Hofstra University (International Student Information) - Overview
Private University with International Distinction
Hofstra University is the largest private college on Long Island, New York. Located in the village of Hempstead, just 25 miles from New York City, Hofstra holds national and international academic and intellectual distinction.
Undergraduate students may choose from more than 2,145 courses in about 140 programs. Advanced degrees are available from about 150 distinguished graduate degree options. Among the most popular Hofstra schools are the nationally recognized Hofstra Law School and the Frank G. Zarb School of Business.
The school regularly hosts leading intellectuals, artists, opinion makers, and political leaders for special on-campus events and academic conferences, including the third and final presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain in 2008.
The Hofstra Experience
The distinctive 240-acre campus features state-of-the art teaching facilities, including a newly integrated newsroom, a radio station, and multimedia classrooms; 6 theaters; and a rooftop observatory.
There are 37 residence halls and 21 dining facilities on campus and a variety of housing options just off campus. The campus is also a registered arboretum and bird sanctuary.
Students enjoy a variety of cross-cultural opportunities at Hofstra University. Each year, more than 500 cultural programs and events take place on campus, including Hofstra's annual Shakespeare festival, held in its replica of the Globe Theatre.
The university's location on Long Island affords easy access to the world-class cultural and career opportunities in the New York City metropolitan area.
Extensive Support for International Students
The Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs (OMISP) provides leadership for all international student-related issues and additional services that international students and their families find helpful.
Services include immigration counseling, admissions procedures, pre-arrival support, orientation, housing and health insurance information, and applications for optional practical and curricular training, economic work necessity, program extensions, international student insurance, and visa renewals.
OMISP actively develops an inclusive, multicultural, and globally aware campus that embraces and appreciates diversity within the Hofstra community. Students attending Hofstra come from 49 U.S. states and territories and 71 countries.
Award-Winning Faculty
Hofstra University has 1,180 faculty members, of which 544 are full-time. Most full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. Hofstra faculty members have earned some of the nation's highest honors, including the Emmy Award , Fulbright Scholar, and Guggenheim Fellowship.
Notable past and present faculty include Herbert A. Deutsch, composer and original collaborator in 1964 with Hofstra alum Robert A. Moog on the development of the first Moog Synthesizer; Dr. Paul Levinson, author of "The Plot to Save Socrates," and Dr. Robert A. Leonard, Fulbright fellow, noted linguist of Swahili; one of four main translators in the United States, co-founder and one time lead singer of the sixties group Sha Na Na.
Top College Sports Plus Recreation and Intramural Opportunities
The university is home to 17 intercollegiate sports that compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The Department of Recreation and Intramurals offers a wide variety of sports, fitness programs, and recreational facilities for all Hofstra students.
Every student's level of play and interest -- whether sports, leisure, or fitness -- is accommodated in state-of-the-art facilities, including an Olympic-size swimming pool, an indoor track, an aerobics room, weight and cardiovascular facilities, and large lounge and locker rooms.