International Student Pre-Arrival & Orientation

Students may apply for the F-1 or J-1 (exchange students) visa up to a year prior to the program start date on the Form I-20. Visa interview appointment dates will depend on local conditions, so you should monitor- the website of your intended embassy or consulate. You can find embassy or consulate websites here and visa interview wait times here.

Students in kF-1 and J-1 status are allowed to arrive to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date of their program as indicated on Form I-20 or DS-2019.

You should fly into Baltimore-Washington International Airport, also known as BWI/Thurgood Marshall airport, as this is the closest airport to campus at approximately a 25-minute drive.  The second choice would be Washington-Dulles International Airport, which is approximately 2.5 hours from campus by shuttle.

The most convenient way to get to campus is to arrange a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. International Student and Scholar Services will create a Discord server for incoming international students to connect.  We encourage you to use this space to coordinate your arrival plans and transportation to campus with other incoming international students as the most cost-effective way to get to campus safely.

Although less convenient and reliable, you may reserve a shuttle service.  Super Shuttle can transport you from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to campus for approximately $70 and from Washington Reagan National (DCA) to campus for approximately $320 for up to 2 passengers.  Cost estimates can be found on their website. You should make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.  “Go The Airport Shuttle, Inc.” can transport you from BWI to Goucher College for approximately $95, from Reagan National (DCA) for $165, or Dulles International (IAD) to for $240 for up to 2 people.  Once again, cost estimates based on your specific trip can be found on their website. You should make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

In the future, you may want to research taking the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) local bus or light rail for a much cheaper price.  This is not recommended for your first trip to campus due to the amount of luggage you will likely bring.  You can find more information on the MTA website.

International Student and Scholar Services hires a team of students to assist with the incoming students and InterConnect, the new international student orientation program.  You will receive their names and WhatsApp contact information before you leave for campus and are encouraged to communicate with them throughout.  For example, you can use the airport wifi to let them know when you have arrived at the airport and then the Goucher wifi to communicate when/where you have arrived on campus.  They will let you know where to go and meet you as soon as possible.

The Office of Residence Life has room assignments and keys available for enrolled students. The Office of Residence Life will disburse keys during normal office hours; the Office of Campus Safety will disburse them after hours for students who have communicated their anticipated arrival date and time.  Both offices are located on the ground floor of Heubeck Hall. The Office of Campus Safety can be reached at 410-337-6112.

Student housing will include a Twin XL Long mattress (no pillows, sheets, or comforters), desk with chair, dresser, closet or wardrobe, venetian blinds, lighting, and a mini-fridge and microwave combination. Appliances for residents’ use are available in the community room of most residence halls. More information can be found on the Office of Residential Life.

You should bring seasonal clothing* and shoes, bathing supplies, and a sheet or towel for your mattress in case you cannot purchase linens before your first night on campus.  An opportunity to purchase additional items for your room will be offered upon your arrival.  We also recommend that you bring traditional clothing to wear for the International Festival and other events during your time in the U.S.  Be sure to put your immigration documents (Form I-20, passport, and visa) in your carry-on luggage!

*Please note the weather will be hot in August, with the high averaging around 87° Fahrenheit (31° Celsius) and cold by December, with the low averaging around 34° Fahrenheit (1° Celsius).

The amount of money required for an international student to settle in at college varies depending on several factors, such as the type of accommodation, the lifestyle, and the personal preferences of the student. However, a student should expect to spend approximately $800 - $1,500 in the first month of college.

This estimate includes the cost of setting up the residence hall room ($200-400), purchasing a cell phone ($150-1,000) or a 6-month SIM card ($60-$100), acquiring necessary clothing, and buying books and supplies ($500, be sure to look for used or rental options). However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on your needs and preferences. It is always a good idea to research the specific costs associated with your desired purchases to get a more accurate idea of the expenses.

For the remainder of your time, you should consider costs such as transportation (bus or ride share options to get around town), food and snacks, health insurance, and personal expenses (i.e., appropriate seasonal clothing) when planning your budget for college.

