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FAQs

Admissions

How do I apply to BHCC?
Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for complete detail

Is Financial Aid available?
Please visit the Financial Aid page for complete detail

How much is tuition?
Please visit the Tuition page for complete detail

Do you have any scholarships?
Please visit the Scholarship page for complete detail

I am a veteran; what benefits are my eligible for?
Students who wish to apply for Veterans' Affairs benefits must submit their DD-214 to the Enrollment Services Center, Room B203, Charlestown Campus. Students receiving VA benefits are required to attend classes regularly and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

What type of programs do you offer at BHCC?
Please visit the Academic Programs page for complete detail

What is joint admissions?
Please visit the Joint Admissions page for complete detail

Do you take transfer credit from other colleges or universities?
Please visit the Admissions & Transfer Counseling page for complete detail

What are the enrollment requirements for your health programs?
Please visit the Nursing Program page for complete detail.

What if I can’t get my high school diploma?
You must contact the Admissions Office at 617-228-3398 for specific information concerning your unique situation.

What if I didn’t pass the MCAS?
If you didn’t pass the MCAS, you must supply the College with documentation of successful completion of your high school course requirements for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Upon receipt of this documentation and a completed application for admission, you will be required to take an Ability to Benefit assessment test. Please contact the Assessment Center at 617-228-2468 for additional information.

Do you have a basketball team?
Please visit the Athletic Programs page for complete detail

BHCC Online

How do online courses differ from regular classes?
The only difference is the manner in which course materials are accessed. Every online course is the equivalent in content and academic rigor to those in a traditional classroom.

What resources does the library provide to online students?
The library provides access to services and materials (books, articles, and more) in electronic formats available through the internet. See http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/distanceaccess.htm for a guide to library services for distance learning. To access some library services, a library card is required.

How do online courses work?
Online courses are available over the internet. The student accesses all course materials via a user name and password provided by the college and completes research and assignments independently.

Who takes online courses?

Motivated, self-directed, mature students with busy schedules tend to be most successful in online classes. However, any student who requires the convenience and flexibility of an online course should consider the option. In all cases, strong reading and writing skills are strongly recommended for prospective students.

How do I register for an online course? Can I register online?

You may register for your online course by mail, phone or fax by providing your VISA, Master Card or Discover information. Contact the Registrar's office to find out the last day for mail, phone and fax registration at 617-228-2422. You may also register in person until the last day for evening credit courses. Once you have registered for your course, visit the bhccOnline site and complete the Email Verification process. If you are currently a student at BHCC and wish to register online for distance learning courses, email bsakamoto@bhcc.mass.edu.

Who teaches online classes?
The majority of online instructors are full-time faculty members at member colleges. In all cases, the instructors have undertaken extensive training in online instruction and have redesigned their existing classes to best accommodate this mode of instructional delivery.

Can I talk with the instructor before registering for an online course?
That depends upon the instructor and to some extent, the provider college. Often, the provider college will have academic advisors and student advocates who can answer your questions or forward specific inquiries to an instructor on your behalf. Be sure to visit the distance education office at your institution for more information.

Are these classes transferable to other colleges?
Online courses enjoy the same transferability as those offered by the provider institution in a traditional classroom environment. As with all courses, students must consult with the transfer institution.

What computer skills do I need to take a web class?
You must have basic computer skills, such as sending and receiving e-mail, word processing, cutting and pasting within documents, toggling between applications and using e-mail attachments. For specialized courses, other skills may be required. These requirements will be listed under "Special Considerations" in the course description.

What kind of computer do I need?
Students should have (or have access to) a computer which runs Windows 98 or above, access to the Internet via 56k connection or better, an e-mail account and access to a printer. Students also need Netscape or Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater. Courses are compatible with both Macintosh and personal computers. Hardware requirements in excess of those listed above will be detailed in the course description under "Special Considerations" when appropriate.

What if I need to talk with my instructor?
Once enrolled, students may contact instructors via e-mail. In some courses, instructors hold regular live chat sessions, post electronic office hours and list telephone numbers where they can be reached. Early reports from online students suggest they have as much, if not more, access to instructors in an online course than in the traditional classroom setting.

How much time each week do I need to spend on my course?

That depends on the course and your abilities. In general, you should plan on spending at least six to ten hours per week, per course. Some courses may require more.

What if my course has a lab component?

