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  International A-Z

International Student Orientation

When to Arrive at Winthrop University

Arriving by Plane, Bus, Train and Luggage

Living on Campus at Winthrop

Studying in the USA and the Visa Application Process

Clearing Immigration at the Port of Entry and your I-94 card

Important Travel Notices to all International Students

Student Health Services and Required Medical Form

Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students

Tuition and Fee Payments

Maintaining Legal Student Status While in the US

International Student Orientation

At Winthrop, we not only recognize the inevitable challenges and rewards that international students encounter, but also the importance of empowering our students with the necessary knowledge and support for a culturally rich and academically successful experience in the U.S.  Toward that end, Winthrop offers a comprehensive International Student Orientation, which provides our students with:

• Transportation from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Winthrop.

• Assistance with matters on getting settled, such as opening a bank account, trips to local stores, campus and Rock Hill tours, etc.

• Important Information Sessions on “Academic Expectations”, “Adjusting to the U.S.”, “Your Immigration Responsibilities”, etc.

• Information on programs and services available on campus and in the Rock Hill community.

• The opportunity to get acquainted with other students, people and places on campus and in the surrounding area.     

Please note:

• The Spring 2009 International Student Orientation Program is MANDATORY for all international students new to Winthrop University.

• The Spring 2009 International Student Orientation will take place on Thursday and Friday, January 8-9, 2009. 

• New students can move into their on-campus housing beginning on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.

• Please note that a $100 orientation fee will be charged to the Winthrop account of all new students at the beginning of the semester because of the required nature of the orientation. 

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When to Arrive at Winthrop University

We also recommend that you arrive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.  The Charlotte airport is only a 30-minute drive from Winthrop. 

If you arrive in Charlotte on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, we will make arrangements to pick you up at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport at no charge. 

Please note:

• In order to schedule an airport pick up with the International Center you must complete and return The International Student Arrival Form by no later than Monday, December 8, 2008.

• If you do not return The International Student Arrival Form to us by the date listed above we cannot promise that we will be able to pick you up at the airport on your date of arrival.

• If you plan to arrive in Rock Hill before Wednesday, January 7, 2009, it will be your responsibility to find transportation to Winthrop and a place to stay prior to January 7.

• If you arrive at Winthrop before 5 PM on January 7 report directly to the International Center in 206 Tillman Hall.

• If you arrive after 5 PM on January 7 report directly to Campus Police in the Goode Building next to Dinkins Student Center, and an Orientation Assistant will meet you there.

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Arriving by Plane, Bus or Train and Luggage

Arriving by Plane

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (in Charlotte, North Carolina) is the closest airport to Rock Hill (about 35 km).  Direct flights from Europe and Canada are available. 

Once you have completed and returned The International Student Arrival Form someone representing the International Center will be at the airport to meet you at the next designated pick-up time referenced on the Arrival Form.  Please meet the Assistant at the “Welcome Center” located between the Zone B and Zone C Baggage Claims. 

If you arrive at another time, take a taxi ($75) to the Winthrop University campus.  Ask the driver to take you to the Campus Police Office located in the Goode Building next to Dinkins Student Center and an Orientation Assistant will meet you there. 

Arriving by Bus

There is a Greyhound bus stop in Rock Hill if you need to arrive by bus. Winthrop is located 4 miles (6-7 km) south of the bus stop on Cherry Road.   Please complete and return The International Student Arrival Form and we will do everything possible to meet you at the bus station upon your arrival.  If we cannot, please call a taxi when you arrive in Rock Hill (327-4144, 327-4131 or 327-4132) to take you from the bus stop to the Winthrop campus.  Ask the driver to take you to the Campus Police Office located in the Goode Building next to Dinkins Student Center and an Orientation Assistant will meet you there. 

Arriving by Train

The closest Amtrak train station is located in Charlotte, North Carolina (downtown). Please complete and return The International Student Arrival Form and we will do everything possible to meet you at the train station upon your arrival. If we cannot, please have taxi take you from the train station to the Campus Police Office located in the Goode Building next to Dinkins Student Center and an Orientation Assistant will meet you there.   

Luggage

You should attach a tag to each piece of your luggage with the following address:

Winthrop University Campus Police, The Goode Building, Rock Hill South Carolina, USA 29733,

Phone: (803)-323-3333.

If your luggage is delayed, make sure to request the airline forward your luggage to the Campus Police Office as they are open 24 hours a day and they will notify us as soon as they receive it.   We suggest that you pack a small bag with essential items and keep it with you on the plane, just in case your luggage is lost, you will have necessities for a few days.

