For us, what are the things that international students should know in the fall?

International Student Health Insurance

Kate Child, assistant dean of academic services at Bennington College in Vermont, said: “Knowing this, colleges and universities are working to maintain clarity with new students through a variety of channels. Consistent communication.” and international student support.

Admitted international students who are unsure about what the fall will look like in the United States or are concerned that many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world have not yet resumed normal visa processing may choose to defer for a semester or a year. of admission. .However, for international students who are admitted and eager to enroll in the fall, they can take these three steps: Monitor email and school websites. ?Attend a virtual information session. ?Keep in touch with the International Students Office. ?Monitor emails and school websites

Experts say new international students should pay close attention to emails and messages posted on school websites and social media, which contain regular announcements and updates.

“Email will probably still be the primary method of communication on your campus, so build good habits now by checking your email every day,” Child said. "Interact with your college's freshman Facebook group, Instagram, Discord and/or admissions apps like ZeeMee."

The school's website may be a good place to find answers to frequently asked questions, she said, which has been the case in the past Archives of school-wide communications, policies and procedures.

Please remember that many schools provide separate admissions web pages for newly admitted international students, or international student office web pages that provide information and links to various resources. For example, Arizona State University's admissions page lists next steps such as applying for a student visa, and the University of Rochester's Office of International Services page in New York similarly provides step-by-step procedures for new students.

"Campus leadership will continue to keep campus and students updated on campus plans for the fall. Students should continue to check emails from campus and review the campus COVID-19 page, which includes FAQs and videos, " said director Anna Wimberly. UC Irvine International Center.

Christian Stewart, executive director of international student services on the Andrews University campus in Michigan, said that through the school website and social media, the university will provide “regular updates on COVID-19 testing requirements, vaccine updates, online learning options, adjustments Schedules, Fall Arrival Options and Procedures, and Student and Exchange Visitor Program Updates ” The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) administers the U.S. government’s student visa monitoring system. ?Participate in virtual information sessions

With many U.S. colleges still operating virtually, students may also be able to connect online with the school's international admissions and services staff and participate in information sessions via Zoom or other video conferencing tools. Meet and greet.

In the spring and summer, Bennington College will provide international students with “opportunities to get to know each other, get to know current students and begin to connect with faculty and staff” who will serve as campus resources for them, Child said.

The University of California, Irvine offers a variety of on-campus courses held online to all admitted undergraduate students. For example, Celebrate UCI has a "Get to Know Campus" feature that offers live presentations and on-demand videos covering topics such as the next steps in the admissions process, financial aid, academic opportunities and student life. The page also has a "Meet Your Fellow Anteater" feature, which includes a panel with current UCI students and virtual games and on-demand content from student creators.

“This is the best way to meet and connect with your future classmates. These are easy ways to get to know the campus and get advice from current students on what they want or know about the campus,” said Brian Qiu, Senior Director of Outreach and Marketing, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, UCI.

The school also has a page with information about the Student Parent Orientation Program, UCI's summer orientation program. Kyaw said fall orientation will occur in the summer and be offered online.

Stewart said staff at Andrews University have held "COVID-19 related Zoom orientation sessions and prepared our international students for international study, as well as on our dedicated COVID-19 website Videos of these classes have been shared by international students who missed them. Stay Connected with the International Student Office

New students should stay in touch with their school’s International Student Services Office, which can keep students updated on the status of these visas. A coronavirus vaccine may need to be available at short notice; experts say, along with other changing information and requirements, such as the possibility of online classes.

“All staff in my university’s International Student Services office have their Calendly accounts listed on the office webpage, and students can schedule Zoom appointments simply by clicking on available times,” Stewart said.

He said the school's International Student Services Office can provide updated information, such as guidance issued by its designated school official or DSO, to help them maintain their legal status to study in the United States

He said, International students can also directly monitor SEVP updates by following the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement guidance on the COVID-19 page through the two nonimmigrant student tabs.

Due to ongoing uncertainty, online courses may be necessary, and international students should prepare to take some fall semester or quarter courses online due to circumstances related to the pandemic.

At UC Irvine, “the campus is still deciding which courses will be offered in the fall,” Jue said. "We will do our best to communicate as early as possible and through as many channels as possible to inform students of what to expect."

Allen Koh, CEO of Cardinal Education, a California-based education consulting firm, urged international students to prepare for unexpected situations and delays. Be prepared.

"We recommend that they may quarantine multiple times, especially for students coming from countries that do not have direct flights to the United States (such as India). Students may have to travel to another country to quarantine and then quarantine as per the transit company's policy ,” said Koh, who works with international students from India, Ghana, China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Koh said it is best to make travel plans by consulting local government agencies and embassies for guidance on travel protocols. He also recommended that international students get vaccinated and keep any evidence that they have had a COVID-19 vaccine in case they need to travel.

As the fall semester approaches, Child echoes the advice for incoming students to continue to stay in close contact with staff in the Office of International Student Services.

“ISS advisors will remain in contact throughout the spring and summer to share information and support international students as they prepare for their visa interviews, travel to the United States, arrival and move-in, and more,” Child said.