Student Visas and Language Policy

International Students

Please indicate the need for an I-20/M-1 Visa and submit your completed application, including a copy of your passport ID page and TOEFL scores, no later than 60 days prior to the class start date.

Visas for Foreign Students

The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® is an approved school by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services for attendance by non-immigrating international students. Upon acceptance to the training, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute will provide you with an I-20/M-1 form. Students applying for visas must submit verification of funds sufficient to cover tuition and expenses. Please note: There will be an extra fee for expedited delivery of visa documents.

Language Policy

Applicants who wish to enroll in the Rolfing® Certification Training Program at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® must be proficient in the English language, which includes the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English prior to enrollment.

English is the language of instruction. The Rolf Institute recognizes that students’ success in our training programs depends on the ability to be proficient in English in order to participate and be successful in the Rolfing training learning process. One of the objectives of each program is to enhance students’ communication skills with the instructor, classmates, clients, and the general public.

If English is not the primary language, students are required to show proof they have taken and met ONE of the following standards for admission into our program:

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least
    1. 475 on the paper/pencil exam,
    2. 153 on the computer-based exam, or
    3. 53 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT);
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher;
  3. Other approved exceptions (i.e. Completion of English-as-a-Second-Language programs).

The Rolf Institute does not offer English-as-a-Second Language instruction nor provide any English language services. If scores are below these thresholds, or if the instructor determines that a student’s language skills are not adequate, they are required to hire an interpreter at their own expense or be asked to leave the program until their skill level is improved.