International Student FAQ

Information about the academic calendar and the beginning of classes can be found at the following website: http://www.goucher.edu/x1393.xml. New international students are encouraged to arrive at Goucher one day before the orientation date. The Office of Community Living has room assignments and keys available for enrolled students. These will be disbursed by the Office of Public Safety. If you plan to arrive earlier than the recommended date, you can make temporary housing arrangements at a hotel in the Towson area.

The most convenient option from the airport is the Super Shuttle. This site includes estimated costs. Expect to pay $33-60 USD depending on traffic. Call the shuttle service 24 hours in advance to make reservations. They can be reached at 800-BLUE-VAN (258-3826). The cost is at least $33 one-way. Additional passengers in the party pay an extra fee.

No, students from English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores, but you may benefit from studying for the TOEFL because you will be required to take college placement tests in English and math before arriving on campus. These tests, which are written in standard American English, examine your ability.

Billing and other administrative questions are answered on departmental websites. View the following link for billing questions: http://www.goucher.edu/x2097.xml. Tuition, fees, and payment deadlines information can be found at http://www.goucher.edu/x2135.xml.

Yes, contact the designated school official (DSO), located in the Office of Admissions, regarding regulations on international student employment. Before applying for employment, you must first consult with the DSO to discuss federal, state, and institutional rules for working in the United States. The approval of the DSO must be secured prior to beginning on-campus employment.

In general, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular semester and more than 20 hours during school breaks and summer vacations. However, each school and state may have restrictions regarding employment. The number of on-campus positions is limited for students, and these positions are competitive. International students cannot work off campus without permission from the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's website with regards to employment of international students. For information on Goucher student employment opportunities, contact the Career Development Office.

No. Goucher is located on several bus routes, and it is a short bus ride from the Light Rail. Transportation into Baltimore City is easily accessible using the CollegeTown shuttle. The following website lists transportation options: http://www.goucher.edu/x1296.xml. If you are considering buying a car, keep in mind that automobile insurance is required in Maryland, and it can be expensive.

When you are considering transportation, it is important to know that U.S. public transportation is not as well-developed as it is in some other countries. However, all college campuses are served by buses operated by the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA), and, of course, there are taxis.

An academic adviser will help you in selecting and sequencing your courses so you can meet your graduation objectives. You will meet your academic adviser during Orientation. Please note that all international students should enroll as full-time students (a minimum of 12 credits in each fall and each spring semester for undergraduate students; and 9 credits for each fall and each spring semester for graduate students). Summer semester enrollment is optional. See the designated school official (DSO) for allowable exceptions to the enrollment requirements. The DSO is located in the Admissions Office.

International students must remain in full-time status. A minimum of 12 credits per semester is considered full-time for undergraduate students and a minimum of 9 credits for graduate students. A 12-credit semester usually consists of at least four three-credit classes.

Students who need academic support have a variety of options. Tutoring services are available through the Academic Center for Excellence and other support networks. Please refer to the following link for more information about student support service options: http://www.goucher.edu/x4558.xml.

If you are having difficulty in a course, we highly recommend that you request a free tutor through the Academic Center for excellence (ACE). For more information on tutorial services, go to the following website: http://www.goucher.edu/x4576.xml.

The cost of health care in the United States is very expensive, so Goucher requires all students to have health insurance. The college offers students the opportunity to purchase health insurance on their own or through GMSouthwest, Inc. If you purchase your own health insurance, you must provide Goucher with documentation that includes dates and type of coverage. Health information will be sent to all students before the academic school year commences.

In addition, we recommend that you have a general physical, eye, and dental examination performed before leaving your home country because these examinations will probably costs less than having them done in the United States. Also, bring any prescription medication and eyeglasses along with medical documentation with you.

You can make international calls by using calling cards, available in many gas stations and food stores. When using the phone in the dormitory room, you should first dial 9, the calling card phone number, and then the pin on the phone card. Then dial 011-the country code for the country you are calling, then the phone number of the person you are calling. You can also purchase a prepaid telephone that has a sim card. This card allows you to use the cell phone by purchasing minutes for it.

Family members must request permission from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff member in their home country to visit you in the United States. Contact the embassy or consulate to learn about requirements, time frames for visa interviews, how to pay fees, and other issues. If you need a letter from Goucher College, submit a written request to the vice president of student affairs.

You can also use Internet communication options such as Skype, Oovoo, or Facebook, all of which should be free of charge.