International Student FAQs
We Are the World
With students in recent years coming from Albania, the Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Dominica, Germany, Ghana, Jamaica, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Moldova, Nigeria, Poland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, Salem is, indeed, a global community.
And We Are Family
“My transition to Salem was great. I was surprised how easily I fit in. I can be myself and at the same time, try new things. It’s more than a school here, it’s a family, it’s a home.”
Aprille R. A’21
(roseau, Dominica)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Salem require any additional application procedures for international students?
A. No. The application process for international students is the same as for American students. International students must submit official scores from one of the following tests, along with their application: Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), TOEFL, TOEFL, Jr., TOEFL Essentials, ISEE, IELTS, or the Duolingo test.
Q. Salem requires an interview, but I am not able to visit campus. What should I do?
A. We understand that due to distance, not every student will be able to visit our campus. We are happy to schedule an online interview with you instead. If, however, you are able to travel to the U.S., we do encourage you to visit and interview at our school.
To schedule an online interview: Call 336.721.2643 or e-mail academy@salem.edu.
Q. How soon will I hear the results of my application?
A. Once an application is complete, it is sent to the Admissions Committee for review. You or your educational consultant will be notified by e-mail once a decision has been made, usually within 1-2 weeks.
Q. How do I make payments to the school (application fee, enrollment deposit, tuition, etc.)?
A. Payment may be made by personal check (payable to Salem Academy) or through Flywire, a secure international payment network. Flywire allows parents to pay securely from any country and any bank, typically in your home currency.
Q. I enrolled at Salem and need an I-20 from the school to get my visa. What is the procedure?
A. Once you’ve been accepted and paid the non-refundable deposit, you become eligible for an I-20. At that point, Salem will send the I-20 by FedEx to the email address provided on your application. You may also need a copy of your acceptance letter. We will notify you when the I-20 is sent and do not advise scheduling an appointment for a visa interview before receiving it. You will need to pay the I-901 Fee in order to schedule your visa interview.
Q. What if I plan to participate in a summer program at a different school in the U.S. before I arrive at Salem?
A. Because attending an earlier program at another school will invalidate an I-20 from Salem., we will wait to send it until you confirm your summer plans with us. If you are considering this option, please let us know as soon as possible. If you know you will be coming to Salem from another school in the U.S., ask that school to transfer your I-20 to Salem Academy. You cannot receive a new one if you are already in the U.S. on an existing I-20.
Q. What travel arrangements should I make? Will the school arrange for transportation from the airport?
A. Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, is just 25 miles from Salem’s campus. We are able to arrange pickup and drop off between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 pm. Occasionally, students may have to travel by taxi if flights arrive very early in the morning or very late in the evening.
Q. Are there any times during the year when the dorm is closed?
A. Yes, the Salem Academy dorms are closed for three breaks during the school year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. These holidays are also a vacation for faculty and staff, which means the entire campus is closed. Additionally, students are not able to stay at Salem during the summer break. We have several shorter breaks throughout the year when the dorms remain open for students. For a list of vacation dates, please refer to the school calendar.
Q. Does Salem arrange homestays during breaks?
A. We encourage students to go home with their Salem friends during these breaks and we can help make the arrangements. Breaks are also a great opportunity for international students to travel in the U.S., visiting other family and friends. Salem does not organize homestays with hosts who are not affiliated with the Salem community.
Q. Is it possible to purchase medical insurance?
A. Yes. All families should check with their home insurance companies to see if they provide coverage while their children are overseas. Families wishing to purchase medical insurance should visit www.isminc.com and look for information on “International Student Accident and Health Insurance.” You may purchase an insurance policy directly from the website.
Q. My parents will give me with pocket money. Can I open a bank account?
A. Yes. Students have several options for managing their spending money while at Salem. Truist Bank, a regional bank in the southeast, will be at orientation to help families open an account. This bank also provides an ATM on campus.