2017 - 2018 Table of Contents

Contents Introduction ...... 5 About ...... 6 The George Washington University ...... 6 The School of Business at The George Washington University ...... 6 The G&EE Office...... 7 Before your Arrival ...... 8 Pre-Arrival Check List ...... 8 Visa Procedure ...... 8 Obtaining a Visa to Study in the United States ...... 8 Non-Immigrant Intent ...... 9 Security Clearance ...... 9 Setting up your accounts ...... 9 GW ID ...... 9 PIN………...………………………………………………………………………………………………9 Net ID …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Choosing your Courses ...... 11 GWSB Registration and Withdrawal Policies ...... 11 Types of Classes ...... 12 Schedule of Classes ...... 12 Registration Process ...... 12 Registering for Classes ...... 12 Registering for Classes in Module 2 or 4 ...... 13 When Classes Are Full or Closed ...... 13 Waiting Lists ...... 13 Registration Error Messages ...... 14 Health Insurance / Immunization ...... 14 Healthcare and Medical Insurance ...... 14 Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement ...... 15 Requesting a Waiver of the GW Student Health Insurance Plan ...... 16

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What To Do When Requesting the Waiver ...... 16 Completing the Waiver ...... 16 Who to Contact with Questions ...... 16 Where to Go for Medical Care ...... 17 For Emergencies ...... 17 911 ...... 17 Immunization Records ...... 17 Estimated Cost of Living ...... 18 Packing for DC ...... 18 After your Arrival ...... 19 Post-Arrival Check List ...... 19 Arriving on Campus ...... 19 Travel from Dulles International Airport to GWU (Foggy Bottom Metro) ...... 20 Travel from Baltimore-Washington International to GWU ...... 21 Reporting and Orientations ...... 22 GWorld Card ...... 23 Housing ...... 23 Temporary Housing ...... 23 Finding Housing ...... 23 Sample List of Apartment Complexes in D.C. and Virginia ...... 23 Helpful Web Sites ...... 25 Former Student Recommendations ...... 26 Banking ...... 26 Mobile Phones ...... 27 Cell Phone Plan Options: ...... 27 Additional Tips: ...... 27 Paying your GW Bill ...... 28 How to Pay Your GW Bill ...... 28 Incorrect Bills………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28 Maintaining your Immigration Status ...... 29 Summary ...... 29 Reporting Deadline ...... 29 Address Updates ...... 29 Failure to Comply with Registration and Reporting Requirements ...... 30 2

More Information ...... 30 Employment or Internships ...... 30 Set up your On-Campus Technology ...... 31 GW Wireless ...... 31 eduroam ...... 31 Academics ...... 31 Academic Calendar ...... 31 Purchasing Books ...... 31 US Classroom Expectations ...... 32 Academic Year ...... 32 Faculty ...... 32 Educational Styles ...... 32 Classroom Interactions ...... 32 Office Hours ...... 33 Grading ...... 33 Grading System ...... 33 Integrity ...... 33 Academic Integrity Statement ...... 33 Academic Dishonesty Definition ...... 33 Campus Resources ...... 34 International Services Office ...... 34 Colonial Central ...... 34 GWSB Career Center ...... 34 Library ...... 35 Gelman Library ...... 36 Washington Research Library Consortium ...... 36 English Language Resources ...... 36 Lerner Health and Wellness Center ...... 37 Disability Support Services ...... 37 Counseling Center ...... 37 International Student Support Group ...... 38 Student Organizations ...... 38 MBAA ...... 38 GWSB Student Organizations ...... 39 3

