Summer START :: International FAQ
Eligibility
There are two paths for International students to join Summer START:
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Freshmen international students who have been fully admitted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for the Fall 2013 semester are eligible to participate in Summer START.
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Current North Carolina State University Intensive English Program students that were conditionally admitted to North Carolina State University that have successfully completed Level 6 during the Spring 2013 semester are eligible to participate in Summer START.
Application to Program
Students who were either identified by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or who have been admitted and wish to attend Summer START should complete the online interest form by April 17th, 2013.
Student Interviews in Chinese
International Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of my coming early to the Summer START program?
As a participant in the Summer START program, you will experience many academic, social, and cultural activities to expedite and enrich your transition to life and study in the United States, and most importantly, North Carolina State University.
The benefits include:
- Finding your way around NC State
- Field trips to cultural events like baseball games and museums.
- Field trips to historic sites.
- An overview of US culture (including politics, media, food, regions, dialects, etc).
- Personalized discussion and study groups with American students and staff.
- Movie nights and sports at Carmichael gymnasium.
- Becoming friends with American students.
In Summer START you will develop academic and social skills such as:
- Skills to improve interactions with professors, business people, and roommates.
- Essentials for success in higher education in America.
- Critical and creative thinking skills.
- Communication and writing skills.
- Study, test taking, and time management skills.
- Social and networking skills.
- Understanding academic ethics at a western university.
- Knowledge of the campus, student resources, and Raleigh.
Can I change my mind and participate in Summer START?
To be a part of Summer START you must fill out the online interest form by April 17th, 2013. If you miss this deadline we recommend you contact the Global Training Initiative which has several programs designed to give international students the skills to make the adjustment to an American university.
What if I applied to Summer START and have to postpone my start date until August?
Summer START takes place from June 26th-August 4th, 2013. While you will miss the program we encourage you to contact the Office of International Students to discuss getting a revised visa certificate with a new begin date, late orientation options and other programs to get you connected and prepared for North Carolina State University.
What kind of extra funding do I need to show to participate in Summer START?
The goal of Summer START is to provide a rewarding transition experience while keeping costs as minimal as possible for its students. To participate in Summer START, students will need to reflect approximately $39,000 (6-credits) or $37,253 (3-credits) on their 2013-2014 I-20. Once you have submitted your interest form we will coordinate with the Admissions Office to ensure your participation in Summer START.
*Actual cost of 2013 program will vary.
Can I apply to Summer START if I am denied admission or do not complete my UG application?
Summer START is only for first semester freshmen who have been fully admitted. For those that are denied admission or do not complete the application before the deadline, we encourage students to apply to the Intensive English Program (IEP). Admission to NC State is highly selective. If you meet the competitive academic requirements for undergraduate admission but do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements, NC State offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) to improve English skills before starting a degree program.
Can I stay with my family or friend if I do the Summer START program?
Summer START is a living and learning experience where all participants experience the benefits of sharing the same living space. There are many benefits to living in the same space such as cultural immersion and additional program availability, and for these reasons living in the residence hall is mandatory.
Can I choose which dorm to stay in?
Summer START is a living and learning experience where all participants experience the benefits of sharing the same living space. All Summer START participants will be living in Tucker Residence Hall.
Are there scholarships or financial aid for international students?
Summer START aims to keep costs at a minimum for all it’s students, however most financial aid for students in the U.S. is government-based and geared toward U.S. residents . At this time NC State does not issue financial aid to international undergraduate students.
What courses will I take during Summer START?
Upon acceptance to Summer START, International students will be enrolled in courses to help facilitate the transition to the American higher education system. Course selection will depend on the students scores on the TOEFL Exam and high school course work. Course selection will be based on the following:
1. Incomming International students from countries in which English is not their first language will be enrolled in FLE 101 which is the required English course for all incoming freshmen at North Carolina State University. Students will also take GTI 401: US Culture and Education Colloquium. The GTI 401 course is designed to give international students the skills to make that adjustment and thrive at an American university.
2. Incomming International students from North Carolina State University's Chinese partner high schools will be enrolled in FLE 101 which is the required English course for all incoming freshmen at North Carolina State University. Students will also be enrolled in a 3 credit course that corresponds with their major.
3. Incoming International students that have completed Level 6 of the Intensive English Program will be enrolled in the Academic English Program courses offered through the College of Hummanities and Social Science. Students will be enrolled in FLE 101 which is the required English course for all incoming freshmen at North Carolina State University. Students will also be enrolled in HI 252: Modern American History. This History course will apply to the student's Hummanities requirement of their General Education Plan that must be fulfilled to graduate.
How do I get another Form I-20 with the new Program Begin Date?
After receiving admittance to NC State you will be presented with the information about your potential participation in Summer START. Once you have completed the Summer START Interest Form, the Office of International Students (OIS) will be contacted to expedite the handling of your new I-20 with the earlier Program Begin Date of June 26th instead of August 12th. You will need a new Form I-20 if you change your begin date. It is not necessary for all new international students to participate in this elective program, but previous participants have all benefited immensely from the courses, the network of friendly students and support of kind and professional staff, the early start, and successful transition. Once you confirm to Summer START our staff will work with you and Undergraduate Admissions to make sure your paperwork is in order.
What if I am already in the US and need to transfer to the Summer START program?
Summer START is a transition enrichment program developed for first semester freshmen. If you have not completed any college level coursework and completed all pre-college studies in a country which has a national language other than English you are eligible for participation in Summer START. If you have completed college level coursework or completed any pre-college studies in America the Summer Start program may not be the best option for you and we recommend you contact the Global Training Initiative to see what programs and resources may best fit your needs.
If you have any questions that aren't answered here, feel free to contact the Coordinator of Accelerated Summer Academic Programs Owen Hooper via e-mail to obhooper@ncsu.edu.