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F-1 Visa Specifics
Cultural Orientation
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Visa Rules
You must:
- 1. Take 18 hours during every 6-week term (1 General English class and two specialty classes.)
- 2. Maintain current personal and financial information. Report any changes to the school within 10 days.
- 3. Maintain a minimum of 80 percent attendance and a 75 average grade each term.
- 4. Working with an F-1 visa is illegal.
- 5. Follow all school rules and all US laws.
Note from the PDSO: Print a copy of your I-20 and keep it in a safe place. Keep the original email it came in. The I-20 is an official government document like your passport.
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Travel
- The PDSO will verify whether you are eligible to travel.
- For any travel, you need to tell the English Island where you will go and how long you will be there.
- International travel is only in emergencies. The PDSO will verify whether you are eligible to travel. You need to have your I-20 form signed by the PDSO before you can leave.
- You can take a 2-term vacation after you study at a SEVIS-approved school for 5 terms (7.5 months). The PDSO will verify whether you are eligible for vacation.
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Immigration Advising and Transferring
- Immigration Advising
- Contact the PDSO or DSO at DSOAdmin@theenglishisland.com with any question about visa rules and regulations
- Transferring
- Must be in-status with the school (see the PDSO for more information)
- Must tell The English Island 2 terms before you want to transfer
- Must give The English Island the paperwork necessary to complete the request
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Rules and Laws in the US
Police:
- You can not smoke marijuana or do any other drugs legally in Georgia.
- The legal age for drinking and smoking is 21. (This includes cigars and e-cigarettes.)
- The age to buy alcohol and cigarettes is 21. You can not give alcohol or cigarettes to people who are younger. It’s a crime.
- You can not own a gun.
- You need to have a physical copy of your visa and your passport at all times.
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Police:
- You need to have an international license or a Georgia driver’s license.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- If you get stopped driving by the police,
- Do NOT put your hands in your pockets or bag. Do NOT get out of the car unless the police officer tells you to do so.
- Have your ID (copy of visa and driver’s license), car registration, and insurance ready.
- Put your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them.
- Give your documents to the officer when asked.
- REMEMBER: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A TRANSLATOR!!
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Medical
- We don’t go to the hospital for minor illnesses like colds or fevers. Go to an urgent care clinic or make an appointment with a doctor. If it is very minor, you can go to a minute clinic at a pharmacy.
- Sometimes you can make an appointment on the phone or online. The clinic will let you know when you are next in line.
- Do not go to the emergency room unless you are very sick or hurt. It is very expensive, and it takes a very long time (sometimes 5-6 hours.) Do not call an ambulance unless it is a major injury or illness. The ambulance is very expensive,
- If you are going to be here a long time, consider buying health insurance for international students. For information about insurance, see the PDSO, DSO, or Student Services Coordinator, or visit isoa.org
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Pharmacy
- Pharmacists can only fill prescriptions written by doctors. They don’t give recommendations for medicines.
- Most American medicine can be stronger than it is in other countries, so you might not need to take as much for it to be effective.
- It is not necessary to go to the doctor for a cold or the flu. You can buy medicines without a prescription. These medicines are very effective for helping minor illnesses.
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Mental Health
If you have a mental health problem, talk to the Student Services Coordinator. They can help you find a counselor who speaks your language.
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Money
- Most places accept cash and cards.
- Many also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- You can get cash at ATMs. Try to use ATMs that are inside a building in a secure place. Do not give your card or code to anyone else.
- You can also choose the “Cash Back” option when buying something at most major stores.
- Information on local banks is in your handbook if you want to open an account. Ask the Student Services Coordinator if you need help.
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Travel
- Marta is the Atlanta public transportation. You buy a Marta card at a train station or online. You can load money on the card at a train station, application, or website.
- Bus- you can use exact change cash or a Marta card. The fare is $2.50 for each direction. The CCT 50 bus comes to the school.
- Car rental-You must be 25 to rent a car. Local companies include Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz. Check each company’s requirements about what documents and payment methods are needed.
- Uber or Lyft are ride companies. You can schedule a ride using an app. It is simple and generally affordable.
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Gym
- There are many gyms in the area. These include Planet Fitness, YouFit, LA Fitness, and 24hour Fitness.
- Most offer a free 1-week trial and then you pay a registration fee and a monthly fee. See your handbook for information.
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Religion/ Worship
- Your handbook has a list of local churches, mosques, and temples. There are many more in the area. You can find them by looking online.
- If you need an area to pray during the day, please speak to the Student Services Coordinator.
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THANK YOU!