Courses with lab requirements are considered "Special Consideration" classes and may be handled in a variety of ways including (but not limited to):

Issuing students a lab packet that allows students to perform labs at home, individually;
Issuing compact disks or videotapes with step-by-step instructions for completing lab work;

"Special Consideration" requirements will be noted in the course description for these classes.

What if I can't finish my course on time?
Most instructors understand that problems arise that may prevent students from completing their work in a timely fashion. If effort has been expended and significant progress achieved, in-progress (IP) grades may be available. However, the instructor is the sole arbiter concerning the completion of work in his or her course, absent any institution-wide policy at the provider college.

Can I purchase my textbooks online?
Yes, students can use familiar outlets such as Amazon.com or bn.com to purchase textbooks online. Students are advised to consult the BHCC Bookstore first, as online providers can be out-of-stock or in a back-ordered situation which may cause serious delays.

Can I take a sample online course to see what its like?

Yes. You can access a demo course demo course.

How do I access library subscription resources?
A guide to accessing library resources online is available at http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/SubscriptionDatabaseAccess.pdf. All BHCC students have access to the library's materials, including its collections of electronic resources, featuring e-books and articles online.

How do I get a BHCC ID card / library card?
Students with courses on campus can obtain a BHCC ID card (link: http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/idcard.htm) with a copy of a current course schedule and a government issued photo ID.

Distance education students are not issued student ID cards, but can obtain a library card number to access library services, databases, and other materials. Students may apply for a distance education BHCC Library card number only if they are not able to access the BHCC campus. The application for this library card is available at http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/distanceaccess.htm

How do I find the library's webpage?
The webpage and online library services are available 24/7 at this URL: http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/

Boston Welcome Back Center

What is the Boston Welcome Back Center?
The Boston Welcome Back Center, for Internationally Educated Nurses, is a partnership of Bunker Hill Community College, Mass Bay Community College, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Roxbury Community College, and University of Massachusetts Boston. The Center’s mission is to build a bridge between the pool of internationally educated nurses and the need for linguistically and culturally competent health care providers in underserved communities. In other words, the goal of this program is to assist nurses from all over the world, who have come to Massachusetts and have not been able to practice their profession, in obtaining the appropriate professional credentials and licenses so that they can return to nursing.

Is the Boston Welcome Back Center open and ready to assist internationally trained health professionals?
The Welcome Back Center will officially open and begin providing services to internationally educated nurses on October 26, 2005.

If I have a friend that is an internationally educated nurse, but is not here today can they receive help too?
Yes. Tell your friend to call The Welcome Back Center at 617-228-ICAN to set up a meeting with an educational case manager.

What services are offered at the Boston Welcome Back Center?

The Welcome Back Center provides orientation, counseling, and support to internationally educated nurses. The Welcome Back Center assists each participant in developing a career path plan that builds on each participant's skills, experience, and education. In addition to orientation and support in obtaining the appropriate professional credentials and licenses for their profession, participants are presented with other options or alternatives to consider. These options may include choosing a different health occupation offered through a Community College or State University or focusing their skills and experience in the areas of health care management, research, advocacy, or policy.

Am I eligible for these services?
All internationally educated nurses currently living in Massachusetts are eligible for the program. The program does not have the capacity to serve persons living outside of Massachusetts. Persons living outside the United States are not eligible for the program.

Do I have to be a Bunker HillCommunity College student to participate?
No. The program is open to any internationally educated nurse living in Massachusetts.

How can I participate in the Boston Welcome Back Center?
Call The Welcome Back Center at 617-228-ICAN to schedule a meeting with a case manager.

Does the Boston Welcome Back Center assist all health professionals?
Currently the Center is focused on helping internationally educated nurses return to their profession. The Center may consider expanding its services to other health care professionals in the future.

Does the Boston Welcome Back Center offer educational scholarships?

Most Massachusetts residents are eligible for scholarship and/or financial aid through the community colleges and universities. Welcome Back's Educational Case Managers help to link participants to colleges, universities, and other public and private agencies for appropriate financial support.

Does the Boston Welcome Back Center offer professional licenses?
No. Each participant will have to follow existing nursing licensing procedures. The educational case managers can provide orientation about the existing licensing procedures.

Does the Boston Welcome Back Center offer job placement?
No. However, a job announcement binder will be available to share information with participants about job opportunities upon notification by potential employers and other agencies.