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Living On Campus at Winthrop

Winthrop's residence hall experience is dedicated to the development of each resident student and is an essential part of the university's total educational experience. Therefore, all first-year and second-year Winthrop students are required to live on campus.  This requirement is applied to all newly admitted full time first year students (entering with fewer than 24 credit hours as long as space is available) unless they live within a 50 mile radius with a parent or guardian; are 21 years of age; or are married or a single parent. Requests for an exemption to this requirement may be made to the Department of Residence Life.  To request an exemption you must click here.

Advantages to living on campus include proximity to classes, the library, dining locations, and campus events; opportunities to meet more people and make new friends; and a support system of trained residence hall assistants and other Winthrop staff. Visit the Residence Life web site for more information regarding campus living. 

Due to the number of students living on campus at Winthrop, it is extremely important that you reserve a room on campus as soon as possible.  Complete the Housing Preference Form and submit it to The International Center of Winthrop University, 701 Oakland Avenue, 206 Tillman Hall, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, 29733 at your earliest opportunity.  Housing reservations are based on us receiving this application and rooms are assigned in the order the applications are received.

If you meet any of the exemptions above you can live off campus.  There are several apartment complexes located within walking distance to Winthrop.  If you need more information on off campus accommodations please contact international@winthrop.edu.

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Studying in the US and the Visa Application Process

The International Center at Winthrop University wants to provide the best information on applying for and receiving your student visa.  If at any time you have a question about the information provided below do not hesitate to contact international@winthrop.edu.

Applying for the F-1 or J-1 Student Visa

The information below references the F-1 student visa but some students come to study at Winthrop University on the J-1 exchange visitors visa.  The J-1 exchange visa application process is the same as the F-1 visa application process except the DS-2019 is the form you must receive from Winthrop University instead of an I-20 and the J-1 SEVIS I-901 fee is $180 whereas the F-1 SEVIS I-901 fee is $200.  Other than these two items, the process is the same.

Once you are admitted to Winthrop you will receive a packet that contains your I-20, which you will need to apply for your F-1 non-immigrant student visa.  Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are unable to issue your student visa more than 120 days, in advance of program start date listed on the Form I-20. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required. 

Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.

Always check with the American Embassy in your country concerning when you can apply for a student visa as the current immigration rules are constantly changing. 

SEVIS

The I-20 that you receive was created through a mandatory immigration program known as “SEVIS”.  The SEVIS program, or Student Exchange Visitor Information System, is designed to provide more efficient US immigration services to international students and professors.  The SEVIS system was developed by The United States Department of Homeland Security and is monitored by the United States Citizenship and Information Service (USCIS).

SEVIS I-901 Fee

As of September 1, 2004 all persons applying abroad for an F-1 visa must pay a $200.00 fee before being allowed to apply at an embassy for an F-1 visa.  This fee is different from the Visa Application Fee that is also required in order to apply for the F-1 visa.  For information on paying the SEVIS fee please visit  www.fmjfee.com.  This website provides a complete list of questions and answers on all aspects of SEVIS I-901 fee payment.  Individuals wanting to apply for an F-1 visa must pay the fee and receive a receipt stating the payment was made before beginning the process of applying for the visa.  Paying the fee and receiving the receipt can all be done online at the website above.  The receipt may also be referred to as the Form I-797.

Note: Students coming from Canada do not have to apply for an F-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.  You will apply for entrance into the US using your I-20 when you arrive at the US/Canadian border.  You are coming to the US for the first time as an F-1 student and are required to pay the $200 SEVIS fee.

Applying For Your F-1 Visa

A visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to enter the United States.  U.S. visas are issued by the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in your home country and cannot be issued or renewed in the U.S. 

In order to successfully apply for your F-1 visa, you will need to contact the US Embassy closest to where you live and make an appointment for a personal interview.  You must take the following items with you to apply for your visa:

You should also be prepared to establish intent to return home after you complete your studies. If a Consular Official believes your intent is to come and live permanently in the United States your student visa application will be denied. 

The US State Department updates their website on a regular basis to give new information on their issuing non-immigrant visas.  Information on the F-1 Student Visa can be found at the State Department website. Before applying for your visa, you may want to check this website for the most current information.

Your Form I-20 was issued by Winthrop University and allows you to study at Winthrop University only. You may not use your Winthrop I-20 to enter the U.S. for study at another university.   You must return the I-20 to us if you do not plan to attend Winthrop University.  The I-20 may be returned to the following address Winthrop University, International Center, 701 Oakland Avenue, 206 Tillman Hall, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA 29733.

