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TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
Greetings from International Student Services!!
Welcome to WVU Tech! The following information has been
prepared to answer many of the questions and concerns frequently
asked by new international students preparing to come to
our school. Please read this document carefully and thoroughly
before contacting us with questions.
PLANNING FOR ARRIVAL
SEVIS: A Security-Driven Government Data Program
In January 2003, the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) implemented
its Student/Exchange Visitor Information System, better known as "SEVIS." SEVIS
is a complex federal program which gives several different U.S. government
departments and agencies shared access to data on all F and J visa holders.
Schools that enroll international students are required by SEVIS regulations
to issue all F and J documents through this data system, and to update the
database daily with any changes in academic and certain non-academic information
of all F and J students enrolled at that school.
Students who plan to study in the U.S. in F-1or J-1 status
should understand very clearly that failure to comply with
INS regulations will jeopardize their legal status in the
U.S. Details on how to comply with these regulations are
available in International Student Services, in publications
and workshops offered by our office upon arrival, and on
our web site at http://www.wvutech.edu/students/international/index.html
Travel Documents
Most people coming to the United States are required to
have a passport and a visa, a permit to enter the country.
Enclosed
is your Certificate of Eligibility (SEVIS Form I-20),
needed to obtain your visa. BE SURE the spelling of your
name
is exactly the same on all of your documents: passport,
visa and Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). Take the
I-20, your passport, your letter of admission, and financial
documentation to a consular officer at a United States
Embassy or Consulate to apply for your visa. (Canadian
citizens are not required to have a passport or a visa
to enter the United States directly from Canada; simply
present all of the above, except a passport, at the U.S.-Canadian
border.
DO NOT enter the United States with
a Certificate of Eligibility from a school other than
the one you will attend! If you
have already obtained a visa and wish to change your plans,
contact the U.S. consulate where you obtained your original
visa to ask for a new visa. It is not possible to transfer
to another school before you have completed at least one
term at the school whose I-20 you used to enter the U.S. DO NOT enter the United States on a visitor/tourist (B-1/B-2)
visa unless it is designated "Prospective Student" by
a Consular officer and unless, upon entry to the U.S., you
also receive a Form I-94 which bears this designation, as
well. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service
will not authorize a change of status from B-2 to F-1 without
these "Prospective Student" notations. Individuals
on B-1/B-2 visas are not permitted to engage in study in
the U.S.
DO NOT attempt to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student more
than 30 days prior to the starting date of your I-20.
Things To Bring
Clothing: West Virginia has a variable climate. There are
cold winters with periodic snowfalls, hot summers, and
some very pleasant periods in between. The temperature
frequently drops to between -15C and -12C in the winter
and rises to between 32C and 37C in the summer. Jackets,
scarves, gloves and boots are essential for the cold
winter months(November-March). Water-proof outerwear
and umbrellas
are essential in rainy weather. Personal items: Many people enjoy having examples of arts,
crafts, traditional dress, photographs, tapes, maps or other
items descriptive of home, both to show interested Americans
and to provide a familiar touch.
Linens: If you will be living in on-campus housing, your
bed will be a standard twin size. You will need sheets, pillows,
pillowcases, and blankets. You can purchase these items upon
arrival. You can also look at the web site for wvutech.alldorm.com.
This site shows items that can be purchased by mail for dorm
rooms.
Identification for Social Security: Most students need to
apply for a U.S. Social Security Number. The application
requires an identification document that is at least one
year old. If your passport was issued less than one year
before your arrival, bring an original birth certificate
or another form of identification that is at least one year
old. The Social Security Administration has proposed regulations
making it extremely difficult for most students to obtain
a social security card.
