Office of International Student Services

We are proud to welcome and support students from all over the world.

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Welcome to the Office of International Student Services. Whether you have questions about the application process, F-1 visa and immigration status, or campus life for our international community, we hope that you will find the information you need here. Know that if not we are only an email or phone call away to answer any questions or concerns! So, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We are committed to serving and supporting you throughout this entire season of preparation for Kingdom ministry.

GraceKim

Student Testimony

"International students could feel lonely being away from home. Yet because everyone is so kind, I was able to adjust to Southwestern Seminary very fast and have been enjoying building relationships."

- Grace Kim, PhD student

Admissions Requirements for International Students

Apply Today

When applying to Southwestern Seminary or Texas Baptist College, international students will need to submit the following additional documents:

Staff

Our team is dedicated to helping our international students thrive here on Seminary Hill, be it through providing English language training, guidance through government policies, or simply finding friends and community. We’re here for you.

Firmato Rodriguez, Director

  • "I graduated with my Bachelors in Biology Fall of 2016 with the intention of going to veterinary school, but after spiritually wrestling with God I knew that my call was not vet school but to enter the ministry. (Genesis 32:24-30) I faced a lot of opposition from my family as they felt that I was throwing away my life by entering a vocation that would not be financially substantial to sustain a family. Despite the opposition, I decided to pursue seminary and begin my MDiv at Logsdon Seminary Fall of 2016 and was later sponsored by my home church to transfer to Southwestern. My current plans are to graduate and continue my studies by pursuing a ThM degree".
  • FRodriguez@swbts.edu

Student Organizations

Moving to a new country can be confusing, isolating, and exhausting, so we want to provide connections for you to be encouraged and supported by your fellow students. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these student organizations, then contact us as 817-921-8520 or iss@swbts.edu.

  • African Student Fellowship
  • Brazilian Student Fellowship
  • Chinese Student Fellowship
  • Indian Student Fellowship
  • Korean Student Fellowship
  • Korean Singles Student Fellowship
Explore All Student Organizations

International Student Events

We’re always looking for an opportunity to help our international students connect with one another and share their culture. Here are the latest events coming up.

View All Events

Office Policies

  1. Form Submissions
    • If you need a verification letter from our office, please submit the Request for Student Verification form.
    • Allow for 1-2 business days before it is ready. Our office will notify you when it is ready for you to pick up.
  2. Visiting the Office: Walk-ins and Appointments
    • Our doors are always open – feel free to walk-in any time to meet with one of our staff.
      • Please know that you may be asked to wait until the next available Specialist can meet with you.
    • Please make an appointment if you need more than 15 minutes to discuss an issue. You can call 817-921-8520 or by email ISS@swbts.edu to set up an appointment
      • All meetings with the Director are generally by appointment only
  3. Communications
    • Please let us know your full legal name and student ID number when emailing or calling us
    • Allow for 1-2 business days (excluding weekends) for us to respond to you

Forms and Downloads

Additional Resources

  • Helpful Information – Information and resources on all the things you’ll need to know while living in the US, from insurance to taxes and more.
  • Read more
  • International Student Rules, Regulations, & Advice – Explanations of some of the most important aspects of being an international student in the United States.
  • Read more

Contact Us

817-921-8520
iss@swbts.edu