FAQs for International Students:  2009-2010

Monte Vista enjoys a student body that is culturally, ethnically and socio-economically diverse and international students add an important dimension to our campus.

If you are an international student thinking of applying to Monte Vista, you may have some questions about the application process. Here are some answers that we hope will help. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office by phone at (831) 722-8178 x. 194 or you can email us at admissions@mvcs.org.

What percentage of your student body is International?
International students make up approximately 19% of our high school student body.

Am I considered an international student?
If you are a student whose primary address is outside the United States and/or you need an I-20 (F-1 Student Visa), then yes, you are considered to be an international student.

When is my application due?
Completed applications, along with an $80 application fee, must be received no later than February 23, 2009 for the 2009–2010 school year.  Applications received after February 23, 2009 will be placed in our Wait Pool and considered on a “best fit for space available” basis.

Does Monte Vista accept International Day Students?
Day student status will only be considered for international students if the biological family lives in the areas served by Monte Vista Christian School:
-      Proof of permanent residence of the qualified family member must be provided
-      Proof that the family member the student will be living with, is indeed a biological family member, must be provided.

What is the application process for an international student?
The application process is the same for all students except that international students need to establish their level of English fluency:

--If you are an international student and your primary language of instruction (all of your major coursework) has been in English for the last four years, you do not need to submit an English proficiency test.

--If you are an international student and your primary language of instruction has not been in English for the last four years, you must submit an English proficiency test (TOEFL or SSAT).  In addition, you will need to make a 5-minute videotaped interview so that the Admission Committee can see how you may be ready for our mainstream English or ESL program.

At what grade level does Monte Vista admit international students?
Monte Vista gives preference to those international candidates who are applying for grades 9 or 10.  Spaces for grade 11 are limited and very competitive.  Monte Vista does not admit international students into grade 12.

Does Monte Vista offer tuition assistance for international students?
Monte Vista does not offer tuition assistance for international students nor does it offer merit scholarships.

Must all international students visit the campus for an interview?
Because some international students may not be able to visit MVCS, we do not require that international students have an on-campus interview.  Your videotaped interview can serve as your admission interview.  This way, every member of the Admission Committee will have the opportunity to know you and hear you speak!

If you are able to visit the campus, you and your family will have the opportunity to meet with an admission officer after the tour.

Appointments are required for tours and interviews.  Please contact us at: (831) 722-8178 x. 194 or admissions@mvcs.org.

What format should be used on the videotaped interview?
You can send a video file that can be played by the current Windows Media Player (version 11) or Quicktime Player (version 7).  Remember, files that are very large will be difficult to use.

Simple is better.

What information would you like to see on the videotaped interview?
Again, let’s agree to keep it simple.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, such as your academic interests, your activities, your family and your reasons for applying to Monte Vista Christian School.  If an English teacher (or a fluent English speaker) is not available to conduct your interview, then just give us a tour of your home or school.  With this videotaped interview as part of your application file, the Admission Committee and ESL department will be able to get to know you as you demonstrate your English speaking skills.

5 minutes is enough, really!

When do I receive my I-20 form?
Monte Vista will issue an I-20 only after a letter of acceptance has been sent and when all of the following items have been received:

--Immunization Record, w/TB test results & action taken if required

--Financial Enrollment Contract (completed and signed, front and back) and the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit

--Proof of Financial Responsibility.

If the visa is denied, all but $400.00 will be refunded upon Monte Vista’s receipt of the original denial letter from the U.S. Embassy stating the reason for denial, and the return of the original I-20.

Immunization w/TB Test results:
Monte Vista requires all students to complete the California School Immunization Record as required by California State Law.  This record also includes results of a TB (Tuberculosis) test, and the results of a chest x-ray in the event of a positive TB result.

What transcript/grade report is “official”?
Monte Vista considers the original transcript given at time of application, to be the “official” transcript for purposes of acceptance to Monte Vista, grade level placement, and courses required for graduation.  After receipt of the second semester grades upon enrollment of the student, Monte Vista will not give consideration or credits for any subsequent transcripts received.

Do international resident students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista?
Yes.  In case of an emergency, Monte Vista must be able to contact a guardian who is an adult family member or trusted family friend who lives in the United States (preferably in Northern California). He/she will be legally responsible while you are at Monte Vista, providing transportation and housing during vacations, and in the event of an emergency or illness.

Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for international students?
Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.

Does Monte Vista have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?
Monte Vista’s one-year English as a Second Language Program is a strong, comprehensive program.  It is designed for students who demonstrate intermediate to advanced English skills. 

How will I know if I need to be enrolled in ESL?
If your first language is not English but you have been in a school where all of your courses have been taught in English for four years then you probably will not need ESL.
If your first language is not English and you have not been in a school where English has been the primary language of instruction, then we need to gather more information to establish your level of English fluency.  So, in addition to the usual application materials, you will need to send us English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or SSAT) and a videotaped interview.  This information will be part of the Admissions Committee evaluation during the decision process.

What kind of English proficiency scores do I need to qualify for admission to the ESL program or for mainstream English classes?  
Our ESL program is designed for intermediate and Advanced language learners.
The following will give you an idea of the general range of test scores relating to placement in (or out of) the ESL program at MVCS.  Students with scores in the lower range have been successful, but their diligence and outgoing personalities have been key factors in their success.

ESL Level  TOEFL – Internet TOEFL – Computer TOEFL – Paper
Intermediate - ESL 38   113   425
Advanced – ESL  46   133   450 
Mainstream – TE 53   153   477
Mainstream  80   213   550

Standardized tests are only a partial indicator of a student’s English competence.  Upon their arrival, students will be asked to write a critical essay.  Writing skills, the videotaped interview, and test scores are weighed equally in the placement. 

How are SSAT scores used?  
As with every applicant, we look as your SSAT scores and essay in comparison to the grades on your transcript and your application essay.  However, because the SSAT is written for native English speakers, we take into consideration that fact when we look at the Verbal and Reading Comprehension scores of students for whom English is a second language.

How will I be notified about the admission decision?
You will be notified by email (please make sure we have a working email address on your application), after March 2, 2009. 

Does MVCS provide housing on campus for students during school vacations?
Not surprisingly, students may not remain on campus during breaks.  If they cannot go home for the vacation, students usually stay with their guardian.

Is there airport transportation available?
You will be required to provide your own transportation to and from school at the beginning and end of the school year.  MVCS provides group transportation to and from the San Jose International airport (SJC) at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter only.

Does Monte Vista enter into contractual agreements with consultants or consultant organizations?
Monte Vista does not enter into such agreements.  The school welcomes referrals for qualified candidates from consultants and works closely with such individuals or organizations to ensure that the applicant and his/her family receive every consideration throughout the process.

What is the best method of correspondence with your school?
Monte Vista prefers overseas correspondence via email at admissions@mvcs.org.

Who is the primary contact for international admissions (day and resident)?
Peter C. Gieseke
Director of Admission
Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
phone:  (831) 722-8178 x. 194
fax: (831) 722-0361
admissions@mvcs.org