Wright State University | Photo by Cheyenne Waddell | Edited by Jessica Fugett | The Wright State Guardian
Once an international student accepts the Fall 2021 admission letter and gets ready to start their studies, it is important to keep several things in mind.
Attending Information sessions at the international office, keeping in touch with advisors, organizing documents and ensuring a successful arrival to the campus are all important.
It is possible to make the process of arriving in the U.S. easier if students will invest time into the preparation and follow advice from the University Center for International Education (UCIE).
Consistent communication
After receiving a Form I-20 from the UCIE at Wright State University (WSU), students should keep in contact with the international advisors.
It is recommended to ask the UCIE all questions regarding the visa requirements, documents, housing and everything students may be concerned about. They are the first people who international students inform about changes or difficulties they face prior and during their studies, and they continue to assist students until graduation.
Furthermore, international students should no shyt away from contacting the academic department where they were admitted with questions about the program, the required courses and prerequisites, course schedules, etc.
Online information sessions
Virtual information sessions are the primary source for students to become familiar with everything they should know before departing their home country and starting studies at Wright State University (WSU). It is a great opportunity to ask questions in real-time and get immediate advice regarding visa issuing, health insurance, immigration check-in and much more.
The UCIE pre-orientation virtual webinars for upcoming international students occur every week . They are held by advisors and current students who are committed to informing students on how to arrive in the U.S. without any worries.
Online information sessions will continue throughout the summer of 2021 and become more frequent at the end of July and August.
Checking email, WSU’s website and socials regularly
All important notices and updates are usually delivered through email, and international students have to check them daily in order to send documents when they are required and meet other deadlines. This is a great way to communicate not only with the UCIE but also with an academic advisor of the student’s study program.
While international phone calls may be expensive from several counties, email communication is more convenient for many students.
Other valuable sources for tracking the university news in the current digital era include the official WSU website and social media channels.
Many student organizations and academic departments consistently post announcements and updates through social media because it is an easy and fast way to reach continuing and new students. Moreover, it can be a great way to start engaging with others and make friends even before coming to campus.
Getting a visa
Getting a visa is the next most vital and stressful step that international students face after being admitted to the program. There are a lot of nuances that are essential to remember before coming to the embassy for an interview, such as paying fees, collecting necessary documents for the entrance, and preparing to answer questions about studies that the visa counsel might ask.
If an international student comes confident and prepared with all paperwork, obtaining a U.S. student visa can be less nerve wracking.
COVID-19 restrictions and traveling to the U.S.
Traveling internationally with the COVID-19 restrictions may become more complex than it was at the beginning of the pandemic, but it is still possible..
Checking all requirements for entering the U.S. for students from different countries should be done prior to leaving their home country to avoid any issues while traveling. Then, carrying Covid-19 vaccine cards or test results may also make traveling faster without additional problems or expenses.
