WELCOME to the University of Southern Maine!
Information for Newly Admitted International EXCHANGE Students
VISA INFORMATION & ACTION:
You will receive a DS-2019 form by mail from the USM Office of International Programs
You will need to pay a mandatory SEVIS fee of $100 and complete form I-901. For more information about how to pay this fee please visit www.fmjfee.com
Once you have received your DS-2019 and paid the SEVIS fee, make an appointment with the nearest Consulate or Embassy for your visa interview. Read our handout to learn more about what you need to bring to your visa appointment and the process of Obtaining Your J-1 Student Visa.
After your arrival in the US you must visit the International Programs office located in 101 Payson Smith on the USM Campus. Please bring your passport and other documents so that we can make sure you received the appropriate status.
Special Notes:
Be sure to use your USM DS-2019 to obtain your visa to come here, otherwise you may encounter problems with the immigration officials upon entry.
Do not enter the US on a B-2 Visitors Visa with the intention of changing your status after your arrival. You will not be able to study on a B-2 and changing your status will be extremely difficult.
Note that you cannot enter the US any earlier than 30 days prior to the start of your program.
COURSE REGISTRATION:
Fall 2008 classes begin at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008.
Fall 2008 courses listings can be found online via the Registrar's Office in pdf format. These listings do not include course descriptions . Course descriptions can be obtained through the USM undergraduate catalog which is also available online.
An important note about selecting classes: You should only chose classes that are held in Portland or Gorham. It is also important to note that it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to travel between these two campuses so you need to build travel time into your schedule if you are taking classes on both campuses.
Once you have selected your USM course choices please e-mail them directly to Kimberly Sinclair in the International Office. Please be sure to include AT LEAST TWO alternate courses just in case your first choices have already been filled.
Remember to have your academic advisor at your home institution review and approve your USM courses so that you understand how they will transfer back to your home school.
Once you have been registered our office will e-mail you a registration confirmation. Any additional changes to your schedule can be made via Kimberly prior to the start of classes or during the Add-Drop Period which is the first week of school.
ACADEMIC ADVISOR: During the summer you will be assigned an Academic Advisor in your field of study. Your advisor will be able to meet with you after your arrival to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about your schedule, the academic system in the US or procedures for changing courses.
INSURANCE:
Health care is very expensive in the United States. International Students are required to have health insurance throughout their period of study in the US. USM does offer its own health insurance plan for international students. More information will be provided to you upon your arrival in Maine.
Exchange students often find it is more cost effective to purchase health insurance in their home country prior to traveling abroad. We will accept your insurance policy from home. However, you must provide proof of health insurance coverage to my office upon your arrival.
IMMUNIZATION:
Maine State law requires all new students to document immunization against measles, German measles, tetanus/diphtheria and mumps prior to enrollment. If you have been immunized, please bring documentation with you. Otherwise, immunization will be made available to you during the orientation period. For more information on immunizations please visit: http://www.usm.maine.edu/health/immunization.htm
HOUSING:
Exchange students live on the USM Gorham campus in Philippi Hall as part of our International Living and Learning Community. The International Living Community is a great way to make friends with American students! To live on campus you will need to complete and return a housing application which will coming to you soon via the regular mail system.
Living on campus requires students to have a meal plan. If your exchange agreement does not include the cost of room and/or a meal plan you will need to be prepared to pay those costs upon arrival. Our office will assist you with selecting the most appropriate meal plan for you after your arrival in Maine. Room and board rates for 2008-09 have not yet been set. To see the current cost of room and board visit the USM Residence Life Homepage.
On campus dining will open on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008. We estimate you will need about $30 per day for food prior to that time. We have attached a copy of USM’s 2008-09 Academic Calendar. If you live on campus you will need to plan to purchase food during vacation weeks when University Dining Service is closed. We recommend that you plan to spend $125 per week for food at those times.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
Please plan your arrival for no later than Tuesday, August 26th, 2008.
If you are living on campus you may check into the Residence Halls on either Monday, August 25th or Tuesday, August 26th, 2008. The Residence Halls will not be available to students any earlier than the 25th of August.
ORIENTATION:
Our office will facilitate a New International Student Orientation beginning on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008. During this orientation we will help to familiarize you with USM and the surrounding community. We will also assist you with various academic and cultural questions including registering for courses, maintaining your visa status, and much more. We will also provide a general introduction to the sights and sounds of Maine. A detailed schedule will be posted on our website in mid-July. (http://www.usm.maine.edu/international)
ALCOHOL POLICY
Since different countries and cultures vary with regard to their use of and policies about alcoholic beverages we felt that it was important to include the current policy on alcohol use according to the University of Maine System and the laws of the State of Maine. The University of Maine System must comply with the laws of the State of Maine and with local campus regulations and procedures which state that the acquisition, possession, transportation, and consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited.
TRAVEL PLANS:
By Air: Some students fly directly to the Portland International Jetport. The Gorham campus is approximately 30 minutes from the Portland Airport by car.
Some students find it more convenient and cost effective to fly into Boston. If you choose this option it is very easy to take a bus to Portland. Concord Trailways offers excellent bus service from Logan Airport to Portland for $25 one way. The ride is approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival: Taxis to the USM Gorham Campus residence halls or your local residence are available outside of the airport baggage claim area and just outside of the bus station. The cost to Gorham will be about $35-40 one way.
If you will be living on campus, it is extremely important that you contact my office with your arrival details at least 2 weeks in advance. Please use our electronic travel plans form to submit your arrival details.
RESOURCES:
Local Weather: Gorham Zip Code 04038 or Portland Zip Code 04103
Portland International Jetport
Maine Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Any other questions or concerns contact Kimberly Sinclair in the International Programs Office.