Things To Leave Home
Since electrical appliances manufactured outside the U.S.
may not be compatible with the power supply or may not
be permitted in the residence halls, it is best to purchase
appliances after arrival. Bringing textbooks used in previous
study is not recommended because students are expected
to purchase required texts for each course, and supplemental
material is available in Vining Library. The U.S. consulate
or embassy can provide you with information regarding U.S.
customs regulations and restrictions. Ask for the pamphlet "United
States Customs: Hints for Visitors" when you apply
for your visa. Baggage
Regardless of the cost for excess weight, it is usually
better to bring all personal baggage on the plane rather
than
ship it separately. Check with your travel agent for
specific size and weight limitations. Even if you must
spend $100
for excess weight, you will save money, as most unaccompanied
shipments cost at least that much. You may have difficulty
getting a shipment through customs and you may require
a U.S.-based agent for clearance and forwarding. Such
services are expensive and often result in considerable
delays.
Do not send packages, suitcases, or other belongings to
the WVU TECH in advance of your arrival. Offices on campus
do not have storage facilities for students' personal belongings.
Bring what you can with you, and if you have additional baggage,
have it sent to you after you arrive and have obtained an
address in Montgomery.
If your baggage is lost or delayed en route, deliveries
can be made to Admissions, Room 210 Old Main, (304-442-3167)
during the weekday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or to Campus
Security (304-442-3101), Ratliff Residence Hall, nights and
weekends. From Route 60, the baggage delivery person should
take Rt. 61 North, turn left at the main entrance on South
Ferry Street, turn right at the top of the hill, and turn
quickly to the right for Campus Security. To reach Old Main,
continue straight and take the next left.
Mail
Until you arrive, you may have your letters (not baggage)
sent to you in care of International Student Services,
Box 54 Old Main, WVU Tech, Montgomery, WV 25136. After
you arrive you must notify your correspondents of your
U.S. address. TRAVELING TO THE U.S.
Transportation
If flying, we suggest you fly into Yeager Airport in Charleston,
West Virginia (CRW), about 25 miles from Montgomery.
Do NOT fly to Charleston, South Carolina.
Before buying an airline ticket, shop for the lowest fare.
Bookings for discount fares usually have to be made months
prior to departure. Several internet sites such as www.expedia.com
and www.travelocity.com can be helpful in finding good airfares.
Money
If you do not have an "ATM" card that is able to
obtain cash from a U.S. cash machine, it is best to exchange
your own currency for U. S. dollars and traveler's checks
before you leave home. Direct foreign currency exchange is
not available in most U.S. cities. The school and local businesses
accept only U.S. dollars.
When you arrive in the U.S., you should have sufficient
funds to cover your expenses for several weeks, but you should
not travel with large amounts of cash, as there is there
is too much risk of loss or theft. If you do not have a U.S.-usable "ATM" card,
you should estimate your first month's expenses and purchase
traveler's checks for that amount at a bank or travel office
in your country. You can cash traveler's checks at U.S. airports,
banks and most businesses in the U.S., including hotels and
restaurants.
It is also advisable to carry at least $150 in paper currency
and two or three dollars in coins or "change" for
telephones, baggage lockers, bus fares, and tips.
ARRIVAL IN THE U.S.
Inspection
When you arrive in the United States, a customs inspector
examines your luggage to determine compliance with regulations
regarding items permitted into the country. At the time
of your U.S. Immigration inspection, you must present your
passport and your I-20. Be certain that you are given back
your I-20, which has been stamped by the inspector and
which bears the notation "F-1 D/S".
A small white card called Form I-94 (Arrival/ Departure
Record), will be stapled into your passport by the inspecting
officer. The I-94 card should be noted with the date of your
arrival, the port of entry, your immigration status (which
will be identified by the same letter-number combination
as your visa, i.e., F-1), and the date to which you are authorized
to remain in the United States. F-1 students are all authorized
to remain in the U.S. for "duration of status," noted
as "D/S" on the I-94.
Keep all these documents (the I-94 and the page of your
I-20 stamped and returned to you by the inspecting officer)
in your passport at all times. Carry your passport whenever
you travel outside the Montgomery area.
Since September 11, 2001, U.S. airport inspections have
become more stringent and greater numbers of arriving visitors
are selected for questioning than in the past. Allow extra
time between flights. If you have any problem with your inspection,
contact the International Student Services or Admissions
immediately after arriving on campus.
