This article was revised and republished as of 1/13/2023.
It’s not unusual to transfer schools during your college career. In fact, 60% of 4-year graduates every year have transferred at least once before completing their degree. For international students, transferring may seem trickier—with the stress of maintaining your visa status, course credits equivalence, finding a school that’s a better fit, and tuition cost change on top of the general obstacles of being in a different country. As a former transfer student, I can understand how overwhelming the process seems.
For some, overcoming these challenges may be the best option academically, socially, or for their overall wellbeing in the future. If you are interested in the transfer process, below, we have gathered some tips for a smooth transition. These are things to keep in mind when you want to transfer or are in the process of transferring as an international student.
Tip 1: Evaluate the Risks: Is it Worth it?
International students consider transferring for a variety of reasons. These range from the cost of the current school, cultural and academic barriers, and more. The three main circumstances that international students transfer include:
(1) from a university in their home country to a U.S university
(2) from a U.S two-year program/community college to a four-year university, or
(3) from a 4-year college to another.
Once you have detected the reason you want to transfer or are in one of these situations, it’s important to consider the weight of your decision.
This may mean talking to your support system, your international and student advisors/DSO, such as your Designated School Official (DSO), your school’s transfer center (if at a community college), or by making a pros/cons list to ensure that this decision is well thought out.
Tip 2: Create a Plan of Action: It’s Never Too Early to Start
Once you have fully committed to transferring, get all your ducks in order. The process of transferring may be lengthy and confusing—it has many moving parts, especially for international students. Think ahead for the tasks you’ll need to complete. Some questions to keep in mind:
- Which school(s) should I apply to?
- Will my coursework and credits transfer?
- Are there any additional Major requirements?
- When should I transfer?
- Do I need time to boost my GPA before transferring?
- When can I tour the campus before applying?
Again, you are not alone in this process. Be sure to notify your DSO at your current school as soon as you decide you want to transfer. They will support you through your specific situation. (You must also contact the new DSO at the “transfer-in” school after the transfer release date).
Tip 3: Know What You Want
Choose a school that best suits you and your needs. Consider all the variables: the class size, the environment, community, and location, extracurriculars, and more. Once you know what you need from a new school and have researched potential schools, make sure the potential of the school outweighs your current school.
It might be beneficial for your situation to apply to more than one school. Your DSO can help you select an appropriate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-approved school to transfer into.
Tip 4: Look for International Transfer Student Scholarships!
Tip 5: Be Mindful of Deadlines, Requirements, and Timelines
As the time to transfer approaches, stay organized and on top of the application process (which may include a college essay, submitting a TOEFL score, or other materials), the documents you need to gather such as an official transcript, the requirements you need to meet, and the due dates. Applications and transfer processes vary from school to school—contact your DSO to stay aware of any changes that may occur to your visa status and other things you should expect.
One of the more important things to consider in this process is the provision of any documents that show your financial responsibility to the school. Getting ahead on your potential tuition with the help of a sponsor or your parent is a step that can entirely influence the school you transfer to.
After acceptance, bring your DSO written confirmation of acceptance to the SEVP-certified school, contact information for the new school’s DSO, and the SEVIS school code for the transfer-in school.
For transfers from one 4-year university to another, the process includes two components:
(1) Academic Transfer: an evaluation of transferable credits
(2) Immigration Transfer: a transfer of your SEVIS record to your new school. This occurs after admittance to your new school to receive your I-20. The DSO at the “transfer-in” school will help you maintain legal status while transferring and establish a transfer release date.
At ISO, we are here to help you through all your international student needs! Once members have transferred schools, be sure to contact us to assist you with your new school’s health insurance waiver requirements. If you need to switch plans to meet their requirements, we are eager to help out with a smooth and hassle-free transition for you!
For displaced Ukrainian and international students and scholars studying in Ukraine, many U.S. universities are offering expedited/emergency transfer admissions, room and board, tuition assistance or waiver, and other support. These schools include Hampton University, UChicago, Hunter College, CUNY, and many more.
Find more resources here:
https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/
https://www.aseees.org/resources/help-displaced-scholars-ukraine
