Office of International Education
Greetings from Endicott College and the Office of International Education.
We look forward to meeting you in person and welcoming you to our campus. To help you prepare for your arrival, we have included here important information about what to bring with you and what to expect when you arrive.
New students and parents have a lot of questions as you prepare to depart for your experience at Endicott College. Here is some detailed information that will help answer many of your questions. For more information, please refer to the New Student Orientation homepage .
Before You Arrive
Upon Your Arrival
What Supplies Will You Need?
Campus Work and Internships
Academics
Visa Questions
Important Forms
Obtaining a Student Visa
We are pleased to welcome you to Endicott College! The designated arrival date for new International Students for Spring 2013 is Friday, January 25, 2013. Please schedule your arrival in Boston by 3pm on Friday, January 25, 2013 in order to check-in and participate in all mandatory orientation activities. No student should arrive later than this date. Residence halls will not be open for viewing prior to January 25th. Early arrivals are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements until the arrival date. Please make sure you have filled out and returned the arrival confirmation form available here .
Booking Round-Trip Travel
The last day of final exams for Spring 2013 is May 20, 2013. You will most likely not have your Final Exam schedule until the after the Add/Drop date. Therefore, please make all travel arrangements for the end of the semester to depart the United States on May 21, 2013. The On-Campus Residence halls will close on May 20th and ALL students must depart campus by this date.
Required Documents
Students who have obtained an F-1 or J-1 visa must travel with their passport, visa and I-20/DS-2019 form in their carry-on bag. All three will be required to enter the United States at the Port of Entry. It is recommended that the student carries all documents used to issue their student visa along with them during their travel to the United States. Customs and Border Patrol has the right to ask a student for any additional documentation as they see fit.
Health Records
All students must submit Endicott College Health Forms and Immunization Records to the Health Center prior to arriving on campus. International students must also submit a Tuberculosis Risk Assessment form. These forms can be found on the New Student Orientation Page . The forms should be emailed or sent via fax to the Health Center [fax - (978) 998-8004] before your student arrives on campus.
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you arrive on campus on January 25, 2013, you will be greeted and welcomed by International Peer Mentors and the staff of the Office of Undergraduate International Programs. International Peer Mentors will help all students check into their residence halls and bring all their belongings to their rooms. A shuttle will be provided during the afternoon for a shopping trip for any last minute supplies students may need. That evening, all new international students and their families are invited to the home of the President of Endicott College, Dr. Richard Wylie for a welcome dinner. Please RSVP here if you are a family member who plans to attend.
Orientation
As you might expect, the orientation is centered on the new students. There will not be any sessions specifically for families offered. However, all families are welcome to accompany their students to the College and to meet the staff.
Download the International Orientation Schedule!
Bank Accounts
All students are strongly encouraged to have a bank account. A full-service ATM operated by Bank of America is located next to Campus Safety. Bank of America will be on campus on January 20th to open bank accounts for new students. Please make sure your student has some funds to open a new account. Students who do not have a Bank of America account will be charged a nominal fee to utilize the ATM machine.
Cell Phones
International Peer Mentors will work with new international students to have them set up a US- based cell phone upon their arrival. We recommend students select a non-contract pay-as-you-go phone service and they will need funds to activate their service.
Gull Card (Endicott ID card)
The Gull Card is an Endicott student’s access card, dining card, library card, debit card and ID on campus. Students will be able to have their photos taken and cards produced upon check-in on August 30th.
Computer and Internet Set-Up
Every resident student will have individualized access to the Internet in his or her room. If students choose to use a non-Endicott email address, such as Hotmail or Yahoo, they should auto-forward their Endicott email to their non-Endicott email address. For information on how to set up computer to access Endicott’s network, please check the College’s website at www.endicott.edu/infotech . Students will receive an IT packet upon arrival to set up their personal computers on the Endicott network. International Peer Mentors will assist students in setting up their computer in their rooms.
WHAT SUPPLIES WILL YOU NEED?
