International Student Athletes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are international students welcomed at Wichita State University and on the bowling team?
Q: Can I just come to Wichita State to train in the sport of bowling and not be a college student?
Q: What procedure should I follow in order ro apply to Wichita State as an International Students?
Q: When do I need to contact the Bowling Program?
Q: Do I need a VISA to come to Wichita State?
Q: Do I need to apply in person?
Q: Do I need to visit Wichita State prior to bowling tryouts?
Q: What are the TOEFL requirements?
Q: Can I be on the team while studying in the Intensive English Program?
Q: Can I apply for any scholarships?
Q: Can I travel to international competitions while on the team?
Q: Are international students welcomed at Wichita State University and on the bowling team?
Absolutely. Wichita State has a very large International community. There are approximately 1,700 students who are citizens of another country, around 1,200 of them are on non-immigration visas. As stated in the International Students web page, Wichita State has the 12th largest number of international students at a doctoral school in the U.S.
The bowling program welcomes international students as well. Many past and present players have come from all over the world, many of which were on their country's national team. Some of these countries include; Colombia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and many more.
Q: Can I just come to Wichita State to train in the sport of bowling and not be a college student?
No, the Wichita State Bowling Program is only intended for those bowlers who wish to pursue a degree at this university. In order to compete in college bowling a person has to be enrolled as a full-time student, which means the student has to be registered in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Q: What procedure should I follow in order to apply to Wichita State as an international sudent?
The first thing to do is to fill out online application and send the $50 application fee. The next step will be to send your offiicial transcripts, as well as the TOEFL scores. If you have studied at any other college before, you should also send those transcripts, if they are not in English, you must send an official translation with them. After you have sent all the information, the International Education Office will keep you informed about the status of your application. For more information you can go to: https://www.wichita.edu/thisis/admissions/international.asp
Q: When do I need to contact the bowling program?
You can contact the bowling program at any time during your application process; however, the bowling program will not be able to review your application information until you have been accepted by the university.
Q: Do I need a VISA to come to Wichita State?
Some students from different countries need a VISA to come to the United States. Before applying for it, you need to be accepted into a program. Keep in mind that this process takes some time; prepare your application so that you will receive your I-20 on time in order to get into the country. For more information about specific countries go to: https://www.wichita.edu/thisis/admissions/international.asp
Q: Do I need to apply in person?
No, all of the application process can be done over the internet, as well as by regular mail.
Q: Do I need to visit Wichita State prior to bowling tryouts?
No, this is not a requirement. However, some international students visit our campus prior to tryouts to learn about the Shocker program and campus life in general.
Q: What are the TOEFL requirements?
The TOEFL requirements can be found at: https://www.wichita.edu/thisis/admissions/international.asp
Q: If I'm studying in the Intensive English program, and therefore not able to try out for the bowling team, how can I improve my bowling during this time?
Wichita has a very large bowling community that will give you access to a variety of resources. First of all, there is a very large list of leagues in which bowlers can participate. Many of these leagues are on different lane patterns which will help you become a more experienced player. Second, the WSU's bowling center, which is located in the Rec Center (lower level, Rhatigan Student Center), offers you the option of bowling practice for the whole year for only $275. With this fee, you have the oppurtunity to practice every time there are lanes available. Finally, if you obtain the coach's approval, you may be allowed to attend some of the bowling program's elite level 'Educational Sessions' that are scheduled throughout the year. Taking advantage of the available resources is strongly encouraged. Not only will you become a more experienced player, but it will help you be prepared for the tryout process.
Q: Can I be on the team while studying in the Intensive English Program?
No. In order to be on the team, you have to be a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program. Intensive English is the first step for students who need to work on their English skills. While in the Intensive English program, students have the opportunity to learn more about the Shocker Bowling program, as well as time to practice and get ready for tryouts. However, until they are accepted into a graduate or undergraduate program, and their scores in the TOEFL have been received, they cannot participate in tryouts.
Q: Can I apply for any scholarships?
Yes, International students can apply for all the scholarships available as long as they are not federal funded.
Q: Can I travel to international competitions while on the team?
Absolutely. We encourage our athletes to compete as much as they can. The only thing that we ask of our selected team members is that they communicate with not only their college professors, but also the coaching staff. The coaches need a minimum of two weeks of prior notice from the athlete, in writing, before permission can be given for missing any scheduled bowling team activities.