INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020
International Student Programs 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN 55105 +1 651-696-6992 (tel) +1 651-696-6806 (fax) TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION 5 Macalester Academic Calendar 2019-2020 6 ISP Programming Schedule 2019-2020 7 2019 Pre-Orientation for International Students (PO4IS) 9 Macalester International Student Body 10 Staff Who Work Directly with International Students 13 International Student Programs (ISP) 15 The Programs 15 BEFORE AND AFTER ARRIVAL 17 Before Departure 18 Traveling to the U.S. 21 Arrival 21 Other Logistics 24 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 29 Health Checklist: Before Leaving Home 30 Required Health Information 31 Health Insurance 31 Where to Find and Get Healthcare 33 Mental Health Resources 36 Sexual Assault Resources 36 U.S. AND MAC CULTURES 37 Transitioning to a New Culture 38 Common Macalester Customs 40 CAMPUS LIFE AND POLICIES 42 Campus Life 43 Campus Resources 44 Student Organizations 46 Minnesota Laws and Macalester Policies 46 GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 50 International Students 51 Immigration and Travel 52 Employment 53 Off-Campus Employment 55 Driving/ID Cards 57 ACADEMICS 59 INFORMATION ABOUT Minnesota 67 The Twin Cities (Saint Paul and Minneapolis) 69 Popular Things to Do 69 Recommended Restaurants 72 Shopping 75 Other Useful Information 76 APPENDIX 78 1. Acknowledgments 79 2. Glossary of Useful College Terms 80 3. Where are they now? 86 4. Sampling of Class of ’19 - Plans after Graduation 102 5. Clothing & Shoe Size Conversions 103 6. Relevant Government Agencies 105 7. International Student Life Cycle 106 Important Numbers 108
May 2019
Dear International Student:
On behalf of International Student Programs (ISP), we welcome you to Macalester College. We are looking forward to your arrival, and to facilitating your positive educational experience.
As the Director, Assistant Director, and Department Coordinator of International Student Programs, we are available on a regular basis during your stay at Macalester to provide information and assistance in dealing with federal and state regulations affecting international students (e.g., immigration, visa, tax). We are also here to support you academically, culturally, and personally. Within a few weeks of your arrival, we will schedule an appointment to chat about any concerns you may have. Our hope for this appointment is to start getting to know you, and for us to understand each other better.
Our office provides a diverse set of opportunities, including but not limited to orientation activities, a mentor program, and a host family program. We also provide a myriad of educational programs on topics related to employment options, health concerns, the arts, and understanding your new community, as well as other cultural and global issues.
To put it simply, don’t be afraid to visit us. Come see us when something good happens, and not just during crises. In all sincerity, there are few things we enjoy as much as meeting new students. We hope that through visits we can assist you in becoming an active participant and leader.
The International Student Handbook (ISH) provides you with general information about the campus and special interests of international students. Please give us feedback on how to improve it next year.
Best regards,