Hope College | Admissions | International Students

International Student Services

Martha Miller Center for Global Communications
The Martha Miller Center for Global Communications is a gathering place for many international students. Whether to check their mail or read one of the many international periodicals in the center's lounge library, students find the center an inviting and comfortable place to congregate. The Director of International Education and the Advisor for International Students both have offices located in this center. At the beginning of the school year the staff helps coordinate student travel and arrival on campus. Each fall, the Center sponsors a special two-day orientation for new international students

International Student Advisor
Most International students are assigned or choose a faculty member as an academic advisor. Academic advisor provides you information, guidance, and advice throughout your academic program.

During your first semester or year at Hope College, either the International Student Advisor or the Director of International Education will be your advisor. Both the International Student Advisor and the Director of International Education have offices in the International Education Center.

Your faculty advisor signs you your registration form which (is your account is in order) grants you permission to register each semester. Without the advice of your academic advisor, you may take incorrect courses; this will result in problems later. Your academic advisor identifies your degree requirements and helps you balance your course load, so you do not take too many demanding classes in one semester. If you are having difficulties in a particular course, the academic advisor can assist you find the help you need.

Students who transfer to Hope College may have a different faculty advisor. This person is usually a faculty member from the department of the particular major in which you will be enrolled. He/She will assist you and your academic advisor. The Registrar will evaluate your previous academic studies, and, also, advise you about course requirements.

Academic Advising
At Hope College each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist in selecting an appropriate class schedule, while discussing academic progress and future career direction. Faculty advisors are readily available to answer questions, whether about school matters or other concerns.

Academic Support Center
Students attending Hope College come from greatly varying educational backgrounds and have different levels of knowledge and ability. The Academic Support Center provides assistance to all students on campus.

Some of the services provided are:

Individual Content and Writing Tutoring
Small Group Help Sessions
Mathematics Lab, open five nights a week
Testing accommodations, such as extended time and quiet setting
Academic Advising and Counseling

Each term hundreds of students, especially first year and international students, request many or all of our services. Also, students for whom English is a second language frequent our office weekly for assistance with writing papers. We welcome everyone and especially enjoy getting to know students who visit often.

Help With English
A special set of English as Second Language (ESL) courses is available for students who need further improvement in English language proficiency. Emphasis is placed on improvement in speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing at the advanced level. In addition to classroom work and lab sessions, tutor support is arranged, as individual needs dictate. Credits earned count toward a student's degree.