If my English-speaking skills are a challenge for me, is an interpreter available to assist me at the Boston Welcome Back Center?
Welcome Back Center staff members communicate in several languages. We will do our best to provide interpreter assistance and/or resources on an individual case-by-case basis.

As an eligible participant, what is the first step in the process?
There is an initial telephone interview by a Welcome Back Center representative. After the initial telephone interview, an appointment is set up for you to meet with the Educational Case Manager. The Educational Case Manager will meet with you to discuss your educational and professional experience. The case manager will offer information and provide guidance about licensing requirements, credential validation agencies, schools, and associated courses (including English language skills courses). With the assistance of the case manager, you will develop a career path plan with the goal of practicing your profession or finding an alternative career in the health field.

When I meet with the Educational Case Manager, what will I need to bring with me?
You will want to bring copies of your diploma(s) and transcripts, as well as copies of other certifications and/or licenses. If you have a professional résumé showing your work experience in your health profession, please bring it to your scheduled appointment.

Will the Boston Welcome Back Center put me in touch with other nurses going through the same process?
Yes. The Welcome Back Center has developed group workshops and activities, and general information meetings to serve as peer support groups.

Financial Aid

Are tuition payment plans available?

Fall/Spring tuition in installments. It is hoped that this plan will assist students in both budgeting and paying for their tuition.
There is a $35 administrative fee per semester for this service, but the plan charges no interest. Once a student has applied and paid the fee to AMS, the student can make changes to the estimated contract amount through the BHCC Student Payment Office (617-228-2150). Applications and details for the plan will be available at the BHCC Student Payment Office located in room B219 on the Charlestown campus. For more information about AMS, please go to www.tuitionpay.com or phone 1-800-635-0120.

What type of aid was I awarded?

How will I receive my financial aid?
Tuition bills for the academic year will be mailed as follows: Fall Semester�mid-July; Spring Semester�mid-December. Your actual financial aid dollars will be credited to your account in the following manner:

Work Study funds are not credited to your account. Instead, you will receive bi-weekly paychecks from your campus job through the BHCC Payroll Office located in room B-218 of the Charlestown campus.

All grants will be directly credited to a student�s account. Grants are usually credited to a student�s account after the 60% point of the academic semester.

You must apply for your Stafford Loan for the entire academic year, or at least two consecutive semesters. In most cases, your loan will be sent by your lender in two equal parts, one for each semester of enrollment.

When the your loan funds are disbursed (after the midpoint of the academic semester) you will be contacted by the Student Payment Office notifying you that the funds have been received and that you have the right to cancel the loan proceeds by contacting the Student Payment Office.

What if I decide not to enroll, drop or add credits?

What if I decide to completely withdraw from the college during the semester?
Students who completely withdraw from the college after the drop/add period of an academic semester should understand the following:

The U.S. Department of Education and the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Aid mandate that a calculation be performed to determine how much financial aid the student has earned at the time the student completely withdraws from the college and award that amount to the student. The calculation and the complete policy can be found in the BHCC Catalog. PLEASE NOTE: After this calculation has been completed a revised financial aid award letter will be mailed to the student and a balance may be owed to the college. The student then will need to contact the Student Payment Office to arrange to pay any financial obligations to BHCC.
If you borrowed funds through the Federal Stafford student loan, you must contact the Financial Aid Office to complete an Exit Interview. You should also contact your Stafford Lender to set up a repayment schedule before your grace period ends.

Can I purchase my textbooks using my financial aid?
An agreement with the BHCC Bookstore managed by Barnes and Noble allows a limited line of credit that is made available to eligible students who are enrolled for six or more credits and whose aid is greater than their projected costs. These students are contacted by letter two weeks prior to the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students who register at least at half-time status after that period will need to report to the BHCC Financial Aid Office for a paper voucher. No line of credit is available for the Summer academic semester.

What if I have a credit balance after my financial aid is credited to my account?

Students will be receiving their Financial Aid refunds through our new service, the BHCC OneCard. Students must register at www.bhcconecard.com and choose one of three ways to receive their refund. For more information visit www.bhcconecard.com or download the BHCC OneCard PDF file. You can also download the BHCC OneCard FAQ PDF file.

International Center

How do I apply for admission?
Please read the Guide to Admissions for specific information.