A full list of supplies can be found on the Residence Life homepage, What to Bring? In the United States, most colleges have beds that are “Extra Long Twin” sized and require special sheets that are 99 x 203 cm. These can be ordered online and shipped to the student or purchased upon arrival. For more information on supplies and residence halls, visit the Residence Life homepage or contact Residence Life.
Your student will have both an academic Dean and an academic Advisor. For all questions related to Academics, please contact your student’s academic Dean.
VISA QUESTIONS
All students will attend an information session regarding their visa status in the United States on Friday August 31, 2012. This session is required for students holding F-1 or J-1 visas and will cover rules and regulations to remain in status in the United States while attending Endicott College. This session will also help students understand all of their rights and privileges as international students including their opportunities to work in the U.S. after completion of their degree programs.
Important College Forms
Immigration Forms:
F-1 Visa Request Form
Travel Forms:
Arrival Confirmation Form
Obtaining a Student Visa and Arriving in the U.S.
Important Instructions for Using Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and Entering the United States
1. RECEIVING FORM I-20 or DS-2019
SEVIS Form I-20 for F-1 visa students or SEVIS form DS-2019 for J-1 students, is the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document on which Endicott College has certified that you have been admitted for the purpose of enrolling in full-time study toward a degree. With this document, you are now able to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
- In order to be issue an I-20 or DS-2019 you will need to submit the International Certification for Immigration Requirements form, a bank statement showing sufficient funds for one full year of academic study and a copy of your passport.
Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019
Check all the information on the I-20 or DS-2019 to make sure it is correct. Print your name, sign and date the I-20 or DS-2019 on page 1. By signing, you are agreeing to abide by the conditions of F-1 of J-1 student status (see page 2 of the I-20 or DS-2019)
2. APPLYING FOR A VISA
You will now need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Each country is different so please inquire with your local U.S. Embassy about your specific requirements. Please make sure to apply for your visa at least 3 months before you plan to arrive in the United States. You will need to provide the U.S. Consulate with the following materials plus anything else that your specific country requires:
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Receipt for SEVIS fee payment
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Please pay the SEVIS fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/ . Print the receipt upon payment
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SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019
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Valid passport (which is valid at least 6 months in to the future)
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Financial documents [i.e. letters from your bank, copies of income tax returns (if any) that will help prove you have enough money, either by personal or parental resources, to live in the United States without having to work. Some consulates require an Affidavit of Support.]
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Letter of admission from school
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A completed application for an F-1 or J-1 visa provided by the consulate.
3. ENTERING THE UNITED STATES
You MUST have your I-20 or DS-2019 AND an F-1 or J-1 visa stamped in your passport BEFORE entering the U.S. DO NOT ENTER THE U.S. IN B VISA STATUS AS A "VISITOR," OR UNDER THE "VISA WAIVER PROGRAM." If you do, you will be required by law to return home and re-enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 student status before you can enroll in classes. When you arrive in the U.S., you must present to the immigration officer:
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Valid passport with valid F-1 or J-1 visa (unless you are a Canadian citizen who does not need a passport to enter the U.S.)
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The SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019
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Completed I-94 form - all three sections (given to you on the airplane)
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Any other requested information such as financial documents or admission letter
After examining your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019 and any other document he/she requests, the officer will return your passport, your I-20 or DS-2019 form and the I-94 card (a small white card with the date stamped on it usually stapled into your passport). THE I-94 CARD & I-20 OR DS-2019 FORM ARE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS. DO NOT LOSE THEM.
4. ARRIVING AT ENDICOTT COLLEGE
Upon arrival at Endicott, you must present your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 card to Office of International Education during orientation.
* * * * * * * * * * VERY IMPORTANT * * * * * * * * * *
*Even though Endicott College has issued you an I-20 or DS-2019, this does not mean that you will automatically be given a visa, or be permitted to enter the U.S. Please be sure that you fill out all applications and documents completely and accurately, and that you supply all required information to consular and port authorities