Question: How can I connect with International and Immigrant Student Services?
Answer: You can visit the International Student Services office at the
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Are there ESL (English as a Second Language) programs available?
Answer: Yes, CCBC offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses. These include credit courses designed to prepare you for academic English (ENGL 101) and non-credit, grant-funded courses focused on improving conversational English skills.
Question: How do I apply?
Answer: Your application process will differ based on your immigration status. Some students will be able to complete the online application while others will only be able to complete the paper application.
I have an F-1 visa, how do I get started?
Please contact an International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
F1 Transfer Student
Please contact an International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: What is the application deadline for international students?
Answer: Please check with the International Student Services office for the most up-to-date deadlines.
Question: Do I need to submit my transcript?
Answer: Depends on your goals. If you are applying for Federal Aid, it is required that you submit your official high school transcript. If you graduated from a foreign high school, you will need to submit your official high school transcript to a certified and approved transcript evaluation agency to have the transcript translated for CCBC. If you want to transfer college credits, you are also required to submit your official college transcripts to a certified and approved transcript evaluation agency.
Question: What documents are required for international student enrollment?
Answer: It depends on your immigration status. Some students will have a permanent residency card, naturalization certification, visa, work authorization card, or even a photo ID.
Question: What are the next steps for enrolling in classes?
Answer: If you've completed placement testing, you need to connect with an academic advisor to enroll in your first semester.
Question: I have a hold on my account, what should I do?
Answer: First, review the hold. If it is an ISS hold, refer the student to the department. Inform the student that they will have to submit additional documents to have the hold removed.
Question: Where do I send my transcript (College, High School, GED, etc.)?
Answer: If you have an international transcript, go through the transcript credential agency to have it translated. The agency will send the translated copy to CCBC and the original back to you. All U.S. transcripts can be collected without the need for translation services.
Question: Have you received my evaluated transcript?
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Has my transcript been processed (College, High School, GED, etc.)?
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: What steps do I need to take after being accepted?
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Are there specific orientation programs for international students?
Answer: Only for F1 students. You will receive an email from ISS regarding a mandatory orientation after you've enrolled in classes. All other students will receive an email from the Student Engagement department regarding orientation (non-mandatory).
Question: F-1 Visa Hold
Answer: Student needs to be full-time. Connect with an advisor to bring your schedule up to full-time status.
Question: Must See ISS
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services to have the hold removed.
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Which placement tests am I required to complete?
Answer: If you entered the U.S. by the 10th grade or after or have never studied in the U.S., you are required to complete the ESOL writing exam. If you entered the U.S. by 9th grade or before, you need to complete the Self-Directed Placement Test. All students are required to complete the ALEKS placement test (unless exempted).
Question: What is the purpose of the ESOL placement test?
Answer: To determine your proficiency in reading and writing English.
Question: What is the cost of tuition and fees for international students?
Answer: Let me provide you with the tuition and fee chart for your reference.
Question: Is financial aid available for international students?
Answer: If you are a permanent resident or naturalized citizen, you are able to apply for federal aid. All other students should look into applying for state aid via MHEC.
Question: Can I work while studying?
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: DACA
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Dreamers
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: Are there specific scholarships for international students?
Answer: Please connect with International Student Services representative.
- (Catonsville) 443-840-5005 CatonsvilleISS@ccbcmd.edu
- (Essex) 443-840-1005 EssexISS@ccbcmd.edu
Question: What support services are available for international students?
Answer: All services are available except for the ability to work, some federal aid, and state/county benefits. Connect with ISS for clarity.
Question: What resources are available for adapting to life in a new country?
Answer: Students are advised to look into joining the international clubs to acclimate to campus life.
Question: Do you offer English language support?
Answer: We offer ESOL courses that will prepare you for ENGL 101. We do not have a program that will prepare you from scratch. We have courses that prepare you for conversational English. To earn an English language certificate (if you have no English skills), you can enroll in a program at Howard CC, UMBC, Montgomery, etc.
Question: Are there student clubs or organizations for international students?
Answer:
- IC (International Club) at Catonsville,
- ISA (International Student Association) at Essex.
Question: Does the college provide on-campus housing?
Answer: CCBC does not provide on-campus housing. Students are referred to the office of Student Engagement.
Question: Do I need health insurance?
Answer: Health insurance is not required but highly recommended. You can visit internationalstudentinsurance.com for more details.
Question: How many credits must I take to maintain my F-1 visa status?
Answer: F-1 students must maintain full-time status, with at least 9 of those credits being on-campus.