2090
Fax: (214) 860-2322
Email: rajini@dcccd.edu