| |
Each semester there is an orientation for all new international students. January 8 and 9 will be the orientation program for those students entering in Spring 2009. All new students should attend both sessions to get information that is vital for maintaining your status with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, as well as for getting started at Kansas State. Representatives from several offices on campus will be there to assist you.
International Student Center
The International Student Center provides a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere where people wanting to increase their international perspective can always find new friends. The three-building complex has been completely funded by private gifts to the university. The main building opened in 1978 and includes a multipurpose meeting room, dining room, kitchen, and reading lounge. In November 1998 construction was completed on a new Taiwan Wing for international student services. The Taiwan Wing provides space for the staff, who have the primary responsibility of assisting all KSU nonimmigrants with their immigration paperwork and related matters. They also provide leadership and support for a variety of programs that promote global awareness and understanding.
In addition to the Taiwan Wing, also completed in November 1998 was renovation of previous office space into what is now called the Korean Room. The Korean Room is a small media center that has computers, a television viewing area, general meeting space, and a small office for the students' International Coordinating Council.
Kansas State University is proud of the very unique International Student Center complex we have on our campus. It is one of few such facilities in the U.S. If you need assistance or have questions before arriving, you can contact the International Student Center by e-mail at isc-fso@ksu.edu or check its website at http://www.ksu.edu/intlstucenter.
Medical Insurance. The Kansas Board of Regents requires that international students and their dependents (if they are with the student) purchase or be in possession of a medical insurance policy or equivalent coverage. Medical insurance can be purchased on the campus or from other independent agencies. NOTE: It is important that you be in possession of medical insurance before beginning Tuberculosis testing (see information about testing below).
Upon Arrival. As soon as possible after arriving on campus, all international students should go to the International Student Center to check in. Please bring your I-20 or DSO2019 and your passport with you. You should also bring a copy of your health insurance card.
Urgent Health Care Information. Tuberculosis testing is required for all students who have spent more than four months in a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis. Please access more information about testing at Lafene Health Care. You will not be allowed to enroll until you have been tested.
International Student Organizations. On the website for the Center there is a list of the international student organizations with an e-mail address for a contact. You may wish to make contact about travel or housing information or other questions before arrival on campus.
English Language Proficiency. The Graduate School is concerned that all international students are competent in the English language to insure success in their graduate programs. If your score on the TOEFL exam was between 550 and 599, you did not submit a TOEFL score, or you have been admitted to the English Language Program, you must take an English proficiency test after arriving at Kansas State. Please contact the English Language Program at elp@ksu.edu to register for the exam.
All international students who have been appointed as graduate teaching assistants must take the Speak test or the Test of Spoken English. For more information about the English Language Program and testing information, you may wish to access their website at http://www.ksu.edu/elp/.
