Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

International Student Orientation is a great time for international students to learn about the campus, living in the United States, and education requirements. Every year, faculty and volunteer students from many different departments and backgrounds make ISO an entertaining and informative event! We urge all international students to attend ISO.

"ISO was a great thing for me. I had all my questions answered and... many of the students [I met] have become good friends."

"I can't imagine better transition to the U of O life and community other than to attend ISO"

Admissions and Registration Information

• How do I apply for admission at the University of Oregon?

Information about admissions can be found at the International Student Admissions FAQ

• How can I register for the classes I want?

Students can register for classes throughDuckWeb. Before students
register, they must have their student ID, PAC (Personal Access Code),
and PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Visa Information

• What is a J-1 and F-1 visa?
• What kind of visa can my family get?

Question concerning immigration and visa issues are best answered by visiting the International Student Visa Matters Web Site. If you have any specific questions please contact one of the International Student and Scholar Advisers.

International Student Orientation Specifics

• When is International Student Orientation (ISO)?

ISO occurs every quarter during the school year (September, January, March, and June), however, the largest ISO is during September in the fall term. The ISO schedule is available online.

• When should I arrive in Eugene?

You can arrive as early as 30 days before the first day of classes but no earlier because of visa restrictions. We suggest that you arrive at least a day or two before ISO begins so that you can try to adjust to the time differences and relax before ISO begins. Students who need to find apartments should arrive earlier in order to find apartments and shop for furniture, etc.

• Where is ISO?

ISO is at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Many of the presentations are given around campus, but there are some events that take place off campus such as a picnic, campus tour, etc. Someone will always be around to help you find the place you need to go to. If you every get lost or have questions, please ask the IA staff or other students. The ISO assistants and staff can usually be found by the ISO t-shirts.

• How do I get from the airport to the University of Oregon?

The Eugene airport is very close to campus. If you have registered for the homestay program, your host family will probably meet you at the airport, but you should contact them to be sure. If you are planning on staying somewhere on your own, there are several options to get to campus from the airport. Please try the following links to help you find transportation:Directions to and from the airport if you are driving yourselfCar Rentals and public transportation is listed here. Most of these are NOT FREE, so be sure to ask how much the ride will cost before you arrive and have the cash ready to pay. Many students like to use Omnishuttle, a shared car service that is not too expensive. It is also customary to tip drivers 10% or more for the ride. Some hotels provide free shuttle service from the airport. Please ask the hotel staff before your arrive to arrange transportation.

• Where will I stay during ISO?

There are hotels available (pdf) for some people, although we think you should try to stay in a homestay, dorm, or apartment. Information is sent from the housing department regarding the on-campus housing. Any additional housing costs that you must pay during ISO are your responsibility (such as hotel charges, homestay costs, and early dorm living).

• What is the schedule for ISO?

The schedule for ISO can be found online and you will receive a schedule in your welcome packet. During most of the year, the schedule from the previous ISO is available when the current schedule is not ready. The schedule is quite busy and informative.

• What should I bring to ISO?

You don't need to bring anything, except perhaps a pen and some paper. Just relax and HAVE FUN!

• Will I have free-time at ISO?

There is usually some free-time during ISO after the activities for the day. Most of the day is busy, but many students spend time with new friends after the daily events and before classes start.

Academic Testing

• What is the English placement test and what is AEIS?

AEIS is the Academic English for Internationals Students program. Information about testing and courses is available online from the AEIS web site.

• What is the math placement test?

The math placement test is for students who have not taken the SAT test or who are not satisfied with their SAT score. More information can be found on the math placement test information page online

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What about Eugene?

• What is Eugene like?

Eugene is the second largest city in Oregon. It is located in the Willamette Valley about 3 hours north of California, and 1.5 hours south of Portland. The Oregon coast is about 1 hour west and the snow-capped mountains are just to the east making Eugene a perfect location for outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, and skiing.

• How's the weather?

The weather in Eugene is very mild most of the year. The temperature averages around 53 degrees (12 degrees Celsius) with mild winters and a long Spring and Autumn. There are few drastic weather changes, although the rainfall is relatively high (43 inches per year). Most of the rain occurs between September and June.

• What can I do for fun?

