International Student Services
Rosemont College is a private, four-year liberal arts college founded in the Catholic tradition. We welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds from around the world. Rosemont's undergraduate program is characterized by strong academics and a commitment to education and achievement. Rosemont is a friendly, caring place that both challenges and supports its students. The curriculum provides a firm foundation in the liberal arts and a wide variety of opportunities for pre-professional study and experience.
Obtaining a Student Visa
Once you are accepted and have paid your tuition deposit, you will need to arrange for your entry into the United States by obtaining the appropriate visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate near you. We will send the student visa application (Form I-20) to you with instructions on obtaining your F-1 student visa after we have received official certification of finances.
When you receive your Form I-20, present this form, your passport, and original documentation of your financial resources to a U.S. consular officer to obtain your visa for entry to the United States. F-1 student status will allow you to remain in the U.S. as long as you are a properly registered full-time student.
To maintain full-time status you must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. We recommend 16 credits per semester. F-1 status will allow you to work part-time in on-campus jobs at Rosemont College and work in an optional practical training job directly related to your field of study for 12 months during or after your studies.
Entry into the United States
When you arrive at a port of entry into the United States, you will be required to present your visa and Form I-20 along with your passport and financial documents to the immigration officer. The immigration officer will stamp the I-20 and return it to you. He or she will issue a completed I-94 Arrival-Departure Record. The I-94, which is an extremely important document, indicates the date when your permission to remain in the U.S. expires and must be kept in your passport. The I-20 is the permanent record of your permission to enter and remain in the U.S. and must be kept in your possession as long as you are a student.
Education in the United States
American students receive twelve years of primary and secondary education before they are eligible to attend a university or college. As college students, undergraduates in the United States complete four years of study to earn a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree involves studying one academic discipline in-depth (a "major") and taking courses in other disciplines ("electives").
Education at Rosemont College
Rosemont awards Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. Majors are offered in the following fields: Biochemistry, Biology, Business (Accounting, Management and International Business), Chemistry, Economics, English, French, German, History, History of Art, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish, and Studio Art. Interdisciplinary majors are offered in Humanities and Social Sciences. Pre-Law and Pre-Health advising and Teacher Certification are also provided.
International Baccalaureate
Rosemont will consider granting advanced credit on an individual basis for students who have scored successfully on the International Baccalaureate Examinations.
Transfer of Prior College Credit
If you have prior college credits or a degree from an accredited international institution or technical school and wish to find out if these credits will transfer, you will need to have each transcript evaluated by ECE (Educational Transcript Evaluations) or WES (World Education Services).
Students and Faculty
Rosemont students are interesting, exciting young men and women who bring their special talents and abilities to our campus. Our student population is both ethnically and geographically diverse and approximately 8% of our undergraduate students are from overseas. International students find our small size to be very beneficial when learning about and becoming familiar with American culture and making new friends.
Rosemont boasts a dedicated and driven faculty. Approximately 80% of our faculty members hold the highest degree in their field and our small class size (an 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio) provides an opportunity for close interaction, assuring both academic strength and quality.
Location and Climate
Rosemont's campus is located in a beautiful, historic community 17 km west of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States and offers a rich cultural, historic, and social environment. Rosemont College is located within a two-hour drive of such other major metropolitan areas as New York City, Washington DC and Baltimore, and is just 60 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Public transportation to nearby Philadelphia and other major cities, as well as to the Philadelphia International Airport, is within walking distance from Rosemont's campus.
All students should expect significant changes in the weather over the course of the academic year - cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. In winter, the temperature frequently drops to between 10 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -4 degrees Celsius). In summer, the temperature often rises to between 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 37 degrees Celsius) with high humidity. Plan to wear warm clothing during the winter months (November - April). An overcoat is a necessity. Clothing for rainy weather is also needed. Most students do not dress formally for class, except on special occasions. On campus, informal attire such as tops (t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts) and jeans (slacks or long pants), are acceptable
Rosemont College Support Services
The International Student Services Office will advise you on: immigration issues, financial matters, campus services for academic and personal counseling, medical care, and host families. A division of the Student Affairs Department, the Office plans an international student orientation at the beginning of the fall semester that will help you meet other international students and make a smooth transition to the Rosemont community.
Basic health services are available to Rosemont students for normal care at no extra charge, though international students are required to purchase health insurance through Rosemont College. Information on the student health insurance plan is available through the Office of Student Life. Also, all new students are required to show evidence of having been immunized against certain infectious diseases, including tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B. Personal counseling is also provided by a licensed psychologist with other professionally trained counselors to provide the opportunity for support, crisis management, limited therapy, and consultation.