We welcome our international students (any student requiring a visa to attend) to SIG and value the richness of diversity in culture and orientation they bring to our programs. Here are some guidelines to assist you in the application process.

Enrollment Process

• For international students, the eligibility processes for domestic students apply. Scores derived from ability and achievement tests administered in each student’s country of origin will qualify as well, as long as the scores are within the top 5% of national norms for their country. (i.e. SCAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT)
• A high level of English language proficiency in speaking and writing is necessary for students to integrate successfully into the SIG academic program. International students are required to provide evidence of their English proficiency through the submission of standardized English language test scores (i.e. - TOEFL™, TOEFL Junior™) or a school transcript indicating a proficient ( A or B or the equivalent) grade in English courses.
• All international applications must be received by April 15, as there is limited enrollment accepted per country per campus. Applications received after April 15 will be accepted as space allows.
• We recommend that students check with their embassies regarding local visa requirements. We also recommend starting the visa process months in advance of need. Students generally do not have visa issues when attending a 3-week program similar to SIG.
• All payments are due in U.S. dollars and must be received no later than May 31. Please note there is an additional $125 international resident fee. This fee is only required for international students arriving into the U.S. solely to attend the SIG residential program. This fee includes the additional international student insurance.

Campus Related

• At the beginning of the program, the Residential Dean will ensure that the students’ passports and valuables are collected during registration, safely stored, and returned at the end of the session.
• SIG can assist international students in the procurement of bedding and fans on campuses where these items are needed. In addition, a linen set including sheets ($20) and a pillow ($10) may be ordered in advance on the SIG Student Portal and will also be available for sale during registration on the first day of the program.
• Students attending SIG at UC Berkeley (Session II) may enroll in an English Language Learners (ELL) Lab during one period of the academic day. Some students may be required to enroll in the ELL Lab following an on-campus language fluency assessment.

Program Related

• International students must be fluent in English to enjoy a successful and productive experience at a SIG program.
• Chinese Student Study Connection (CSSC): Several SIG sessions offer a unique opportunity for Chinese students attending SIG programs. For the first two weeks of the program, students from China will have a Mandarin-speaking instructor supervising their evening Study/Tutorial for the purpose of supporting their understanding of course content and assignments. This period will occur at the same time as the nightly Study/Tutorial.

Travel Arrangements

• SIG will assist with travel arrangements from airports to campuses only if requests and flight details are communicated at least one month in advance. See Campus Transportation and Greeter Services for more information.
• SIG does not make air travel arrangements for international students but highly recommends that flight arrangements be made two months in advance.