Exchange Students

Welcome to Virginia Wesleyan University. We are excited to have you here, whether it be for a semester or an entire academic year. Studying in a new country can be exciting but also hold many questions. Here you will find resources to answer many of these questions.

It is vital for international students studying in the United States to maintain their F-1 student status as this allows you to continue to pursue your educational goals and participate in other collegial activities. In order to maintain your F-1 status, international students must:

  • Enroll in at least 12 in-person academic credits during the fall and spring semesters
    • VWU international students are not permitted to enroll in online courses that count toward this requirement.
    • If you are having academic difficulties, please contact the Office of Global Engagement, globalengagement@vwu.edu, prior to withdrawing from any classes.
  • Continue to make progress and complete your degree program by the date specified on your I-20. If you need to extend your program date, please contact the Office of Global Engagement, globalengagement@vwu.edu. Program extensions are only permitted due to compelling academic or medical reasons.
  • Complete the semester check-in by meeting with the Office of Global Engagement, Principal Designated School Official, every semester to update your information.
  • Obtain a new I-20, immediately, if you make any changes to your education level, major(s) or minor(s), or source(s) of funding.
  • Notify the Office of Global Engagement, globalengagement@vwu.edu, immediately via email, if your home or residential address changes.
  • Obtain appropriate employment authorization, as necessary
  • Obey all federal, state, and local laws
  • Obey VWU’s Honor Code

Violation of any above may result in revocation of your I-20.

It is vital for international students studying in the United States to maintain their J-1 student status as this allows you to continue to pursue your educational goals and participate in other collegial activities. In order to maintain your J-1 status, international students must:

  • Enroll in at least 12 in-person academic credits during the fall and spring semesters
    • VWU international students are not permitted to enroll in online courses that count toward this requirement.
    • If you are having academic difficulties, please contact the Office of Global Engagement, globalengagement@vwu.edu, prior to withdrawing from any classes.
  • Maintain good academic standing and make progress toward an academic program.
  • Attend VWU’s orientation programming
  • Complete the semester check-in by meeting with the Office of Global Engagement, Principal Designated School Official, every semester to update your information.
  • Check-in with your ISEP coordinator and respond to all emails in a timely manner.
  • Obtain appropriate employment authorization, as necessary and limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week during the semester.
  • Obey all federal, state, and local laws
  • Obey VWU’s Honor Code
Violation of any above may result in revocation of your DS-2019.

F-1 and J-1 students are typically only permitted to work on-campus. J-1 students may be able to participate in internship opportunities, but need to express their interest prior to arriving on campus.

On-Campus Employment

  • VWU offers a wide range of on-campus employment through our Work and Learn program.
  • International students are not eligible for Federal Work Study positions.
  • All students are limited to 20 hours of work per week while school is in session.
  • Some positions offer tuition assistance versus an hourly wage. Please read the job description carefully to select the best position for you.
  • International students are able to be employed in a job for tuition assistance and another job that offers an hourly wage at the same time.
  • On-campus jobs are typically posted in August for the next academic year.

Some J-1 exchange students are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This means they are required to remain in their home country for two years at the end of their exchange program.

If you are subject to this requirement it will be noted on your J-1 visa page.

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is three miles northeast of the central business district of Norfolk, and is approximately 10-minutes from campus. Uber and Lyft are able to pick-up and drop-off at the Norfolk International Airport.

Taxi service is also available:

  • Yellow Cab of Norfolk (757-857-8888)
  • Norfolk Checker Taxi (757-855-3333)
  • Norfolk Black and White Cab (757-855-4444).

If you are driving, please click here for directions.

If possible, VWU will try to arrange two pick-up times for new international students from Norfolk International Airport. This information will be sent to students via email.

Students may arrive in the United States 30 days prior to the start of orientation, but housing will not be available until the start of orientation.

All new international students are required to participate in VWU’s orientation programming.

This programming consists of two parts.

  • Marlin Nation Orientation (MNO) 1 - late June
    Informational videos on Campus Life, Housing, Security, Student Activities, Student Health, and Financial Aid and Billing
  • Marlin Nation Orientation (MNO) 2 - late August
    In-person orientation that includes international student check-in, picking up your student ID, trip to local store, interactive games for prizes, and more.

 

  • J-1 Exchange students have 30 days past the last date listed on their DS-2019 to remain in the U.S.
  • F-1 Exchange students have 60 days past the last date listed on their I-20 to remain in the U.S.