international student handbook (.pdf) - highline community college

International Student Handbook * Highline Community College

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WELCOME TO HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE!

The purpose of this handbook is to help acquaint you with the American higher education system as well as introduce important details about being an international student in the United States. Please read this handbook carefully. Feel free to contact the International Student Programs office if you have questions after reading the handbook. This handbook should be used together with the following college publications:

• Highline Community College online Catalog at http://www.highline.edu/home/catalog/ • Highline Community College Quarterly Class Schedule at onlineschedule.highline.edu

These publications include information on Highline Community College’s academic, professional and technical programs, program requirements, registration, and student services. On behalf of the college’s president, vice-presidents, deans, faculty, staff, and particularly the staff at International Student Programs, we look forward to working with you during your study here at Highline Community College and hope that you enjoy your experience here in the Seattle area. Sincerely, Mariko Fujiwara Director International Student Programs

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Student Programs Office……………………………………………………...3

Degrees and Certificates………………………………………………………………….…..4-5

Understanding the Academic System……………………………………………….……..6

Registration…………………………………………………………………………….…………7

Typical American Expectations of Students…………………………………………….…8

Academic Standards…………………………………………………………………….…….8

Keys to Academic Success……………………………………………………………….…..9

Academic Integrity………………………………………………………………………….…10

U.S. Government Rules and Regulations…………………………………………….……11-12

F-1 Visa Status…………………………………………………………………………………..13-14

Health and Insurance…………………………………………………………………………15

Staying Healthy…………………………………………………………………………….…..15

Financial Matters……………………………………….......................................................16-17

Student Employment……………………………………………………………………….…18-19

Safety and Security…………………………………………………………………………….20

Making Phone Calls…………………………………………………………………………....21


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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAMS OFFICE The International Student Programs office (ISP) provides assistance and information to the international community at Highline Community College (HCC). ISP services include:

Admissions • Advising on general requirements for admission to the

College • Reviewing academic qualifications • Issuing international student Form I-20 document

New Student Orientation Continuing Orientation Class

• Weekly group meeting with an advisor • Help with cultural adjustment • Advising on international student rules and regulations

Cross Cultural Advising and Counseling

• Confidential advising for personal matters • Referrals to other college services

Immigration Assistance

• Information about F-1 (student) status • Advising on changing visa status, practical training, school transfers, permission to extend

your stay in the U.S. and travel overseas Link to International Community

• Close relations with government agencies and embassies • Overseeing the International Leadership Student Council

Social, Cultural and Informational Programs

• Social activities: Trips, presentations, parties, and festivals to bring together American and international students

• Conversation Pal program: Provides international students the opportunity to meet and chat with non-international students, faculty and staff in small groups on a weekly basis.

• Social events: Encourages cultural exchange and understanding through international festivals, movies, discussions and camaraderie.


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DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Highline Community College is a two-year institution offering a wide variety of university majors. Students can study here for the first two years of their Bachelor’s Degree, and then transfer to a four-year university to complete their education. Students can also earn professional/technical degrees or cerfications. Students can earn three types of degrees at Highline: Associate of Arts (AA) For students in the AA transfer program, we offer a general education at the undergraduate level. Students will take some courses across many different areas of study. When they transfer to a four-year university, they will focus more directly on their area of specialization, or their major. AA Transfer students go on to get Bachelor’s Degrees in fields such as:

• Business • Anthropology • Political Science • Education • Fine Arts

Coursework can include:

• Literature • Social Sciences • Humanities • History • Political Science • Arts • Music • Psychology • Some math and science

Associate of Science (AS) For students in the AS transfer program, we offer a general education at the undergraduate level. Students will take some courses across many different areas of study. When they transfer to a four-year university, they will focus more directly on their area of specialization, or their major. AS Transfer students go on to get Bachelor’s Degrees in majors such as:

• Engineering • Computer Science • Medicine • Biology • Math Coursework can include: • Physics • Chemistry • Biology • Calculus • Programming • Some communications, arts and humanities