Port of Entry Accommodations
Arrival in a strange city in a foreign country can be confusing
and expensive. Hotel charges in large American cities
are usually very high, $125 per night or more, though
lodging
in smaller cities is considerably less expensive. Unless
you plan to do some sight-seeing before arriving in Montgomery,
you should plan your travel and interconnecting flights
to minimize the necessity for overnight lodging. If you
do wish to tour a bit in the United States before coming
to school, however, consult a travel agent or the internet
for information on expenses, places to stay and eat,
and transportation. "Let's Go: USA" and "Where to Stay
USA"
are two good references generally available in bookstores. Getting to Montgomery
There are several ways to reach Montgomery. If you come by
bus or by plane, be sure your ticket is for Charleston,
West Virginia, not Charleston, South Carolina. Once you
arrive in Charleston, you may reach Montgomery by private
car, rental car, taxi, or the Kanawha Rapid Transit (KRT)
bus. The KRT system is inexpensive but is meant for local
travel and does not easily accommodate travelers with lots
of luggage. The last KRT from Charleston to Montgomery
is approximately 9:00 p.m. Taxis costs around $60.00. (Tel.304-354-7777
and 304-442-2231). When you call the taxi, tell them where
you are, where you want to go, and ask about the cost.
Renting a car is the most expensive option, but it does
give you an opportunity to explore the area. You will need
a credit card to rent a car. It is polite to tip the taxi
driver 15% of the fare. ARRIVAL IN MONTGOMERY
You are expected to arrive in Montgomery in time to participate
fully in International Student Orientation, a program of
information sessions, academic and administrative planning,
and other activities that are essential to a new student's
smooth transition to life at WVU Tech. International Student
Orientation begins approximately two business days before
the beginning of classes. There is a notice on the International
Student Services door which announces dates and times of
the first meeting.
If you also wish to participate in New Student Orientation,
you may register in the Student Activities Office in the
Tech Center. New Student Orientation takes place the first
weekend and offers you the opportunity to socialize and to
learn about Tech.
Whether or not you are required to take placement examinations
prior to registering for classes, it is very important that
you attend orientation to become familiar with WVU Tech and
its resources, meet with advisers to plan your curriculum,
get settled, learn about school procedures and regulations,
register for courses, recover from travel fatigue, and begin
the transition to life in a new environment.
Arrival after the starting date specified on your I-20 form
may require issuance of a new form. Contact the admissions
office if you must arrive after the starting date on your
form. Arrival will not be authorized after the first week
of classes. If you cannot arrive in the first week, you must
request a deferral from the admissions office.
HOUSING
On-Campus: Housing applications are sent with letters of
admission to students living abroad. If you plan to live
on campus, complete and return the form and application fee
promptly. Housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served
basis. Undergraduates living in WVU Tech housing are required
to take their meals in the school's dining facilities.
Off Campus: Apartment prices range from $625 to $750 (not
including heat and electricity) per month for an unfurnished
1-bedroom apartment. The Student Activities office provides
listings of available rentals as well as some onsite assistance,
but students are responsible for obtaining their own accommodations.
Expect to take at least one full week to find off-campus
housing after you arrive.
EXPENSES
Because living in the United States is expensive, you should
bring at least $750 in traveler's checks (more if you plan
to live off campus) in addition to your bank draft for large
expenditures such as tuition and fees. Bank drafts take at
least 14 days to clear for payment. Payment of tuition, fees,
and room and board (if applicable) is due a week after registration.
Sponsored students must submit copies of their award letters
to arrange for direct billing.
International students are responsible for financing their
university education. Most international students at WVU
Tech are privately supported through personal or family resources.
A few receive support from their government or institutions
in their home country.
With the exception of graduate assistantships and fellowships,
WVU Tech has no financial aid available for enrolled foreign
students. Graduate assistantships are awarded competitively
through the L.C. Nelson College of Engineering and require
students to perform 12 hours of assigned work in addition
to their own academic studies. If you have not received notice
of an award, you should plan to meet your own educational
expenses through personal funds. No long-term loan funds
are available through the University.
As a nonimmigrant student, you were issued an I-20 on the
basis of a financial statement filed with your admission
application. If there is a negative change in your financial
status, do not proceed to the United States.