Helpful information can also be found at the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE)website on obtaining a non-immigrant student visa.  To visit the USICE site click here. 

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Clearing Immigration at the Port of Entry and your I-94 card

Upon arrival at the first airport that you enter in the USA, you will need to clear Immigration Services.  The first airport that you arrive at in the United States is referred to as your “Port of Entry.” For more information on arrival procedures into the US check the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S.  Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. 

You will have to present the following items to Immigration Services at your Port of Entry:

• Your passport containing your F-1 visa.

• Your I-20 (all 3 pages).

• The I-94 form (the small card you will have to complete on the airplane before landing in the US). 

• You may also need to present proof of financial documentation. 

Student visitors must have their I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States.  Once the CBP approves entrance into the US the official then records the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record  (I-94). Since the I-94 documents your authorized stay in the U.S., it’s very important to keep it stapled inside your passport. 

*It is important that you carry your passport including your F-1 visa, your I-20, your I-94 and your financial information with you on the airplane, do not put them in your luggage because you will not have access to them before you clear immigration at the port of entry. 

When you are face to face with the CBP Official at the Port of Entry the official will:

• Closely examine your Form I-20 and compare the information with your F-1 visa and passport.

• Ask to see your I-797, Receipt Notice for your I-901 SEVIS fee payment.

• Possibly examine your financial documentation and compare it with the amount shown on the I-20.

• The CBP Official may ask you questions concerning where you are going to study and how long you will be in the United States.

• Admit you into the country. 

• Give you a date stamp and write “D/S” on your I-94 card.

• Stamp your date of entry in the upper right corner of your I-20.

“D/S” on your I-94 card notates that you are admitted to the United States for the “duration of your status” as a student.   As long as you maintain legal status in the United States as a student, you are allowed to be in the United States to study.  Do not lose or discard the I-94 card as it is an important document you will need while here in the United States. If you do lose this card you must apply to USCIS for a replacement card which currently costs $320.00.  Most Immigration Officials will staple it above the visa inside the passport.  

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Important Travel Notices to all International Students

Make photocopies of all-important documentation for your records (passport, F-1 visa, I-20, etc.) and keep them in a safe place!  When you travel to the U.S. keep your passport and important papers on your person at all times. 

Students have had baggage lost or stolen and their important documents disappeared with the baggage.  It is a good idea to keep your important documents with you, give a photocopy of your documents to a family member and keep another set of the photocopies in your baggage. 

Once you arrive for Orientation, the International Center will make photocopies of all your documents to keep in your file.

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Student Health Services and Required Medical Form

Winthrop University students are entitled to basic health care services that are provided by Health and Counseling Services on campus.  Most of the cost for using this on-campus facility is covered by your Winthrop tuition and fees.  Office visits are offered at no charge. Some services, e.g., laboratory, pharmacy, medical supplies/procedures will incur a minimal fee.  Please note, however, that costs for off-campus emergency treatment, ambulance transportation, procedures, prescriptions, and laboratory tests are at an additional cost that you must pay separately.  

The medical form is included in your Admissions Packet and can be downloaded by clicking here.  Send your completed Medical and Immunization Form to Winthrop University, International Center, 701 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA 29733 Phone (803) 323-2133.

It is very important to note that all students are REQUIRED to submit a completed Medical and Immunization Form BEFORE THEY CAN REGISTER FOR CLASSES. 

It is recommended that you take care of all your health requirements before traveling to the US, as it is probably more expensive here than it would be in your country.  If Health Services does not receive a completed Medical and Immunization Form before you arrive at Winthrop, you will need to have any incomplete immunizations administered during the New Student Orientation.  The cost for these immunizations will be added to your Winthrop account.   Because of the expense, it is strongly recommended that you have these tests completed at home before you arrive.

BCG Vaccine/Tuberculin (Tb) Skin Test

In many countries, students are given a BCG vaccine while they are in school.  International students who have had the BCG vaccine may get a positive Tb skin test result.  In this case, a chest x-ray must be taken and a physician’s written report of the result must accompany the immunization requirement form.  We strongly recommend that you have the chest x-ray done in your home country before you come to Winthrop to avoid the high cost of having the x-ray done here.

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Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students

Because all medical and dental treatment in the USA is private and very expensive, it is very important that everyone has insurance.   Winthrop University requires all international students, and their dependents, to maintain health insurance.  All major universities have a similar requirement.  The Winthrop University Student Health Insurance Plan (“Health Plan”) insures the student against major expenses accompanying an accident, illness or hospitalization. 

