International Students
Manitowoc Lutheran High School excels in providing students a versatile education that prepares them for higher education. Our school prioritizes community, inclusion, and friendliness to allow our students every opportunity to grow and achieve MLHS’s high academic standards.
Manitowoc Lutheran High School is equipped with an International Program Director who oversees every international student through coordinating, advising, and teaching the students ESL. Their position acts as a safe haven for international students as they experience American culture in its fullest form.
Student Application Process
We are excited that you are applying to Manitowoc Lutheran High School!
While attending MLHS, international students live with host families in Manitowoc County. The families have been interviewed and approved by MLHS representatives. They are excited to welcome a student into their home and learn about other cultures!
Admission to Manitowoc Lutheran Grades 9 -12 is selective. Not all applicants who apply to the International Program will be admitted. For consideration, applications must be completed thoroughly and accurately.
If you have problems or need direction with this online application, please contact Manitowoc Lutheran’s International Program Director at rruediger@mlhslancers.org.
01.
Fill Out Application
Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION or Fillable PDF Application (download to fill out). Provide recommendations from a Headmaster and an English teacher to aid our admissions and placement decisions. Both recommendations can be found attached on pages 7 & 8 of the PDF.
02.
"Get To Know Me" Quiz
Complete the ONLINE QUIZ or Fillable PDF QUIZ (download to fill out). This provides the school with a detailed understanding of the international student applying.
03.
Official Transcripts
Request an official school transcript of your courses, credits, and grades from the past three (3) years. This is very important to our review process. Please request a copy (in English) to add to your application or have it translated by a certified translation company. A request for transcripts can be found on page 9 of the Fillable PDF Application.
04.
English Testing
Email results of any English Proficiency test (TOEFL Junior, TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, SLEP, Duolingo, PTE, CEFR) to Mrs. Renée Ruediger at rruediger@mlhslancers.org. This Conversion Sheet (An English test helps place a student in the correct ESL courses and provides an indication that the student will have the ability to succeed in the grade he/she is entering. Testing is required for all International students.)
06.
Proof of Ability to Pay
Email a copy of a Bank Statement to Mrs. Renée Ruediger at rruediger@mlhslancers.org. (The bank statement shows the parents’ ability to pay for the first year of a student's education at Manitowoc Lutheran. You will need this information in order to obtain a visa.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Something On Your Mind?
We understand choosing a school for your student is a difficult decision, especially when you are looking at different countries. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you learn more about the International Program and what the responsibilities of international students.
What specific services are provided for international students?
Our International Coordinator 's classroom is always open for international students who may be looking for a place to relax before/after school, or someone to discuss any difficulties with. Below are the services provided for international students
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Coverage for the cost of school dances and sports games
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Bi-monthly international club activities
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$600 worth of cafeteria food (this food may or may not cover a full year of eating, depending on the student)
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A yearbook that covers events from the school year
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Music lessons every semester (so long as the student signs up for them ahead of time)
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A host family to feed, transport, and care for them
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4 group meetings with all international students and host families
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Christian Family Solutions therapy
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Basic insurance coverage
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English Language Learner classes to help students adjust to English
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An advisor to help with classes and questions about the school
What will happen if I don't meet the English Proficiency requirements?
Depending on the score you achieve on Duolingo, IELTIS, TOEFL, or CEFR, you will either be asked to retake the test in a few months, or to apply again the following semester. Exceptions are rarely made to this rule to ensure that all international students have the highest chances of succeeding at our school. Low English proficiency will require another Zoom interview to check the international student's English ability.
What type of visa do I need to study at MLHS?
We accept F1 and J-1 student visas. F-1 visas allow you to come back to MLHS for multiple years, whereas J-1 visas are meant for 1-year international students.
What is the cost of studying at MLHS?
The cost of international tuition at MLHS is subject to change. To receive a specific number, please contact the International Coordinator. Given MLHS bases its international tuition on missionary prospects, conversions can be had with families who cannot pay the full price of tuition, given there is a strong basis for the claim.
Are there scholarships, financial aid, or funding opportunities for international students?
There are occasional scholarships available for international students, but these are held with 3rd party organizations, and may not occur every year.
What are the opportunities for on-campus housing?
There is 1 campus house available for students to be housed in. Given it is a house, and not a dorm, housing is limited to a maximum of 6 students. The campus house may not be fully filled depending on the ability of the campus house leader and the students currently housed on campus.
How can I improve my English language skills before arriving?
If you would like to improve your English language skills before arriving for the school year, please contact the International Coordinator. Additional textbook resources and literature may be provided to help the international student depending on the need and level of the student.
What are the opportunities for social integration and cultural exchange?
International students are encouraged to participate in extracurriculars during the entirety of their time in America. With this, they are expected to come to international events and speak with other international students from other countries. Students are also expected to communicate daily with their host family, teachers, and peers at school
What does the health insurance through MLHS cover?
International student insurance should cover all minor injuries inflicted on an international student during their time in the United States. It does not include an annual check-up and may not fully cover the cost of large-scale accidents or injuries.
Can I bring my family with me?
Any cost of family visiting must be fully covered by the international student's family. There is also no need for the host family to provide housing for any family that visits.
Can international students get jobs?
International students can technically get a job on campus at MLHS. That being said, we have an extremely limited amount of student jobs available, and international students are not guaranteed a job.
Can international students get a driver license in America?
International students can get a driver license in the United States. Given the individual student, it may not be a good idea to get a driver license, since they would then need to get a car. Classes will also cost extra for the student to be eligible to drive in America.