Office of Admission
13th & Bern Streets
P.O. Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234
Phone: (610) 921-7512
FAX: (610) 921-7294
Email: international@alb.edu
As an international student, you will travel thousands of miles from home in search of a quality education and a multi-cultural experience. Before you commence the college search, you need to answer one essential question.... What to you want from a U.S. college experience? Some of the answers may be Challenging Education, nurturing environment, opportunities to mingle with a Challenging Education, freedom to explore, memories to last your life. Choose Albright College as your home away from home and you'll find all that...and more.
Founded in 1856, Albright has long enjoyed a tradition of academic excellence. As a nationally ranked, private liberal arts college, Albright is committed to educating students who are well prepared to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Dual majors and interdisciplinary degrees are very easy to attain while studying at Albright. This multi-focus provides breadth as well as depth.
The foundation of your education is provided in the general liberal arts requirements. To ensure your ability to speak on a variety of topics, you will take courses in the following areas: writing, literature, philosophy or religious studies, the fine arts, and an interdisciplinary subject of your choice.
Our academic program is made up of 32 classes: the general liberal arts requirements make up a third of these. Between 11 -13 classes are required of majors. The rest of the classes are up to you to choose.
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Part of an international experience is not only learning about the host culture but also meeting people from other parts of the world as well. At Albright, our students hail from the United States and 17 different countries. While much of your knowledge will come from classroom discussions or research in the library, you will learn even more through meeting and exchanging ideas with students who come to Albright from various parts of the country and world.
"Because Albright is a very 'international' college with many international students I've learned a lot about communication with a variety of people - especially Americans."
Sachiko Hayashi, Japan
"Albright has allowed me to share my experiences with other people, and I've learned many thing about the U.S. Together, these things will help me fit into the global community with more ease than if I hadn't had these opportunities."
Tony Omedes, Spain
Albright's international faculty add to the diverse campus atmosphere as well. They include:
- Farhad Saboori, economics, from Iran
- Gertrude A. Eguae-Obazee, accounting, from Nigeria
- Guillame de Syon, history from Switzerland
- Karen Campbell, biology, from Canada
- Maria Melendez, modern foreign languages, a native of Puerto Rico
Activities also are ways to integrate with others. In October, a much anticipated event is the annual International Student Dinner where food from around the world is the focus as are the student chefs who perform a fashion parade and talent show. In "The World as I See It" seminar, international students are asked to give a short presentation on a topic of concern in their country. This sharing of values, and thoughts are helpful in gaining insight into other cultures.
"As an 'international' student, I've tried to promote cultural awareness. Albright has done the same in return, through classes and the cultural Experience. Albright's programs and friendships have educated and enlightened me about other cultures. Just as importantly, Albright has encouraged me to continue my exploration of other cultures."
Vita Vygovska, Ukraine
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The freedom to explore is yet another component that sets Albright apart from other colleges. We highly encourage students to take risks for it is in the stretching of pre-formed ideas that the most intellectual growth can occur.
One way students can explore academic side interests is through the Experience program. Each semester the college presents a calendar of events which include seminars, slide shows, gallery discussions, poetry readings, and the like. By attending Experience Events, students can learn a bit more about subjects that they have never before studied. It is an opportunity to explore different academic subjects and further broaden the scope of learning.
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Your academic acceptance to Albright College will be based primarily on the strength of your secondary school work and your performance on the TOEFL examination (score of 520 or higher recommended for consideration). All ORIGINAL documents (including transcripts) or NOTARIZED copies must be submitted for evaluation.
A note for transfer applicants: You are responsible for providing documentation in support of your coursework and must study for a minimum of two years at the College to earn an Albright degree.
In order to apply an F-1 student visa, you must have an I-20. Regulations for issuance of an I-20 form require that the college gather information about your family's financial situation. Candidates for admission must complete a "Certificate of Finances" available upon request and be able to document the amount shown. An I-20 will be issued at the acceptance stage once there is documented evidence of ability to meet all financial obligations.