GW Student Organizations ...... 39 Intermural/Club sports ...... 39 GW TRAiLS ...... 39 Life in DC ...... 39 Climate ...... 40 Dining and nightlife ...... 40 Shopping ...... 41 Culture and leisure ...... 41 Sports ...... 41 Spectator Sports ...... 41 Participatory Sports ...... 42 Off-Campus Mailing Services ...... 42 Transportation ...... 43 Transportation Services ...... 43 Traveling outside the US ...... 44 Travel Outside the US for All Students ...... 44 GW Safety ...... 44 Maps ...... 45 Campus Map ...... 45 Map of DC ...... 46 Directions to the School of Business from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station ...... 47 Metro Map…………………………………………………………………………………………………49

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Introduction

Congratulations on your acceptance to The George Washington University School of Business as an exchange student! We have prepared this handbook to assist you during your time in Washington, D.C. It covers practical items such as entering the United States, finances, housing, travel arrangements, health care, insurance, safety, and more. We encourage all students to read this handbook in its entirety. You will also find this information and much more on the Global & Experiential Education website: http://business.gwu.edu/global

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About

The George Washington University

The George Washington University was created in 1821 through an Act of Congress, fulfilling the United States’ first President George Washington’s vision of an institution in the nation’s capital dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders.

Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. We have more than 20,000 students—from all 50 states, the District and more than 130 countries— studying a rich range of disciplines: from forensic science and creative writing to international affairs and computer engineering, as well as medicine, public health, law and public policy.

We strive to provide an environment where knowledge is created and acquired and where creative endeavors seek to enrich the experiences of the global society. GW comprises three campuses—Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon in Washington, D.C., and the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Va.—as well as several graduate education centers in the metropolitan area and Hampton Roads, Va. With ten schools and colleges and nearly 100 research centers and institutes, our students receive hands-on experience as they explore nearly any avenue of personal interest.

The depth and breadth of our academic programs, the exceptional qualifications of our full-time faculty, the unmatched experiences of our adjunct faculty and the strengths of our research initiatives allow our students, our faculty and our staff to look at the world beyond the classroom. They allow us to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Our University actively engages Washington, D.C., and the world. Our location in the heart of Washington places us at the core of U.S. government, policy and law. We sit where the worlds of science, technology, media and the arts converge. Our students and faculty have the unparalleled opportunity to study and work alongside leaders and practitioners in every discipline, to take part in the interchanges that shape our community and the world.

The School of Business at The George Washington University

Washington, D.C. is where business intersects with policy, which in turn impacts activities around the world. At the George Washington School of Business, we offer you the unique advantage of being embedded at the center of the global economy.

Our location, next to the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and State Department gives you access to the inner workings of places that shape policy around the world. Home to renowned scholars, the School of Business faculty includes leaders in D.C.'s most powerful institutions, who bring extraordinary experiential learning and career opportunities to you.

To deliver a truly outstanding education, advance knowledge, and provide practical experience, we leverage the unique advantages of our nation's capital -- Washington, D.C. provides an ideal setting for training tomorrow's leaders. By leveraging our location you can help address pressing problems in the world and make an impact at the intersection of private, public, and non-profit sectors. 6

The G&EE Office

2201 G Street, NW, Duques Hall, Suite 550 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 6:00PM (excluding University holidays) Phone: 202-994-0767

The office for Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) is the nexus for international opportunities and initiatives in the School of Business and supports global business education through a broad portfolio of global study programs, experiential education courses, and international student services.

G&EE facilitates approximately 20 graduate elective overseas short-term courses (1-6 weeks) each year. Courses are either led by GWSB faculty or arranged through our GWSB partner schools around the world. G&EE also manages 20 semester or modular based bilateral exchanges. These exchanges are with top business schools across 16 countries around the world. Students have access to hundreds of additional electives, the opportunity to be fully immersed in another culture, and exposure to global business perspectives and practice.

In addition to our study abroad and exchange programs, G&EE provides extensive support for all graduate students in the School of Business. Services provided include comprehensive pre- arrival communications and materials to facilitate the arrival and adjustments of incoming international students as well as orientations, on-going programming, and skill-building opportunities through the duration of their program of study.

