All new international students, regardless of their VISA status, are required to complete a clearance process with the Coordinator of ICC prior to registration. To clear your record for registration, you will need to present your passport and immigration documents, satisfy Shenandoah University insurance requirements, and complete several forms required by the University. USCIS (immigration) requires the Coordinator of ICC to keep copies of your immigration documents in our files and to record your address. Please bring your passport, visa, I-20 Form or DS-2019 Form to our office as soon as you arrive on campus.
IN PREPARING TO COME TO SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY
The four most important steps that you must complete to facilitate your
transition are:
STEP ONE
The actual forms that the U.S. Consulate will require; the process to follow; and VISA fees which will be incurred, vary considerably from country to country. You will probably need to demonstrate the following:
•That you intend to go to the U.S. for the purpose of study at the school
whose SEVIS I-20 Form you use to obtain a VISA
•That you have sufficient funds (money) to cover all the costs of your
study in the U.S.
•That you intend to return to your home country when your studies are
completed.
It is best to enter the United States with an F-1 Student VISA. It is very difficult to change from a different VISA category to F-1 student status once you are in the U.S.
ENTERING THE UNITED STATES: IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS
With the proper VISA, you should have no problems entering the US to study.
However, here are a few issues to be aware of:
1. At your first place of entry into the United States, you will need to show the United States Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Service Officer (USCIS Agent) the same documents that you presented at the U.S. Consulate Office (in your country) when obtaining your VISA. Be sure that you obtain the Form I-94 and page 3 of the I-20 form with the U.S. Immigration stamp on the top, right comer.
2. Please note that since you will not be able to get your luggage until after you have gone through U.S. Immigration, be sure you have your passport and I-20 Form on your person. If you pack these documents in your luggage, you will not have them when you need to enter the US. It is also a good idea to have copies of your financial documents (photocopies will be OK at this point) in case Immigration has any questions.
3. The Immigration officer may ask a few questions to determine that you are actually entering the U.S. to attend Shenandoah University. Do not be intimidated by the questions--just answer them honestly. As long as you have followed the correct procedures at the consulate where you obtained your VISA, you should have no problems.
4. You are allowed to bring your personal items into the U.S. without any problems. If you are bringing over $10,000 of money in any form (such as cash or bank draft) this must be declared to the U.S. Customs Service. You will not be charged any fee to bring in the funds, but you are required to declare the amount.
5. Also, be aware that most types of food cannot be brought into the U.S. without a license. If you have questions about what you can and cannot bring with you, ask for information at the U.S. Consulate when you apply for your VISA.
6. Special Information for Students from Canada and the Bahamas: You do not need to obtain a VISA prior to applying for entry into the United States. You should insure that you have the necessary information that the US Immigration Service "may require." You will need to show your I-20 Form at the border and proof of your finances. Be sure to have both items with you when you attempt to enter this country or you may be denied admission.
Make sure that the Immigration officer gives you an I-94 card and returns your I-20 to you. Check to see that both are stamped F-1.
Airport Information
A driver from AES Limousine Service can meet you at any one of the three
three Washington, DC area airports: Dulles International Airport (IAD),
Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), or Baltimore-Washington International
Airport (BWI). Dulles International Airport is definitely the most convenient
of the three airports. National and BWI airports are about a 2 hour drive
to our campus depending on traffic.
The Limousine Service fee is also much less from Dulles
than the other two airports. If you have made arrangements to be picked
up by AES, the person meeting you will be at the International Arrival area
for Dulles and BWI airports or at the baggage claim area for National Airport.
If you have a problem making contact with the person meeting you, call AES
at 1.800.832.6561 or 540.667.8303.
If you already cleared U.S. Customs and Immigration at a different airport
in the USA before arriving at the Washington, DC. area airport, the AES
driver will meet you at the baggage claim area for your flight.
Hotel Information
If you come to Shenandoah prior to the August 16th or 17th arrival date,
you will be expected to stay at a local motel. Check out this link to find
contact information for local hotels.
http://www.su.edu/university_info/hotels.asp
ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS
When you arrive at the Shenandoah University campus, immediately report
to the Director of the International Cross-Cultural Center on the first
floor of Cooley Hall. If you are arriving in the evening or on weekends,
contact the Office of Campus Safety at (540) 678-4444 or visit their office
located in Armstrong Hall.
STEP 2
HOUSING INFORMATION
On-Campus Housing
International
students who are more than 21 years old may choose to live on campus in university
residence halls, or live off-campus in an apartment or house. Students under
21 years
of age are expected to live in University housing for at least one year. For
more information check out this link to Residence Life
http://www.su.edu/studaffs/reslife/housingapp/app05.asp
If you require additional information contact Residence Life by emailing msnead@su.edu or telephoning: (540) 665-4611 Fax: (540) 665-1289
Off-Campus Housing
All international students are encouraged to live on campus at least for
their first semester. It can be difficult to find an apartment off-campus.
In addition, all apartments are unfurnished. For more information on local
apartments check out http://www.su.edu/parents/pp6.asp
Transportation
Most Americans do not rely on public transportation to get around. While bus
service in Winchester is clean and efficient, buses do not run very frequently.
If you are going to rely on public transportation, it will take up a lot of
your time. Most students living in the vicinity of campus find it useful to
buy a bike to travel short distances. Most students get around in cars. The
price and quality of used cars vary greatly from as low as $600-$800 up to thousands
of dollars. In addition to the cost of the car and gas, you will be required
to purchase an auto insurance policy.
Money/Banking
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you or keeping it at your residence.