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Associate of Applied Science (AAS) An AAS Degree is a two-year program in which students gain the knowledge and skills to join the workforce. Most students do not transfer to four-year universities, but instead begin working following graduation. Students who choose the AAS are eligible for the U.S. Government program called Optional Practical Training, or OPT. Graduates are allowed to work for 12 months after they complete their program at Highline. Students can earn an AAS degree in areas such as:

• Hotel and Tourism Management • International Business • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Administrative Assistant • Travel and Transportation

Certificate Programs Some programs, like Administrative Assistant or Travel and Transportation, offer the choice between an AAS Degree or a shorter certificate program. Certificate programs typically require 45 credits, which is about one year of study.


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UNDERSTANDING THE ACADEMIC SYSTEM The U.S. Grading System A grade is the instructor's judgment of the student's quality of work in a course. The final grade will reflect all of the student's work from the entire quarter. All reading, assignments, presentations, and other projects are considered part of your work. You might be tested on reading, even if the reading was never covered in class. You are responsible for doing all of the required work to the best of your ability. Your final grade for the course is available on a Grade Report mailed by the Registrar's Office, or by checking your records at a Student computer station called a “kiosk”. GPA (Grade Point Average) Grading in the U.S. is done on a 4.0 scale, with 4.0 being the highest grade possible, all the way down to 0.0. All of your grades for every class are considered when calculating your GPA. The average is computed for each quarter, as well as the cumulative for all quarters. To calculate your GPA multiply your credits by your grade for each class and add them together. Then, divide the total by the number of credits. For example:

EXAMPLE QUARTER CLASSES CREDITS GRADE TOTAL English 101

5 X 3.7 = 18.5

College Algebra (Math)111

5 X 2.8 = 14

Geography 120

5 X 3.2 = 16

Total / Number of Credits 15 48.5 G.P.A. 3.238 3.23

Maintaining your G.P.A. is important! The GPA is used as a basis for completing requirements for graduation and for obtaining permission to remain in school each quarter. Your GPA is also used to determine how strong a student you are when you transfer to a university or go for your first job. It is especially important to international students who must maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to remain in good standing with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and with Highline Community College.


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REGISTRATION All international students are required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits each quarter. To help international students meet this requirement, the ISP staff will help all international students register each quarter. Likewise, if you wish to add or drop a class, please come to the ISP office for help. Course Credits All international students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits each quarter. After enrolling in three consecutive quarters, students may take one vacation quarter. Most students choose to take summer quarter as their vacation quarter because 1) there are not many courses offered in summer, and 2) the courses that are offered are intensified because the quarter lasts 8 weeks rather than 11. New Students

1) Arrive on Campus 2) Take COMPASS or COMPASS ESL placement test for Reading, English and Math 3) Meet with an advisor to register for classes 4) Attend class selection seminar (Kaplan students only) 5) Attend new student orientation 6) Kaplan Students can attend a special four-hour orientation. Information will be given by

Kaplan as to time and day of the orientation (Kaplan students only). 7) Testing Center web site: http://www.highline.edu/stuserv/testcenter/

Returning Students

1) Quarterly schedule is available online at onlineschedule.highline.edu 2) Decide which courses you want or need to take 3) Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss your choices and register online at

https://sec.highline.edu/wts/student/webreg/index.asp 4) You’re registered! 5) Wait List: (https://sec.highline.edu/wts/student/webreg/waci230.asp)

Make sure to check your waitlisted class to determine your position. If you are placed in the class, you are ultimately responsible for that class and any associated charges.

