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GRTS Alum Serving in Iraq
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Captain Jeff Pyun is a 2008 graduate of GRTS. While his family remains in the USA, Jeff is serving Jesus …
GRTS welcomes applicants from all over the globe
In recent semesters GRTS enrolled international students from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Philippines, Romania and South Korea. International students are a vital part of the GRTS community. As such, we want you to have an excellent experience from the time you express interest in GRTS until the time you graduate and continue to serve the Lord through your life and ministry. Therefore, please read through the following information carefully to gain a full understanding of the application process that we have designed to serve you and to meet all regulations.
Note: In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition, international students are encouraged to begin their degree programs in the fall semester (August).
Application Process:
1) Pre-Application
Complete the Pre-Application Form and submit to the GRTS Admissions Office at grts@cornerstone.edu. After GRTS receives and approves your pre-application form, you will be prompted to continue the application process.
2) Official Application
Once your Pre-Application Form has been approved, complete the official Application for Admission, and all supporting documents including: Ministry Reference, Personal Reference and Scholarship Application. All international students will be considered for the Timothy Scholarship, which will cover a portion of your costs.
3) Financial Support Form
International Student Financial Support Form – This form will serve as evidence of your financial support through the date you expect to complete your degree program. You will also need to submit letters of support from each contributing organization or individual. Each supporter will also need to submit 3 months worth of bank statements demonstrating their ability to meet their commitment. Bank statements should be from the most recent 3 months.
4) Transcripts
Your transcripts must be evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). ECE will convert your scores into their
5) TOEFL Examination Scores
International students who are not lifetime residents of Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States (other than Puerto Rico) are required to demonstrate their proficiency with the English language by submitting TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores taken within one year of the admission application date. GRTS requires a minimum TOEFL score of 577 written, 90-91 internet based, or 233 computer based for admission. Register at the following website: TOEFL. TOEFL, P.O. Box 6154, Princeton, NJ 80541-6154, USA.
6) Tuition Deposit
Once you have been accepted for admission, you will be required to send a tuition deposit of at least the cost of your first semester’s tuition and fees. This will be a $3,500 fee for the 2007-08 academic year. This total includes a tuition deposit, registration fee, and $100 for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Service (SEVIS) processing fee. If for any reason you do not enroll as planned, all of the funds will be returned to you or your supporters immediately except for the $100 SEVIS fee.
7) Student Visa
After receiving your tuition deposit, we will send you a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is more commonly called the I-20. You will then apply for your student visa at your country’s consulate offices. You will also need the following: A valid passport – must be valid for a period that extends six months past the last date you expect to be in the
8) Registration
Upon receiving your Student Visa, please contact the admissions office to inform us at grts@cornerstone.edu or (616) 222-1559.
At that time, we will register you for classes for the fall semester (the registration period begins in mid-March). We also invite you to R.S.V.P. to attend our New Student Orientation on
Following the process above will help make your experience a great one. GRTS will do all that we can to assist you. We will identify individuals within our university community to provide support. We will partner with other institutions in the Grand Rapids area when possible.
Finally, we encourage you to spend time researching the international student admission process and learning about the climate and culture of Grand Rapids. The links below will help you in both areas.
Other Helpful Information:
Health Insurance
Health insurance is available to all GRTS students who are enrolled in at least 7 credit hours per fall and spring semester. The program is funded through student fees and offers basic protection to those who do not carry other health insurance. Coverage is available throughout the calendar year. Optional dependent coverage for spouse and/or children is also available. International students are required to maintain coverage through the school’s provider.
Employment
International students are allowed to apply for on-campus jobs as available. They will not be able to work more than a total of 20 hours per week (even if employed in more than one job) and will only be allowed to work if they will not displace a
Recommended Websites:
Scholarships for International Students
www.scholarshipexperts.com
www.internationalscholarships.com
www.iefa.org
www.fundingusstudy.org
www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas
www.aauw.org/fga/fellowships_grants/international.cfm
www.amideast.org
www.foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Financial Guide, Insurance, Loans
www.edupass.com/finaid
www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
www.internationalstudentloan.com
www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
US Government Sites
www.ice.gov
www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Educational Credit Evaluators
Association of International Educators
About the City of
Test of English as a Foreign Language