 Tuition and Fees for the current academic year
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Based on a student's academic ability and financial need, scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are awarded. If awarded, the scholarship is renewable for up to four years. At the start of each semester, half of the scholarship amount is applied to the student's bill twice a year.
On campus jobs may be available but will not be a significant source of income. Student can work no more than 20 hours a week and will usually earn less than $1,500 a year.
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Albright College's academic year is composed of a Fall semester (September to December); an optional January Interim; and a Spring semester (February to late May). We also offer a limited number of summer courses. Newly enrolled international students may enter the college during either the fall or spring semester. January or summer start dates are not available. Please indicate on your application for which semester (Fall or Spring) you are applying.
Applicants seeking admission to Albright as first year students are encouraged to apply early in their final year of secondary school. Candidates who complete Albright's application process by February 15 will be notified of the decision by April 1. Students who apply after February 15 will be considered on a space availability basis. All accepted students who wish to enroll at Albright are required to submit a non-refundable $200 enrollment deposit by May 1.
International students must submit the following materials:
- The Application for International Admission
Please forward your application, essay, and the non-refundable $25 application fee to the office of Admission. The application is available in PDF format for your convenience.
- Teacher Recommendations
Using the "Teacher Recommendation"form, please request a recommendation from a professor, employer, or someone who can offer significant insights about your educational and/or professional potential. If you would like to submit more than one recommendation, please make a copy of the enclosed form and give it to the appropriate person(s) to complete.
- The Secondary School Report & Counselor Recommendation
The "Secondary School Report" form provides space for your school counselor or official to record information regarding your academic standing, grades in academic subjects, and rank in class. In addition to statistical information, counselors are also encouraged to complete the "comments" section of the form and/or attach a written recommendation. Please ask your school counselor to forward the completed form and transcript to Albright College.
- Academic Transcripts
International students are required to submit either an original secondary school transcript or a copy of the transcript with an official school seal or a notarized copy of the transcript. An admission decision will not be made until the necessary transcripts have been submitted to Albright College. An up-to-date transcript includes grades for the last four years of school as well as a listing of courses, exams, or certificates in progress.
- The Certification of Finances
International applicants are required to complete the Certification of Finances form which is included in this booklet. International students should be able to verify the information supplied on their Certification of Finances form.
- TOEFL / IELTS or SAT/ACT
Students whose native language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of the admissions process. If you have any questions regarding test dates and locations, please call the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey at 609-771-7100.
Students can also sumit an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score (6.0 band score) instead of the TOEFL.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) are not required of international students. Applicants who have taken the exam(s) should include a copy of their test scores with their application. Students also could request that a copy of the test scores be sent directly to Albright from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Our code number for both testing services is 2004.
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Transfer Candidates
Any student who is currently enrolled in or has previously matriculated to another institution of higher education and has yet to complete a bachelor's degree, should apply to Albright as a transfer candidate.
Transfer Students should complete all of the enclosed application forms except for the Secondary School Report. The Albright College Transfer Questionnaire form should be completed by an official of the college or university at which you are currently or were most recently enrolled. When submitting the questionnaire to the appropriate administrator, please request that it be returned directly to Albright's office of Admission.
Students that are transfering from another institution within the United States must also complete a International Student Transfer Form. This form should be completed during or immediately after the final semester of study at the US school you most recently attended.
Our recommended application completion date for fall semester transfers is May 15. If you would like to enter Albright during our spring semester, which begins in February, your application should be submitted no later than November 15. A credit evaluation will be completed when your application is reviewed by our office. You will be notified, in writing, about your approved transfer credits. Questions regarding specific courses or credits should be referred directly to the office of the Registrar. The phone number is 610-921-7256.
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If you have any questions concerning international student admission or need any of the forms mentioned above, please contact the Office of Admission at:
ALBRIGHT COLLEGE
Office of Admission
13th & Bern Streets
P.O. Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234
Phone: (610) 921-7512
FAX at 1-610-921-7530
Email: international@alb.edu
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