ST.

PETERSBURG COLLEGE

International
student guide
International Student Guide

At St. Petersburg College, we value the intellectual and cultural diversity international students bring to our
campuses. Currently SPC has more than 200 students from 60 different countries around the world. We
understand that choosing a college is a big decision and we want to help you make the right one. Browse our
International Student Guide or visit us online for more information.

www.spcollege.edu/admissions/international-students

Contents

 Admissions
 Finances (Fees, Tuition, Sponsors)
 Transcript Evaluation
 English Language Skills
 Immigration (terms, required documents
 Travel
 Employment options
 Health Insurance and Housing
 Degree Options
 Planning Your Classes
 FAQs
Admissions
Students who are not U.S. Citizens have two options to take classes at SPC:. Study in the U.S. or Study online outside the
U.S.

Study in the U.S.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen and you want to study in the U.S., please follow these steps. To satisfy immigration
and admissions requirements, international students must apply by:

 Fall 2017 – June 19, 2017

 Spring 2018 – Oct. 20, 2017
 Summer 2018 –March 16, 2018

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete the application (web.spcollege.edu/survey/18027) and wait for confirmation from SPC
International Admissions Office
2. Pay the non-refundable $140 fee by credit card or mail
3. Review financial requirements
4. Have your high school and/or college transcripts evaluated
5. No TOEFL or IELTS scores are required

INTERNATIONAL TRANSIENT STUDENTS

If you are a non-U.S. citizen foreign student on an F-1 Visa, and you are currently degree-seeking students at
another institution who want to attend St. Petersburg College for a term and then transfer the completed
coursework back to your home institution use this application to apply online.

Study Online Outside U.S.

If you are not a U.S. citizen you can work toward your degree online from outside the U.S. Students using our
online option must demonstrate some English proficiency as our English for Academic Purposes program has
limited available coursework online. Before you apply, please visit www.spcollege.edu/why-spc/flexible-
options-for-you/online-programs-at-spc to see what degrees we offer fully online.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete the online application

(https://my.spcollege.edu/psp/ps/EMPLOYEE/EMPL/c/S_SPC_COMPONENTS.S_ONLINEAPPLCNTR.GBL
) and pay the one-time, non-refundable $40 fee.

2. Submit your transcripts for evaluation and translation into English.

3. Determine placement in college courses by doing one of the following:

1. Provide official transcripts showing college-level coursework

2. Provide acceptable SAT and/or ACT scores
3. Complete our College Placement Test at an approved location.
To take the placement test, you will need to identify an approved proctor and testing facility to meet our off-
site testing requirements.

To take courses online with SPC, your placement test scores must qualify you to take advanced English for
Academic Purposes classes (EAP 1595 or higher).

Official testing results should be mailed to:

St. Petersburg College

International Center, SPG
P. O. Box 13489
St Petersburg, FL 33733
Test scores for college placement

Scores used for placement must be less than two years old. SPC uses the highest scores from the PERT,
Accuplacer, ACT, and SAT administered within the last two years.

