Info
Visit
Apply
Deposit
Connect

Section Identifier

International Students

Home 5 Admissions & Aid 5 Undergraduate Admissions 5 International Students

International Student Admissions

Big dreams come true here

Here in the picturesque “panhandle” of the state of West Virginia, students like you from all over the world come to Bethany College with dreams that are bigger than our Allegheny Mountains. We want to help make yours come true too! Come be a part of our international family.

Have Questions?

Our enrollment team is here to help guide you through the application process, obtaining your F-1 student visa, English language proficiency testing, financial aid, and next steps.

304.829.7611
enrollment@bethanywv.edu
Schedule an Appointment

Steps to Enroll
Requirements
  • If you are accepted to Bethany College pending your high-school graduation, you will be required to submit a transcript indicating completion during your first semester. All records must be in English. If your school or government is not able to produce transcripts in English, you can request and submit a document-by-document translation and evaluation from one of the NACES member agencies.
  • If you intend to request transfer credit for previous post-secondary work, submit official copies of NACES member evaluations of academic records from any post-secondary educational institution you have attended outside the United States. If you do not intend to request transfer credit, you may submit an official transcript directly from the non-U.S. institution. Submit official copies of any U.S. transcripts directly from the institution.
  • If your native language is not English and you did not attend a secondary school in which English was the language of instruction, you must demonstrate English language proficiency. This may be satisfied by documentation of a preferred score of 70 or above on the TOEFL Internet-based test, 6 or above on the IELTS, or 95 or above on DuoLingo. Bethany College will also accept documentation of successful completion of ELS 112 as proof of English proficiency.
  • Submit all required documents specified on this page. Please note that your application will not be reviewed until all materials are received.
How to Submit Documents

Email: pdso@bethanywv.edu or enrollment@bethanywv.edu

Mail: All documents not submitted electronically should be sent to the Bethany College Office of Admission at this address:

Bethany College Center for Enrollment
Bethany College
31 E. Campus Drive #4
Bethany, West Virginia 26032

FAQ's
  1. Who issues my I-20?

The Office of International Student Services at Bethany College issues I-20s after you have been admitted and all required documents are received. You will receive your acceptance letter from your enrollment counselor with instructions on how to request your I-20.

  1. What documents are required to receive my acceptance letter and I-20?

You must submit:

  • A valid passport copy (biographical page)
  • Proof of financial support (bank statement, scholarship letter, or sponsor affidavit)
  • Bethany’s financial certification form
  • Any additional forms requested by Enrollment office
  • An international student application fee payment of $125.00
  1. How long does it take to receive my I-20?

Once all required documents are received and verified, your I-20 is typically issued within 1-2 business days.

  1. How will I receive my I-20?

Bethany College sends I-20s electronically as a secure PDF. You should print and use this copy for your visa interview and U.S. entry. A physical copy of the document is required.

  1. Why is the I-901 SEVIS fee important?

Before your visa interview, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at www.fmjfee.com.

  • Without this payment, you cannot attend your visa appointment.
  • Be sure to print your payment confirmation and bring it to your visa interview and when entering the U.S.
  1. What should I do after receiving my I-20?
  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
  • Schedule your visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
  • Inform Noah Salvatore, PDSO of your visa appointment date and the result of your interview.
  1. What if there is an error on my I-20?

Email pdso@bethanywv.edu immediately with your full name, SEVIS ID, and a description of the error. Corrections can usually be made within a few business days.

  1. What if I cannot get my visa in time for the start of classes?

Contact International Student Services immediately. You may need to defer your admission and request a new I-20 for the next available semester. Failure to request for a deferral by the intake date listed on your I-20 will result in the cancellation of your Bethany College application and I-20.

  1. Who should I contact for other questions?

Not all questions should go to International Student Services. Please contact the correct department directly:

  1. Who do I contact for I-20 and immigration questions?

Email: pdso@bethanywv.edu
WhatsApp (students only): +1 (304) 780-8977

Reminder: All communication must come directly from the admitted student. Agents are not permitted to request for things on behalf of a student.

