Chartered in 1840, Southwestern University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas. As a private, residential, national liberal arts and sciences college, our first commitment is to providing a challenging undergraduate academic program. For more than 160 years, generations of students have discovered that SU's approach to education truly is the best preparation for life in a changing world.
Southwestern enrolls students from around the globe. International students study in the capacity of both Southwestern degree-seeking or exchange programs. The Southwestern community benefits greatly from the cultural diversity which all of these students bring to the campus.
Since nearly half of its students study abroad, and many faculty have experience teaching and conducting research outside the United States, the Southwestern community is welcoming of an international presence on campus. International students are regularly called upon for their unique perspective and expertise, and contribute greatly to the dynamic and diverse climate at Southwestern.
Transfer students must also have the Transfer Statement of Good Standing completed by an official at the last college attended.
Admission Deadlines
Please visit the Admission Deadlines page
International Costs & Financing
Costs for the 2006-07 academic year in US dollars are:
| Tuition and fees | $25,740 |
| Room (average double) | $3,940 |
| Board (full meal plan) | $4,030 |
| Health Insurance (estimate) | $700 |
| Books & Supplies (estimate) | $1000 |
| Personal Expense (estimate) | $1180 |
| TOTAL | $36,590 |
Southwestern provides financing options to international students through merit-based academic scholarships only.
A student will be eligible for academic scholarship consideration upon completing an admission application. In order to be considered for admission, international students must submit a Certification of Finances form and provide proof of funds equal to the cost of attendance at Southwestern. Southwestern does not provide need-based financial aid for international students.
Educational Experience
Please visit the Educational Experience page and Academic Life.
Academic Programs
Our 1,250 undergraduate students benefit from an average class size of 14 and a student/teacher ratio of 10-to-1.
SU offers 37 majors, 33 minors and many study abroad, research and internship programs.
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.). No graduate degrees are offered.
Majors: Accounting, American Studies, Animal Behavior, Anthropology, Art, Art History, Biochemistry, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Child Study and Language Development, Classics, Communication Studies, Computational Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Feminist Studies, French, German, History, Independent Major (self-designed), International Studies, Kinesiology, Latin, Latin American Studies, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Physical Science (3-2 Engineering), Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Spanish, and Theatre.
Pre-professional Programs: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, Education, and Theology.
Location and Climate
Southwestern University, in Georgetown, is located 28 miles north of Austin, the state capital, on the edge of the beautiful Central Texas Hill Country. The Austin Metropolitan Area, of which Georgetown is a part, is known for its live music, theatre, film, and art. The area also offers unlimited outdoor recreational activities as well as a variety of cultural opportunities. SU is approximately 45 minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin; the Office of Admission provides prospective students with transportation from the airport to campus. Also located approximately three-hours from Dallas and Houston, Georgetown has a small town atmosphere, yet it is convenient to major metropolitan areas.
Georgetown, TX does not offer any form of mass or public transportation. However, students living on campus do not usually find that an everyday problem. There are many students who own cars; International students often develop relationships with other students and will travel in Georgetown together. If necessary, there are taxis and shuttles available to hire. This is a helpful and common mode of transportation to the airport. For prospective students, the Office of Admission will provide transportation from the airport to campus. Once in Austin, public bus services with a variety of routes are available through Capital Metro.
Normal temperatures in Central Texas range from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July. The climate allows Georgetown's 28,000 area residents and SU students to enjoy city parks, inviting lakes, fun shopping and charming historic districts.
Student Life & Activities
Please visit the Student Life home page
Athletics
Please visit our Intercollegiate Athletics home page
International FAQs
What is the process for obtaining a student visa?
When a student receives a letter of acceptance to Southwestern, the student must submit a $500 (U.S.) enrollment deposit to reserve a place in the class and in on-campus housing. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-20 will be issued to the student after the deposit is received. The student must present it and the acceptance letter, to the nearest U.S. Consulate. The Consulate then will issue the student an F-1 student visa.
Is Health Insurance required?
All international students are required to purchase and present proof of health insurance coverage by an American carrier or proof that their health insurance coverage extends to services received in the U.S. Southwestern offers health insurance options that provide coverage for most illnesses and medical emergencies. We also offer health services on campus as well as referrals to the Georgetown Hospital in the event of serious illness or injury.
Are banking services available to international students?
Worldwide banking services are available in Georgetown, and students may have funds wired to Southwestern. For details on wiring funds, please call the Business Office at 512-863-1926.
What type of housing is available?
Southwestern is a residential college with more than 80 percent of our students living on campus. Housing for international students is guaranteed. Southwestern's residence halls provide students with individual, high-speed connection to the Internet, a personal phone number and voice mail, long-distance access and cable TV service. All residence halls have central air conditioning and heating; most are suites with connecting bathrooms. For upper-level students, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available on campus in addition to other options. Assistance is available for international students wishing to obtain housing during holidays and over the summer months.
What type of transportation / airport service is available to international students?
Georgetown, TX does not offer any form of mass or public transportation. However, students living on campus do not usually find that an everyday problem. There are many students who own cars; International students often develop relationships with other students and will travel in Georgetown together. If necessary, there are taxis and shuttles available to hire. This is a helpful and common mode of transportation to the airport. For prospective students, the Office of Admission will provide transportation from the airport to campus. Once in Austin, public bus services with a variety of routes are available through Capital Metro.
Does SU provide for International Student Services?
The Director of Intercultural Learning and International Student Services, the staff of Academic Services and faculty advisors, readily offer assistance, information and guidance to all of our students. All entering students must attend an extensive orientation program before the start of the fall term. During orientation, international students are scheduled to meet both with their academic advisor and the international student advisor. The International student advisor, Sue Mennicke, can be contacted by e-mail at mennicks@southwestern.edu. The entire campus welcomes international students and works to assist in their overall transition to Southwestern.
What type of student activities are available for international students?
There are over 100 student organizations available, including departmental, religious, and special interest groups and national fraternities and sororities. As part of the liberal arts education, students celebrate and value diversity. This is reflected in the wide variety of organizations in which students choose to participate. Some organizations that lend an international perspective include Southwestern International Club, Latinos Unidos, Indian Students Association, The Asia Club, German Club and Muslim Student Organization. Other popular activities among Southwestern students include community service and intramural sports. The Outdoor Recreation department also sponsors many fun trips and activities for students such as caving, hiking, sailing, and
canoeing.
What is a liberal arts and sciences education?
There are many different kinds of colleges and universities. At Southwestern, we strongly believe in the value of a liberal arts and sciences education. We offer a broad-based approach to education spanning many disciplines. It exposes the student poet to physics and technology and the young accountant to the history of art. It takes advantage of each subject's potential for posing value questions and for presenting problems, facts, ideas, events and situations in their full context. A student's field of study is pursued while allowing the student to become a broadly and highly educated person.
International Contact
For more information, international students should contact Adam Navarro-Jusino, admission counselor. Mr. Navarro-Jusino can provide additional information about Southwestern and address questions about admission requirements, the application process, and financial aid.
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