J-1 Exchange Student

Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah, USA. Nestled in the scenic Wasatch Mountains, Weber State's campus is picturesque, offering stunning views while housing state of the art facilities. Students will spend time exploring nature with over 50 hiking trails as well as 3 ski resorts in the local area. At Weber State we focus on students' education through placing our student’s priorities first. We are ecstatic to host exchange students each semester and treat them as our own. We look forward to seeing you on campus.

• Application Process

  1. Nomination from Your Home Institution

     Exchange students from partner institutions must be nominated to Weber State via email to myrandahackley@weber.edu. If students are not nominated, they cannot exchange at Weber State. Nominations must be completed by the following deadlines:

     • Deadline for Fall Semester
       (beginning at the end of August)

       April 1st

     • Deadline for Spring Semester
       (beginning at the beginning of January)

       October 1st

     ---

  2. Complete Application & Submit Required Documentation:

     • Application Fee: $65 USD payable online with a credit card. Email us at intladmissions@weber.edu if you are unable to pay online.
     • Passport: Provide a readable copy of the identification page of your passport that lists your name, date of birth, and expiration date.
     • Bank Statement or Bank Letter: A bank statement or bank letter that shows the account holder’s full name, the currency type, the balance of the account and a signature and stamp from a bank official on a bank letterhead. This must be in English. The amount in the bank account should be more than the cost estimate (equal to one semester/year of tuition and all other expenses).

  • Financial Guarantee Form: This will be found in the online application, which verifies the amount of money in your account dedicated to your schooling.
  • Transcripts: Upload your official transcripts from your university.
  • English Proficiency: For admission to an academic program of study, you must complete one of the following:
    • TOEFL: 500 paper-based or 61 internet-based | TOEFL Essentials: 6.5 (please request official results sent to WSU using school code 4941)
    • IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.0 on each section.
    • DUOLINGO English Test: Score of 105 or above (please request official results sent to WSU directly from Duolingo).
    • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): B2

  Apply and Submit Documents Online

• After Acceptance

  1. Get your visa. You will receive a DS-2019. Pay the I-901 fee, and make an appointment at the nearest US Embassy for your country. Refer to these additional tips from NAFSA to prepare for the visa interview.
  2. Set up your eWeber portal.
  3. Complete Online Orientation.
  4. Register for classes.
     • Students Online Orientation must take between 12-18 credit hours. At least 9 of those credits must be face-to-face courses.
     • UNIV 1106 is mandatory for all inbound exchange students to aid in cultural immersion and fulfil J-1 visa requirements.
     • You can take courses from different disciplines as long as prerequisites are met.
       • If courses have prerequisites, email Myranda at myrandahackley@weber.edu so she can get permission to override you into the course.
       • **Departments hold the right to deny entry into a course based on your transcript, so there may be a chance you get denied to take a certain course.**
  5. Find accommodation. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

  6. Paying for School
     • You DO NOT need to pay the tuition deposit.
     • Students will pay tuition at their home institution. A charge for tuition will show on the student’s bill at Weber State, but will be WAIVED approximately 2 weeks AFTER the start of the semester.
     • Students will only need to pay for the extra fees above tuition, insurance, housing, and cost of living.

       • Extra Fees include:

         1. Course fees cost between $3 - $200, depending on the course.
         2. Online textbooks included with the course. Price varies.
            • Generally, you will need to purchase your own textbooks, either through the Campus Bookstore, Amazon, Chegg, CampusBookRentals, or other sites.
         3. $125 Foreign Student Fee (used for events and activities).

       • Cost of Living

         Cost of living: $300-600 per month. Includes food, transportation, utilities, travel/adventures, and various other costs. Cost of living varies between students’ lifestyles.

     • Exchange students are NOT eligible for scholarships at Weber State.

• Arrival to Weber State University

  1. Airport Pick-Up may be available before in-person orientation. Please watch your email and contact intladmissions@weber.edu for more details.
     • If there is no pick-up, or if you want to arrive outside of the pick-up window, you can take an Uber/Lyft or use Public Transportation. See a transportation help video on How to Get to Weber.
  2. In-Person Orientation is MANDATORY. Watch your email for the time and location from the admissions team.
  3. Understanding Your Health Insurance. Insurance is mandatory and CANNOT be waived with insurance from your home country. Spring semester insurance will also cover Summer semester, and it can be used in all countries except your home country.

  4. Public Transportation. All students will receive a free UTA Ed Pass to be used for buses throughout Ogden, Frontrunner train to Salt Lake City and Provo, and the TRAX rail system in Salt Lake City. The Transit App is a popular way to track travel time and transportation schedules.
  5. Global Ambassador Program. Meet other students at Weber State to learn about local culture, get tips about activities in the area, and more. If you’re interested, this could be a paid opportunity with HIEEs Pay.

  ---

  Contact Myranda Knudson at myrandahackley@weber.edu, if you have any questions.