Adding and Dropping Courses A student's registration for a course is considered a formal contract between the student and the College. The College agrees to provide the class and the student agrees to pay tuition for the course. A class is not cancelled simply because you do not attend. You must formally drop a course to cancel your obligation to pay tuition. If you do not cancel the class through the necessary process, you will still have to pay for it. From the first day of class, there is a specific and limited period during which courses can be added or dropped. Depending on when you drop a course, you may receive some tuition refund or reduction in the required tuition. Check the quarterly schedule for more information on tuition refunds. Be sure to discuss your plans to drop or add a class with an international student advisor. Please refer to the registration add and drop dates for the quarter. http://www.highline.edu/stuserv/registration/calendar.htm

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Typical Expectations of Students What is expected from students in the U.S. may be very different from your home country. Teachers here value independent thinking and class participation, so be prepared to speak out and offer your opinion on the material. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification! Here are some common expectations that can help you succeed in this new academic environment: * Make independent decisions about course of study, research projects, etc. * Participate in classroom discussions (ask questions, share information with others) * Speak and write clearly in English * Solve problems and think independently * Demonstrate knowledge through all tests or assignments * Be prepared to be evaluated continuously * Request assistance from instructors or advisors during or after class or during appointment hours * Maintain personal or informal relationships with instructors and colleagues * Read required and suggested readings materials before class lectures and discussions * Cite the words and ideas of others used when writing any paper or assignment * Understand and remember ideas from classroom lectures (e.g. take notes, ask questions) * Develop your own ideas and use evidence from your reading and research to support them

Academic Standards (current information about standards can be found in our online catalog at http://www.highline.edu/home/catalog/) Highline Community College requires students to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. There are three levels of disciplinary measures for those students who do not meet our academic expectations: Academic Alert A student enrolled for six or more credits who has less than a quarterly

2.0 GPA. (Meet with an ISP advisor)

Probation Status A student enrolled for six or more credits who has less than a 2.0 GPA, or who fails to complete any credits attempted in any given quarter for two consecutive quarters of attendance, will be placed on probationary status. (Meet with an ISP advisor)

Suspension Status A student enrolled for six credits of more who has less than a quarterly 2.0 GPA or who fails to complete any credits attempted in any given quarter for three consecutive quarters of attendance will be placed on suspension. Students suspended from Highline Community College will not be permitted to enroll for any credit-bearing courses at this college for four consecutive quarters from the end of the quarter for which the suspension occurred. Suspended students who have already registered will have their registrations canceled if not reinstated. Tuition and fees will be refunded. (Meet with an ISP advisor)

Suspended students with special or unusual circumstances may petition for conditional reinstatement through the Dean of Students’ office. Since international students must be enrolled in 12 credits, suspended students will be advised to transfer to another school or to return to their home country.

http://www.highline.edu/home/catalog/�


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KEYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Give yourself time to adjust. Keep in mind that a period of adjustment is necessary before you will be able to perform to the best of your ability. In general, international students earn lower grades than they are accustomed to during their first quarter. As they become accustomed to the system and their English improves, their grades improve.

Select your courses wisely. Especially during your first quarter, do not take more courses than required (12 credits per quarter). Make sure you balance difficult classes with easier classes so that you do not get overwhelmed. When planning your class schedule, it is very important to get help from an advisor to avoid taking classes that may not apply towards your degree.

Study Hard. In most of your classes at HCC, grades will be based on tests, projects, homework, and classroom participation, rather than a single test at the end of the quarter. This sort of system requires study skills that may be different from what you are used to. A few tips:

• At the beginning of each quarter, each instructor will give you a syllabus (course schedule). Pay very close attention to the syllabus, which tells you the schedule for required reading, due dates of homework and projects, and tests.

• You are responsible for completing the material on the syllabus, even if you miss a class. • Organize your time so that you maintain a healthy balance between studying, sleeping,

eating, exercise, relaxation, and fun time. • If you are having or expect to have a hard time in any of your classes, do not hesitate to

ask your instructor for help. You may also request a free tutor from the Tutoring Center in Building 26, Room 319.

Read effectively. Some tips for understanding the reading material for your classes:

• Skim the Table of Contents of the book, chapter titles, the major subject headings, topic sentences of the paragraphs, and summary sections first, to understand the general outline of the material.

• Read the assigned material carefully, looking for the main points, conclusions, and content.

• Take notes on your reading. Ask yourself questions about the reading, such as "Why is xyz important?" or "What is the proof that xyz is true?" Make sure you find the answers!

