The Foundation for Teaching Economics welcomes students from around the world who seek a unique opportunity to learn about economics principles and leadership skills in a university setting in the United States.
To prepare yourself for success at our student programs, please carefully review the following information regarding language proficiency and Visa requirements before submitting your application.
Given potential travel restrictions due to COVID-19, we are offering both in-person EFL, EGE and E&E programs as well as a synchronous EFL Virtual program this summer. The EFL Virtual program will cover the same economic and leadership topics and activities as the in-person EFL program. The virtual program will be conducted synchronously and students need to attend online each day. Language proficiency requirements still apply for EFL Virtual.
Language Proficiency
Students who struggle with English listening, speaking, reading, or writing skills will find that their challenges with the language itself can present significant obstacles to their learning and interaction in the program. Determining your level of English language proficiency is essential to a successful outcome at FTE programs. All FTE student programs require competency in English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
To demonstrate your language proficiency, you will be asked to provide one of the following exam results as an upload to your program application:
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) Exam
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Person Academic Test of English
- SAT I Critical Reading/ACT-English
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Duolingo English Test minimum score of 120
International applicants who have completed a course of study at a school in the United States, Canada (excluding the province of Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, or another school where classes are conducted in English, are considered to have met the level of English proficiency required and do not need to submit additional documentation.
Immigration/Visa Guidelines
It is the sole the responsibility of the applicant to determine the appropriate visa requirements to attend FTE student programs. Please note, the Foundation for Teaching Economics and the universities where our programs are hosted cannot sponsor visas for any student attending our programs.
Please consult the U.S. Department of State page below, where you will find helpful information to determine what type of visa you may qualify for, links to specific consular locations, and other information:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit.html
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is highly recommended for foreign applicants to the FTE student programs, but is not required. It is up to the applicant to determine whether or not medical insurance is desired.
There are several websites that offer medical insurance coverage to international students in the U.S.:
http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/
http://www.insubuy.com/international-student-health-insurance-usa/
Arrivals/Departures for FTE Student Programs
All students should plan their travel to FTE programs based on a Monday arrival and registration check-in between 2 and 4 PM at the site you will be attending. Students who arrive after 4 PM must contact FTE staff for specific directions.
Students departing from the EFL and EGE programs are required to be off campus no later than 11 AM on Sunday. Students departing from the E&E will need to be off campus no later than 11AM on Saturday. Unfortunately, we cannot make accommodations for early arrivals or late departures.
Additional Questions
Please contact us via email at admissions@fte.org, or by phone at 530.757.4630 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST) with any questions.