Living in Bethany

HOUSING AND DINING OPTIONS
Bethany College provides a range of housing options designed to meet the needs of international students. Our residence halls are safe, comfortable, and offer the chance to live and learn with students from around the world. On-campus dining services also offer various meal plans, with options catering to different dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Clubs and Activities: Bethany College offers over 30+ student clubs and organizations, from academic groups to recreational activities. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LOUNGE
A welcoming space exclusively for international students is currently under development. While the lounge is still in progress, we can share some exciting plans! The lounge will feature a newly furnished outdoor study area on the balcony, as well as new TVs and cozy lounge furniture—perfect for relaxing, studying, or socializing. Although completion has been delayed, we are committed to creating a comfortable, modern space for our international students to enjoy.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION (ISA)
The ISA is a vibrant student organization dedicated to fostering community and cultural exchange among international and domestic students.

  • Africa Night: Celebrate African culture through music, food, and performances.
  • Oktoberfest: Enjoy this traditional German festival with food, games, and fun.
  • Karaoke Nights: Unleash your inner superstar at this student-led event.
  • International Education Week: Participate in various activities celebrating the value of global education.
  • Food Passport Series: Take a culinary journey through different countries.
  • Nepali Holi Festival: Experience the colorful and joyous celebration of Holi with your peers.

Support Services

At Bethany College, we are committed to ensuring that international students have the resources
they need to succeed. From the moment you arrive on campus, our dedicated support services will
guide you through every step of your journey.

Arrival and International Student Orientation: From the moment international students arrive at
Pittsburgh International Airport, Bethany College ensures a warm welcome and smooth transition
to campus life. Upon landing, students receive a Bethany College Welcome Bag, filled with essentials
like bedsheets, a pillow, toiletries, and snacks to help them settle in quickly.

The next day, students are given a campus tour to familiarize themselves with key locations and
resources. As part of their first-year experience, they’ll receive more in-depth guidance during their
BFYE (Bethany First-Year Experience) sessions, helping them fully acclimate to life at Bethany.

Shuttle Services: We offer shuttle services for international students, making it easy to travel to and
from Pittsburgh International Airport, local shopping centers, and nearby attractions. Whether
you’re arriving for your first day or exploring the area on weekends, we’ve got your transportation
needs covered.

Visa Assistance: Our staff will help you navigate the visa application process and ensure you have the
documentation you need.

Important Dates:

As Soon As Possible – F-1 Student Visa Application

Time needed to apply and receive an approval for an F-1 student visa varies according to location. You can find visa wait times here.

June 1 – Fall Application Deadline

We will process all admission applications as soon as all required materials are received. To allow sufficient time for processing, students should submit all materials to Bethany College as early as possible, preferably by June 1 for the Fall semester (beginning in August).

November 1 – Spring Application Deadline

If you’re enrolling in the Spring semester (beginning in January), please submit all materials to us as early as possible, preferably by November 1.

Important Dates

As Soon As Possible – F-1 Student Visa Application
Time needed to apply and receive an approval for an F-1 student visa varies according to location. You can find visa wait times here.

June 1 – Fall Application Deadline
We will process all admission applications as soon as all required materials are received. To allow sufficient time for processing, students should submit all materials to Bethany College as early as possible, preferably by June 1 for the Fall semester (beginning in August).

November 1 – Spring Application Deadline
If you’re enrolling in the Spring semester (beginning in January), please submit all materials to us as early as possible, preferably by November 1.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a community where you’ll learn, grow, and follow your trail at Bethany College.

Meet Our Enrollment Counselors

Enrollment Counselors

Elizabeth Romanek

Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment Events

Cramblet Hall
Elizabeth Bain

Enrollment Operations & Recruitment Specialist

Cramblet Hall