Eugene is located in the Willamette Valley and surrounded by beaches and mountains. There are many chances to enjoy the natural environment in Oregon or the larger cities of Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. Some beginning travel ideas can be found online, but if you ask anyone in town you will be given a lot more ideas such as movies, sports coffee hour, the Saturday Market, concerts, and More!

• How Can I travel around Eugene and the surrounding area?

University of Oregon students, with their student ID, can use the extensive LTD bus system for free. Eugene airport serves this area with a few airlines and domestic flights to cities in the North West, California, and the mid-western states. Options such as trains, buses and rental cars also serve most of the United States.

Housing

• How do I get a room on-campus?
The university offers a variety of styles of living on campus for undergraduate and graduate students (with or without families). Be careful regarding the housing deadlines. They are important and if the deadline is passed it will be difficult to secure a dorm or university apartment. You should consult the Housing web page or contact housing staff for more information.
• How do I get an apartment off-campus?
The University of Oregon does not supply information regarding housing and apartments off-campus generally. There is an online directory of apartments that is maintained by the ASUO that might have some local apartments. Also, there are two bulletin boards with housing information: one located outside the entrance to IA (330 Oregon Hall), and the other in the basement of the EMU. In addition, we suggest you examine local newspapers such as The Daily Emerald and The Register Guard classified sections.
• How can I stay with an American family (a homestay program)?

The homestay program at the University of Oregon offers you a great opportunity to live with an American family for a few days before ISO begins. It is a great chance to meet and interact with community members and have "instant friends" when you arrive in America. Please visit the homestay information homepage and fill out an on-line application today!

Money Matters

• How do I get a bank account in the U.S.? Banks in the United States offer many kinds of financial services. These include checking and savings accounts, conversion of foreign currency, bank drafts, money orders, credit cards, loans, inter bank transfers, traveler's checks, and safe-deposit boxes for valuables. The following banks are near the university:

  Bank of America
  201 E. 11th Ave. (342-5810)
  
  Wells Fargo Bank
  1380 Villard St. (1-800-869-3557)
  
  Oregon Community Credit Union
  488 E. 11th Ave. (687-2347)
  Open to current university students and alumni, UO faculty members and employees, state of Oregon employees and family members.
  
  U.S. Bank
  810 E. 13th Ave. (465-4281)

  All banks offer similar services with minor differences in such areas as interest earned in various types of accounts. You may want to investigate the differences before choosing your bank.
To open an account, you must present your passport and at least one other piece of identification. You also need one of the following: cash, a bank draft, cashier's check, or traveler's check-all payable in U.S. dollars. You do NOT need a U.S. social security number. You should ask your bank for a Form W-8, which enables you to declare your exemption from tax on interest income because of your nonimmigrant status.
• What is a checking account?

A checking account is a convenient way to pay for something without having to carry cash with you. Once you open an account, you will receive numbered checks imprinted with your name, address, and account number so that you can write checks using the money in your account. A "checkbook" contains the set of checks as well as a register in which you record each deposit you make and each check you write. This allows you to keep track of Bank Drafts. Bank drafts sent to you from abroad should be written in U.S. dollars and sent to your account in your American bank if possible. It usually takes several weeks for a bank draft to clear. It is safest to send bank drafts by registered mail.

• What is Western Union?

Western Union sends money to many locations overseas within twenty-four hours. Western Union does not reach every country and city abroad, however, and the fee for sending money may be high. The charge for sending or receiving money changes everyday. For more information, call 1 (800) 325-6000 or visit their website.

• What is an ATM?
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) provide limited banking service (deposits, withdrawals, balance of bank accounts). They are located outside your bank, in grocery stores, shopping areas, on the university campus at the Erb Memorial Union, and at the University of Oregon Bookstore. Banking machines are usually open twenty-four hours a day. To use an ATM, you need a personal bank card from your bank; you must apply for the card at your bank. When you receive the card, you will also be given a password or code number. You must use both the password and the card to gain access to your account on an ATM. Memorize the password so you will not need to carry it with you. Your bank can tell you if there is a charge using an ATM.
• What are credit cards?

Major credit cards, such as Visa or MasterCard, allow you to charge purchases, buy on credit, and make one monthly payment. These cards are obtained through application at many banks. Some retail stores have their own credit cards. While credit cards are very convenient, it is important to use them carefully and to keep track of expenses charged. Never give your credit-card account number to a telephone solicitor unless you are certain it will be used properly.

