International Applicants

List of 12 items.

• How does Chatham Hall define an international student?

  At Chatham Hall, we define an international student as:

  • A student living outside of the United States, regardless of citizenship, and applying to Chatham Hall from outside the country.
  • A non-United States passport or green card holder, currently living in the United States, but who will require an F1 visa to attend Chatham Hall.

  We understand students living outside of the United States have an additional set of needs (e.g. transportation, local support, summer storage, and visa processing, if applicable) that we are committed to meeting.

• What support is provided for international students?

  Transportation is available to/from international airports including RDU (Raleigh, NC), GSO (Greensboro, NC), and IAD & DCA (Washington, D.C. airports), as well as local airports, train stations, and bus stations for the beginning of school, end of school, and school breaks. Students also have access to:

  • Summer storage for dorm room belongings  
  • Early arrival and orientation in August
  • An International Student Coordinator who serves as the primary contact for both parents and students for all related needs
  • Visa processing and support for all years enrolled, including visa transfer to colleges and universities

• Do you offer financial assistance to international families?

  Yes, we offer financial aid for international students. However, priority in the funding process is given to U.S. citizens.

• Do international students who are studying in the United States or at an American school need to take the TOEFL? 

  If you have studied in the United States or at an American school (ex: American International School of Guangzhou, American International School of Vienna, etc.) for at least two academic years, we will waive the TOEFL. Please note, international schools are not American schools.

• Do citizens/expats of the United States who were raised speaking English as their first language still need to submit the TOEFL?

  No, we will waive the TOEFL after completion of a virtual student interview.

• Do you accept mid-year international applicants? 

  Yes, please contact our Admissions Office to inquire about availability.

• Do you require an in-person interview? 

  We understand that it’s not possible for all of our international families to get to campus. We offer Zoom, Skype, or WeChat interviews for any student unable to do an in-person interview.

  
  

  We also host virtual events to allow international applicants to learn more about the School and speak with community members. Those events are also recorded and available to view afterwards.

• What additional fees or expenses should I plan for?

  There is a $2,000 international student fee. All students are responsible for purchasing their own books, school supplies, and  needed spending money throughout the year. 

• Does Chatham Hall offer ESL/ELL courses?

  Chatham Hall offers an International Student English (ISE/ESL/ELL) program on a case-by-case and as needed basis. We charge a $5,000 fee for the year-long program. Students who are interested in this program will be evaluated on their English proficiency to ensure they are placed in an appropriate class.

• What do international students do in the afternoons and on weekends?

  International and domestic students participate in the same afternoon and weekend activities.

• Are there travel opportunities within the United States during the school year?

  Each fall, new international students have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. during Fall Long Weekend. Students also have the opportunity to participate in global travel programs as offered by the School. 

• Where do international students go during school breaks? Do you have host families?

  During school breaks, international students have the option to go home, visit family, or do a homestay with a domestic classmate’s family should a host family be available.