• We are securing a number of MINT Mobile SIM cards for students to activate upon arrival. Once activated, you will receive one month free.  You can learn more at com/welcome.
• Before you purchase a phone, check if it will work with the carrier that you plan to use in the U.S. Please note that AT&T and T-Mobile networks use GSM, the technology that is used in most of the world. 
• Consider unlocked phones: Unlocked phones allow you to switch carriers or use local SIM cards while traveling without being tied to a specific carrier or contract. Unlocked phones are often more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run.
• Research plans and carriers: Different carriers offer different plans with varying prices and features. Do your research to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Some carriers may offer special plans for international students. You will likely need to purchase a prepaid plan unless/until you have an on-campus job and Social Security Number.
• Be aware of international roaming fees: If you plan to travel internationally, be aware of international roaming fees. These fees can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination.
• Protect your phone: Make sure to protect your phone with a case and screen protector. Losing or damaging your phone can be costly and inconvenient.

On‑campus positions are limited for students and these positions are competitive.  The College uses an online system, Handshake, to connect potential employers with applicants.  You can access Handshake through the Career Education Office (CEO) web site and create an account with your Goucher email address, which will allow you to view and apply for available jobs. 

See the College’s student employment policy on the CEO web site for further details on limitations.  On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week or less while school is in session per federal immigration regulations, but may be up to 29 hours per week when school is not in session, such as the summer or winter breaks.

Off-campus employment is not an option in the first year of study and severely restricted for the remainder of a students’ degree program.  More information will be provided during orientation.

In general, bills are due approximately one month before the beginning of the semester. For your reference, this information can be found here and you can find information on the payment options here. If the bill does not match your understanding of the terms of your scholarship or exchange agreement, please contact the Billing Office.  Students seem to have a good experience utilizing Flywire, if you are interested in wiring the funds.  This can also help facilitate any refunds, especially if you will not be opening a U.S. bank account.

All students must have health insurance. The College has negotiated a plan with United Health Care, which is a comprehensive policy that covers most of the services that a student would possibly need.  Once updated, the specifics can be found at https://www.goucher.edu/billing/goucher-health-insurance.  If you do not complete a waiver, it will be added to your billing account and be due later in mid-August.

As you consider alternatives, please note that the insurance plan needs to meet the following requirements:

• Inpatient: Provides in-patient care in the Baltimore area including room & board, hospital services, and surgeon fees.
• Outpatient: Provides outpatient care including day surgery fees, surgeon fees, physician visits, and physiotherapy in the Baltimore area.
• Laboratory and X-ray Benefit: Includes coverage for laboratory tests and radiology in the Baltimore area.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Provides for inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment care.
• Prescription Coverage: Provides coverage for the purchase of medications. May be a separate prescription policy.
• Coverage Period: Must purchase plan prior to submitting waiver and policy must be in force until at least July 31, 2025.

While no recommendations can be provided, there are some companies that focus on providing health insurance to international students.  Please consider your personal needs and do your research before purchasing a plan.

If you purchase an alternative policy, you must submit the waiver by early August or risk being charged for the United Healthcare policy on your bill. Please be prepared to complete the following information when submitting the waiver:

• Name of Insurance Company
• Name of Policy Holder
• Policy Number
• Group Number
• Customer Service Telephone Number
• Date of Enrollment in Plan
• Policy End Date (Enter 07/31/2025 if covered all year)
• Student Name, Student ID and Email

Please note:  Student athletes must have health insurance before they can begin training with the team.

You should visit your doctor for a physical examination in addition to a dental and eye check up to ensure that you have addressed any health concerns in advance of your arrival in the U.S. 

• Bring an ample supply of any regular medications, if possible. Check to be sure that they are allowed through Customs before bringing any medications.         
• Bring documentation of any prescription medication.
• Bring a copy of any eye prescription.
• Consider also securing dental and/or vision insurance.

If you wish to use a chosen name instead of your legal name on unofficial documentation or change your name and/or gender on official documentation, please refer to the Name Change Policy (PDF).