MARRIED STUDENTS
Married students who wish to have their families join them
must realize their financial obligations. A married couple
that is able to live inexpensively will require at least
an additional $4000 more per year than a single student.
A minimum of an additional $3000 is necessary for each
accompanying child. The spouses of F-1 students are NOT
permitted to work under any circumstances during their
entire stay in the United States. You are advised to delay
bringing your family until you have found housing in the
community.
Dependents of F-1students are required to have a comprehensive
health insurance plan in effect at all times during their
stay in the U.S.
Schooling for Children
Education in the United States is compulsory for children
up to the age of 16, and public education is free of
charge. Classes start in early September and go through
mid-June.
To enroll, children must be 5 years old by September
1.
Bring your children's birth certificates, school and immunization
records, all in English. Children must have the following
immunizations: three or more diphtheria toxoid series (DPT
or DT), three or more trivalent oral polio series or four
salk polio vaccine series, measles, mumps, and rubella live
vaccines, given on or after the first birthday, or a statement
from a physician that the child has had measles or mumps,
or a certified serological blood test if the child has had
rubella.
HEALTH CARE
Immunization Requirement
West Virginia law requires all college and university students
to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella.
WVU Tech therefore requires students to show proof of
a measles,
mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination or immunity to these
diseases. Documentation has to be in the form of school
immunization records, physicians records, or vaccination
records from a public health department. Insurance
Medical care in the United States is very expensive. One
visit to a doctor's office can cost $100 or more, and
one overnight stay in a hospital can easily cost $1000
or more.
It is essential to have adequate health and accident
insurance to cover the cost of routine medical care as
well as emergencies. WVU Tech has a contract with Montgomery General Hospital
where a student clinic is maintained. All full-time Tech
students may visit the clinic for free. However, students
pay for any lab work, x-rays or medications prescribed during
the visit.
Students in F status who bring their dependents to the United
States are required to purchase basic and major medical insurance
for them as well.
Student health insurance policies do not cover 100% of all
medical expenses. Major medical coverage has a "deductible" (an
amount the insured has to pay before the insurance company
will begin to help paying), while certain expenses such as
dental care, eyeglasses, and prescription drugs are not covered
at all.
ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Advisement
Each new student admitted is assigned an academic adviser
to assist in the planning of an academic program consistent
with educational and career objectives. It is essential
to build a coherent and well-thought out degree program
with an adviser who is knowledgeable about academic options,
procedures, policies, rules and regulations. It is your
responsibility to come prepared to discuss your academic
interests. Although these may change as you become more
familiar with WVU Tech options, advance planning and
consultation will facilitate the formulation of your
academic program. Both undergraduate and graduate students receive academic
advising in their academic department.
English Language Requirements
Students are required to have a Test of English as a Second
Language (TOEFL) score of 500 or above to be considered for
admission to WVU Tech.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
International Student Services is a vital reference point
for international students. Here, students receive advice
on legal, cultural, educational, social, and personal matters.
International Student Services coordinates programs with
and for foreign students and serves as an advocate for the
campus's international community. We hope you will maintain
close ties with us throughout your stay.
Details regarding your relationship to the U.S. government,
to your own government, or to your sponsoring agency are
handled by the us. You are required by U.S. law to report
to the International Student Services upon arrival and to
keep us informed of changes in your address, curriculum,
and status at all times.
If you have questions regarding your travel and arrival
which are not answered in this brochure, you may contact
either International Student Services or the Office of Admissions.
We hope you will enroll at WVU Tech, but if you do not,
please return the certificate of eligibility (I-20 ) to the
address below, and notify the admissions office of your decision.
International Student
Services
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
405 Fayette Pike, Box 54 Old Main
Montgomery, WV 25136
Telephone: 304-442-3143
arepaire@wvutech.edu
or
anne.repaire@mail.wvu.edu
Admission and Records
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
405 Fayette Pike, Box 10 Old Main
Montgomery, WV 25136
Telephone: 304-442-3151
cgates-smith@wvutech.edu
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International Student Services WVU Tech.
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