• Review the material. Look over your notes and try to remember the main points of the reading.

Participate and Ask Questions. In the classroom, Americans are encouraged to ask questions and to express their opinions, even if they differ from the instructor's opinions. Class participation may be part of your final grade! If you are actively involved in class discussions, ask questions, and offer your opinions, the instructor can see you have studied the material. If you are silent, the instructor may think you didn’t do the homework and are not prepared for class.


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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Highline has established guidelines regarding honesty and appropriate academic behavior. New students are expected to become familiar with proper procedures for doing research, writing papers and taking examinations. Failure to act according to proper procedures is considered academic dishonesty and is prosecuted through the College.

Using Other People’s Ideas When doing research and writing papers, you must always acknowledge your sources of information. To use information or quote someone without proper acknowledgment of their contribution is called "plagiarism", which is a form of cheating. Always give credit if an idea or statement is not your own. Cheating on Tests and Assignments The idea of “cheating” is not the same across cultures. In the U.S., the following situations are considered cheating, and can result in a failing grade or other disciplinary action:

• Looking at another student’s paper during an examination or test • Helping other students in a test situation • Getting answers to homework or a test question from another student • Bringing materials to secretly help you during an examination or test

You are always expected to do your own work. However, in some classes you will have assignments that require you to work with a classmate or group on a project. This situation should be made very clear to you. If you feel unsure about what is considered cheating, ask your instructor, academic advisor or international student advisor. Penalties The penalties for academic honesty are strict. If you are proven guilty of cheating, you may be suspended or expelled from the college. Students found guilty will have a permanent notation in their academic record.


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U.S. GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS Immigration Like all other countries, the United States has laws and regulations governing foreigners who are temporarily staying within its borders. Enforcing U.S. immigration law is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DSO – Your Link to Immigration The international student advisors in International Student Programs (ISP) are approved as Designated School Officials (DSO) by the DHS. DSOs report student information to the U.S. government and help students with immigration issues. They are responsible for:

• Signing I-20 forms • Endorsing I-20 forms for re-entry • Authorizing practical training (OPT/CPT) • Approving some types of off-campus training • Verifying full-time enrollment • Verifying good academic standing of students

Passport Issues Your passport is an international travel document issued to you by your government. The U.S. government expects you to keep your passport valid at all times. Check the expiration date on your passport. If you have less than six months remaining on the passport, you should request an extension. Only your own government can give you a new passport. Contact your consulate to ask about forms, fees, procedures, and the time necessary to extend or renew your passport. If your U.S. visa is still valid and you are being issued a new passport, you should request the return of your expired passport. By keeping passports together, the valid visa can be used for reentry to the United Sates. Otherwise you will need to apply for a new visa when you leave the U.S. Visa Issues Your visa is a stamp or seal placed in your passport by a U.S. consular officer abroad. The visa states the purpose of your visit, the last date you can enter the United States, and how many times you can re-enter the United States. Most Highline Community College students are on F-1 student visas. The visa is a permit to enter the United States only. It does not indicate how long you will be permitted to stay. If your visa has expired, you can stay in the U.S.; however, you will need to apply for a new visa if you leave the U.S. and want to re-enter. You will only be able to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consular office outside of the country. I-94 (Arrival/Departure Card) This small white card was issued by the immigration officer at the port of entry and stapled to the passport. It confirms that you were lawfully admitted to the U.S. The I-94 shows how long you are permitted to stay in the country. For F visa holders, "D/S" is noted instead of a specific date in the right hand corner. "D/S" stands for "duration of status" and operates together with the I-20. I-20 Your SEVIS I-20 document is the immigration form that you received from the school and took to the embassy to apply for a student visa. Always keep your I-20 in a safe place, because that is the document that proves that you are in the United States legally.


