The International Family’s Guide to IMG Academies

Welcome to IMG ACADEMIES - a global  experience! IMG Academies is committed to providing all students, regardless of nationality, with the appropriate help to transition to an American boarding school system – from initial inquiry all the way up through graduation.  We provide internet and print resources for our international students and visitors to guide them through the immigration process,  prepare them for arrival,  and have specialists on campus to advocate for our international student’s needs.  

Please use this website to find out answers to visa questions, English language requirements, the application process for international students, and more! 

Where are our participants from?

In 2011, we welcomed 430 students from the following countries:

Which Visa Should I Choose?

If you are going to be enrolled in a sports-only program, or will be enrolled in any type of camp, you should choose a tourist visa. 

If you are going to be enrolled in any type of academic full-time program and will be attending a school, you should choose a student visa. 

If you are the parent of a participant,  you should choose a tourist visa.

Please see the appropriate visa webpages for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak English fluently in order to be accepted? 

International student athletes do not need to speak English fluently.  However,  we do expect students to have a basic proficiency level in order to participate in the classroom, particularly in high school.   English ability will not affect your acceptance, but IMG Pendleton reserves the right to mandate Intensive English instruction before beginning your high school here.  (Please see “English Language Requirements” for more information.) 

Do you offer English as a Second Language support?

IMG Pendleton has several levels of ESL support, beginning with an Intensive English Program.   Students whose English is not sufficient enough to succeed at the Middle or High School level will be enrolled in at least one semester of Intensive English.  After this intensive program,  students are placed into the English Language Learners program,  a set of classes designed for international  students, allowing them to continue to earn credit towards their graduation.   

We also offer parents and siblings the opportunity to take part-time courses or private lessons. 

Do I need a student visa? 

Academic programs at the IMG Pendleton School are considered full-time study by the US Government and you will either need to obtain a student (F-1) visa or check the status of your current visa.  Certain categories of visa holders are eligible to enroll, as well as certain dependents (spouse or children) of visa holders. 

How do I get a student visa?

IMG Pendleton will provide you with the documents needed to present at the Embassy.  It is up to you to make an appointment and appear for an interview.  Please allow several weeks for the Embassy process. We are always happy to provide guidance and basic instructions; however we are unable to provide legal advice or assist with change of visa status requests.   

Is the student visa process overwhelming?

The visa process can be slow but is not intimidating.   Once you are accepted to the school,  you will be provided with visa advice and customized Embassy resources.  We take pride in helping our students have as comfortable a visa application process as possible.   Trained International Advisors are available to answer your questions or concerns. 

Are TOEFL results required in my application?

TOEFL results are not currently required in order for you to be accepted at IMG Pendleton.   If you do have TOEFL results or other English exam results,  you are welcome to submit them as proof of English proficiency. 

What if my child is homesick or has culture shock?

The IMG Pendleton School and IMG Academies work with residence life, sports, and school staff to ensure our international students are welcome and feel comfortable.   We coordinate with parents and teachers to ensure that our student-athletes feel supported and receive any help they need to adjust to American life. 

How many international students attend IMG? Will my child be the only student from _____________?

Over half of our students come from international backgrounds.   Our student-athletes make friends with youth from all over the USA and all over the world.   

Are other languages spoken on campus?

Many staff members are fluent in second or third languages.  We are generally able to find someone to help with translation.   We also offer foreign languages for credit at the High School level.  

Are children able to sponsor their parents’ visa?

Parents of a student are not able to use their child’s visa to enter the USA.   Parents must enter either on a tourist visa, the Visa Waiver Program,  or enroll in their own academic program.    Parents are encouraged to contact one of the International Advisors at IMG to talk about the tourist visa application process. 

If I’m in 10th grade in my home country, will I be in 10th grade at IMG Pendleton? 

Usually but not necessarily.  Your classes and grades will be evaluated by a professional credentials company. Since many countries have different education systems,  the grades or class level may not correlate. American high schools count credits (number of classes taken) rather than the grade level you are in. We will work with you to determine how many classes you still need,  by Florida law,  in order to graduate from the high school. (Please see “International Qualifications / Credit Transfers” for more information.)