International Program Center

Facts

Student Enrollment:
Bemidji State University welcomes international students from around the world. BSU is a public university, founded in 1919 with a current enrollment of approximately 4,100 students from 45 states and 40 foreign countries, all of whom benefit from the vast resources of the Minnesota State College and Universities System (MnSCU). Our signature themes include the global family, environment, and civic engagement.

Academic Program Offerings:
BSU is both an undergraduate and graduate coeducational state (public) supported institution. The University offers bachelor and master degree programs, and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. Click here for the current academic program listing

Location:
BSU is located in the spectacular lake country of north central Minnesota, less than 220 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The University sits on the shore of Lake Bemidji, adjacent to the city of Bemidji, which is recognized as the first city on the Mississippi River.

Climate:
The local climate offers a great variety among the four seasons. Summers are generally warm and comfortable (17C to 32C), but winters may be very cold (-7C to -37C). A heated indoor walkway system provides access to almost every building on campus from the residence halls.

Travel to Bemidji:
Most international students arrive at the Bemidji Regional Airport. It is recommended that international students book flights to Bemidji, (BJI), going through U.S. Customs at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP).

Bemidji is also served by Jefferson Lines, a commercial motorbus.

Community:
The city of Bemidji is the financial, cultural, and social hub of north central Minnesota. Please visit the following websites for more information on the community of Bemidji:
Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bemidji.org
Bemidji Visitor's and Convention Bureau: http://www.visitbemidji.com
Bemidji Regional Airport: http://www.bemidjiairport.org

Academic Calendar:
The academic year is divided into two sixteen-week semesters. Each semester is a complete unit of study requiring examinations and completion of coursework. BSU also offers courses in the summer. Summer session begins in June and ends in mid-August. Course lengths vary from 3-5 weeks within the summer session dates.
Please note: New entering international students may not initiate study beginning in a summer session.

Current academic calendar information:
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/calendar/

The International Program Center:
The International Program Center at Bemidji State University serves international students as prospective students and during the application/admission process, provides transfer credit evaluations, conducts the international student orientation sessions, and serves as a resource throughout enrollment on matters related to F-1 and J-1student visa status.

A Family Friends program is available to provide international students with an American friend while studying in the U.S. The program provides for unique opportunities in gaining additional insights into the American culture. Participation in this program is voluntary.

International Student Organization
The Bemidji State University International Student Organization (ISO) has a membership of international students from over 40 countries. The mission is to provide support TO international students FROM international students. Through various fun activities and events organized by the organization, international students get to experience the life in Bemidji, Minnesota, as well as to share their cultural with the University and the Bemidji community.

Activities that involve the facilities in the University and the resources in Bemidji are organized for the students to experience the life in the U.S. specific to northern Minnesota. For example, students can participate in rock climbing at BSU’s Recreational Fitness Center, travel to Itasca State Park to visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, and learn to ice skate or cross-country ski.

Moreover, the biggest cultural event in the University - Festival of Nations --is held annually in which performances, exhibition, and dishes from different parts of the world are put together and presented to increase cultural sharing and understanding.

English as a Second Language:
Bemidji State offers English as a Second Language (ESL) service courses for international students. Students must meet the minimum English language requirements for admission, but often still need additional assistance to improve English language skills to be competitive in the college classroom. ESL assessment is completed during the new international student orientation programs.

Costs:
Bemidji State University is pleased to be able to offer resident tuition rates to international students. This results in a substantial savings in tuition costs to international students. Current tuition rates can be found at:
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/tuition_fees/

Along with the very competitive tuition rates, BSU also offers ‘banded tuition’ for undergraduate on-campus students. This means the tuition rate stays the same for 12-18 credits. Banded tuition allows students to plan more efficiently for degree completion.

Housing:
Bemidji State University’s residence halls have room or floor options that fit diverse student lifestyles. Most halls remain open during semester break and holiday breaks at no additional charge. A variety of dining services are available on campus. Please visit the Office of Residential Life web page at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/reslife

Health Insurance:
International students are required to purchase medical and hospitalization insurance through the MnSCU contracted insurance provider. The U.S. does not have a nationalized health insurance plan. Because students are responsible for the payment of medical services, enrollment conditions are such that students must be covered by health insurance throughout their entire period of study. Students are billed annually for the mandatory insurance coverage. Please visit https://www.uhcsr.com
and click on “Find my school’s plan” for information on the contracted provider.