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Know Your I-20 Expiration Date If a student must remain in an educational program beyond the expected completion date indicated on the I-20 (item 5), the student must apply for an extension. The application must be made to ISP “in a 30-day period before the completion date.” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(i)] An F-1 student is eligible for an I-20 if he or she has continually maintained status and delay in completion is “caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes in major or topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses…delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension.” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)] Please contact ISP for more information on extension application procedures. The International Student Programs Office is Here to Help You The goal of the International Student Programs Office is to inform all international students about legal rights and obligations and to assist students in meeting these obligations during their stay in the U.S. This education process begins with orientation, continues through your first quarter with orientation class, and will continue throughout your stay. However, the ultimate responsibility for knowing your legal responsibilities and obligations is YOURS. Failure to update your immigration paperwork at proper times or maintain good academic standing will result in delays, expensive trips out of the U.S., and possibly failure to complete your program.


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F-1 VISA STATUS An F-1 visa and F-1 student status may be granted to an individual “who is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study” at an academic or language institution authorized to admit foreign students. When applying for an F-1 visa, the individual must prove to a U.S. consular official that he or she wishes to enter the U.S. temporarily and solely for the purpose of study and that the applicant has a permanent residence in a foreign country that he or she has no intention of abandoning. [Act 101(a)(15)(F)]

Maintaining F-1 Status

After entering the U.S. in F-1 status, every student must satisfy certain requirements to remain in status. The student must: * Have a passport and I-20 that are valid at all times * Attend the school he or she was authorized to attend * Register for and complete a minimum of 12 credits every quarter * Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average * Limit campus employment to no more than 19 hours per week while school is in session; no more than 40 hours per week in summer and during vacations * Never work off-campus without permission from DHS _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Exceptions to the 12 Credit Rule In the situations below, F-1 students are considered to be maintaining status even if they are not registered full-time. You need to be approved to study below 12 credits before you drop below 12! Be sure to meet with an advisor at ISP regarding your eligibility for the following exceptions: Vacation: Initial students who have been enrolled for at least one full quarter may take summer quarter as a vacation quarter. If a student wants to take vacation in the United States during fall, winter or spring quarter, then the student must enroll in three consecutive quarters, including summer, before taking the vacation quarter. Medical Problems: A student who is compelled by illness or other medical condition to interrupt or reduce a full course of study is considered to be in status during the illness or medical condition. Students must submit a statement from a doctor to ISP promptly. The statement must include a diagnosis and the professional’s recommendation for reduction or interruption of study. When part-time study has been approved, students can drop below 12. Valid Academic Reasons (One-time option): Valid academic reasons include “initial difficulties with the English language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, or improper course level placement.” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii)] Last Quarter in the Program: If it is the student’s final quarter of study and less than 12 credits are required to complete the degree, then the student may register for less than 12 credits.


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Duration of Stay in the U.S. An F-1 student is admitted to the U.S. for “duration of status”, noted as “D/S” on both the I-94 and I-20. “Duration of status” means the period during which the student is “pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by DHS, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies, plus 60 days to prepare for departure from the U.S.” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(i)] “Duration of Status” only applies until the I-20 expires or the student completes the program of study indicated on the I-20, which ever occurs first. Transferring to Another U.S. School Students who choose to transfer to another academic institution must follow these procedures:

• Request transfer of I-20 information in SEVIS from the student’s current school • Obtain a new I-20 from the school that the student wishes to attend • Obtain evidence from the previous school that the student has been enrolled full-time

and is in status • Present the new I-20, old I-20 and evidence of full-time enrollment to the international

advisor at the new school within 15 days of beginning attendance • The advisor will indicate on the new I-20 that the transfer has been completed and will

issue another I-20 for the student.

Travel Outside the U.S. In order to reenter the U.S. after a temporary absence of 5 months or less, an F-1 student must have the following documents: a valid passport or travel document, a valid F-1 visa, and a valid I-20. A valid I-20 is either an I-20 endorsed on the back or a new I-20 if there has been a substantive change in items 4, 5, 7 or 8. As a matter of practice, DHS officials at ports of entry require that the I-20 ID have a signature for reentry from the current quarter if a student is reentering during the academic year or from the spring quarter if the student is traveling in the summer. The travel signature on page 3 is valid for 6 months. If a student travels outside the U.S. longer than 5 months, they must obtain a new I-20 and apply for a new F-1 visa.


