Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

• Alma is a small town located in the middle of the four-season state of Michigan in the northern part of the U.S. Four seasons mean the weather will change throughout the year splitting up between warm summers, a spectacular fall, with an array of colors and mild temperatures, and a beautiful spring when leaves are sprouting and flowers are starting to bloom. Winters (December – March) can be very cold with several weeks of snow on the ground.
• Students should bring their personal belongings but should also make sure to pack warm clothes, jackets, and heavier shoes for the colder months. If you are coming from a country that isn’t used to cold weather and snow, winter clothing can easily be purchased here in the U.S.
• Bring copies of your medical records, and anything you need for prescriptions. Bring you prescription medicine, glasses, contact lenses.
• When you arrive on campus, we will provide a free “Welcome bag” (a bag that can later be used as a laundry bag) that is filled with a pillow and comforter, one set of bed linens (pillow case / flat sheet/ fitted sheet), a set of towels, an international outlet converter, and a SIM card that will give students 30 days of service in the U.S. Additionally, we will take students to a local store within the first few days, so that they can buy anything else they need like cleaning/laundry supply, toiletries, school supplies etc.
• Having U.S. dollars on-hand can be really helpful, especially in the first few weeks in the U.S. if you encounter any issues with your international debit or credit cards. Most retailers in the U.S. accept credit and debit cards – including international ones – but you might need to let your bank or credit card company know in advance that you’ll be in the U.S. so there’s no issue processing transactions. In the meantime, though, having cash ensures you can still pay for things even if you’re working through any permissions with the bank or your credit card company.

The following documents are required / recommended when coming to the U.S. and requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa status. Bringing these documents will minimize the risk of delays, additional questions, or denial at the U.S. port of entry. You should also make sure to have hard copies of each document in the event that something goes missing.

Required:
• Valid passport with an expiration date that is at least six months beyond the date of intended arrival in the U.S.
• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa (Canadian citizens are exempt of the visa requirement)
• Original and updated I-20 or DS-2019
• SEVIS fee receipt (I-901)

Recommended:
• Official or unofficial transcripts/study lists for every term that you have been enrolled
• Proof of financial support

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers have the authority to search any and all electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops brought into the U.S. at a port of entry. In addition, CBP also has the authority to search the social media accounts of individuals entering the U.S. if deemed necessary.

After arrival, review your immigration record by logging into the CBP I-94 site. This will tell you your immigration status, and the length of time you are allowed to stay in the U.S.

New degree-seeking and exchange international students need to arrive at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) early, before the first day of class, to complete the mandatory International Orientation as well as the mandatory Tartan 101, the orientation program for all new incoming students.

Alma will only provide free airport shuttles from Detroit airport (DTW) to the campus on the international move in days. The international move in dates will be communicated after you have received your visa. International students need to make every effort to book their flights aligning with the college shuttles. Transportation outside the shuttles is very challenging since Alma College is located about 140 miles (225 km) away from the airport.

Sign up for free transportation

Yes. Orientation is essential for several reasons. It will help you prepare for the semester, schedule your classes, get to know the campus and local community, establish friendships, meet your faculty advisor, participate in activities, discover clubs and organizations, learn about F1 or J1 immigration regulations and more. International students are required to attend two orientations: International Orientation followed by Tartan 101, the orientation program for all new students. You will be emailed specific information about the dates and schedules of the orientation programs from the International Student Coordinator and a Student Life staff.

Alma College is a residential campus meaning the students live on campus all four years. There are a variety of residence facilities, but first-year students are typically assigned to a two-person room. The common space, halls and bathrooms are cleaned by housekeeping staff. Keeping your room clean will be your responsibility. After you have made your deposit expect to receive an email with information on the housing process.

Yes, as an F1 or J1 visa holder, you are required to have medical insurance at all times. To ensure this, the College automatically enrolls you in the Alma College student health insurance plan. This will help to keep you safe and healthy while studying and traveling in the U.S.

Yes, all international students or exchange visitors who attend Alma College on F, J, or other visa status must purchase and enroll in the Alma College Student Injury and Sickness Health Insurance Plan before the start of classes for any given term, or the College will purchase coverage and place the charges on the student’s account. This will help to keep you safe and healthy while studying and traveling in the U.S. and reduce medical related costs. They should only be used when the Wilcox Medical Center is closed.

Yes. The Wilcox Health Center on campus provides a full range of medical services for non-emergency care.  Our trained staff includes a DNP-board certified family nurse practitioner and a registered medical assistant, who are pleased to help you attain and maintain health throughout your college years.

In addition, Alma College is located less than two miles from a hospital with an Emergency Room, MyMichigan Medical Center Alma, 300 East Warwick Drive, and an urgent care center, MyMichigan Urgent Care Alma, 321 East Warwick Drive in Alma for after-hours or emergency care.

A Walk-In / Urgent Care Clinic is minutes from the hospital and should be used only when the Wilcox Medical Center is closed. A local hospital for emergency care is nearby, as well as specialized services sites.

Your first semester’s tuition bill will be due by the end of your first week of classes of the semester.  Before you leave your home country, prepare to transfer your first semester’s charges to Alma College.

How do I pay my fees?

You may choose to pay your account in full or in part and/or enroll in a payment plan.

Pay My Tuition

Pay My Tuition

The Career and Personal Development Department assists students with finding employment on campus. To be considered for student employment, students must have the appropriate visa to work in the United States and complete additional federal documents once they have a job. Working on an F-1 visa involves many regulations; however, you should be able to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school term. Off-campus employment is restricted by immigration regulations, and you will work with the Designated School Official (DSO) for clearance for any internships and employment after your degree. Learn more about student employment.

Student wages vary depending on the kind of job you get and how many hours you work per week. On-campus jobs typically pay between $10.33 to $13.00 per hour. During the academic year, full-time students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. When school is not in session, you can work up to 40 hours a week on campus. Positions must meet immigration regulations.

The International Student Support Department organizes International Student Orientation, hosts programs for international students throughout the year, and provides support for students on non-immigrant visas.

The Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE) also helps any student who wishes to study abroad with the preparation and their return to campus.

Yes, international students may obtain approval to stay on campus during school breaks if they do not have another option. We’ll help you make arrangements. Our dining hall is not open during breaks and holidays, so students will need to prepare their own meals. Students may stay on campus over the summer if they have campus employment.

Yes! We strongly recommend you join any and all clubs and organizations of interest. Our 100+ student clubs provide many ways to stay engaged with campus events, gain new friends, travel within and outside Michigan and exponentially enhance your campus quality of life.

Student Organizations

Yes. At Alma, we value all faiths and individual spiritual development. The Office of the Chaplain supports programs that promote innovative thought on ethics, religion, and social responsibility from all perspectives.

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