Guide for Post Secondary Educational Readiness Test (PERT) scores

Interim Scaled Score Interim Scaled Score
CPT
Range Range
Postsecondary Education Placement
Subject to change Subject to change
Readiness Test (PERT)
Prior to 10/22/2013 On or after 10/22/2013
50-83 50-83 REA 0007
84-103 84-105 REA 0017 or REA 0056
104-150 106-150 No reading needed
Reading subtest (110)
Qualifies for honors with a
120-150 120-150 score of 120 or higher in
Writing (111)
50-89 50-89 ENC 0015
ENC 0025, ENC 0027 or
90-98 90-102
ENC 0056
Writing subtest (111) 99-150 103-150 ENC 1101
Qualifies for honors with a
120-150 120-150 score of 120 or higher in
Reading (110)
50-95 50-95 MAT 0022
96-112 96-113 MAT 0028
107-113 MAT 0056
110-113 MAT 0055
113-122 114-122 MAT 1033 or MAT 1100
Math subtest (112)
Accuplacer College Level MAC 1105, MGF 1106,
Math subtest (235) score MGF 1107, STA 2023, or
123-150 required to determine higher as determined by
eligibility for higher the Campus Academic
placement Chair of Mathematics
Guide for College Placement Test (CPT) scores
CPT
Scaled Score Range Placement
Accuplacer
20-53 REA 0007
54-82 REA 0017
75-82 REA 0990
Reading subtest (205)
83-120 No reading needed
Qualifies for honors with a score of 100 or higher in
100 -120
Sentence Skills (200)
20-57 ENC 0015
58-82 ENC 0025
Sentence Skills subtest 75-82 ENC 0990
(200) 83-120 ENC 1101
Qualifies for honors with a score of 100 or higher in
100-120
Reading (205)
Arithmetic subtest (215) 20-64 MAT 0018
Guide for College Placement Test (CPT) scores
CPT
Scaled Score Range Placement
Accuplacer
65-120 MAT 0028
80-120 MAT 0990
20-71 See Arithmetic (215) score for placement
Elementary Algebra subtest
MAT 1033 or higher depending on College Level Math
(225) 72-120
(235) score
20-40 See Elementary Algebra (225) score for placement
41-61 MAC 1105, MGF 1106, MGF 1107, and STA 2023
College Level Math subtest
MAC 1105, MGF 1106, MGF 1107, STA 2023, or higher
(235)
62-120 as determined by the Campus Academic Chair of
Mathematics
Guide for SAT-RT scores
SAT Redesign-
Old SAT
Concordance
The College Board Placement
REA (74) Math (73)
Prior to June 27, 2016
On or after June 27, 2016
Critical Reading = less than
Less than 24 Further testing needed for college prep level
440
Critical Reading = 440 or
Reading = 24 or higher ENC 1101
higher
Math = less than 440 Less than 24 Further testing needed for college prep level
Math = 440 or higher Math = 24 or higher MAT 1033

New SAT scores will be determined by the FLDOE. Start date TBA

Guide for ACT scores

Interim Scaled Score Interim Scaled Score
ACT Test Range Range
Placement
ACT, Inc. Subject to change Subject to change
Prior to 10/22/2013 On or after 10/22/2013
Further testing needed for
Less than 18 Less than 19
Reading subtest (179) college prep level
18 or higher 19 or higher No reading needed
Further testing needed for
Less than 17 Less than 17
English subtest (177) college prep level
17 or higher 17 or higher ENC 1101
Further testing needed for
Less than 19 Less than 19
college prep level
Math subtest (181) MAT 1033. Further testing
19 or higher 19 or higher needed for higher level
placement
International Transcript Evaluation

Submit your high school transcript or diploma to a NACES approved agency for evaluation and translation into
English. For university or college credit earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluation is required from
a NACES approved agency. The official evaluated document must be sent to us at:

St. Petersburg College

International Admissions, Admissions and Records
14025 58th St. N
Clearwater, FL 33760

Please check with our admissions office prior to requesting an evaluation to ensure you have requested the
correct services.

Immigration Information
St. Petersburg College is authorized by federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. Our knowledgeable staff
are here to help you work through the immigration requirements. After you have reviewed the following
information, contact us if you have any questions about how to navigate the U.S. Immigration System.

I-20 Extension

The I-20 Program Date Extension is intended for F-1 students who are not able to complete all degree
requirements to graduate by the program end date listed on the I-20 Form. I-20 Extension requests may be
granted for the following reasons:

 Change of Major
 Medical Reason (must provide medical documentation)
 Unforeseen Circumstances

Delays caused by academic probation or suspensions are not an acceptable reason for program extension.

Students whose I-20 expires in 60 days or less and will be unable to complete their studies may be eligible to
request an Extension of Stay.

I-20 Extension Eligibility guidelines:

 Extension requests can be granted only if the student is maintaining his/her status and making progress toward
completing his/her educational objective
 Student must have continually maintained legal status
 Submit an I-20 Extension request 60 days or less of your current I-20 expiration date
 I-20 Extension is granted for up to 1 year
 New Financial Support Documents are required
 Please contact the Center for International Programs to request a program extension

Helpful Links:
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a global network of more than 400 advising centers supported by the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Immigration terms
Passport - A passport is a travel document issued by a government to identify a person as a citizen or
permanent resident, showing that person’s origin, identity and nationality. The passport must be valid for
entry of the bearer into a foreign country.