Is the TOEFL required?
Evidence of English proficiency is required for all international students whose native language is not English. If applicants are already in the U.S., they can demonstrate English proficiency by taking the BHCC Placement Test instead of the TOEFL. Students who cannot take the BHCC Placement Test must take the TOEFL, and obtain at least 423 on the written test and 113 on the computer-based TOEFL.

How much will it cost an international student to attend BHCC?
We estimate that it will cost approximately $16,500 per academic year (nine months) for an international student to attend BHCC, which includes living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

Can I apply on behalf of a friend or family member who is not in the U.S.?
Yes. We suggest that you communicate with the prospective student and obtain the secondary school diploma, the TOEFL score report and all personal information included in the application form. You can then complete the application process on behalf of the student and follow up directly with the International Center staff.

Why do I have to show proof of my immunizations?
It is a state law that all full-time students must submit proof that they have been properly immunized. You will have a one-semester grace period to obtain all required immunizations and/or to show proof that you have all of the necessary immunizations. The International Center can refer you to clinics where you can obtain the required immunizations at a low cost.

How do I obtain an I-20 form?
Once you have been officially admitted to BHCC, you can apply for the I-20 form. The I-20 is required for all students on an F-1 student visa, and it is the document that enables students outside of the U.S. to apply for a student (F-1) visa. Submit the completed I-20 application form, the affidavit of support form and a financial statement that proves that a minimum of $16,500 in U.S. dollars is available to support your study in the U.S. If you are already in the U.S., you should also submit a copy of your U.S. visa (the stamp in your passport) and I-94 form (the small white card given to you on the airplane before you arrived in the U.S.). The International Center will then issue the I-20.

How do I obtain an F-1 Visa?
Make an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is strongly recommended that you go to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship. During the interview, submit your passport, your I-20 form, the affidavit of support from your sponsor and your financial documentation, which should demonstrate you and your family’s strong “ties to the home country.” You should also submit the letter of admission from BHCC and the Profile of BHCC. Be prepared to answer questions about your reasons for studying in the U.S. and your plans to return home after you complete your studies. If your documents are in order and your responses to questions meet the interviewer’s expectations, you will be issued a visa in your passport.

What if I am denied a visa?
Try to find out why you were denied so that you can address the interviewer’s concerns and apply again. If you are missing some documentation, you can obtain it and apply again.

Most students who are denied are denied for one of two reasons:
1) they can’t describe why they selected the college and the program of study that they did; and 2) they can’t give evidence of the fact that they intend to return to their home countries upon completion of their program of study. Be prepared to answer questions of this type, and take whatever evidence you have that supports your case. If you are denied, contact the International Student advisors for advice and assistance.

How do I change my B-2 tourist status or J-1 exchange visitor status to an F-1 student visa?
It is now extremely difficult to change from a B-2 tourist status to a F-1 student status. If you have a tourist visa, we recommend that you obtain the I-20 from BHCC, and then return home to apply for the F-1 visa. It is now almost as difficult to change your status here in the U.S. as it is to get a visa, and the process is much longer, more complicated, and you are more likely to be denied. Please meet with the staff of the International Center as soon as possible if you believe that you want to change from a tourist status to student status. For other visa types (J-1, J-2, H-4, etc.), you will need to apply to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. You must make an appointment with an International Center advisor to prepare the application, for which BCIS (INS) charges a fee of $120. You must submit the application to BCIS before your I-94 card (or previous status) expires. Note that if your change to F-1 status is approved, you have the F-1 visa status but you do not have an F-1 entry visa, and you cannot obtain this while in the U.S. However, you do not need an entry visa until the next time you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S. At that time, you must apply to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship (you cannot get your first F-1 visa in a different country). Consult the International Center staff for assistance in compiling all necessary documents, since it will be critical that you prove “ties to your home country.”

I have a visa waiver (W/T). How do I change it to an F-1 Visa?
You can’t. A visa waiver is given to citizens of particular countries so that they do not have to apply for a visa. Therefore, when you have a waiver you have no visa, and you cannot change a visa if you do not have one. There are no alternatives available to you except to leave the U.S. before the expiration date on your visa waiver, and apply for a student visa from your home country.

I need to leave the country suddenly for a family emergency. What should I do?
Talk to an International Center advisor and get his/her signature on your I-20 form. Check whether you need a new F-1 visa to return to the U.S. You may need to fill out some other forms, too, depending on the nature of your emergency and when you plan to return.

