Dispatcher International Students Are Welcome!

At Sheffield School of Aeronautics, we welcome people of all different genders, backgrounds, and countries of origin. As the oldest aeronautics school in the country, we have worked with students from around the globe in helping them get their aircraft dispatcher license. In fact, our international students studying aircraft dispatching usually comprise 40-80% of our class roster!

SEVIS

Our aircraft dispatching school is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) approved. SEVIS approved schools allow international students to study in the United States. If you want to be an international dispatcher student in the United States, you must choose a school that is approved by SEVIS.

VISA Information

If you want to be aircraft dispatcher international students, you will need a visa. We recommend beginning the application/I-20 processing at least 3-5 months prior to the start date of your desired aircraft dispatcher coursework. You may want to start the process even earlier if you are from one of the countries listed in the General Visa Information below. This wait period is due to increased security procedures, delayed U.S. Embassy appointments, and M-1 visa issuance delays.

Also, the Department of Homeland Security has instituted an additional fee, paid directly to them, for students applying for an M-1 (student) visa. This fee is on top of the $300 I-20 processing fee paid to Sheffield. If you are looking for more detailed information on the visa process for dispatcher international students, you can visit the sites below.

  1. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov (Study in the States)
  2. http://www.fmjfee.com (To pay the SEVIS I-901 fee)
  3. I-901 form (includes specific instructions) (pdf file)

It is also important to note that TWO forms of photo identification are required with BOTH IDs showing full names that match exactly for all classes.

Certificate Conversion for International Aircraft Dispatching Students

There are not really any “conversion” courses to become an aircraft dispatcher within the USA, but there is additional certification.

You can qualify for a reduced residency hours course by referring to our flight dispatcher training and reading the prerequisites for either the 3-week, 2-week, or 1-week residency courses. These shorter residency courses require strict ADX and online course completion prerequisites to be met beforehand. Our 5-week (full residency & most popular) course DOES NOT have any strict prerequisites, but still presents a challenge.

Can International Students Be a Pilot or Aircraft Dispatch?

If you’re researching aviation schools for international students, know that students from other countries can indeed pursue a career as pilots and dispatchers in the United States. However, some requirements must be fulfilled. The first step is to obtain an appropriate visa, typically an M-1 or F-1 visa for vocational or academic training. These visas allow international students to enroll in flight training programs at FAA-approved flight schools. International students must also meet language proficiency requirements, as English is the primary language of aviation communication. They are required to demonstrate fluency in English through standardized tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Effective communication is key to doing well in aircraft dispatch, and employers will be looking to see how well a candidate can communicate with pilots and other staff. 

Can International Students Study Aviation in the United States Without a Visa?

As an internationally recognized in-person and online dispatcher school, we understand that getting visas and proper paperwork is not an easy task sometimes. However, international students seeking to study aviation in the United States typically require a visa to do so legally. The most common visa types for this purpose are the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 visa is designed for students pursuing academic programs at universities, while the M-1 visa is tailored for those enrolling in vocational or non-academic training programs, including flight training. If you would like to study at an aviation school for international students like ours, these visas may be required.

Which Country Is the Best for Aviation Education?

 

The United States stands as one of the preeminent choices for aviation education worldwide, and there are several compelling reasons for this distinction. As an expert flight dispatcher school, we can attest to the excellence of the aviation education system in the U.S. Firstly, the U.S. boasts a vast network of prestigious flight training institutions and universities with a rich aviation heritage. These schools offer comprehensive programs that cover a wide spectrum of aviation-related disciplines, from pilot training to air traffic control, aviation management, and flight dispatch. With an education from these schools, students will be well on their way to successful aircraft dispatcher careers. Lastly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), renowned for its rigorous standards and global recognition, sets the gold standard for aviation safety and regulation. Aviation students in the U.S. benefit from an education system deeply rooted in the highest safety and operational practices.

 

At Sheffield, we could say that we are one of the most experienced aviation schools in the county, and one that offers a wide range of services. These include our range of courses. Some of the most relevant are listed below: 

Which Is the Cheapest Country to Study Aviation?

Countries like the Philippines, India, and some Eastern European nations often offer aviation programs at a lower cost compared to Western nations. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and thoroughly research the quality and reputation of the aviation programs in these regions. Low tuition costs may sometimes come with trade-offs in terms of training quality, infrastructure, or regulatory adherence.


