7 Next Steps for International Students

Olympia Campus: 2011 Mottman Rd SW. Olympia, WA 98512

7

NEXT STEPS

to becoming an International student at South Puget Sound Community College

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1. APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA Once you’ve been accepted to SPSCC, you should apply for a U.S. Visa as soon as possible. Visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the student visa process.

2. APPLY FOR HOUSING Apply to SPSCC’s homestay program or begin to find your own housing arrangements.

3. ARRANGE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS 1. Book a flight to Sea-Tac International Airport 2. Complete the SPSCC Arrival Form 3. Arrange airport pickup

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Art Gallery Music Theatre

4. PREPARE FOR LIFE IN THE U.S.

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Center for Student Success Advising Coffee Shop Learning Support Services Library One Stop Start Here Desk Testing

Administration 25 Foundation Human Resources IT Services President's Office Public Relations Security

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Student Union Building ATM Bookstore Clipper Cafe Game Room International Student Services Percival Restaurant Student Life The Bake Shop 31 Gymnasium 34 Dental Clinic

1. Attend EducationUSA pre-departure orientation session in your country 2. Pack your suitcase 3. Bring enough money with you for initial costs

5. PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE Health insurance is required for all international students. Make sure to purchase it before you come or sign-up for SPSCC’s insurance upon arrival.

6. PREPARE FOR YOUR TUITION PAYMENT Tuition is due by the end of the second class day of each quarter for new students. Make sure to be ready to pay it in full when you arrive, or wire transfer the payment before you arrive.

7. A TTEND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION New students are required to attend orientation before they attend classes. Refer to your acceptance letter for your orientation date.

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1. APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA 1. Apply for a U.S. Visa as soon as possible.

www.ice.gov/sevis/students#tab1 2. Follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an interview for your F-1 student visa. Apply for your student visa in advance. We recommend that you make an appointment about 90 days before your travel date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from initial entry.

3. Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. Embassy’s or Consulate’s web site.

2. APPLY FOR HOUSING The homestay program provides students with the experience of living with an American family. The monthly homestay rent is $630, which includes meals, laundry, internet, and a private bedroom. Another option is staying in an apartment, providing students with the freedom to live on their own with average monthly rent from $650-850 a month per person in a shared apartment.

3. ARRANGE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS Before you leave, read the U.S. government’s information about the procedures for entering the United States.

Step 1: Book a flight

Olympia is located 45 minutes from SeaTac aiport (SEA).

Step 2: Arrival information

Complete arrival form two weeks before your flight. spscc.edu/international/arrival-form

Step 3: Airport pickup

4. PREPARE FOR LIFE IN THE U.S. 1. EducationUSA Advising Centers in your country may offer free pre-departure orientation sessions for students attending colleges and universities in the U.S. Learn more:

www.educationusa.state.gov 2. Packing Make sure to pack clothes for every season! Remember to bring a year’s supply of medications, school supplies, and adapter.

3. Money Setting up a bank account may take a few days. Bring cash in U.S. dollars with you to pay initial costs like tuition, housing, and books.

*Please note if you are participating in our homestay program you must pay for a prorated amount of rent when you arrive.

5. PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE International students are required to have health insurance. You will be automatically enrolled in the College’s health insurance plan when you register for classes each quarter. Information can be found at Firebird International Insurance Group www.fiig-insurance.com. You may purchase a health insurance policy from your home country if it meets the minimum requirement and is written in English and U.S. dollars

We are happy to pick students up from the airport free of charge if you have completed the arrival form two weeks in advance.

6. PREPARE FOR YOUR TUITION PAYMENT

Other options available:

Tuition is due by the end of the second class day of each quarter. You can pay for your tuition using a credit/debit card, check, cash, or wire transfer.

If you plan to pay by wire transfer, there is an additional $48 wire transfer fee that must be included with the total amount transferred. You are also required to provide a copy of the transaction receipt from your bank. If you are paying via check or cash, you will go to the One-Stop in Building 22.

Visit spscc.edu/students/calendars for important dates and deadlines.

• Shuttle Service: Capital Aeroporter offers shuttle service for $42.

Arrange for service before you arrive www.capair.com.

• Bus Route: IntercityTransit provides a connected bus route to Olympia. Travel time is over two hours with stops and transfers. www.intercitytransit.com/bus/trip-planner • Car Route: View driving directions to SPSCC from the airport on Google Maps.

Wire Transfer Information Account Name: South Puget Sound Community College US Bank: 402 Capitol Way S Olympia, WA 98501 360 753 9800 SWIFT Code: USBK US44 IMT Account #: 1535 9537 8156

7. A TTEND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION New students are required to attend an orientation and registration session to register for classes at SPSCC. Make sure your arrival date is before the orientation date. You may arrive as soon as 30 days before the start of classes. Please refer to your acceptance letter for your orientation date.

South Puget Sound Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance inquiries: Chief Human Resources Officer, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA, 98512, 360-596-5361. SPSCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access Services Office at 360-596-5457.