I want to travel during the school break. What should I do?
Confirm that your visa in your passport is still valid. Ask an International Student advisor to sign your I-20 form.

My F-1 Visa stamped in my passport has expired. What do I do?
Don’t worry. The visa stamped in your passport is an entry visa, and need only be valid for entry into the U.S. You can remain in the U.S. legally as long as your passport is valid, as long as you are continuing to make good progress toward your degree, and as long as the date indicated as your expected completion date on your I-20 has not passed. However, the next time you choose to leave the U.S., you will need to go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a new entry visa.

I think I need an immigration lawyer. How do I find a good one?
Talk to an advisor at the International Center. If they feel you would benefit from consulting an immigration lawyer, they will try to get you some free or inexpensive legal advice, and can recommend some very good lawyers.

When is the Diversity Lottery for the “green card?” Am I eligible?
The Diversity Lottery is usually held every October. Check with the International Student advisors for more details.

When do classes start and when should I arrive on campus?
Class for the fall semester start in early September. Spring classes start in mid-January. Summer classes start in early June. Try to arrive in Boston at least two weeks before classes begin to get oriented, find housing, take the BHCC placement test and get registered.

What is included in the Computerized Placement Test (CPT)?
The CPT will test you on your reading, writing and math abilities. It is an un-timed test, so be sure to take your time so that your initial placement is as accurate as possible.

What is a credit?
A credit is the reward or point you get for completing a course. Most BHCC courses are for three credits. BHCC associate degree programs average 61 credits, and when you complete the number of credits required for your degree, you will graduate. In order to maintain legal status as a student on a student (F-1) visa, you must enroll in at least 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is not required during the summer.

How do I transfer credit from colleges that I attended before– either back home or in the U.S.?
If you took the classes in the U.S. you should submit official transcripts to the Enrollment Center. If you took classes overseas, you will need to use an agency that evaluates foreign credentials. We recommend the Center for Educational Documentation. You can contact them at (617)-338-7171.

Is attendance an important part of my grade?
Yes. Class participation is an important part of American college life. You can’t participate if you are not in class. Please be sure to read your course syllabus carefully to learn the teacher’s policy toward attendance since some professors will reduce your grade if you are often absent or late to class.

How many "distance learning" courses may I take during a semester at BHCC?
Please note that new regulations allow F-1 students to take a maximum of ONE course that is considered “distance learning” each semester. This includes courses of these types: web, home studies, TV. Center for Self-Directed Learning classes are not considered “distance learning,” so there is no limit.

Do I have to take 12 credits every semester?
Yes. As an international student, you must enroll for at least twelve credits in the fall and spring semesters. You must also complete these classes – see the section below about the consequences of withdrawing from classes. You do not need to enroll for any courses in the summer.

It’s already time to register for my next semester. What do I do? Who and where is my academic advisor?
Every student has an academic advisor. Whenever possible, students are assigned to advisors in their major fields. There is a list of advisors in the main lobby and in the C Building corridor. Review the catalog for your curriculum year, the master schedule for the upcoming semester and make an appointment to see your advisor. The sooner you see your advisor, the earlier you can register. When you register early, you do not have to pay until a date closer to the beginning of the semester. Therefore, it is to your advantage to register as early as possible so you will get the classes you want at convenient times. If the classes you want or need are full because you registered late, you must still take 12 credits, even if this means you take classes you do not need for your degree.

I think I need to drop a class. How do I do this?
Remember that you must be enrolled in 12 credits during the fall and spring semesters in order to maintain your F-1 visa. If you feel you need to withdraw from any of these courses, you must get direct authorization from an International Advisor BEFORE withdrawing, or you will be out of status. Please consult an International Student advisor if you feel registering for or completing 12 credits will be difficult for any reason. Also, please note that the International Center is required to immediately notify the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services when students drop below full time status without previous authorization from the International Student Advisor.

I have some academic problems. How do I get help?
Get help as soon as you begin to think you might need it. You can receive tutoring free of charge in most subjects at the Tutoring and Academic Support Center. See your professors during their posted office hours for advice and assistance. Get help early; don’t wait until late in the semester.

How do I get credit for my knowledge of world languages, previous learning, or life experience?
Go to the Center for Self-Directed Learning, in room E235 on the Charlestown Campus. Many international students take CLEP tests that allow them to get credit for their knowledge of other languages.