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HEALTH AND INSURANCE Health Care Costs in the U.S. Health care in the United States is very expensive. Without insurance, a visit to a doctor can cost over $100, and hospital rooms alone can cost $700-$1000 per day, plus the actual health care cost of whatever treatment you receive. Therefore, if you have any medical or dental problems, it may be best to have them treated in your home country. Health Insurance All Highline students are required to have medical insurance, either locally or from home. Please follow the correct process according to your situation:

Yes! I have insurance from my home country! Check with the International Student Programs office to make sure that your health plan meets the minimum requirements for international student health insurance coverage. Be sure to know what is covered and what is excluded in your plan before undergoing major medical procedures. You do not want to learn after a procedure that you are responsible for paying $10,000 because the procedure was not covered by your plan!

No, I do not have insurance. If you do not have adequate insurance coverage, Highline Community College offers a plan by the Firebird International Insurance Group. A brochure is available at the ISP office. Costs are as follows:

Coverage For: Cost per Quarter (rates subject to change) Student $207.00 Spouse $414.00 Each Dependent Child $207.00

If you have any questions about whether a cause will be covered, be sure to contact Firebird International Insurance Group first. For more information, visit http://www.fiig-insurance.com/.

Staying Healthy One of the keys to good health is to keep stress to a minimum. As an international student, stress can build up quickly. Some ideas for dealing with your stress and staying healthy include:

Eat balanced, healthy meals. When you live away from home, it takes extra effort to make sure you eat well. Be sure not to skip meals because you are "too busy", and make typical healthy foods that you are accustomed to as part of your daily meals.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! Moving your body in any way that you enjoy is an excellent way to help relieve stress. It is also a good way to make friends. Find someone else who enjoys the same kind of exercise you do, and exercise together!

Join campus clubs and activities, a sports team, or pursue a hobby through a community organization to meet new people and make friends.

Sleep! Do not stay up all night studying or partying! You will study better and feel better if you are well rested.

Keep a journal. Writing about your experiences can help you understand your feelings and relieve stress.

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FINANCIAL MATTERS

Money Most international students, like most American students, live on limited budgets. It is important to manage your money wisely. Be cautious about spending money until you become accustomed to the value of the dollar. It is not wise to carry large amounts of cash or to keep large amounts of cash in your home. Most Americans do not carry more than $50 at one time. We use personal checks, debit cards and credit cards for much of our daily cash needs. U.S. currency is based on the decimal system with 100 cents to each dollar. Metal coins include pennies ($.01), nickels ($.05), dimes ($.10), quarters ($.25) and occasionally a half dollar ($.50). Paper currency is usually in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Banking It is advisable to open an account at a commercial bank. This will give you access to your money easily and safely for paying bills by check. Most banks offer similar services, although some charge for certain services that others might offer for free. It is important to consider convenience when selecting a bank. You might want to use whatever bank is closest to where you live or to the College. Banks in the Highline/Des Moines area include: Bank of America 707 227th Street S.

206-358-2575

Key Bank 22033 Marine View Drive 206-824-2481

Chase Bank 22240 Marine View Drive 206-461-2125

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) Most banks offer the computerized services of a 24-hour automatic teller machine (ATM or money machine.) You will be given a small plastic card to use this service. This card, plus your personal identification number (PIN) will allow you to make deposits or withdrawals from your account. Do not share your PIN number with anyone. Using your card at a bank other than your own, or an ATM not owned by your bank, may result in an extra fee (about $1.00-$3.00). Remember to include all ATM transactions in your account balance. If there is a fee, it will be deducted directly from your account, so record that amount in your balance, too. Transfer of Funds to the U.S. Most international students occasionally receive funds from home. Be sure to give the sender all of the necessary bank information they need to transfer money to your account. Plan ahead! It often takes a few weeks for the money to become available after it has been transferred. Banks in some countries may require a statement from the College that verifies that you are a full-time student and includes estimated expenses for the academic year before they will release U.S. dollars. You can obtain the necessary letter from the International Student Programs office.