Visa - A visa for entry into the United States is applied for at a United States consulate office operating under
the jurisdiction of the United States Department of State outside of the United States. One cannot obtain a
visa in the United States. The visa is a certificate in the passport and gives the foreign visitor permission to
proceed to the United States. It does not guarantee entry into the United States.

Port of Entry - Port of Entry (POE) is the place at which the visa and I-20 are presented and where the foreign
visitor may be interviewed, fingerprinted and photographed for entry into the United States.

I-94 - An arrival/departure white card is issued for foreign travelers who are presenting a visa for entry into
the United States. A green (color) card is issued for those countries that the Department of State has approved
for entry without a visa. The type of visa and length of stay is noted on the card (not on the visa).

Immigrant - An immigrant is a person who has been granted permission to legally reside permanently in the
United States. This status is referred to as being a “green card”* holder. This status also may be granted to
refugees and those to whom political asylum has been extended. *Note: This is not the same as a Florida
resident.

Nonimmigrant - A nonimmigrant is a person who has been issued a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) by the United
States Department of State. NIVs normally are issued only to persons determined as having no intention to
immigrate to the United States.

Immigration Documents
Passport

Your passport is an official government-issued travel document that certifies your identity and citizenship.Your
passport must be current at all times. If your passport is lost, immediately take steps to replace it. If your
passport is near expiration, it can be renewed in the United States at your country's embassy. We
advise that you start the renewal process six months before the expiration date.

SEVIS Form I-20

The Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system used to track and
monitor schools, programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents while approved to participate in
the U.S. education system. Any student accepted into our international program must have a SEVIS-generated
I-20 issued by St. Petersburg College and approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Upon
acceptance into the international program, SPC enters your information for the I-20 student visa form into
SEVIS. Your I-20 record will then be verified electronically through SEVIS in order to process your student visa
application.

Please be sure to read and clearly understand the material on page 2 of SEVIS Form I-20 A-B. If you lose your I-
20, immediately request a new one from your international advisor. Review How to Navigate the U.S.
Immigration System.
Visa

Your visa is in your passport. A visa for entry into the United States may be applied for at your nearest United
States embassy or consulate office. You cannot obtain a visa in the United States. Your visa is a certificate in
your passport that gives you permission to proceed to the United States. However, it does not guarantee entry
into the United States. Your visa will have an expiration date. If you are maintaining status and your visa
expires, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. However, when you return to your county, you will need to
renew your visa at the nearest embassy.

If you entered the U.S. on a B2 Visitor Visa you may process a change of status to student status but may not
begin classes until the approval has been received from Immigration (USCIS). The fee is $300. Processing time
is at least 140-200 days. The new form is available in the international office.

After your approval to F-1 status, if you wish to leave the U.S., you must apply for a new F1 Visa in your home
country.

Note: You must have copies of your passport, I-20, and USCIS Form I-94 in your possession at all times. Keep
the originals in a safe place. It is your responsibility to keep track of expiration dates of your passport.

I-94

An arrival/departure white card is issued for foreign travelers who are presenting a visa for entry into the
United States. A green (color) card is issued for those countries that the Department of State has approved for
entry without a visa. The type of visa and length of stay is noted on the card (not on the visa).

Traveling with an F-1 Visa

Traveling Within the United States

You may travel freely within the United States provided you are attending scheduled classes and maintain
your lawful F-1 status. When you travel with your passport, SEVIS I-20 and I-94 card, be sure not to lose those
documents.

Traveling Outside the United States

For reentry into the U.S., you must have your SEVIS I-20 signed for travel by your international student officer
or advisor within the preceding 12 months and an unexpired visa.

You may leave the United States at times when classes are not in session (summer term, spring break and
holiday break). Emergency travel needs to be discussed with your international student officer or advisor.

