International Education

The Center for Global Education and Engagement (CGEE) helps Harper College students and our community succeed in an increasingly connected world. We support global learning by encouraging awareness of different cultures, helping students build cross cultural skills, and creating opportunities to engage with international perspectives both on and off campus. Our goal is to make Harper a place where all students can experience meaningful, accessible, and transformative global learning.

Students have many ways to get involved in global learning at Harper. You can join study abroad programs, take classes that include international topics, or participate in virtual exchanges with students at colleges around the world. These experiences help you see the world from new viewpoints, strengthen communication skills, and build confidence for transferring or starting a career. CGEE guides you through the entire process—choosing a program, applying, preparing to travel, and reflecting on what you learned once you return.

Students who want to deepen their global learning experience can pursue the Global Scholars Distinction, a graduation honor that recognizes your commitment to understanding the world and engaging across cultures. As a Global Scholar, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor, explore different cultural contexts, and strengthen your skills in intercultural communication and global citizenship. The distinction offers real benefits, opening doors to scholarships and career opportunities, giving you a competitive edge on your résumé, and enriching your overall academic experience. Graduates earn an official notation on their transcript and diploma and are recognized at commencement with a special Global Scholars stole.

To earn the Global Scholars Distinction, students must:

• Complete 9 credit hours of approved interdisciplinary global courses with a grade of C or better
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Complete CAP 201: Social Transformation Capstone, including a project proposal and independent study project supported by a faculty mentor

Overall, Harper College strives to be an inclusive, globally aware campus where every student can explore the world, build meaningful intercultural connections, and grow as a global citizen. Whether you come from another country, hope to study abroad, or simply want to understand our world better, CGEE is here to help you find your path. For more information on our programs, visit our website: www.harpercollege.edu/CGEE

International Students

International students are a valued and vibrant part of the Harper College community, bringing perspectives, languages, and experiences that enrich campus life for everyone. Students from other countries attending Harper College are termed "international" students, according to the following definition: “A person who is a citizen of a country other than the United States who has a visa for educational purposes (F-1) with an intent to return to his or her homeland upon completion of his or her educational program.”

To apply, International students will be required to submit the following items to the International Student Office at least eight weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which they intend to begin their studies:

1. A completed online Harper application with a non-refundable $25 application fee.
2. A copy of the secondary school diploma or certificate of general education. If these documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by English translations.
3. Proof of English proficiency by one of the following exams:  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT score report. To be considered for admission to college classes, students must receive a minimum score of 79 on the iBT. Or a score report of the TOEFL Essentials with a minimum of 9.0. Or a score report of the IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5. Or a score report of the Duolingo with a minimum score of 115. Or a score report of LanguageCert with a minimum of C1 or C2. To be admitted to the ESL program, students must submit a minimum score of 28 on the TOEFL iBT or 3.0 on the TOEFL Essentials or 3.5 on the IELTS or 70 on Duolingo or A2 on LanguageCert.
4. A bank certificate or letter verifying sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses for one academic year.
5. Copy of the passport identification page (printed Form I-94, if already in the United States).
6. Copy of Form I-20 if student is transferring from another U.S. college or university.

Once enrolled, international students study full time (at least 12 credit hours during fall and spring) to maintain F 1 status. International students are not considered residents of the College district for purposes of in-district tuition, and they are required to have health insurance coverage and will be charged an individual health insurance premium each semester.

F-1 students have very limited options for working while studying in the United States. In general, you may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.

It is important to understand what is not permitted under F-1 regulations. These activities include:

• Remote work of any kind for companies regardless of country
• Contract and/or short-term freelance work
• Helping to run or support a business
• Volunteering in roles that would normally be paid or that benefit a for-profit company

U.S. immigration rules consider any service performed while you are physically in the United States to be employment whether or not you are paid, and regardless of where to company is located or where the payment is sent. Engaging in activities that are considered employment is a violation of F-1 regulations. If work is confirmed, the college is required by federal law to terminate your F-1 status.

Harper College is committed to offering an environment where all students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and culturally. The presence of International Students strengthens our shared learning experience and deepens the global connections that define Harper College.

The information above is subject to change by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Please consult www.harpercollege.edu/iso for updates.