International Student Information
Welcome to Salem Academy! Salem has a long tradition of enrolling students from around the world. Over the last five years, we have had students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Korea, Croatia, Sweden, China, Moldova and Hungary. By living, working and playing together, international students and American students learn about each others' cultures and create a global community right here are Salem.
Whether you are just beginning the application process or are a newly accepted student, this page should answer some of the most frequently asked questions from international students.
1. Does Salem require any additional application procedures for international students?
No. The application process for international students is the same as for American students. However, as an international student you do have more options for the testing requirement. We request that you take either the Secondary School Admission Test, the TOEFL or the SLEP test. Scores should be submitted with your application when testing is completed.
2. Salem requires an interview, but I am not able to visit campus at this time. What should I do?
We understand that due to distance, not every student will be able to visit our campus. We will be happy to schedule an interview by webcam with you instead. Please call 336-721-2644 or email academy@salem.edu to set up an appointment. The interview is required before an application can be sent to the Admissions Committee. If you are able to travel to the United States at any point during the year, we do encourage you to visit our school.
3. How soon will I hear the results of my application?
Once an application is complete, it is sent to the Admissions Committee for review. It typically takes about two weeks for the committee to make a decision. You or your educational consultant will be notified by email once a decision has been made.
4. How do I make payments to the school (application fee, enrollment deposit, tuition, etc)?
Payment may be made to Salem Academy by either personal check (made payable to Salem Academy) or by making a wire transfer from your bank. A form with the banking information for the wire transfer of funds can be found in the download center at right.
5. I have enrolled at Salem and need an I-20 from the school to get my visa. What is the procedure?
Once a student has been accepted to Salem and paid the non-refundable $1500.00 deposit, she is considered an enrolled student and is eligible for an I-20. We will begin to issue I-20s to newly enrolled students on or after June 1. The I-20 will be sent by DHL to the address provided on your application and will come with a packet of information including an original copy of your acceptance letter and medical, permission and rooming forms (among others) to be filled out by new students. We will let you know when your I-20 is being sent and do not advise scheduling an appointment for a visa interview before you receive the I-20.
Since we have rolling admissions, many students are accepted very early in the year. We find that sometimes after we have issued I-20s, students choose to do summer programs at other schools in the United States. These are wonderful opportunities, however, attending an earlier program at another school would invalidate an I-20 from Salem. We will wait until June to send I-20s so that students will have had an opportunity to firm up their summer plans. If you do plan on attending a summer program at another school, please be sure to let Salem know.
If extenuating circumstances mean that you need your I-20 earlier in the school year, please let us know.
*If you are coming to Salem from another school where you are on an I-20, please ask that school to transfer it to Salem Academy. You cannot be given a new one if you are already in the US on an existing I-20. Please fill out the form at right and give to the appropriate person at your current school.
6. What travel arrangements should I make? Will the school arrange for transportation from the airport?
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC, is just 25 miles from Salem's campus. This is the only airport to which we are able to transport students. We are able to arrange pickup and dropoff at the airport between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm. Occasionally students may have to travel by cab if flights have been booked very early in the morning or very late in the evening. If you have a special circumstance that requires you to take a very early or late flight, please ask about it before booking.
7. Are there any times during the year when the dorm is closed?
Yes, the Salem Academy dorms are closed for three breaks during the school year--Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. These holidays are also vacation for faculty and staff, which means the entire campus is closed. Additionally, students are not able to stay at Salem during the summer break. We have several shorter breaks throughout the year when the dorms remain open for students. For a list of vacation dates for international students please refer to the form at right, as well as the school calendar (both of which all students receive by mail).
8. Does Salem arrange homestays during breaks?
We encourage students to go home with their Salem friends during these breaks! We can help make arrangements for students to stay with other Salem families during these times. Breaks are also a great opportunity for international students to travel in the US visiting other family and friends. Salem does not organize homestays with hosts not affiliated with the Salem community.
*Please pay attention to Salem's rules concerning school vacations. Students may not return to school early following breaks when the dorm is closed. This includes arriving early before school begins. We are not equipped to host new students before the first day of Orientation. If you have any questions about when the dorms will be open, please contact us before making travel arrangements.
9. Is it possible to purchase medical insurance?
Yes. All families should check with their insurance companies at home to see if they provide coverage while their children are overseas. Students wishing to purchase medical insurance should visit the following link www.isminc.com and look for information on International Student Accident and Health Insurance. You may purchase an insurance policy directly from the website.
10. My parents will provide me with pocket money. Can I open a bank account?
Yes, students have several options for managing their spending money while here One option is a bank account through Salem. Parents can wire money (using the same procedures for tuition) to be used for their daughters' personal expenses. The school bank is on the Academy campus and has posted hours each week. Students may withdraw cash during banking hours. Parents may set limits on monthly allowances. A second option is a bank account at a local bank. International students age 16 and above are eligible to open accounts at BB&T provided they have a passport and student id. Salem can help with this once students have arrived on campus.
