International Students

an adventure of a lifetime

Looking for a small, historic, picturesque, personal, and friendly campus? What if that campus was in a safe and quaint small midwestern town? And what if that small midwestern town just happens to be close to two mid-sized towns (Peoria and Bloomington-Normal, Illinois) and three major metro centers (Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis)?

EUREKA! yOU'VE FOUND US

Find yourself at the heart of a welcoming community.

It's easy to feel at home at Eureka. On our close-knit campus, conversations are just a little bit more meaningful, friendships spring up as a matter of course, and each day brings fresh opportunities to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and create community.

Jakub Maximilian

I am an international student from the Czech Republic and I came to Eureka College as a transfer student from a community college located near Peoria, IL. My first interaction with Eureka College’s staff was through Kurt Krile, the Dean of Admissions, who helped me make a decision about my future educational plans. At Eureka College, I was able to develop my communicational, professional, and social skills that I will be able to utilize during my future studies and in the workforce. The size of Eureka College also allowed me to successfully communicate with many students on campus and make lifelong friends. Upon graduation, I will very much miss the sense of community it offers, but I will be happily moving forward remembering all the great times spent at Eureka College.

Arturo Rivera

My name is Arturo Rivera, I'm from Guatemala and I'm an international student at Eureka College. I came to the US 4 years ago with the desire of studying business in a US College. My first two years I went to a community college in Peoria Illinois and when it was time to transfer to a 4 year institution, I transferred to Eureka College. I choose Eureka College because when I first visited the Eureka College campus I thought it was the perfect place for me to continue my education. In addition, the staff and faculty have been friendly and very helpful during the time I've been here. Finally, even though I'm far from home, I love Eureka College because the friends I've made here, the atmosphere and everything about it has made me felt like I'm at home.

Eureka's location is another plus. Students and parents alike appreciate the serenity and security of our heartland hometown setting. And our proximity to Peoria (20 miles), Bloomington (32 miles), Chicago (135 miles), St. Louis (179 miles), and Indianapolis (199 miles) places a world of resources and opportunities within an easy drive. You'll feel like you live in the heart of it all - and in a community with a heart as well.

Peoria, Illinois - only 20 miles away

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

Eureka College accepts international applications beginning in the fall and spring semesters. Students from non-English speaking countries should submit ACT or SAT scores or have a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or CBT equivalent. Attendance at an American School or High School generally will mean the TOEFL is waived as long as classes in English are of a "B" grade or higher. In addition to all normal application procedures, international students must demonstrate the ability to supply funds to finance their education. International students may be considered for all Eureka scholarships.

For consideration, application materials should be received in the Office of Admissions by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.

Eureka College awards academic scholarships ranging up to $8,000 per year. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years providing the required GPA is maintained in courses taken at Eureka College. US Federal grants and loans for financial assistance are not available to international students

Initial admission to Eureka College will be provisional. Once provisional admission is approved, you are required to submit to Eureka College a payment of $1,150. Upon receipt of these funds, your I-20 will be issued in order for you to obtain your student visa. A second payment of $14,335 is due prior to the beginning of classes, and the third payment of $14,040 is due before the second semester begins in January. The first payment will cover your deposit, SEVIS fee, orientation, emergency fund, and housing deposit with the remaining going to your student account. Any reduction in cost due to merit-based scholarships will be taken off the second and third payments.

Should you submit payment and find that you are not able to attend Eureka College, the enrollment deposit of $300 will be kept. The remainder of the funds will be returned to you (minus any costs for transferring funds). If you attend Eureka and the emergency fund is not needed, it will be returned to you on your final departure from Eureka College. You will also need a minimum of $2,000 available for books and supplies for your first year. Information on costs of attending EC.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

A New Student Orientation program is held at the beginning of each semester to acquaint you with Eureka College and the community at Eureka. Your attendance is required at this orientation in order to register for classes. In addition to addressing academic and social issues, arrangements are made for international students to complete the shopping necessary to set up housekeeping so far from home.

Eureka College arranges host families for all our international students. A host family creates an extended network of friends for the international student and helps expand their understanding of the area and the American culture.

ACADEMICS

At Eureka you may select your major or program from a field of over 30 different areas of study and may work toward a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). The academic programs are flexible enough to allow you to pursue the exact area of your major or a general program that will lead you to your career goals. Most Eureka College academic majors require from eight to twelve courses in the major field.

All students have a faculty advisor. In addition to the general education requirements, you will work with your faculty advisor in selecting courses from other departments of the college to supplement your career goals or earn a Minor. Through this process of course selection, every program of study is as different and individual as the student. Information on academics at Eureka College.

HOUSING

All full-time students are required to live in the college residence halls. Most residence hall rooms are designed for double occupancy. International students will be matched with American roommates to facilitate the immersion into the Eureka College culture. Vacation and summer housing is available. Typically, students staying on campus during vacations will be assessed a nominal fee per night. Students staying on campus during the summer will be charged a per month room rate. During these times, students are responsible for their own meals as the dining hall is closed. Click for more information.

MEAL PLAN

The board fee covers 19 meals a week; breakfast, lunch and dinner when classes are in session. Sack lunches and sick trays may be requested when illness, educational or athletic obligations prohibit students from getting to the dining hall. Click for more information.

TRAVEL

The closest commercial airports are located in the cities of Peoria and Bloomington-Normal; both are within a half-hour's drive. Each provides direct service to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Amtrak Train and commercial bus service are available between Chicago and Bloomington-Normal.

Jamal Layne

Get to know

Jamal from trinidad & tobago

Why did you choose Eureka College?

“I chose Eureka for many reasons, firstly because I wanted to experience something different and be part of an institution that is constantly striving to grow. I also enjoyed interacting with the staff members who helped me. Everyone seemed overwhelmingly helpful, inviting, and friendly. Other reasons had to do with the size of classes and general population of the campus and the physical environment. Eureka seemed like a great place to study and explore, and the town has an equal balance of everything one would need. I have many other reasons, but those are my main ones.”

When you visited the campus, what made the biggest impression?

“Two things really stood out to me, those were: (1.) The physical beauty of the campus and (2.) The sense of feeling wanted and everyone being so helpful, inviting, willing, and open.”

What were you most looking forward to once you moved to Illinois?

“I love people. I love to meet new people with varying personalities and because of that, I looked forward to meeting the people from Eureka and different parts of Illinois and letting them know about me and where I come from, Trinidad and Tobago.”

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