International Students
Birmingham-Southern College welcomes exchange students and full-time international students to its campus. The Offices of International Programs (OIP), Multicultural Affairs, and Admissions work together to ensure that all international students’ needs are met. The OIP advises students who are completing a year-long or semester exchange in Birmingham through one of our international university partnerships.
Our International Exchange Partner Universities:
- Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
- HES Amsterdam School of Business, Netherlands
- Payap University, Thailand
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Hogeschool von Amsterdam (Computer Science and Engineering)
Admission and International Student Information
Visit the Birmingham-Southern College Admission Page for International Students for application materials, documents and contacts. This information is mainly for international students who would like to enroll as a full-time student at BSC and who are not from an affiliated university. Exchange students from partner universities should refer to the international office at their home institution or directly to Anne Ledvina, OIP Associate Director. All international students are encouraged to read the International Student Guide on the above page. In addition, the information below will help you learn about BSC and its student life.
For more information for international students, including travel and an airport shuttle request form, please visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs' International Students page.
Student Life at BSC
What is the “Campus”?
The BSC Campus includes all academic buildings, administrative offices, the library, sports center and fields, student residences, cafeteria, bookstore, Ecoscape gardens, Cellar coffee shop, convenient store, and more. The campus is small enough to walk from one end to another, and most students prefer walking to biking because of the many hills and stairs. Almost all necessities are available on campus. Computer labs are available in most buildings for free use.
Students who live on campus are required to buy a meal plan. Meal plans come in three sizes and can be purchased according to your needs. The money that is used to purchase the meal plan then goes on your campus card and can be used as a debit card at the cafeteria, coffee shop, and convenient store on campus. Students may also put money on their campus card to use at the bookstore. The cafeteria (“caf”) is where most students eat, and it includes a pizza bar, pasta bar, salad bar, “home cooked” meals, a grill, Subway sandwich shop, Kentucky Fried Chicken, a smoothie shop, and more. The newly installed convenient store on the opposite end of campus has snacks, frozen meals, and most other necessities. The bookstore sells books and textbooks, notebooks, gift items, some clothing, and more.
What is the “Honor Code”?
The Honor Code is a promise to uphold student integrity and honesty on campus, and it is taken very seriously at Birmingham Southern College. Upon entering the college, students attend a formal ceremony explaining the value and purpose of the Code. They are then asked to sign a pledge (commitment) to abide by the principles stated in the Honor Code.
The Honor Pledge:
As a member of the student body of Birmingham-Southern College, I realize my responsibility to the traditions of the institution, to my fellow students and to myself. I recognize the significance of the Honor System, and I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal as a member of the Birmingham-Southern College community.
What is “Greek Life”?
Birmingham-Southern College, like most American colleges and universities, houses social groups or clubs called fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women). These clubs are named with Greek letters, such as Chi Omega, and their activities are what make up “Greek Life” on campus. Every fraternity or sorority exists on many campuses around the U.S. A. and therefore are not exclusive to one particular college or university. The majority of students entering BSC join a fraternity or sorority during their first year, even though a growing number of students remain “independent”. While certain aspects of these groups are exclusive to members only, there are many social activities sponsored for all students, Greek or non-Greek. Initiation into a fraternity or sorority follows certain traditions closely, and involves getting acquainted with the different aspects of the sororities or fraternities. New students are then selected by the officers of the group to be initiated. First year members are know as “pledges” and go through processes of recruitment and initiation. Many students enjoy Greek life because it creates a sense of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” within the members, while establishing a firm social network of potential friends. The main functions of fraternities and sororities are organizing social events and service projects, and members often meet in their group houses, called “Fraternity houses” and “Sorority houses”.
What are classes like at BSC?
Depending on where you call home, you may or may not find the interaction between students and professors formal/informal. Discussion is often a very important part of student’s education here at Birmingham Southern. At a liberal arts college, a students’ ability to think critically and question information is critical, even in the presence of the professor. There are some classes that consist primarily of lectures, but most classes at BSC require active student participation and group discussion. Professors encourage students to respectfully question and discuss issues in class. Most professors welcome interaction out of class as well—which may include dinner or simply a study session. Professors often grade students not only on a final exam, but also on mid-term exams, research papers, and presentations.
What is the weather and clothing like?
The weather in Birmingham is typical of the southeastern United States: hot, humid summers, cool/warm falls and springs, and cold winters. In the summer, from May to September, students usually wear light short-sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, and/or sandals. Fall is relatively short, bringing cooler temperatures, and winter comes fairly quickly with cold weather but rarely any snow. Jeans, sweaters, and tennis shoes/boots can be worn with a coat on most days. Dress is routinely casual in the classroom with rare occasions—whether it be religious or formal meetings—where nicer clothing is needed. For more specific information, view the suggested packing list.
What do students do with their free time?
While students at Birmingham Southern stay fairly busy with their studies, there are a variety of ways to spend free time and weekends. Students may go to the Striplin Fitness Center to play basketball, volleyball, racquetball, or ping pong. There is also a track for running, a weight room, and an indoor swimming pool, in addition to different organized classes such as aerobics and yoga. Other popular sporting events are College basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and other on-campus games and competitions. All students may participate in the intramural sport teams, which includes different sports such as ultimate Frisbee, water polo, and flag football.
Students often are active in clubs and/or ongoing service learning projects. Cook part of a dinner for the international food festival, or be a part of the Birmingham AIDS walk. Community Service is an important part of life for many students at BSC, and activities may include working at “Halloween on the Hilltop” (setting up a safe and fun place for local children to celebrate Halloween), serving meals to homeless people in Birmingham, or tutoring in nearby schools.
There are also a number of groups on campus that sponsor movie nights, cultural events, art exhibits, live music, and more. The music building offers access to practice rooms for those who are musically inclined. When students go off campus, they find a variety of activities to entertain themselves in the city of Birmingham, such as state parks, concerts, great restaurants, coffee shops and clubs.