International students will be charged for their insurance twice a year, along with their tuition, housing and other expenses, and will pay directly to Winthrop’s cashier or on-line, as with the other University expenses.   The cost will be as follows:

   Fall (8/15/2008-1/7/2009):   $402              

   Spring/Summer (1/8/2009-8/14/2009): $588

• There will be an insurance information and registration session held during the first week of classes. 

•  You should be prepared to pay for the semester health insurance by the first day of classes.

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Tuition and Fee Payments

Detailed information on the Winthrop University policy for payment of tuition, room, meals, insurance and other fees can be found at the Cashiers Office.    This summary is intended to help international students and their families understand the options for payment.

During New Student Orientation, we will assist students in opening an account at a local bank.   Most students use Bank of America.   We recommend that students coming for the first time to Winthrop arrive with two (2) Bank Drafts.  The first should be payable to Winthrop University and in an amount sufficient to cover one semester’s tuition, insurance, room and meals (see costs page).  The second Bank Draft should be payable to the student so they can open a bank account for personal expenses, including books and other miscellaneous supplies.  We recommend this be approximately $1,000 USD.   Once an account is established students are able to use checks from that bank to make any necessary payments, and funds can wired into their personal account from anywhere in the world.  Listed below are other payment options.

Payment Option

• Credit card payments may be made through the Cashier’s online secured payment gateway at the Cashiers Office.  An additional fee of 2.5% of the total payment amount will be added to the charge when choosing the Credit Card payment option.   The Cashier’s Office will not accept credit card payments at the teller windows, by mail, e-mail or by telephone – only via the internet.

• Note:   Visa branded credit cards are not accepted for payments made for tuition or other university fees.    Only American Express, Discover and MasterCard are accepted.   

• Money Orders, Cashiers Checks or Personal Checks on U.S. banks can be used at the University Cashier.

• Wire Transfers directly to the University can be accepted but require contact via email with the International Center to obtain necessary wiring instructions.   It is recommended instead that you wire funds into the student’s personal banking account and let the student pay with a personal check.

• Students and parents will be able to make payments directly from any U.S. checking or savings account by using the new web payment option (Electronic Funds Transfer) with no additional charge, simply by entering the bank/financial institution routing and account numbers at the Cashiers Office.    This recommended process is easy and involves no additional charge.    

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I log in to pay using the http://www.winthrop.edu/cashiers/pott.asp website?

To pay using a credit card or electronic check, you will need to know your eight digit Winthrop student ID number which is provided in your Winthrop University admission letter.  To pay using electronic checks, you will need to know your “pin” number  which is your birthday in the mmddyy format (for example – June 15, 1980 would be 061580). 

Can I phone in my credit card information or mail it to you?

No.   All credit card transactions must be handled through the Cashiers Office. 

Are there payment options other than the internet?  I am a parent and do not have access to a computer or don’t want to send my credit card or banking information over the internet.  How do I pay?

Winthrop will accept Cash, Money Order, Travelers Checks, Cashiers Check, Bank Drafts and Personal Checks on U.S. banks at the teller windows in the Cashier’s Office, as well as check payments received in the mail.    Checks should be made payable to Winthrop University.

Maintaining Legal Student Status While in the US

All international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are obligated to meet certain Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) requirements in order to maintain their legal visa status during their stay in the US. Before you sign your I-20 or DS-2019, you should read and understand your responsibilities for maintaining legal F-1 visa status found on page 2 of the I-20 and DS-2019 and listed below:

1. Maintain a valid passport.

2. Attend the school you are authorized to attend as noted on your I-20/DS-2019.

3. Pursue a full course of study (12 undergraduate credit hours, 9 graduate credit hours) and make normal progress towards the completion of your course of study.

4. If needed, apply for an extension of program before the expiration date on the current I-20/DS-2019.

5. Follow USCIS procedures for changing from one program (major) or educational level to another (from Bachelor’s degree to Master’s degree).

6. Follow USCIS procedures for transferring from one school to another.

7. Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours a week while school is in session.

8. Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization.

9. Report a change of address to the International Center within 10 days.

The International Center will give you more information on your visa classification and responsibilities during the New Student Orientation. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the loss of your legal immigration status, could prevent you from receiving any special immigration benefits and could lead to your deportation. 

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 Thank you for your interest in Winthrop University.

For any questions please send an email to international@winthrop.edu