Current International Students

• Attend a pre-semester orientation. Orientation is scheduled approximately a wee before the start of the semester. Students must bring their I-20 form, passport, visa, and I-94 form to the orientation.
• Meet with an Academic Counselor before registering for classes.
• All international students must maintain a full-time course load to stay in compliance with F-1 Visa requirements. 
• Enroll in, maintain, and complete required units each semester.

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Tuition varies per semester. Refer to the current class schedule or our Tuition and Fees page for current fees. Students must purchase textbooks and other related instructional supplies.

NOTE: Financial aid is not available for International Students.

The amounts listed below are only estimates based on the minimum costs for a single student per year (Fall & Spring).

• Estimated non-resident tuition and fees: $8,120
• Estimated books and supplies: $1,791
• Estimated living expenses: $18,720
• Mandatory health insurance: $1,800
• Total: $30,431 [NOTE: Estimated cost of attendance for 9 months]

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All International Students must maintain a 2.5 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale.

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F-1 International Students are required to purchase mandatory health insurance coverage while attending Southwestern College

• International Student Insurance

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Change of Address Form
Use this form to update your contact information. International Students are required to report changes to address, phone number, or e-mail address within 10-days after making changes. 

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Consent to Release Information

Use this form to authorize the release of your academic and personal records to a person or agency.

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Reduced Course Load Request
Use this form to request approval to reduce your course load below 12 units (full-time).

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F-1 Border Commuters Reduced Course Load Request
This for is for F-1 Border Commuter Students. Use this form to request approval to reduce your course load below 12 units (ful-time)

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OPT Request

Use this form to request Optional Practical Training approval. After graduation witn an AA or AS degree, students might be eligible for a 12-month authorization who plan to seek employment in the U.S. in positions directly related to their fileds of study. You can only apply in the last semester of your program at SWC and must meet with a DSO for more details. 

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Concurrent Enrollment Request
Use this form to request authorization to take a class at another college or university while still enrolled at Southwestern College.

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Transfer Out Request

Use this form to request the transfer of your SEVIS I-20 to a new academic insitution in the U.S. 

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Jump Off Campus Housing Portal

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Below is a list of some websites of companies/organizations that can assist you with planning your arrival in San Diego County. However, please note that none are endorsed by SWC.

• UTSanDiego.com: This website offers information on apartment rentals, transportation, attractions, entertainment, weather, etc. You can also get information on temporary housing (hotel/motel) options.
• SDReader.com: The San Diego READER magazine website will provide you with information on roommates, rentals, cars, etc.
• ApartmentList.com: This website will help you locate apartments available in San Diego.
• Zillow: This website will help you locate apartments available in San Diego.

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• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
  (Purchase discounted monthly passes for students)
• California Department of Motor Vehicles
  (California Driver's License, California Identification Card, and Vehicle Registration Information)
• Currency Converter
  (Foreign Currency Rate Calculator)
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  (For students who want to gain work experience during the program of study)
• I-94 Application & Retrieval
  (Get Travel Records for U.S. Visitors)
• International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
  (Credentials Evaluation Service)
• Optional Practical Training 
  (Post-completion work experience information)
• SEVIS 1-901 Fee
  (How to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee)
• Social Security Numbers 
  (International Student Social Security Number Information)
• Social Security Administration 
  (Social Security Administration Website)
• Study in the States 
  (Prospective & Current Student Information Page - How to study in the U.S., Maintain F1 Visa Status, and Transfer to New Schools)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
  (USCIS Service and Office Locator)
• U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions 
  (Locate and Contact a U.S. Embassy or Consulate)

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