If you entered the U.S. with another visa type and changed your status to F-1, you must obtain an F-1 visa
from your home consulate on your passport before reentering the U.S.

You may leave the U.S. with an expired passport if you will be flying directly to your country but must renew
for reentry. Expired passports can be renewed in the U.S. or in your home country. Do not forget your valid
passport, SEVIS I-20 and I-94 card when traveling.
Holiday and Vacations

You may remain in the United States and will be considered to be maintaining lawful F-1 status during holidays
and vacation periods observed by SPC. This includes summer vacations – provided you are eligible for summer
break. Please check with the International Office to determine if you are eligilbe for summre break. If you plan
to leave the U.S. for vacation, check the dates on your I-20 to ensure that it won’t expire and then present
your I-20 for signature to your international student officer/advisor.

International Student Finances

Before you get started with the application process, make sure you have made a financial plan. While you may
also incur other expenses, this page provides a basic overview of international student expenses:

 International student fees

 Tuition fees (all international students pay out-of-state tuition rates)
 Sponsors (only for students studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa)
 Employment
 Housing

International student fees

The following list gives you an idea of some of the expenses you will need to make arrangements for in order
to be an international student at SPC:

1. SPC Admissions Application - $140 ($40 for students studying online from their country)
2. Transcript evaluation fees (vary depending on the approved agency you choose)
3. Placement test - Free for first try, $15 for retakes
4. SEVIS Form I-20 - $200
5. Change from B2 Visa to F-1 Visa - $300
6. Housing

Financial support

International students are required to have a sponsor to verify financial support. Mail the appropriate financial
forms as listed below to:

Physical Address: (FedEx or other courier)

St. Petersburg College

International Admissions, Admissions and Records
14025 58th St. N
Clearwater, FL 33760

Mailing Address: (U.S. Post Office or other mail carrier)

St. Petersburg College

International Admissions, Admissions and Records
P.O. Box 33089
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
For a sponsor in the United States

SPC requires you to complete a Statement of Financial Ability form with the appropriate sponsor signatures
and must be notarized.

Supporting documentation includes an original bank statement (within the last three months) or original bank
letter. The current bank statement needs to be on official bank letterhead, indicate the amount of funds
available, and sealed in the bank’s official envelope. This cannot be a computer printout of account
information. All documents forwarded are held in strictest confidence.

For a sponsor outside the United States

SPC requires you to complete a Statement of Financial Ability form with the appropriate sponsor signatures
and must be notarized.

Supporting documentation includes an original bank statement (within the last three months) or original bank
letter. The current bank statement needs to be on official bank letterhead, indicate the amount of funds
available in U.S. dollars, and sealed in the bank’s official envelope. All documents must be submitted in
English or be accompanied by an official English translation.

Employment Basics for International Students

F-1 students are not allowed to work without authorization from the International Office. Please remember,
working is a privilege — not a right. Employment is not permitted without authorization. If you work without
authorization, you will be out of status.

On-campus employment

You may be permitted to work part time on campus with your international student officer’s/advisor’s
approval if you are in degree-seeking status. Employment authorization ends if you fail to maintain F-1 status.
In order to work on campus, the student must be degree seeking and would be eligible for no more than 20
hours per week while school is in session. Before you can be hired for a position, you must have a Social
Security number. You will also need a letter signed by the prospective SPC supervisor and the international
office staff (form available in the International Offices on campus). If you have a social security number, you
will need approval from the International Office so that you do not violate your status.

Off-campus employment

Practical training is work directly related to your major field of study. These employment options require
International office approval as well as approval from Immigration with appropriate filing fees. You may be
eligible, depending on your major, for three types of practical training:

 Pre-Completion Optional practical training, once per academic level for one year, 20 hours per week.
The use of Pre-completion OPT is deducted from the amount of time allotted for Post-Completion OPT.
 Post-completion practical training is work after graduation. You may apply 90 days before graduation
or within 60 days following the last date of the semester in which you graduate. Employment based on
an Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization Document that is not directly related to the
major area of study would be considered a status violation. You are also required to notify us regarding
your employer’s address and contact information.
Taxes

Income Tax
Filing a tax return is required by Florida and the United States Government for all money earned that is
taxable. Form 1040NR is available at www.IRS.gov. It is recommended that you obtain tax advice from a
qualified expert.