How do I transfer to another college?
To begin the transfer process to another college in the United States, speak with the Transfer Counselor in room B202 on the Charlestown Campus.

Can international students get financial aid?
International students are not eligible for financial aid from federal and state government sources. Financial aid is only available for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents who meet eligibility requirements. However, after you have been a student for one year you may apply for some very small scholarships ($250-$500). Check in the most recent College Catalog or with the International Student Advisors for more details.

Do I need to pay all my tuition and fees at once?
No. You can sign up for the payment plan and make payments throughout the semester. The fee for this service is $30.00 per semester. See the Student Payment Office for more details.

Why do I need to buy health insurance?
The cost of medical care is very high in the U.S., and for this reason, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all full-time students buy the Massachusetts Community College medical insurance. Although it may seem like a lot of money, health insurance is well worth the investment.

Can I work, either on campus or off campus? How can I get a social security number?
Students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. First, you must apply for a social security number through the Social Security Office. The International Center will give you a letter of introduction. Note that jobs on campus are extremely limited – especially for new students. Once you have been in lawful F-1 status for two non-ESL semesters, you can apply for off-campus work authorization from the Bureau of Citizenship and immigration services (BCIS, formerly INS). You can obtain advice and application forms from the International Student advisors. You must receive approval from the BCIS (INS) in the form of an Employment Authorization Document before you begin working.

How can I get involved with campus life?
The best place to start is in Student Activities, room D106 on the Charlestown Campus. They offer more than 25 student-run clubs as well as leadership opportunities through the campus activities board and student government. International students who have been at BHCC for a while all recommend that new students get involved in campus life.

Can I get assistance with finding housing?
BHCC does not provide any on-campus housing. However, the International Center maintains resource information about housing in the Boston area. Housing in Boston is very expensive. Be prepared to pay between $500-1000 per month for adequate housing. These prices often do not include utilities and are based on the assumption that you will have a roommate. One way to immerse yourself in the American culture is to live with an American host family. You can apply by contacting Boston Homestay at www.bostonhomestay.com.

Are there any other students from my country at BHCC?
Probably. We currently have international students from about 90 countries and we have many more students who don’t have student visas but are citizens of other countries. Come to the International Center for assistance in finding students from your country.

Why is Boston so cold? How will I ever survive the winter?
Yes, Boston is cold – even for those who grew up here! The trick to staying warm is to dress in many layers and to keep your head, hands and feet warm and learn to enjoy winter sports! More hints on winter survival and living in Boston will be given during the orientation programs.

I have some personal problems. How do I get help?
BHCC has professional counselors available to help you with personal, career and academic kinds of problems. If appropriate, they will also refer you to others in the community. All counseling is confidential. If you are uncomfortable going to another counselor, you should start by talking to one of the International Center advisors. They can help with many kinds of personal problems and they can talk about the other kinds of counselors that can help you.

How can I get help with health insurance and in finding a good physician?
See the Student Payment Office for details on the College health insurance. Our Coordinator of Health Services has information about the physicians and hospitals that participate in our insurance program. The International Center can also refer you to affordable community clinics.

How do I apply for admission?
Please read the Guide to Admissions for specific information.

Can I take evening classes? Can I take classes in the Chelsea campus?
Yes. BHCC offers flexible scheduling. You can take classes in the day, evening, or weekend, at any of our campuses or satellite locations. You can also take courses via the World Wide Web and through our Center for Self-Directed Learning. There is free shuttle bus service between the Charlestown and Chelsea campuses.

I think I need to drop a class. How do I do this?
Remember that you must be enrolled in 12 credits during the Fall and Spring semesters in order to maintain your F-1 visa. If you feel you need to withdraw from any of these courses, you must get direct authorization from an International Advisor BEFORE withdrawing, or you will be out of status. Please consult an International Student advisor if you feel registering for or completing 12 credits will be difficult for any reason. Also, please note that the International Center is required to immediately notify the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services when students drop below full time status without previous authorization from the International Student Advisor.

I have some personal problems. How do I get help?
BHCC has professional counselors available to help you with personal, career and academic kinds of problems. If appropriate, they will also refer you to others in the community. All counseling is confidential. If you are uncomfortable going to another counselor, you should start by talking to one of the International Center advisors. They can help with many kinds of personal problems, and they can talk about the other kinds of counselors that can help you.

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