Important Information For International Students: 1. Welcome! There are many issues that are unique to international students, but are not so obvious to Americans. The information on this web page will hopefully make your transition to life in Charlottesville as smooth as possible. We hope to make you aware of what to expect when you arrive, so that you can settle in as early and as easily as possible. If you have any questions or need any help, please contact your mentor. Most importantly, please ensure you have read the important information for all students! There is a lot of information on that web page that is especially important for international students (getting a social security card for example). 2. Responsibilities of an International Student: Keep your passport valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US. Keep your authorized length of stay valid. The date of expiration is stamped on the I-94. Extensions must be made through the International Studies Office (ISO). You must enroll as a full-time student every Fall and Spring semester. This means you must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours. If you feel that you may need to reduce your workload, check with the International Studies Office. After you arrive, you will be required to take the SPEAK test on Monday, August 17th and Tuesday, August 18th, and the Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam on Saturday, August 23rd, if you are not a native English speaker. See the Center for American English Language and Culture website for more details on these tests. These exams do not affect your admission status; it is just a means of deciding whether you need classes for improving your English in addition to your full course load as specified above. If you have been speaking English for most of your life, don't worry too much about this test. When you move to a new address, promptly update your address information in ISIS, Human Resource division of UVa, and the International Studies Office. The U.S. government requires that international students report any address change in a very short time (on the order of 10 days). 3. Attend all the orientations conducted by the University. They are a source of a lot of useful information. There will be orientations by the International Studies Office and CS department and many picnics and lunches, which are our way of saying "Welcome!" In case you are not able to attend the international student orientation, you may want to talk with an authorized international student officer to make sure you have all requirements for enrolling in the school fulfilled. The international student office may need to have a carbon copy of some of your identification documents. 4. Note that the university maintains a webpage for international students. 5. Visa rules and regulations have been in flux recently. Please contact the International Student Office for questions about visas, especially if you plan to leave the country and return. In particular, consult with ISO before deciding to attempt to acquire a return visa from another country. ISO is the authority to give advice, explain regulations, and help international students for visa/status issues at UVa. 6. Upon arrival here, you may experience what is commonly known as "culture shock". Americans have their own customs and habits that may seem different from your experiences at home. Small, everyday habits may seem strange and confusing at first. Americans tend to have a number of casual acquaintances and will make a lot of pleasant small-talk. An American who acts friendly but never keeps promises to call or extend invitations is not trying to hurt you or make you feel unwelcome; he/she is simply trying to be polite. Don't feel hurt or betrayed by this. American classes are also more informal than many of you may be used to. Feel free to ask other students or the professor when you are unsure of what is appropriate. Watching how other students behave is also very helpful. Plain curiosity may lead Americans to ask personal questions that may seem embarrassing to a non-American. If you find any questions inappropriate do not hesitate to say that you would rather not discuss it. In most cases the person is not trying to attack your personal beliefs, but is just curious and will not be offended by a polite refusal. Remember that you are now in a different country with its own unique customs and traditions. Instead of being frustrated by these strange habits, it is often better to try and adjust to them and learn about the people here. You will find it an interesting experience, far better than isolating yourself in a world of your own. Americans are in general very friendly people. Especially here, at the CS department at UVa, you will find us a bunch of friendly people, doing our work, having our fun and games and hoping you will join in! Plus, you will probably have just as many people around you from your home country as from the U.S.! Remember, help is available in a number of ways. The International Studies Office (ISO) and the International Center have been established solely for the purpose of helping international students settle into the community and to encourage them to participate in cultural and social activities. Don't hesitate to contact them at any time. Your Student Host and Community Host are also sources of assistance. Most importantly, contact your mentor here in the CS department! 7. Since you are an international student, you can typically save a lot of money by buying the economy editions of books in your home country, if they are available. Another option chosen by international students is to borrow the book from someone who has recently taken the class. Your mentor might even have a copy he or she is willing to lend you! 8. If you need a ride from the airport, feel free to ask your mentor. You should try to get here at least 15 days in advance, and after arriving, do contact your mentor. He/she will be able to help you get things done initially. We look forward to seeing you here in C'ville and hope that this has answered some of the questions you may have had.