International Students

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. 

In order to accommodate students unable to travel, we are offering in-person EFL, EGE and E&E programs as well as EFL Virtual programs 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 must attend online each day. Language proficiency requirements still apply for EFL Virtual. 

International students applying to a residential program must complete their application by March 18, 2026 to be considered for admission.

Language Proficiency

Students who struggle with English comprehension 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 fully 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 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.htm

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is highly recommended for foreign applicants to the FTE student programs but is not required.  

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 programs are required to be off campus no later than 11 AM on Sunday. 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. Do not contact the universities where our programs are held.