International+Arrivals

Arriving from abroad to a new and strange city can be a daunting prospect. This page will help walk you through some of the things you **must** do once you arrive in Tallahassee, as far as getting set up for classes is concerned.

All of this information can be found in much more comprehensive details on the website of the International Center. However, these tidbits are to help you get started and avoid having to wade through a LOT of information all at one time.


 * Note:** This information pertains to the [|International Center] at FSU.


 * General Tips and Checklist**


 * Once you have received your visa, you should make travel plans to Tallahassee. The closest major international airport is Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International (ATL). Tallahassee has a regional airport (TLH) with connections from Atlanta, Charlotte, Ft. Lauderdale, Memphis, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.
 * Apply for housing before arriving in Tallahassee. You may need to make alternate arrangements before being able to move in. **Note**: Alumni Village can accommodate move-ins before undergraduate residence halls open. There is no need to stick to the opening dates mentioned on the [|FSU Housing] page.
 * Once in town, report to the International Center and check in there.
 * There will be two holds on your registration for activities you need to do before you will be allowed to register for class during the new student registration window.
 * You need to check in at the International Center and attend New Student Orientation.
 * You need to purchase acceptable insurance coverage and submit details to the [|Thagard Health Center], along with your immunization documents.
 * It is recommended that you purchase insurance from the University. This also makes you eligible for the graduate student subsidy, in the event you are able to secure funding through an assistantship. Other acceptable coverage providers are: [|PSI Service] and [|Study USA]. Thagard recommends PSI Service out of the two, as they have had issues with getting Study USA to fulfill claims.


 * Support**

[|International Friends Program] This program pairs international students with local individuals, students or families to help them transition into life in Tallahassee.

This event occurs every Friday at 5pm at the International Center and allows to you mix and interact with other international students in programs across FSU.
 * International Coffee Hour**

[|Center for Intensive English Studies] CIES offers courses to help improve one's confidence with use of the English language.


 * Tips on securing funding**


 * Funding may or may not be available at all times in your program of study. Networking and asking around is the best way of finding funds which are available.
 * Also, draw on your past experiences. Even if you're studying in the College of Education, if your undergraduate degree is in Engineering, look for assistantships available in the College of Engineering or the Mathematics or Physics departments.
 * Be sure to subscribe to the listserv of your specific program in order to receive announcements about internship and assistantship opportunities.
 * FSU has several affiliate research facilities like the [|LSI], [|CIMES], [|CALA] and so on. Talk to your professors and colleagues and discover what they are involved with. Visit the web sites to discover if any opportunities exist in such organizations. These organizations are also potential sources of part/full time summer jobs and internships.


 * Visiting the Social Security Office**


 * Getting a Driver's License or Florida State ID**


 * Travelling to nearby countries**

Canada and Mexico are just across the border. Miami is the launching point for many trips into South America and the Caribbean. Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to visit any of the nearby countries. Visit their consulate web sites to find out.

[|Citizenship and Immigration Canada]

[|Embassy of Mexico]


 * IMPORTANT:**
 * Whether or not you require a visa to visit any of the neighbouring countries, you must keep your I-20 or DS-2019 form with you at any time you leave the country. You will be required to show this form every time you seek re-entry into the USA as a student.
 * Also, do not lose your I-94 arrival/departure information card. Getting this replaced is a costly and time consuming process.
 * If you are visiting Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days, the immigration officer will not detach your current I-94.
 * In case you are visiting Canada or Mexico for more than 30 days or any other country for any period of time, the immigration officer will detach your current I-94 as you leave the USA. Upon re-entry, you will be issued a new I-94 at your port of entry. Once you arrive back in Tallahassee, you will need to go to the International Center to register you new I-94 with them.