Social Security Tax

Students on F and J visas are exempt from paying Social Security tax. It’s necessary to complete the required
forms with your employer.

Contact your international student officer/advisor for details.

To apply for a Social Security card, visit the Social Security Administration Web site and print the application.
Fill it out and return it to the Social Security office as directed on the Web site. You will need to take your
Passport, I-20 and I-94. Employment authorization is a complicated procedure that requires a
recommendation from your international student officer/advisor.

Health Insurance Required for International Students

International students on F-1 visas at St. Petersburg College (SPC) are required to have injury/sickness
insurance that meets the following requirements:

 Comply with the Affordable Health Care Act

 Must include (but not limited to) illness, accidental injury, repatriation and medical evacuation
 Coverage must remain in effect for the duration of the semester
 It is recommended that students purchase health insurance with no gap in coverage between terms

This coverage must be purchased and proof of purchase must be provided to the Center for International
Programs before enrolling in SPC courses.

If you do not have a chosen insurance provider, please find below possible insurance providers for you to
choose from:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: http://www.hccmis.com/f1-visa-insurance/

Insurance for College Students (IFCS): http://insuranceforcollegestudents.com/

Insurance for Students (IFS): www.insuranceforstudents.com

PSI: http://www.psiservice.com/psiweb/index.jsp

United Healthcare: https://www.uhcsr.com/

Please keep in mind that St. Petersburg College does not direct the operations of any of the above suggested
companies or resources and cannot be held responsible for problems that may occur. This information is
provided merely to assist current and incoming students. St. Petersburg College received no compensation for
this service.
See below the steps to obtain proof of coverage

Step 1: Choose the Health Insurance coverage form below for your program of study:

 Degree Seeking Programs and English for AcademicPurposes Program

 Intensive English Program – EPI Center Only

Step 2: Print the correct the form and complete the student section

Step 3: Submit the form to the health insurance provider of your choice

Step 4: Ask your health insurance provider to return the completed form to the Center for International
Programs, per instructions on the form. All health insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirement
including repatriation and medical evacuation.

Step 5: After receiving the completed form, the Center for International Programs will notify you if there is any
additional information needed.

Step 6: Submit a copy of your health insurance card to the Center for International Programs and you will be
ready to enroll for courses.

SPC reserves the right to require updated proof of injury/sickness insurance coverage each term. Failure to
provide proof of valid health insurance coverage may affect student enrollment at SPC.

Housing for International Students

St. Petersburg College does not provide housing. All students must arrange for their own housing. Below are
some resources that may be helpful.

Apartments

The following websites may be helpful in searching for an apartment or for other housing options that are in
relative close proximity to your chosen SPC campus.

 Apartment Guide
 For Rent
 Rent
 Rental Houses
 Zillow.com

Homestay

The following websites may be helpful in searching for a homestay option while studying at SPC.

 www.homestay-florida.com
 www.ihpshomestays.com
 www.homestayfinder.com
 www.homestaybooking.com
Need home furnishings as well?

For housing arrangements as well as securing home furnishings, students may contact CORT, a company
specializing in complete housing solutions for international students: www.cort.com/highered

See also this additional information:

 CORT Housing Solutions for International Students

 CORT Students FAQ's

Please keep in mind that St. Petersburg College does not direct the operations of any of the above suggested
companies or resources and cannot be held responsible for problems that may occur. This information is
provided merely to assist incoming students. St. Petersburg College received no compensation for this service.

Scholarship opportunities

As they are available, scholarship opportunities open to international students are added below. Check back
frequently for updates.

 Florida Linkages
 SPC Foundation scholarships
 SPC institutional scholarships
 Private donor scholarships
 Scholarship searches
 Study in the USA
 IEFA - International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search
 International Student and Study Abroad Scholarship Search
 eduPASS!

