International Students

International student flags

Welcome!

At »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College (»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ), we welcome international students on F-1 visas!

Begin your college education at a small, friendly college where students prepare to transfer to top U.S. universities. You'll enjoy small classes and receive personal attention from our faculty and staff.

To learn more about becoming a student in the United States, please visit as your first step in joining the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College community.

International Student Application Packet (PDF)

Contact Us

Do you have questions about admission?

onestop@berkshirecc.edu
413-499-4660

Become an International Student

Learn what is required to become an international student at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ:

  • Application Deadlines

    Applying for F1 status for the first time:

    • Fall Semester (September): June 1
    • Spring Semester (January): October 1

    Transferring F1 status from another institution:

    • Fall Semester (September): August 1
    • Spring Semester (January): December 1
  • Application Requirements

    Complete the International Student Application Packet (PDF)

    • I-20 Application Form
    • Affidavit of Support (must be notarized)
    • Bank Letter and proof of financial support (must have official bank stamp)
    • Copy of passport and visa pages
    • Copy of I-94 (if applicable)
    • »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Immunization Requirements Form
    • For Transfer Students: submit current I-20
    • Official and evaluated transcripts (high school, university, etc.)
      • Official transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency accredited by the or a member of . Some examples are below:
      • All official evaulated transcripts must be sent directly to admissions@berkshirecc.edu. Please note, offiical transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution.
    • Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
      • All students seeking an International Student Visa (who are coming from countries that are non-native speakers of English) must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
        • : a minimum score of 80 or higher on the internest-based TOEFL (iBT) is required.
        • : A minimum score of 6.5 or higher is required.
  • Estimated Annual Expenses
    Academic Year 2024-2025

    (Based on 15 credits per semester)*

    Tuition and Fees $13,860
    Housing and Food** $17,750
    Books, Supplies, etc. $3,510
    Health Insurance*** $3,461
    Total Expenses $38,581

    * All costs are subject to change and may vary for each student.

    ** There is an additional financial requirement for each dependent of $10,970. In addition, regardless of whether a student lives with family or friends in the area, the student will still have to demonstrate that they have ample financial resources to support housing and food costs, if necessary.

    *** Massachusetts law requries that all international students have health insurance (MA General Law Chapter 15A, Section 18). A charge for health insurance will be added to the student's tuitition unless proof of comparable insurance from a U.S. based company is provided.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the minimum amount of credits I can take to remain a full-time student in compliance as a F1 visa holder?

    • 12 credits per semester in your program of study.

    Can I change my program of study?

    • Yes, you may change your program of study. You must contact your DSO/PSDO to schedule an appointment with them in order to issue you a new Form I-20 with your new program of study and completion date.

    Can I get a certificate as a F1 student?

    • No. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ only awards associate degrees to students on a F1 visa.

    What happens if I do not complete my degree before my I-20 expires?

    • »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ can file for an extension to your Form I-20 so you may complete your degree.

    Can I get credit for college/university courses I took at a college/university in my country?

    • Yes, you may be eligible to receive credit for courses that are equivalent to »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ courses. You will need to have your transcripts translated to English (if needed), and/or have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluation service.

    How do I submit translated official high school or collegiate level transcripts?

    • Official transcripts must be evaluated by an outside agency accredited by the or a member of . Some examples are below:
    • All official and evaluated transcripts must be sent directly to admissions@berkshirecc.edu. Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution. We cannot accept transcripts sent to us electronically from students. If you are delivering the transcript by hand, it must be unopened with the official seal from the sending institution still intact.

    I have college transcripts, but I don't have access to my H.S. transcripts, is this okay?

    • As long as the evaluation of your college transcripts states that the U.S. equivalency of a high school credential is required for admission, that is acceptable.

    What is the minimum score needed to demonstrate English Language Proficiency?

    • All students seeking an International Student Visa (who are coming from countries that are non-native speakers of English) must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
      • : A minimum score of 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) is required.
      • : A minimum score of 6.5 or higher is required.

    Can I seek employment with a F1 student visa?

    • No. This is why USCIS requires financial documentation that demonstrates sufficient funds available to support your education.

    Can I travel outside the United States during school breaks? What do I need to do?

    • Yes, you may travel during school breaks. You will need your Form I-20 signed by a »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ official (PDSO/DSO).

    Do you have on-campus housing?

    • No. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ does not provide campus housing. Students will need to make their own arrangements for housing.

    If I am living with a family member or friend, will I still have to provide proof of financial
    support/sponsorship for the entire amount listed?

    • Yes. Regardless of your housing situation, you will still have to demonstrate that you have ample financial resources to support housing costs if necessary.

    What is the F1 visa?

    • The F1 visa is a student visa issued to a person who will be a full-time student seeking a degree at an approved institution. Your F1 visa is issued by a US embassy or consulate in or near your country and is on one of the pages of your passport with your picture, personal information, and name of the school on it. It is like a ticket to enter the United States.

    What is the I-94?

    • Form I-94 is the DHS Arrival/Departure Record issued to foreign travelers who are admitted to the US. Foreign visitors to the US arriving via air or sea no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 or I-94W. You can access their CBP arrival/departure record information online.

    What is the SEVIS I-20 Form?

    • The Form I-20 is your "certificate of eligibility" issued by the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College indicating you are attending (or planning to attend) »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Community College. It is like a pass to stay in the United States while studying. You need your I-20 to obtain your F-1 visa.

    When will I get my Form I-20?

    • Once »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has received all required documentation, your file will be evaluated by the DSO/PDSO. If you meet the admission requirements, you will be issued your I-20. Please note: the I-20 cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the start of your academic program.

    When do I make an appointment with the US embassy or consulate?

    • »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ recommends you schedule your appointment upon your receipt of your I-20.

    Who can I get to sponsor me? Does it have to be someone in the US?

    • You will need to obtain your own sponsor(s). The sponsor(s) do not need to be in the US. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ only requirement is that the sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to meet your financial responsibilities.

    Am I allowed to sponsor myself?

    • Yes. You are allowed to sponsor yourself as long as you fill out the Affidavit of Support on your own behalf.