Welcome to Río Hondo, Future Roadrunners!
Río Hondo College is proud to welcome students from around the world to our diverse and inclusive community. As an international student, you’ll have access to high-quality education, dedicated support services, and a vibrant campus environment that fosters academic success and personal growth.
On this page, you’ll find all the information you need to apply, including admission requirements, application steps, and important deadlines. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—your journey to academic excellence starts here!
Application Deadlines
| SEMESTER | OUTSIDE THE U.S | INSIDE THE U.S. | SEMESTER BEGINS |
| Spring 2025 | September 15, 2024 | October 27, 2024 | January 27, 2025 |
What You Need to Know
Río 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 courses which parallel the lower division of most four-year institutions and qualify the student for junior classification at the university level.
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- Río Hondo College is certified to accept non-immigrant F-1 visa students.
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- Acceptance into the International Student Program is necessary before Immigration and Naturalization Service Form 1-20 (certificate of eligibility) is issued by the college.
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- The decision to grant an acceptance will be based on all required documents received prior to the deadlines.
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- College transfer courses are accepted at full value at most colleges and universities throughout the United States.
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1. Apply to the International Student Program
International students must be 18 years of age by the first day of the semester. International student must complete an online application. Applications can be submitted to [email protected] along with a $40 processing fee and copy of your current passport.
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2. English Proficiency
English Proficiency: Can be met by one of the following options.
- 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.
- Approved language instruction: 2 years of high school in the U.S, or official U.S college transcripts with a passed academic English courses, 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
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3. Bank Letter/Affidavit of Support & Health Insurance
All international students must provide 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).
All international students must provide proof of health insurance.
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4. Transfer Students
International transfer students must submit the following in addition to the above documents.
- Copy of passport, I-94, Visa and I-20
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities
Spring 2025 September 15, 2024 October 27, 2024 January 27, 2025
International Student Admission Requirements
To apply for the International Student program please fill out this application and return it with the required documents to:
Río Hondo College
International Student Program
3600 Workman Mill Rd
Whittier, CA 90601
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English Proficiency
F1 students must have sufficient knowledge of English to benefit from courses at the college level. An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam no more than 2 years old must be submitted.
A total score of 450 or more (paper based); 133 (computer based); or 45-46 (internet based) on TOEFL is required. An American Embassy/Consulate in your area may be able to provide information regarding TOEFL or you can call (877) 863-3546 (in the United States), (609) 771-7100 (all other locations) or visit the web site ets.org/toefl. If you come from a country where English is the native language this requirement will be waived.
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Financial Statement
International students must provide a bank letter stating a minimum US $26,412.00 in order to meet all the college expenses.
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Age
International students must be at least 18 years old.
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Copy of Passport
Submitted with your application. If you are currently in the United States, you will also need to submit a copy of your I-20 and your I-94.
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A $40.00 Non-Refundable Processing Fee
Must be submitted with your application.
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Unofficial Transcripts
From all universities/colleges that you have attended in the United States.
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A Transfer Clearance Form
Will be issued upon acceptance.
After You’re Accepted
Once accepted by the International Program, complete the following steps below.
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1. Apply to Río Hondo College
International students must complete an online application.
You will receive your 9-digit student ID number via email within 48 hours. Once you receive your student ID number, please return to this page to complete your next steps.
Tip: During the application process you will be asked to select a major. Visit our Guided Pathways and/or Career Coach websites to explore your major options.
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2. Complete Your Online Orientation
As an international student, you are required to complete the Online Orientation. Please note a hold will be placed on your registration until this step is completed.
Steps to complete your Online Orientation:
- Log into AccessRío.
- Select the Academic tab.
- Select Online Orientation.
For further assistance with completing your Online Orientation, please watch this short video.
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3. Complete Your Online Placement Tool
As an international student you are required to complete the Online Placement Tool, if you have not completed transfer level English and/or Math. Please note a hold will be placed on your registration until this step is completed.
If you have completed the Online Placement Tool, you can receive your results by meeting with a Counselor.
Steps to complete your Online Placement Tool:
- Log into AccessRío.
- Select the Academic tab.
- Select Online Placement Tool.
Need help? Watch this brief video tutorial.
Assessment Testing
We will continue to provide comprehensive testing services for international students and students to whom English is a new language for accurate placement.
To schedule an appointment, contact the Assessment Center at (562) 463-7226.
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4. Create Your Educational Plan
All international students must meet with a Counselor to create an educational plan. Your educational plan will help guide you in reaching your academic goals. Please note a hold will be placed on your registration until this step is completed.
You can make an appointment with a Counselor by contacting the Counseling Center at (562) 908-3410.
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5. Register for Classes and Pay Fees
All students must register for classes through AccessRío. Please view the class schedule for available courses and check our website for Important Registration Dates. Once you register for classes, you are required to pay your fees. You will NOT be billed. You can pay your fees through AccessRío.
How to Register for Classes:
- Log into AccessRío.
- Select the Registration tab.
- Select Add or Drop Classes.
- Select the term you are registering for.
- Add your course CRN numbers and click submit changes.
If classes are full, you may be placed on a waitlist. Check your RíoMail for waitlist notifications. You are responsible to register and/or drop courses.
Need help? Watch this brief video tutorial.
Not an International Student?
If you are not an international student, you may have different steps you need to follow. Review our options to determine what type of student you are and get the correct steps for you!
Need help?
Lauren Stephen
International Student Specialist
Phone: (562) 463-7643
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
Fridays: 10am to 12pm