Degree options for F-1 students

Students attending SPC on an F-1 visa may choose from the following degree options:

Associate in Arts Degree - General

Associate in Arts (A.A.) transfer degree, first two years of a bachelor’s degree

Associate in Science Degrees

 Architectural Design and Construction Technology

 Business Administration
 Computer Networking
 Criminal Justice Technology: Public Safety Services
 Dental Hygiene
 Drafting and Design Technology
 Early Childhood Education
 Engineering Technology
 Environmental Science Technology
 Music Industry/Recording Arts
 Nursing
 Paralegal Studies
  Photographic Technology
 Physical Therapist Assistant
 Radiography
 Respiratory Care
 Sign Language Interpretation
 Veterinary Technology (Fall Admission Only)

Bachelor's Degrees

 Business Administration
 International Business
 Management & Organizational Leadership
 Secondary Science/Biology Education
 Elementary Education
 Exceptional Education
 Middle Grades Math Education
 Middle Grades Science Education
 Secondary Math Education
 Paralegal Studies
 Public Policy and Administration
 Biology

Registration

Each semester before registering for classes, F-1 students must submit the following items to the International
Student Services office:

1. Proof of health insurance

2. My Learning Plan (MLP)

Course load

F-1 students must be enrolled full-time:

 12 credit hours for Fall/Spring semester

 9 credit hours for Summer semester (if required)

Online course credits:

 Only 3 online credits may count toward full-time requirement each semester.
 F-1 students in an English language program may not count online courses toward full-time requirement.

Other Related Topics

F-1 students completing English language classes to become degree seeking:

 Plan to visit the International Office at the beginning of your final semester of your English language program to
discuss the transition:
o Updated financial documents may be required
 o Must have evaluation of high school on file
 View F-1 acceptable degree options

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to SPC as an international student?

Students who are not U.S. citizens, greencard holders or permanent citizens can use the link below to apply to
take classes at SPC:

On Campus students will apply to live and study in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa and be required to take a
full-time course load while in the U.S. in order to maintain active student visa.

Online students remain in their home country, taking all of their classes online.

Detailed instructions are provided in this guide or you can visit www.spcollege.edu/admissions/international-
students for step-by-step instructions on how to apply to SPC.

Does SPC require proof of English proficiency to apply?

No, St. Petersburg College does not require proof of English proficiency to apply. You do not need to submit
TOEFL or IELTS scores. International students will take an English language placement test (LOEP) after
checking in at an SPC International Programs office or during orientation. The LOEP determines your English
proficiency and class placement. If your English scores are not at college level, you will be referred to one of
SPCs English as a Second Language programs: Intensive English Program (IEP) or English for Academic Purposes
(EAP).

Students scoring below a combined score of 85 on the LOEP are recommended to begin their studies at the
IEP program.You will work with an advisor to transfer at the appropriate time.

Do international students need health insurance?

Yes. Health Insurance is required for International Students. Coverage must begin prior to your enrollment and you are
required to maintain the coverage during the time you are a student.

Does SPC offer an English language program?

Yes, the Intensive English Program (IEP) is an ESL program designed to give international students a supportive
environment to intensely study academic English while also experiencing American culture. The IEP has five
levels, Elementary – Advanced. Classes are Monday – Thursday from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Each level is offered
in the fall, spring and summer terms.

In addition, SPC has the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program that offers five levels, Basic I and II,
Intermediate and Advanced I and II. Each level is offered in the fall, spring and summer terms.

How do I learn to use MyCourses to access online course information?

Beginning with the spring 2015 term, St. Petersburg College students will access all their classes - face-to-face
and online - through MyCourses, the college's new online learning management system. This means that as of
Dec. 18, 2014, students will no longer use ANGEL.
If you are taking courses in Spring 2015 please go to: https://mycourses.spcollege.edu to access SPC’s new
learning management system.

Learn more about MyCourses here: /mycourses.

How do I request an enrollment letter?

Please complete the Admissions and Records Form to request enrollment verification.

How do I request my official SPC transcript?

You can request your free SPC transcript online through MySPC, by mail or by fax. View our transcripts page for details.