Study Abroad to the USA

Location: north-central Pennsylvania. The Town of Bloomsburg, population 12,000, is adjacent to the university campus. A prosperous business district with more than 80 retail merchants is two city blocks from most of the residence halls; major chain stores and a mall are nearby. Lock Haven is in Clinton County located in north central Pennsylvania. The City lies between the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and the Bald Eagle Creek. The City of Lock Haven encompasses 2.3 square miles with a population of about 9,200.

Exchange Student Registration Declare your interest to your Programme Leader and the Study Abroad Co- ordinator. Decide which university you wish to study at. Complete Marjon Request to Study Abroad form. Complete application form for the host institution: - Bloomsburg University - Lock Haven University studies/DocsAndForms/IntlStudentForms/IntlStudentWalkInForm.pdf studies/DocsAndForms/IntlStudentForms/IntlStudentWalkInForm.pdf Select your modules at the host institution. Send additional requested documents to the host institution.

Additional Paperwork…. A nomination letter from Marjon Student Learning Agreement with selected modules/courses Student’s official transcript (available from Registry Services) Certified financial statement Photocopy of your passport Student health form / Medical form Proof of Health Insurance Roommate Planning Form

What will you receive from your Host Institution? Confirmation letter from your Host institution J-1 form for your visa application Details about arrival dates and induction

Tuition Fees to Host Institution You will continue to pay the same level of tuition fee to Marjon for the entire academic year. As you will be participating in an exchange you will pay no tuition fees to the host institution you attend in the US. You are liable to pay other fees (e.g. insurance, visa, flights, accommodation in the US, other relevant expenses)

Approximate Expenses… Insurance for one semester in the US Visa expenses: Sevis fee plus visa expenses Return flight Accommodation in the US Don’t forget about living expenses!

Part-Time Work Restrictions on working as a result of Student Visa status. You may be able to get work on campus at some institutions, but do not rely on being able to do so. Do not work illegally as you will be in violation of the terms of your Student Visa.

Banking in the US If your bank card has the CIRRUS or PLUS logo it will almost certainly work in the US, but do check in advance with your bank. Check commission charges for withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad. Let your bank know that you will be based in the US and therefore using your card there. Ensure cash/credit cards are valid for the length of time you’re away. If you don’t currently have a credit card, consider getting one. They are very helpful in the US (and good for emergencies too). Set up internet banking, if possible, to better keep track of your money.

US Bank Accounts Sometimes opening an account is a requirement i.e. to pay your rent and other charges. Credit cards are not normally accepted for rent payments and you must instead pay by cash, bank transfer, or personal check from a US bank. Your host institution will give you details of how to open a bank account in the US (either on arrival or in the pre-arrival information you receive from them). Initial deposit of funds to your account can be by cash, cash passports or Travellers Cheques (preferably Amex). Money can also be transferred from UK account. Students often recommend Bank of America.

Cost of Living Research costs in advance. Significant amount will be spent on books. Draw up a realistic budget. Do not underestimate. Remember that you will do and spend more because you are away! Initial costs on arrival can be significant so make sure you take enough money with you for first few weeks. Not forgetting all that socialising!

Health Insurance Comprehensive health insurance is required by the US authorities for all student visa holders. Most of Marjon’s partner institutions have mandatory on-campus insurance policies. We usually recommend Endsleigh Insurance for students.

Medical Form Many institutions in the US require proof that you have had certain vaccinations and ask you (and your GP) to complete a form confirming this. Note that dental and optical treatment are normally excluded from insurance cover in the US. Dental treatment, in particular, can cost many hundreds of dollars. Make sure you have a check-up in the UK before you go. Prescription medication – be prepared!

Alcohol Remember you must be 21 or over to buy alcohol in the US. Photo ID is required and routinely checked on entering bars, when being served by waiters at tables and when buying alcohol in a liquor store. Alcohol is not on sale in supermarkets. Even if you are 21 and have bought alcohol legally you may not be allowed to take it on campus as many are designated as ‘dry’.

Other useful information… Sharing a room is usual in US dorms. NB Dorms are residences! Check your passport and renew if necessary. Make copies of passport and other docs and have a set with you and leave a set at home. It is much easier to replace a lost or stolen passport if you know the passport number, issue date etc. Shop around for flights (when the time comes). The trans-Atlantic market is competitive so there are often deals to be had.