International and Domestic Residential Temporary Policy Changes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The full year SEM residential tuition including room and board is $55,450 without fees.

Delayed or Late Arrival:

We anticipate there may be complications with travel and visas for fall 2020. As long as the enrolled student is in communication with the SEM Admission and Academic teams, we will create either a distance learning plan for late arrival or accept deferred enrollment for January 2021.

SEM is offering a temporary refund policy for both new and re-enrolling international boarding students who are unable to begin their studies in the US due to visa delays related to COVID-19 and who will arrive after the formal start of the school year.

We ask that the student notify school no later than August 21 if they are unable to arrive on time. Please note that students receiving a SEM diploma are encouraged to report to campus in a timely manner for classes in person, once the travel ban is lifted or the necessary visa acquired.

Late arrival students must be engaged in distance learning to receive a room/board adjustment for the period they are not on campus.

• Our core curriculum and certain arts and electives will be available to our students via distance learning. These courses are accredited by SEM and will count toward our graduation requirements, as well as be transferable to any school which will accept and give credit for them.
• Academic advisors are assigned to each student at SEM. Advisors work with the academic team will ensure the most beneficial classes and schedule are created for each student.
• Courses are taught by SEM teachers in a classroom setting and are both synchronous and asynchronous.
• Current distance learning tools are through Zoom, Google, the student portal, OneNote, ebooks, etc. As the current situation evolves we may alter the platforms to ensure access to all students.  

• The following English tests will be accepted: TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., ITEP, IELTS, and Duolingo. We will also accept results of the SSAT or US PSAT or SAT. Personal interviews using Skype, WeChat or WhatsApp will still be required.
• If a student is currently studying at an English speaking school or an international school taking multiple classes in English, English proficiency can be determined during the personal interview and testing can be waived.

SEVIS is permitting the electronic signing of I-20s and the emailing of them directly to students.  Both Ms. Munson and Mrs. Stothart tried to sign the I-20s of those students who left campus early to return home.  Although the signature should be valid for a period of 12 months, some of our F-1 students may need to update the signature on their I-20 before returning to campus.  If you have concerns re: the signature on your I-20, please contact Ms. Munson, Director of Admission and Enrollment (lmunson@buffaloseminary.org), and she will make arrangements to sign and send your I-20 directly to your via email.

Congratulations! Please contact Ms. Munson (lmunson@buffaloseminary.org) before the end of third trimester, and she will transfer your SEVIS record to your next school. Some colleges and universities require completion of a “Transfer In” form, which Ms. Munson can also help with.

According to SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) once the COVD-19 emergency is over, normal operations at school have resumed, and travel restrictions are lifted, enrolled students should seek to return to the United States within 30 days of the next available session start date. 

It is likely residences will remain open during the summer or we will arrange for homestays. Please inquire if you are interested.