More About Sheffield School of Aeronautics

Sheffield School of Aeronautics is an experienced learning institution where students prepare for their next flight dispatcher jobs. To learn how you could leverage an aviation school for international students, do not hesitate to contact us today. 

Related Readings

What Does an Aircraft Dispatcher Do?

BEWARE: Warnings to International Students Studying Aircraft Dispatching

Please note that according to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), it is NOT LEGAL for a successful graduate of aircraft dispatcher training to receive final certification (the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate under FAR Part 65) via practical examination testing OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A.

There are ZERO permitted exemptions (including Part 142) to this rule no matter what you’ve been told by certain course operators running training classes outside of the U.S.A. We have seen how this situation has resulted in more than a few licenses being SUSPENSED, SURRENDERED, or REVOKED in the past. Operations were also suspended at more than one “internationally-based aircraft dispatcher training school” once the proper FAA authorities were alerted. Luckily as an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, students are able to take the test at our facility.

Part 65 Dispatch Certification in Spanish and Other Languages

Do not be deceived. People try to take advantage of dispatcher international students. Do not pay for a soon-to-be-revoked certificate. The law mandates that the test must be in English. Do not pay 2 tuition amounts and attend 2 courses on 2 different continents for 1 legal certificate. Do not believe the “schools” that have been in business for less than a decade. Instead you can trust our aircraft dispatcher school that has been in business for six decades and have been helping dispatcher international students like you. We will gladly provide you with FAA references; just call or email us.

Examples of Scammed Students

All too often students are led in the wrong direction and deceived. You can see some specific examples of these instances below.

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:19:26 -0700 (PDT)

To: morris@sheffield.com

Subject: aircraft dispatcher license conversion and ETOPS

hi mr morris,

I am licensed aircraft dispatcher having license from civil aviation Pakistan. I am residing in (Middle East) and working in xxxxxxx airlines in ground operation. I wanted to convert my license from FAA and ETOPs certification as xxxxxxx airlines flight operations department is giving preference to those dispatchers who are holding FAA license and especially from your school. please guide me, how can I convert my license and what will be the minimum cost (tuition + boarding and lodging fees) and how many days classroom training I require?

best regards, S.Z.

Based on the following type of email, which we recently received from this unlucky person, being SEVIS-approved may be meaningless at some schools:

From: p——-@xxxxxx.–>

Date: Sun, 02 Sep 2007 10:18:34

Subject: URGENT URGENT APPLICATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am —– —— from xxxx working for xxxx Air and recently (sic) I got promoted to Flight Operations department and I am getting my new salary after I complete my FAA Dispatch License. I had registered with (a school in Texas) and after all admission process I have already Obtained My Leave from the company & USA M1 VISA, Transit Visa for UK and Tickets to DFW with me. But suddenly they cancelled the class and I am in a trouble. I have leave from 19SEP2007 to 02NOV2007 and I need to Enroll with your any of the Courses going on these days. Even the 4 Weeks expressed (sic) course is alright since I work for Operations. Please Reply Me Immediately (sic) and I am willing to Pay your Fees Now even, and I need Accommodation as well.

Please find out and reply (to) me fast…

THANKS

Another “school” called us years ago to send us an international student. Why? Turns out they did not want to run a 1-person class. They called 2 days before their class start date when the student was already in the USA. With Sheffield School of Aeronautics, you do not need to worry about this happening to you. We have never cancelled a certification course.

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  • Testimonials

    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
    “I am so glad they are like this because it made me a better dispatcher and I really appreciate their high standards. I would highly recommend Sheffield to anyone who is willing to study hard and is serious about obtaining a Dispatcher Certificate.” MC MC
    “If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill P.Hill – DHL
    “I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT PT
    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “I entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ – Student Testimonial
    “While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O. Sidebar K.O.
    “Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
    “Sheffield School of Aeronautics is known worldwide for its quality training and has been recommended to me by our national airline Swiss International Airlines. Whenever I mention the name ‘Sheffield’ it rings a bell in people’s ears.” IW IW
    ” I have received 4 (job) offers…many of the interviews I have gotten have been because of my “pedigree”…going to Sheffield. I am amazed at the respect your school has….I am honored to be a graduate. Thank you for all the work you ..!”  Testimonial – J. Ganci
    “I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RW RW
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z. Sidebar TZ
    “As a graduate of Sheffield School of Aeronautics I am a firm believer that I received the most thorough and well thought out aircraft dispatcher training available. I owe my position in the industry to Sheffield School of Aeronautics.” BF Sidebar BF
    “These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WG sidebar wg
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