Massage School: International Students

International Student Profile: Emi Inoue - Osaka, Japan

My name is Emi Inoue and I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan.  After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design in Sydney, Australia I was working in front of a computer screen all day in Tokyo which was less than fulfilling.

Knowing that I have a spirit for international adventure, I decided to begin my search for an alternative career in an industry that has a focus of helping and nurturing people.  I found National Holistic Institute through an internet search and arranged to visit the campus.  I was so impressed by the tour and my many discussions with the faculty and staff I decided that NHI was the school for me.

As a participant in NHI’s International Student Program I received my student visa and started school in January of 2008.  I expect to graduate with Letters of Excellence in December, 2008.  Since arriving I have found the curriculum to be even more comprehensive than I could have expected and have greatly enjoyed my experience.

I intend to return to Japan after graduation and am looking forward to combining my massage practice with the graphic design.  It will be nice to be able to bring some balance into my life and I am thrilled to have this experience at NHI!

NHI can issue I-20 documents for M-1 student visas

Here at NHI, we believe that the healing touch of massage can be universal. Our school welcomes students from across the nation as well as around the world. We are authorized to accept international students and can issue I-20 documents for M-1 student visas. Come and experience massage therapy education with us: Put your hands in ours.

Where can international students attend? We are currently approved to accept international students at our Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area) and Encino (Los Angeles County) campuses. These areas offer a wealth of potential places to see and things to do.

• Things to do In the San Francisco Bay Area
  • Walk around North Beach, Chinatown, or Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Explore the amusement and water parks, including California’s Great America, Raging Waters, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom  
  • Tour historical sites, such as Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House, the Winchester Mystery House, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, or the U.S.S. Hornet
  • Visit the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine and resort areas
  • Drive to the coastal areas: Santa Cruz, Pescadero, Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur
• Things to do In Los Angeles County
  • See a performance at the Hollywood Bowl
  • Take in a museum, including the Sherman Oaks Galleria, Museum of Tolerance, or the Griffith Observatory
  • Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Shop at the 3rd Street Promenade or Rodeo Drive
  • Experience a theme park, amusement park, or water park: Universal Studios, Disneyland Resort, Knotts Berry Farm, Raging Waters, Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Get some sun at the beach! Choices include Venice, Malibu, and Zuma, among many others

"At the National Holistic Institute, we are fortunate to host a diverse student population which encompasses the nation as well as the globe. We welcome and value your participation in our program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have; I look forward to helping you."

Beth Fisher
National and International Admissions Coordinator

How do I qualify for an M-1 visa?

• Contact our International Student Department to apply and enroll in the National Holistic Institute. Please email fisherb@nhi.edu for further information.
• Once enrolled, we can issue you an I-20 form so you can apply for an M-1 student visa from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• Apply for your M-1 student visa.  To apply, you will need to:
• Pay a $100 SEVIS fee (I-901) through the US Immigration and Customs web site. The site is available at http://www.fmjfee.com.  Keep the receipt—you’ll need it for your visa interview.
• Schedule a visa appointment with your embassy. At your appointment, you’ll need the following:
• A passport
• A 2 x 2 inch photograph
• Financial evidence showing you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire course of study. This can take the form of a bank statement or a letter from a sponsor.
• Consult the http://www.ice.gov website for further requirements
• Once you are approved for AND receive your M-1 visa, please contact your DSO visa email or phone.
• Arrive in the United States to study no more than 30 days before your class is scheduled to start. Carry your I-20 and passport with you, since both will be checked when you come to a port of entry.  Please note that I-20 documentation may only be provided for the time in which you are registered in school.
• Report to your DSO no more than 30 days before you are scheduled to start classes, so we he/she can “activate” your record in the SEVIS system.