INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 
                   
                  Mission Statement 
                  Rio Grande’s mission is to maintain rigorous standards in its undergraduate, graduate, and adult 
                  education programs; to engage students from a wide spectrum of abilities and backgrounds while 
                  consistently preparing students for the challenges of living a fulfilling life, reaching career goals, and 
                  being a responsible citizen in a culturally diverse, global community.  
                   
                  Message from Rio 
                           Welcome to the University of Rio Grande. Founded in 1876, we are a quality, private, 
                  comprehensive university offering students a good balance of liberal arts education, career preparation, 
                  and practical training. We offer over 60 academic programs. The University of Rio Grande offers 
                  programs meeting the needs of all types of students, including traditional undergraduate and graduate 
                  students, and for working adults who seek life-long learning and enrichment. Rio Grande delivers a great 
                  education within reach of any family’s budget through extensive scholarship and financial aid programs.  
                           Located in Rio Grande, Ohio, the spacious, safe, and contemporary campus offers the natural 
                  beauty of the Southeastern Ohio region. The University is located just minutes from state and national 
                  parks, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. Our strengths lie in a faculty of full-time teacher/scholars 
                  who are dedicated to both the academic and humanistic growth of every student; programs that are 
                  academically challenging, and numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement. Examples 
                  include varsity sports (NAIA) for both men and women who participate in the American Mid-South 
                  Conference, social and professional organizations, as well as outlets for artistic expression.  
                   
                  University of Rio Grande Application 
                           The University of Rio Grande has two enrollment applications. One is for citizens of the United 
                  States and the other is for our international guests. Please be sure to complete the correct application. 
                  To submit the application, you will fill out the required information as completely and honestly as 
                  possible before submitting it directly to Abby Conder, Coordinator of International Programs and 
                  Services. Abby and the international admissions team will carefully review each application, and will 
                  conduct required admissions interviews for the non-native English speaking applicants.  
                           A completed application packet will include the following: 
                                   A completed online or paper application 
                                   A completed medical physical examination form and completed immunization records 
                                   A transcript of secondary school credits verifying graduation 
                                   All post-secondary school transcripts (if applicable)  
                                   A copy of your passport 
                                   An official statement from a sponsor or bank documenting financial support and/or 
                                    deposit equivalent to $33,180 (U.S.)  
                           These materials can be sent directly to the University of Rio Grande by fax at 1-740-245-7350, or 
                           by mail at: 
                                    The University of Rio Grande, Admissions Office 
                                    P.O. Box 500 
                                    Rio Grande, Ohio 45674 
                           After the acceptance decision has been made, you will be notified by email. We will then enter 
                  your information into the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database. To 
                  summarize, SEVIS is a federal government database that contains information on all visiting 
                  international students studying in the United States. For more information on SEVIS, Immigration and 
                  Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security, please visit the following link: 
                  https://www.ice.gov/sevis/overview.  Once you are entered into SEVIS, we will issue an official Form I-
                  20. This very important document, as well as your official acceptance letter, must be present with you 
                  during your visa application interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. These documents must also be 
                  present when you enter the United States.  
                   
                  Application interview  
                           At the University of Rio Grande, we care about the quality of your education. We want you to 
                  thrive at our institution. One important way we ensure an enriching educational experience is to 
                  guarantee that you have sufficient English language proficiency. TOEFL or IELTS scores are 
                  recommended (see below), and we also require you to schedule a Skype interview with us. The purpose 
                  of this interview is to check your listening comprehension and speaking abilities. We will ask you a few 
                  questions about yourself, your background, and your future goals. Because all of our classes are 
                  instructed in English, with the exclusion of the Modern Languages, the interview aspect of our 
                  application process will help determine your readiness for the American college experience.  
                   
                  TOEFL/IELTS Requirements 
                           We strive for excellence and quality in the education we provide at the University of Rio Grande. 
                  Because we do not provide an ESL program for our international students, we highly suggest English 
                  Language testing scores be sent directly to us or written in the application materials. This way, we can 
                  ensure our international students are prepared to take on a full course-load of English-instructed classes 
                  without too many language difficulties. 
                           The university suggests either a TOEFL internet-based test score of at least 60, a TOEFL paper-
                  based score of at least 500, or an IELTS score of at least 5.5, with all individual sections scoring at least 
                  5.0.  
                   