• Can I get a scholarship?

If your financial situation is such that you need long-term assistance with your educational costs, International Affairs (IA) has information about scholarships from the UO and from other sources. Students interested in applying for financial aid should visit the IA Financial Aid website to see the options. Students can also meet with an international student adviser. It may help you to read Funding for U.S. Study, published by the Institute of International Education. International Affairs has a copy of this book for use in the office.

• Can I get an emergency loan?

If you have an immediate need for a small amount of money, see an international student adviser in the International Affairs. The University of Oregon may be able to issue you an emergency loan up to $200.

Health & Safety

• Do I need health insurance? How can I get it?
Healthcare in the United States is very expensive. All students and dependents are required to have health insurance that is similar to the health plan offered by the University of Oregon. If you do not have health insurance, the University offers a plan to International Students. Graduate students who have a GTF have additional options for health insurance and should contact the GTFF for more information.
• Where should I go if I am sick?

The University Health Center offers great care at very affordable prices for students of the University. Non-students should consult their insurance company for a doctor in the area. The Student Health Center (SHC) offers workshops in healthy living, information on women's health, allergy assistance, physical therapy, counseling, a pharmacy, and more!

• What about my safety?

There are numerous blue-lighted yellow emergency phones around campus. If you press the button on one of these poles, you will be immediately connected with the Department of Public Safety (Campus Police). If you ever feel threatened or in trouble, please use these boxes. In addition, from any public phone, you can call 911 for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. There is other information about how to protect your identity, credit cards, etc. and parking information on the Public Safety's Web site.

Friends and Family

• How can I meet new friends?

• Americans?

You are likely to meet a lot of new friends at ISO and coffee hours on Friday from 4 to 6 PM at the International Resource Center. In addition, there are numerous other opportunities to meet with American students. There are various student groups, sports clubs, and classes where students are able to interact depending on your interests. Please look at the EMU Things to Do web page for more information about student groups. There are other opportunities through the Friendship Foundation, like the Conversation Friend program, the International Friend Program, and the Homestay program.

• Other international students?

At ISO you will meet a large number of international students. If you wish, please contact ISO before you travel to the University of Oregon and we can supply you with the name of a volunteer international contact. International Affairs (IA) has some opportunities to meet other internationals students, however, the best way to meet others is through international student organizations.

• How can I get information about local schools for my children?

Most younger students in the United States go to schools that are closest to home. Some students attend schools outside of their town in special circumstances. Here is a list of schools provided by the State of Oregon web site.

• Can my spouse (partner) work or go to school?

With the proper Visa, your spouse can work or go to school. Please consult the Visa Information page or contact IA International Student Advisors for more information.

Additional Information for Transfer Students

• Transferring credits

Transferring students have to take extra care to verify that all their class credits from previously attended college courses transfer to the University of Oregon. If you have any questions about transferring classes, please review the transfer admissions FAQ or request information from office of admissions.

• AEIS requirements

AEIS writing class requirements are waived when students present a transfer evaluation report from the University of Oregon showing WR121, WR122, or WR123 transfer credits. Other AEIS class requirements are waived if the student's TOEFL score is above 233 (575 paper test). If you have any questions about AEIS classes, please review the AEIS web site, or contact AEIS.

• Immigration and Visa Issues

Question concerning immigration and visa issues are best answered by visiting the International Student Visa Matters Web Site. If you have any specific questions please contact one of the International Student and Scholars Advisers.

Additional Information for graduate students

• What should I do differently from an undergraduate when I come to campus?

Part of ISO is specifically made for new international graduate students. Please be sure to mark these events in your program when you arrive so you get all the important information.

• Are there different requirements for me?

AEIS class requirements can be waived if graduate students get a TOEFL score over 233 (575 paper test).

• How can I get information on GTF appointments?

If you already have a GTF, please contact your supervisor or department. If you wish to obtain a GTF position, advertisements are placed on the University of Oregon employment site. Please note that GTF's are not only available in the Fall. Many positions come available throughout the school year, so you should check the web site often for information. Many positions are highly competitive, however. You may also wish to examine the GTFF homepage.