Office of International Student Services

We are proud to welcome and support the international students of Southwestern Seminary.

We've graduated Southwesterners from
countries around the world.

Contact Us:

Current Students
Future Students

Welcome to the Office of International Student Services!

Our mission is to provide Gospel-driven, Christ-centered support and holistic care for international students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As the Lord calls and equips you, we are here to provide immigration advising, student support, and ministry opportunities that help foster a smooth cultural and academic transition.

GraceKim

Testimonials

"Southwestern supports their international students by offering an international student office/team dedicated to support, care, and encourage every student through immigration processes, academic challenges, and social/cultural struggles. ISS has helped me answer many questions and has walked with me through different stages of my personal and academic life, helping me and supporting me when many times can be stressful to manage VISA and immigration stuff. They for sure have made my living/studying in the US easier and stress-free. Also, Stephanie is always on top of everything that is going on in the government, always caring for us and informing us of whatever news have arisen that may or may not affect us. Southwestern truly love their international student population and makes it so evident."

- Gabriela Ordonez, international student

"Studying at Southwestern once felt beyond my imagination. From the very beginning, the Admissions and International Student Services teams, along with professors and friends, walked with me through every step of the journey. Whether it was navigating admissions and paperwork or adjusting to campus life, they never left my questions unanswered. Their care and Christlike love have made Southwestern more than just a school to me. It has become a place where I have been supported, discipled, and encouraged to grow both academically and spiritually."

- Arian Karmakar, international student

"My wife and I have been extremely blessed by the international student community at Southwestern. It is a joy to see so many students from different tribes, nations, and tongues be equipped to serve Christ’s Kingdom. Whether my international friends serve the Lord here in the States or in their home countries, I know that they will be supported in prayer by the community that they build during their time at SWBTS!"

- Dillon Dunk, SWBTS Office of Admissions

"The international students' excitement in studying abroad brings vitality to the classroom, and their cultural perspectives offer breadth to discussions that broaden our understanding of ministry outside our context. In addition, my relationships with international students have offered me the awesome privilege of advancing God's kingdom around the globe. My influence with international students resonates throughout the world!"

- Chris Shirley, SWBTS faculty

"Working with the international office has been the most encouraging experience of my life. Every day I am reminded of the transcendent nature of the gospel as I interact with Christians from all around the world in their journeys toward theological education. It is a daily privilege to be part of the story for Christians cross-culturally with a passion for following Christ as they are better equipped for the calling God has for their life."

- Emily Richardson, SWBTS Office of International Student Services

Sponsoring an International Student?

We praise God for the generosity of those who financially support our international students. Your partnership makes it possible for students to pursue the ministry preparation to which God has called them.

If you plan to sponsor an international student, please submit the following three documents:

  • Sponsor Letter — A notarized and signed letter stating your intent to sponsor the student, including the amount and duration of financial support.
  • Transfer of Funds Letter — A signed document explaining how the sponsorship funds will be transferred to the student.
  • Bank Statement — A recent bank statement showing the full amount you intend to provide in financial support. This statement must be dated within the last 30 days.

These forms may be obtained directly from the student you are sponsoring. Once the forms are complete, please return them to the student so that they can submit the entire Statement of Financial Support packet together.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of International Student Services:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817-921-8520

Please note: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary operates in accordance with FERPA regulations. While we are happy to answer general questions regarding immigration policies and international applicant requirements, we are unable to share personal information about applicants or students.

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.

Headshot Stephanie Litton

Stephanie Litton

Assistant Vice President of Student Services, PDSO

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

StephenReeves

Stephen Reeves

Assistant Director, DSO

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

Nietalli Vero headshot

Nietalii Vero

International Enrollment Specialist

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

EmilyRichardson 3

Emily Richardson

International Enrollment Specialist, DSO

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

Jackson Tyner Headshot

Jack Tyner

International Enrollment Specialist, DSO

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

ADMS HS Arian

Arian Karmakar

Data and International Enrollment Specialist

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

AubreyCordova

Aubrey Cordova

Student Success Coordinator, DSO

[email protected] | 817-921-8520

International Student Events

We’re always looking for an opportunity to help our international students connect and form relationships around the campus. 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 [email protected] 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
  4. Family Policy
    • The Family Attendance Policy for Southwestern Seminary is as follows: All applicants who wish to attend as students of Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College must do so as a family unit if the applicant is married or has children under the age of 18 who are dependents. This policy reflects the institution's commitment to its core beliefs, emphasizing the importance of family in spiritual and personal development. By fostering a supportive and cohesive family environment, SWBTS aims to strengthen the faith and educational journey of each student within the context of their family relationships. Any exceptions to policy must be submitted to the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services prior to new or continued attendance.

Additional Resources

  • International Student Rules, Regulations, & Advice – Explanations of some of the most important aspects of being an international student in the United States. Read more
  • Study in the States - U.S. Department of Homeland Security resource that provides information for both incoming and current international students, including guidance on immigration policies and maintaining legal student status in the United States.
  • USCIS - Official Website for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, providing up to date policies and processes for student visa holders.

Got Questions?

We’re here to answer them. Reach out to our Admissions Team and we’ll be in touch by phone, text, or email.

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