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Writing Checks Checks are one way of conducting business transactions in the U.S. The bank covers checks in case of loss or theft. A canceled check serves as a receipt, and monthly bank statements tell how you are spending your money. Sign checks only after you have completed filling out the rest of the check; don’t pre-sign a blank check, because anyone who finds the check could fill out the rest and use your money. When writing checks, stores will require additional identification (e.g. student ID, driver’s license with current address, etc.) Here are the steps to follow when writing a check (refer to the example below):

1. Write today’s date on the check (month/date/year) 2. Write the name of the person or business to whom you are paying money 3. Write the amount of payment in numbers (Example: 550.60) 4. Write out the number of dollars in words, beginning with a capital letter (Example:

Five hundred fifty dollars) 5. Write the number of cents as a fraction (Example: Five hundred fifty dollars and

60/100) 6. Fill in the remaining space with a line ----------------------------- 7. Sign your name as it is printed on the check 8. Note the purpose of the payment where it says “memo” (Example: Rent for May) 9. Immediately record all the information from the check on the check register and

then calculate the balance remaining in your account.

John Doe No. 405 2121 Broadway St. #303 Anywhere, WA 98789 Date__# 1______________ Pay to the Order of____# 2________________________________________ $ # 3 .

___# 4___________________________________# 5________________________# 6_____Dollars XYZ Bank Anywhere, WA 98789 Memo___# 8_________________________ __________# _______________________


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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT On-Campus Employment Students maintaining F-1 status are permitted to work on the Highline campus for a maximum of 19 hours per week during the academic year. During the summer and when school is not in session, including vacation quarters, students can work a total of 40 hours per week on campus. Please note that campus offices may not have the maximum hours available. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Students holding F-1 status who complete a terminal degree are permitted to work a total of twelve months for “Optional Practical Training” (OPT). Although most students will take twelve consecutive months of practical training, you can apply for a period of less than twelve months. The training can only be authorized for the major field indicated on the current I-20.

Available time periods include:

• During annual vacation (summer) and other times when school is not in session. • While school is in session, provided training does not exceed twenty hours per week. • After completion of all course requirements for the degree. • After completion of the study program.

Optional practical training involves an application to the DHS for employment authorization. Please contact an international student advisor for help with the application. Employment without authorization from DHS will result in loss of status and possible deportation.

Severe Economic Hardship F-1 students are eligible to apply for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship provided that:

• They are in good academic standing and carry a full course of study • They can demonstrate unforeseen severe economic hardship • Employment opportunities on campus are unavailable or insufficient • They have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year • Employment will not interfere with the student’s carrying a full course of study.

DHS defines “severe economic hardship” as including: “loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.” [8CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)©]; Federal Register, 20 July 1992, p.31955 Students experiencing severe economic hardship should contact an international student advisor for help with the employment authorization application process.


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Social Security Number (SSN) If you choose to work on campus, you will need a social security number. The government uses this number to track your earnings for tax purposes. You can only get a social security card if you are going to work. There are a few steps you must follow to apply and receive a social security card:

1) Find a job 2) Get a letter from the office that is hiring you 3) Bring the company letter to the International Student Programs office 4) An International Student Advisor will write another letter in support of your request for a

social security number 5) Bring both letters to the local social security office and fill out the SSN application 6) Wait a few weeks to receive your card in the mail

Drivers License information Schedule an appointment with an ISP advisor for more information. Taxes in the United States There are three major types of taxes in the United States; sales, property, and income tax. A common misunderstanding is that international students do not have to pay these taxes. Although there are some visa types that grant tax immunity (e.g. diplomatic or employee of an international organization), most non-immigrants must pay taxes.

