New law affects foreign students with educational goals
by Violeta Rocha
reporter

   Paying educational expenses, breaking the barrier of the English language and adapting to the everyday life of another country are goals foreign students try to achieve.
   “ In the last five years, TCC had at least one student from every country of the world,” Cathie J. Jackson, director of admissions and records, said.
   The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reported 11,652 international students enrolled in community colleges in the fall of last year.
   Jackson said 1,900 foreign students attend TCC.
   “ It is good for the institution that foreign students feel a part of the community; they bring diversity to the college,” she said.
   Many illegal students who finish high school in Texas can take advantage of the state law 1403, which allows them to attend college if they went to high school for three years and prove that they live with their parents.
   Brian D. Barrett, assistant director of admission and records, said after the law passed, there was no considerable increase in applicants.
   “ They (illegal students) are still afraid of their immigrant situation, and even if they desired to continue studying, they don’t come to school,” he said.
   Last fall, 84 students enrolled under the 1403 law.
   In order to successfully complete college, foreign students must follow specific rules now set forth by Texas law, Barrett said.
   Foreign students have to submit their admission at the May Owen Center and prove proper documentation issued by the INS, financial documentation to cover one year’s expenses, evidence of health insurance valid through the academic year, sponsorship and a high school transcript.
   These requirements must be met, and the registrar’s office will assist any foreign students who are having difficulties, Barrett said.
   Beside the THEA, foreign students must take TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language).
   U.S. government regulations require foreign students to enroll in at least 12 semester hours each fall and spring term. If the student fails to enroll correctly, it can result in administrative withdrawal from the college.
   Barrett said many applicants were denied enrollment because all the documentation was not completed.
   “We do all we can help them, but there are so many regulations that they [foreign students] are the only ones who can have it done,” he said.
   Last spring, a student from Nigeria started his application but had to go back to his country to fix documentation. He came back this fall to be accepted.
   “ We are happy that after five months of work, he is doing well right now,” Barrett said.
   Foreign student expenses at TCC during an academic year are approximately $18,268. This includes tuition, books, living expenses, local transportation and other miscellaneous expenses, according to a brochure for foreign students.
   “They [foreign students] have to be admired; they go to enormous effort, and many of them turn out to be great students,” Barrett said.