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When we get all of your papers, we will send you an I-20 form and letter that says you can study in the English as a Second Language Program. You should take the letter and I-20 form to an American embassy or consulate in your country. This is where you will try to get a visa.
In some countries it is easy to get a student visa. In some countries it is very difficult. Some embassies only give a visa to students who will take university classes after they finish studying English (not students who will only study English). It may be easier to get a visa if you also apply for and receive tentative acceptance.
Tentative acceptance means that when you finish the ESL Program you can continue to study in the regular undergraduate program at Northwest Missouri State University. If you ask for tentative acceptance, you will know if you can study in the university before your come to the United States. (Tentative acceptance is only for undergraduate students. Students applying to graduate school cannot get tentative acceptance.)
To see if you can get tentative acceptance, you should try to enter Northwest Missouri State University now.
If you get tentative acceptance, you will receive a letter from Northwest Missouri State University telling you that you may study in the university. You should take this letter with you when you go to the American embassy to get your visa, along with the I-20 and the letter from the ESL Program.
You no longer have to worry about not having a car when arriving in Maryville.
The Intercultural and International Center has provided a free commuting service so that you can get to and from downtown Maryville. Each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at every half hour you can be driven to your choice of the five most popular spots in town.
Students may live in one of nine Northwest residence halls, with daily meals provided on campus. Off-campus housing is also available.
During their first year at Northwest, students are required to live in campus housing, unless they are at least 21 years old, or they are married, or they live with their family in Maryville.
Northwest Missouri State University requires international students to have medical insurance (health insurance).
In some countries it is possible to purchase insurance which is valid in the United States. Insurance can also be purchased from companies in the U.S.
Students who do not have proof that they have valid health insurance must purchase it through the university when they register.
Northwest Missouri State University requires students to have proof of vaccinations. Students who do not have official vaccination records must get required vaccinations at registration. All students must bring proof of tuberculosis test done in the U.S. in the last 12 months or take a test when they arrive. Tests can be taken at the University Wellness Center.