For our incoming and outgoing international students, G&EE partners with the International Services Office (ISO) at GWU to ensure the timely issuance of the necessary documents to obtain a student visa (F-1/J-1). From the moment an international graduate student is admitted to the School of Business, G&EE provides constant support and guides them through the complex process of obtaining their form I-20/DS-2019 and student visa.

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Before your Arrival

Pre-Arrival Check List

Apply for your student visa………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Visit www.helpdesk.gwu.edu/accounts to set up your Net ID …………………………………………………..9 Read and sign the “GWSB Registration & Withdrawal Policies” in GW Passport ……………………….10 Register for classes in the GWeb Information System ………………………………………………………………12 Learn about the Mandatory health insurance requirement and waiver policy ………………………..13 Turn in your immunization form (only if you are under 26) to the Student Health Center..13 Complete E-Check-in with GW’s International Service Office ……………………………………………………22 Budget and pack for your exchange at GW...... …………………………………………………………………………18

Visa Procedure

Obtaining a Visa to Study in the United States The semester prior to your arrival, you will receive the DS-2019 for J-1 students, which is required to apply for your visa to study in the United States. If you have not yet received this document one month prior to your arrival, please contact Global & Experiential Education right away.

We encourage exchange students to contact their local U.S. Consulate or Embassy for specific visa application instructions, but in general, you should pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee online and schedule an interview appointment with the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy upon receipt of your immigration document. You will then follow the Consulate’s instructions on the visa application process and required documents. J-1 and J-2 visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs. Your entry visa will be stamped in your passport.

Please note: the end date on your DS-2019 is the last official day of the semester. You will have a 30 day grace period after that date in which to leave the country. This remains true even if the dates on your visa are for a longer time period.

For more information, please review the websites listed below: • Locate a U.S. Embassy near you: http://usembassy.state.gov • U.S. Department of State’s Visa Service Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html • U.S. Department of State’s Visa Wait Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information regarding SEVIS fee and payment instructions: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901

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Non-Immigrant Intent The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means that students applying for a J-1 visa must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and a plan to return to their home country following completion of their academic program. The following are examples of possible ways to show proof of nonimmigrant intent: • be prepared to express how you intend to apply your exchange program at GW in your home country after completing your program • show close ties to family who reside in your home country (parents own property, etc.) • show proof of employment following completion of exchange program at GW • show proof of owning real-estate (land, house, apartment)

Security Clearance Each visa applicant will experience a series of security clearance checks which may or may not affect the processing of your visa. It is not possible to know ahead of time whether your application will be delayed due to a security clearance. If your visa application is pending beyond the expected processing time as a result of a clearance check, please contact G&EE with details of your delayed visa application.

Setting up your accounts

GW ID The GW ID is an 8-digit number beginning with the letter G (for example, G12345678). This number was sent to you by Global & Experiential Education. This number is used as an identifier for you throughout the campus network. You may be asked for your GW ID number: • When you need to pay your bill • When you login to GWeb to register for courses • When requesting a transcript This GW ID is unique to you and should not be shared with other students.

GWeb Pin GWeb Information System is an online portal that allows you to register for classes, pay bills (if you have a US Bank), update your address, and check your grades or class schedule.

When you first logon to the GWeb system, you will need to enter a PIN number. Enter your PIN number. The first time you login to the system, your pin will be your date of birth in MMDDYY format, where M=Month, D=Day, and Y=Year. (Example: March 5, 1983 would be 030583). The system will prompt you to change your pin to a 6-digit pin code. Please keep this information in a safe place.

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GW Net ID

The GW Net ID is used to prove your identity for many of GW’s networked systems and services. Your GW Net ID is needed in order to: • Access many of GW’s web-based services including the My.gwu.edu portal and Blackboard • Create a GW Email account (the GW Net ID will become the first part of your GW Email address: @gwmail.gwu.edu)

To claim your GW Net Id, you will need the following: 1. Your GW ID number (Gxxxxxxxx).