Sales tax amounts are different for each state, and are collected by the store, restaurant, or business. Any required sales tax will be added to the listed price for the item purchased. Property taxes are different by county and charged on an annual basis. If you are a resident of King County and own your own home, then you will pay property taxes. In some regions of the U.S., property tax is also assessed on automobiles. Income tax is money taken from your earnings. If you decide to work part-time on campus, or pursue practical training after completing your degree, you will pay income taxes. Income taxes are assessed at the federal, state, and sometimes, county levels. If you receive any type of income (wages, salary, scholarship, dividends) in the U.S., you are required to report all income to the federal government. Income for the previous year must be reported to the federal government before April 15. When you begin your employment you are required to fill out a W-4 form for federal withholding. Based on this form, taxes will be withheld from your pay. If your earnings are less than a specific amount, you may be eligible for a tax refund (usually under $3000). The following sites will explain the forms and procedures: IRS Form 1040NR information: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040nr.pdf If you have earned no income, the following IRS form 8843 will be used: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf Note: All F-1 and F-2 visa holders are required to file a tax return each year, even if you have no income from a U.S. source.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040nr.pdf�

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf�


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SAFETY AND SECURITY Guidelines for safety in the U.S. may seem different from what you do in your home country. Observing the following guidelines can help prevent problems: Personal Safety

• Avoid walking alone at night. It is best to walk in groups.

• If you walk at night, stay in well-lit areas. Do not walk in dark or isolated areas.

• Do not accept rides from strangers, and do not offer rides to strangers.

• Do not accept rides from people who have been drinking alcohol or have been using illegal drugs.

• Never open the door of your home to a stranger. Use a peephole or chain lock, if available. Ask for identification from repair people.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times when walking around campus or town. If someone behaves suspiciously, report the person to campus security or to the police.

• Never give personal information (address, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.) to someone who calls you on the phone or sends you an unsolicited email.

• Never tell a stranger who calls you that you are at home alone.

Property Safety

• Carry only small amounts of cash. • Never leave valuable items (wallets,

purses, books, calculators, laptop computers, etc) unattended anywhere (library, cafeteria, classroom, etc.).

• Always lock the doors of your home or apartment and keep windows locked when you are not at home.

• Always lock the doors of your car when you are driving and when you park.

• Lock up bicycles or motorcycles when you are not using them, even if you will be away for just a few minutes.

• Always keep a second set of keys in a secret place, and remove identification tags from keys.

• Do not leave valuable items in plain view inside your car. Lock valuables in the trunk or take them with you.

• Leave your passport in a secure place at home. Please make sure to have copies of all important documents, like your passport and I-20.

• Do not lend items or money to people you don’t know.

If you have any questions, doubts or concerns about what may or may not be safe, please come and talk to us in the International Student Programs office. In case of emergency, call 911.


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MAKING PHONE CALLS

Telephone numbers in the United States can have three parts: EXAMPLE: 1-206-555-5555 1) The number 1: used for calling long distance 2) A 3-digit area code: tells you what region of the U.S. you are calling 3) A 7-digit phone number: the local number for the house or business

You have to dial differently depending on the area code. This makes calling your friends confusing, but here is a guide to help you:

Calls to the same area code If you are calling someone with the same area code, you only need to dial the phone number (Example: 555-5555). Calls in Washington to a different area code If you are calling someone in Washington, but with a different area code, you need to include the area code (Example: 360-555-5555). In Washington, the area codes are 206, 253, 360, 425 and 564. You do not usually need to dial a 1 before the area code. If you try to call a number using the area code and phone number and it doesn’t work, that means it’s a long distance call. Long Distance Calls To make a call to another U.S. state, you must start with the number 1 to complete your call (Example: 1-303-555-5555). Long distance calls cost money, so beware!

International Calls If you want to call outside of the U.S., you will need to know the country code. The White Pages of your local phone book lists all of the Country Codes, and some area codes of major international cities. To make international calls, dial 011+ country code + area or city code + phone number (Example: 011-81-3-555-5555). If you cannot complete your call this way, call the operator (dial 0) for help.

international student handbook (.pdf) - highline community college

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