                Visa Application Process 
                        Once you receive your official acceptance letter and I-20 form from the University of Rio 
                Grande, you will be able to apply for your visa. To submit an F-1 Student Visa Application, please visit 
                this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html/. We suggest 
                submitting visa applications as soon as you receive your I-20 and enrollment acceptance letter to better 
                ensure your materials are promptly accepted and returned to you         
                 
                Scheduling your embassy or consular interview:  
                        Every international student applying for a student visa should arrange an interview at your 
                closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you arrive at the embassy or consulate, you will be asked to 
                provide fingerprints for our immigration database. This is usually done electronically and ink-free. You 
                will then be asked to take a number and wait in a lounge for your interview. Once you are called, be 
                friendly and sociable. Have confidence in yourself! It is okay to be nervous, but let the interviewer see 
                just how knowledgeable and confident you are.  During the meeting, the interviewer will most likely ask 
                you questions such as, “Where are you going?” “What is your purpose for traveling to the United 
                States?” Be open and honest with your interviewer. Lying and dishonesty will disqualify you from 
                receiving a visa. The overall purpose of the consular interview during the visa process is to eliminate 
                fraudulence, so answer each question truthfully. If you don’t understand a question, please kindly ask 
                your interviewer to repeat the question. It is also okay to ask him or her questions, such as “What is the 
                next step in the visa application process?”  
                        To assist you with your interview preparation, we have provided links to a few sites that contain 
                typical F-1 Student Visa interview questions: 
                http://www.esldirectory.com/blog/immigration/sample-questions-for-f-1-student-visa-interview/ 
                http://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/f1-student-visa/f1-visa-interview-questions/ 
                http://www.happyschools.com/f1-visa-interview-questions/ 
                They may also ask you questions about Rio Grande and your field of study. For ease of preparation, you 
                will find a list of university-related commonly asked questions: 
                Q: Where is the University of Rio Grande located?  
                A: The university is located in Rio Grande, Ohio. We are located in Southern Ohio, near the Ohio River.  
                Q: Why did you choose to study at the University of Rio Grande? 
                A: Answers may vary. Many of our Chinese international students come from partnership schools in 
                China. We have made connections and partnerships with many schools in Xi’an and Macau, China. These 
                students are a part of an exchange program with Rio Grande. Other international students are usually 
                four-year degree-seeking students or athletes. Be as detailed and as honest as possible with your 
                interviewer about why you chose Rio Grande.  
                Q: What is your major or field of study?  
       A: Answers may vary. 
       Q: How long will you be staying at Rio Grande? 
       A: Answers may vary. Exchange students usually stay for one semester to an academic year, but some 
       degree-seeking students may be at Rio for four or more years.  
       Q: Will you live on campus or off campus? 
       A: The University of Rio Grande requires all students to live on campus in dormitories for at least the 
       first two years of residency. International students are typically required to live in dorms for the 
       duration of their study, unless special arrangements are made and permitted.  
       Q: How will you arrange for transportation to Rio Grande from the airport?  
       A: Our international students will all receive transportation to and from the university. A university 
       employee will arrive at the Columbus International Airport to greet you and take you to the university.  
       For more specific information about the embassies or consulates in your area, please click here: 
       http://www.usembassy.gov/ 
       http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/cn-niv-typefandm.asp 
        
       Medical Insurance, HTH Worldwide 
          At our on-campus Health Service Department, you can seek assistance concerning any physical 
       or emotional health need. We have a wonderfully thoughtful and knowledgeable staff who make the 
       health of our student population top priority. Marlene Childers, BSN, RN, takes all student health needs 
       seriously, and responds to those needs with professionalism, confidentiality, and efficiency. All services 
       are free of charge to students, and referrals to other health professionals can be made.  
          Our Health Service Department is opened Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 
       5 PM. For further information or services, you may contact Health Services at 740-245-7350. Other 
       information about Health Services can be found here: http://www.rio.edu/health-services/ 
          In 2010, President Obama initiated the Affordable Care Act, making health care and insurance 
       manageable for all residents of the United States. It is now federal law that all residents acquire and 
       maintain health insurance coverage. All international students at Rio Grande are required to purchase 
       health insurance for the duration of their stay. Our current international students use HTH Worldwide, 
       which covers major medical needs in case of emergencies or serious illness. More information about 
       HTH Worldwide, including how to purchase this insurance can be found at the following link: 
       http://hthworldwide.net/.  
        
       Activities 
          In addition to attending our academic programs, international students will be invited to attend 
       many extracurricular activities throughout the semester. Here is a tentative list of activities and tours: