Rio Hondo College
International Students
Welcome to Rio Hondo College!
Rio Hondo College is certified to accept non-immigrant F-1 visa students. Acceptance into the International Student Program is necessary before Immigration and Naturalization Service Form 1-20 (certificate of eligibility) is issued by the college. The decision to grant an acceptance will be based on all required documents received prior to the deadlines.
Rio Hondo College, a two year college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is authorized by the California Community College Board of Governors to offer semester course which parallel the lower division of most four year institutions and qualify the student for junior classification at the university level. College transfer courses are accepted at full value at most colleges and universities throughout the United States.
As a comprehensive community college, Rio Hondo offers many strong career-technical programs, such as nursing; fire and police academies; automotive and alternative fuels; a full transfer curriculum; and basic skills courses and services. The college also offers a rich complement of community service programs on campus and at satellite locations.
Do you have questions? Contact our ZOOM ROOM!
If you have questions about our International Student Program? Please Contact International Student Office to schedule a Zoom Appointment.
Monday – Thursday: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
Fridays: 10am to 12pm
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | OUTSIDE THE U.S | INSIDE THE U.S. | SEMESTER BEGINS |
| Summer 2024 | April 5, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | June 3, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | June 7, 2024 | July 5, 2024 | August 17, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | September 15, 2024 | October 27, 2024 | January 27, 2025 |
Click on picture to see brochure!
Admission Requirements- subject to change without notice
__ 1. International Student Application
__ 2. Copy of passport – Due with the application
__ 3. A non-refundable processing fee of $40.00 U.S. dollars – Due with the application. Once you have applied to Rio Hondo College and receive your student ID number, you may log into your AccessRio student portal to pay the $40.00 online.
__ 4. English Proficiency – May be met by one of the following methods:
- Approved test: Minimum TOEFL 45 iBT, or IELTS 5.0, or Pearson 39, or GTEC CBT 901, or ITEP 3.0. Official test scores must be less than 2 years old.
- Duolingo English Test ( minimum score of 80 or higher) englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.
- Approved language instruction: 2 years of high school in the U.S., or official U.S. college transcripts with a passed Academic English course, or American English College Main & Branch Campus Level 6, or Kaplan Higher Intermediate Level, or Language Systems International Level 6, or Olympia Education Institution Level 8, or USC International Academy Level 6
- If you come from an English speaking country this requirement may be waived.
__ 5. Bank Letter/Affidavit of Support – A bank letter/bank verification and Affidavit of Support must be provided stating a minimum of $26,412.00 U.S dollars (approximately 2 college semesters
of expenses).
__ 6. Age – International students must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the semester.
__ 7. Provide proof of health insurance.
TRANSFER STUDENTS must submit the following in addition to steps 1 through 7:
__ 8. Copy of passport, I-94, Visa and I-20
__ 9. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities – Must be mailed directly form the institution to Rio Hondo College.
ONCE ACCEPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM, STUDENTS MUST:
__1. Apply at OpenCCC
__2. Activate your AccessRio portal.
__3. Complete orientation online.
__4. Complete Placement tool /Assessment test
__5. Meet with counselor
__6. Register for classes
MAINTAIN STATUS
Students must:
- Register for classes (minimum 12 units)
- Complete 12 units
- Maintain overall 2.0 GPA
COST OF ATTENDANCE 2023-2024 effective Fall 2023 (Fees and estimates subject to change without notice)
Minimum 12 units per semester
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Open in new tab FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
International students are expected to be financially independent. An Affidavit of Support must be signed by the student AND his/her sponsor and evidence (bank letter/bank verification) that the student has sufficient financial resources to meet all expenses during his/her attendance at Rio Hondo College. Financial Aid is NOT available to International Students.
HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
In the United States medical care is extremely expensive and there are no free medical facilities. Students must be prepared for the possibility of sickness or injury. Health and accident insurance is mandatory. You must provide proof of health insurance to the International Student Specialist once you are accepted into Rio Hondo College.
Below are Health and Accident Insurance options:
iNEXT International Health Insurance – www.inext.com/plans/travel-to-usa/
BETINS International Health Insurance and Travel – www.BETINS.com
ISO Student Health Insurance – https://www.isoa.org/
ISI – International Student Insurance – https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/
Foreign Evaluations Services
Rio Hondo College accepts foreign coursework whose evaluation reports have been officially certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
www.ctc.ca.gov › credentials › transcripts
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
The official transcript must be sent directly from the agency to: Rio Hondo College, Admissions and Records, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Ca 90601
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
Home Stay Options
It’s a great way to immerse yourself in US culture by becoming part of an American family. Every Homestay is different. Students live inside the hosts’ home, some families provide the students with a room and home cooked meals, and others provide the room only.
Student Links
Homestay Programs – Agency offers Homestay placement for a fee
These organizations can also provide pick-up service from the airport.
Apartments.com is a useful site for look for additional apartment options
| NOTE:
Rio Hondo College provides the above third party website links as a service to the public and for general information purposes only; and do not constitute an endorsement by Rio Hondo College of the third parties’ products and/or services. Rio Hondo College is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within these websites. No guarantee is given that the information provided in these websites is correct, complete, and up-to-date. If these websites include links providing direct access to other Internet resources, including websites, Rio Hondo College is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained in these sites. |
TRANSPORTATION
GoRio UPass Bus Pass
GoRio Bus Pass program provides free transportation for students who are enrolled each semester. (Located outside on the southside of the Admissions & Records Office)
https://www.riohondo.edu/gcr/go-rio/
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Sidecar)
Rideshare apps tend to be cheaper than conventional taxis and are a convenient and safe option for Smartphone users. Down load the app from Apple Store for iPhones or Play Store for Android phones. Each ride will charge directly to your credit card so there’s no exchange of cash involved. Taxis in Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than other options, though are sometimes necessary in the event that you cannot access other modes of transportation or in cases of emergency.
CATALOG
You can access the current catalog online here.
