How many international students attend NCSA?
The School’s international student population is roughly 5 percent of the total student body, with approximately 45-55 students from more than 25 countries. International students are enrolled in all five of the arts disciplines, and represent all age groups, from the high school through the graduate programs.

Is there special housing for international students?
What if I can’t go home for the breaks when the residence halls close?
Special housing is not provided specifically for internationals, although some graduate and undergraduate college students may reside in the Bailey Street Apartments. These apartments stay open during the winter and spring breaks, and students living in them can remain during those breaks. The college residence halls and the high school residence halls close for the breaks, so students living there must plan to vacate their rooms during those times. A Host Family program is available to international students, and many international students stay with host families or friends over the winter and spring holidays. All dorms close for the summer.
More Information on Residence Life

What kinds of activities are available on campus?
Student Activities plans a variety of events and activities for students of all ages. The Every Thursday Calendar (ETC), published on Thursdays, lists all events for that week. Yearly annual events include Fall Fest (a fall festival), Froze Arts (a winter festival) and the annual Beaux Arts festival and ball, which occurs at the end of spring term. Student Activities also provides free transportation to local shopping and movie theaters, and sponsors The What?, an on-campus coffee house for college students. More information on Student Activities.

Will I need a car to get around off-campus?
Students can take advantage of the free transportation to shopping, movies, and other events off-campus offered through Student Activities. These trips are scheduled weekly and are listed in the ETC calendar published every Thursday. Limited public transportation from the School of the Arts to downtown Winston-Salem and other outlying areas is also available. Some students, particularly those who live off-campus, find that owning a car is helpful. Residential high school students may not have cars on campus.

Do I need to take the TOEFL test to apply to NCSA?
What TOEFL score do I need to get in?
If English is not your first language, you are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for admission to the School’s college programs. TOEFL scores of 550 (paper based) and 213 (computer based), respectively, are recommended for the college undergraduate degree and graduate programs. TOEFL scores of 500 (paper based) and 173 (computer based), respectively, are recommended for the arts diploma programs.

Do international high school students need to take the TOEFL?
No. High school students who speak a first language other than English must take the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) test. A score of 55 or higher is required for admission. The SLEP test may be taken free of charge on the NCSA campus. It is recommended that students take the test at the time of their audition or campus visit.

What about help with English or ESL classes?
Are these offered at NCSA?
Yes. The School offers an ESL course for non-English speakers. The course is a year long, three term, non-credit course entitled, ESL 100: Academic English for Non-Native Speakers. The course provides intensive writing, reading, and academic skills practice and prepares students for doing academic work in English. ESL 100 is offered through the division of Academic Programs and is open to college and graduate students whose first language is not English. Enrollment in the course is by placement test. Students who are admitted to the undergraduate degree program may take ESL 100 concurrently with their other Academic Programs courses. For high school students, individual ESL tutoring is available in conjunction with the high school Academic Programs program. ESL tutoring appointments are also available for college students.

Does NCSA require health insurance for international students?
Yes. All international students attending on F-1 visas are required to have health insurance that meets U.S. federal requirements. Students are encouraged to purchase health insurance through the NCSA international health insurance plan. The plan is underwritten by Hinchcliffe International Group Services and provides coverage for both medical expenses and medical evacuation and repatriation. Students who choose not to purchase the Hinchcliffe plan are required to provide documentation of medical coverage in English.

All students have access to the medical and health services provided by the on-campus Student Health Services. More information about the Student Health Services

Whom do I contact for questions regarding my student visa or I-20?
The Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for handling international student visa issues.