We recommend you deposit your money in a bank. The International Cross-Cultural
Center staff will assist you in opening a bank account during orientation.
Currency/Foreign Exchange
It is recommended you bring sufficient cash or traveler's checks with you to
cover your first month's expenses (see estimated expenses below.) Traveler's
checks in U.S. dollars are the most convenient and safest form of currency since
only a few banks in the Winchester area have foreign currency departments. It
may take several days for them to exchange money.
Estimated Expenses
The amount of financial support you were required to document to receive your
I-20 form is a realistic assessment of the cost of living in the United States.
You may find that your initial expenses are very high, and you should be sure
to bring sufficient funds to cover the costs of getting settled.
The following estimates are a guide to some of the expenses you may incur at the beginning of your first semester:
•Temporary housing accommodations and meals
before checking in to University housing or finding an apartment off campus
(Based on 10 days for temporary accommodations) $400-$500
•International Orientation estimated- $200-240
Undergraduate full-time tuition: $9,545/semester
Undergraduate part-time tuition: $610/credit
Graduate: $610/credit
Graduate Health Professions tuition varies by
program. The average cost is $9,545/semester
•Room and Board:
21 Meals per week $3,545/semester
15 Meals per week $3,335/semester
•Health Insurance $1000/year
•Apartment off-campus rent approximately $450-700/month
•Books $300-800/semester (This varies greatly depending on your major.)
•Residence Hall Damage Deposit $50 (one time charge)
• Student Activities Fee: $75 per semester
• Technology Fee for Laptop Program: $600 per semester (depending
on major)
For a complete list of university fees go to http://www.su.edu/student_accounts/schedule.asp
Tuition Payment
The Business Office accepts cash, personal checks, travelers' checks, and credit
cards (Visa and Master Card) for tuition payment.
STEP 3
HEALTH INSURANCE AND RECORDS
All students are required to submit a completed health form complete with
insurance information to the Wilkins Wellness Center. You can obtain
the Physical Exam/Insurance form online @
file:///H:/Dept/STUDAFFS/Website/wellness/health
form.pdf. All students are required to have insurance
when they arrive on campus. You can enroll in the the health insurance
plan provided by Academic Risk Management, Inc. or @
http://www.academichealthplans.com/su.
at a cost of $990.00 per year (rate subject to change).
If you purchase other insurance, the company MUST provide verification in English and the coverage must be equal or greater than the coverage provided by Academic Health Plans.
Wilkins Wellness Center
The Wilkins Wellness Center provides medical services to students. Medical care
will be available by appointment 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, to treat medical
problems or provide referrals to outside specialists if necessary. All students
are urged to bring their medical records with them to ensure the most efficient
and appropriate treatment.
Immunization
The Laws of Virginia require that all students provide proof of the following
immunizations: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, PDD (TB
Screening or chest X-ray). Hepatitis B is strongly recommended. If you have
not already received these immunizations, it is necessary for you to do so before
leaving your country as the cost of this service can be high in the United States.
You must have documented proof that you have complied with these requirements.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Wilkins Wellness Center directly
by Email: punderwo@su.edu,Telephone (540)
665-4530 or fax (540) 665-5576.
Medicines
If you suffer from any chronic condition that requires medication, you are advised
to bring sufficient supplies with you. Most strong medications in this country
require a doctor's prescription and cannot be purchased at a drug store without
a physician's authorization. In addition, the cost of drugs may be considerably
higher in the United States.
STEP 4
ORIENTATION
International students who have been accepted and will start attending SU in August of 2006 should arrive on Wednesday 16th, or Thursday 17th. International student orientation begins 9:a.m. on Friday, August 18. Plan to meet at the office of the Director of ICC.
Orientation and Advising
To help ensure your success as a student at Shenandoah, we offer a special
SU QUEST: International Student Orientation program at the beginning of
each term.
Topics Included in Orientation
•Adjusting to study in a new language & culture
•Legal rights and responsibilities of students
•Student led discussions of campus life
•Introduction to campus services and programs
•Academic planning for success
•Tours of the campus and city of Winchester
•Opening bank accounts
• Institutional TOEFL test (a fee does apply)
•Social activities
What to Bring
With the limits on the amount of luggage you can transport on international
flights, you will need to carefully choose the items you bring with you. Here
are some guidelines:
•Climate: During the academic year, you will experience all aspects of
the Winchester climate and will need appropriate clothing for each season. If
you are coming from a country that does not have such a wide range of climatic
conditions, you may find it easier to purchase seasonal clothing once you arrive.
There are a number of locations close to the University where reasonably priced
clothing can be purchased.
•Dress: Dress for class is generally very casual with an emphasis on
comfort. Remember, buildings will be air-conditioned in the summer and heated
in the winter, so you will need to dress for both outside and inside temperatures.
Shenandoah has a very large and active international community so you are encouraged
to bring your national costume with you as there are a number of occasions when
you may wish to wear clothing that reflects your culture and heritage.
•Personal Documents: Remember to bring all personal documents including
your driver’s license, medical records, academic records, employment recommendations,
certificates, or awards. You never know when you might need the proof offered
by these documents!
•Gifts: You may wish to bring a few items typical of the crafts or handiwork
of your country to have on hand as small gifts.
•Books and Other Supplies: You can determine what books and other educational
supplies you will need after you register for classes. Books are available for
purchase through the University Bookstore. You may want to purchase a good dictionary
of English and your native language.
•Sheets and Towels. Whether living on or off campus, you will need your
own linens. These are easily and inexpensively purchased upon arrival.