International Student Program Guidelines
Michigan Lutheran High School
MLHS School Code: DET214F52605000 (2/5/2013)
Revised November 2013
Updates to these documents are made regularly.
Students and agencies are responsible for complying with all policies and guidelines.
Introduction – On February 5, 2013 the USCIS (US Citizen and Immigration Services) approved Michigan Lutheran High School (MLHS) as a host school for international students. As a result, MLHS is authorized through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to register and enroll international students apart from an established foreign exchange program. SEVIS is a web-based interface for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors in the Untied States. The following guidelines are intended to provide information regarding the process and tasks necessary for international students to attend MLHS.
Registration – Registration is to be completed through the Admissions Office of Michigan Lutheran High School. For information, contact MLHS’s SEVIS Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) International Advisor, Mrs. Heidi Plocher by email or phone (269) 429-7861, extension 211. Please provide an email that MLHS will use for follow-up contact. This email should be checked regularly. Enrollment and full participation in all classes and extra curriculars is open to all students who are willing to abide by the philosophy and policies of Michigan Lutheran High School. MLHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or disability in the administration of its educational programs. All international student admissions and re-enrollments to MLHS will be reviewed and approved or denied through the Guidance Department.
English Language Requirements – All students on the ML campus are expected to communicate only in the English language in order to improve communication skills and to assimilate more completely into US culture.
An international student’s success at ML is dependent upon his/her ability to communicate and must demonstrate an acceptable level of English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speech. To be considered for admission to ML, applicants must submit either a SLEP score or a TOEFL Jr. score. ML’s TOEFL institution code is 3636.We encourage you to take the TOEFL practice tests.
Religion – All students are required to enroll in religion courses and attend daily devotions while attending ML. The ML faculty will instruct students in the teaching of Scripture in all classes. Students are encouraged to participate in school worship activities in chapel and special worship services.
A student should not disrespectfully argue with an instructor in the classroom setting when the student’s belief and practice differ from the scriptural teaching and practice taught at ML. When disagreements arise, all students are encouraged to meet with an instructor privately to clarify and define these differences in light of what the Bible teaches.
Academics – International students are expected to take a complete academic load as they fulfill graduation requirements. Their course of study, as with all students at ML, will be determined by their past academic history, their interests and abilities, and their anticipated graduation date. The Guidance Department will work with the student in determining a class schedule. All students may sign up for any classes and programs offered by ML. Prerequisites and other limiting factors apply equally to all students except as outlined in the Religion section above. All students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per year. Any exceptions must be approved through the Guidance Department.
Athletics – All international students are encouraged to participate in athletics at Michigan Lutheran High School. As members of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), ML must comply with rules governing athletic eligibility.
Discipline and Enrollment Termination – Students are expected to comply with all school rules, and state and federal laws. Failure to do so may result in expulsion. Students whose I-20 is terminated for disciplinary reasons will forfeit tuition and housing payment. Termination of enrollment for other reasons during semester one will be given a refund for semester two; termination during semester two result in no refund of tuition or housing.
Housing – All matters related to housing are to be directed to International Advisor, Heidi Plocher . Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, new international students will live with a host family; 2) returning students will live in student housing which is maintained and run by Michigan Lutheran High School staff. The fee for room and board is listed in the fee section. Amounts due are the same for both host family stays and student housing assignments.
Insurance – All international students must purchase health and liability insurance that is recognized in the United States prior to leaving their home country. International students are required to submit a copy of their insurance coverage in English to Michigan Lutheran High School prior to August 1st, 2014. If you need assistance in choosing a plan, please contact the International Advisor, Heidi Plocher via email: or telephone: 1-269-429-7861, extension 211.
Medication/Medical Treatment – As part of the enrollment packet, parents are to provide: 1) a signed medical treatment authorization form and; 2) a copy of all prescription and non-prescription medications brought by the student (including description and dosage information in English). The document will be finalized and given to the following persons for use when necessary to seek medical treatment: 1) student housing staff, 2) international advisor, 3) school secretary, and 4) local medical providers.
Personal Finances – Private funds are to be available for various expenses as they arise during the school year. ML recommends that students have a credit card or open a local bank account to have personal funds available for such expenses as purchasing lunches at school, entertainment, personal items, clothing, and other costs. Additional expenses include school-sponsored activities (e.g., class trips, dances, sporting events, etc.) and personal spending money ($50-$75 each month). Any questions regarding billing information may be sent to Mrs. Bette Otte or to Mrs. Heidi Plocher .
Travel – Students are responsible for their own travel to and from their home country, and St. Joseph, MI. Please use Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or South Bend Airport (SBN). An exact date for new student orientation will be posted on the International Student calendar. International students may not arrive any sooner than 3 days prior to that date. Students must communicate their arrival information directly to the International Advisor so that appropriate pick up plans can be made. Students should plan to return home within a week of the end of the school year. Students are not allowed to travel independently (regardless of age) in the United States unless the school gives special permission.