Once you have located your GW ID Number on your acceptance letter, you can claim your Net ID by visiting the Accounts Central website at https://identity.gwu.edu/claim/ClaimAccountIndex.jsp.

You will enter your last name, GW ID Number, and your Date of Birth and click that you accept the policies of our Information Technology Department. Once you have completed the form, click the “Claim Account” button at the bottom of the page.

You cannot change your Net ID after you have selected your account so please keep this in mind when you are determining your Net ID. This will become the first part of your GW Email address.

It may take several days for you to receive information about your account being active, so please be patient with Accounts Central. For questions regarding the status of your request, you may contact the ISS Help Desk at (202)-994-GWIT(4948).

Be sure to check your GW email before you arrive to campus, as the university will use this address for all communication regarding your classes, health insurance, etc.

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Choosing your Courses

Before you begin choosing your courses, you should first read and sign the GW Registration and Withdrawal Policy in GW Passport.

GWSB Registration and Withdrawal Policies As an incoming exchange student, it is my responsibility to register for classes and to read Global & Experiential Education registration information. I will follow the guidance provided by Global & Experiential Education to register for 9-15 credit hours prior to my arrival on campus. Additionally, I must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits for my entire semester of study to be considered a full-time student and maintain my immigration status.

I agree to follow Global & Experiential Education instructions on how to register and acknowledge that I understand the following:

• I am eligible to take courses numbered 6000 - 6999 (graduate courses). • I am restricted from taking courses numbered 8000 and above. These courses are restricted to Doctoral students. • I am restricted from taking courses in the fields of law and medicine. • I am restricted from enrolling in LSPA courses • I must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits. My tuition waiver covers my tuition from a minimum of 9 credits to a maximum of 15 credits. If I exceed 15 credits, I am responsible for all tuition for the additional credits taken at GW. • I must enroll in at least 3 credits in the School of Business. • I will register for courses relevant to my program of study. • I will enroll in coursework for the full length of the semester. • I understand that I must register for courses before the date of GWSB Orientation. • I may make changes to my class schedule during the first week of classes (e.g. add and drop an equal number of credits and courses). • I acknowledge and understand that dropping courses after the start of classes is very strongly discouraged and may result in a financial penalty, as follows:

• On or before the end of the first week of classes exchange student is responsible for 10% of cost for the dropped course. • On or before the end of the second week of classes exchange student is responsible for 40% of cost. • On or before the end of the third week of classes exchange student is responsible for 60% of cost. • On or before the end of the fourth week of classes exchange student is responsible for 75% of cost. • After the fourth week of classes exchange student is responsible for 100% of tuition for the dropped course

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Types of Classes

GWSB offers courses that span the entire semester (14 weeks), as well as module courses (7 weeks) that take place in the first or second half of the semester

Schedule of Classes Students should consult the Schedule of Classes in order to view the courses they are interested in taking. There is also a Course Bulletin available online with course descriptions, but it does not have the most updated classes being offered each semester as the Schedule of Classes does. G&EE has compiled a database of the course recommendations of former exchange students accessible here: Exchange Course Catalog.

Students can view the courses offered in the upcoming semester by visiting the Scheulde of Classes page and following these steps: 1. Under the appropriate semester, click Main-campus (Foggy Bottom), Off-campus, or Online to view available classes. It is recommended that students take classes on Main- campus. 2. Select the appropriate department a. GWSB Departments • Accountancy • Master of Business Administration • Decision Sciences • Finance • Information Systems & Technology Management • International Business • Management • Marketing • Strategic Management & Public Policy • Master of Tourism Administration Program b. Students can also take courses from other GW departments outside the School of Business, but must have 3 credits of GWSB courses. 3. Scroll to 6000 level courses to find graduate level elective offerings 4. Note the Course Reference Number (CRN) for each class that you are interested in taking. This is a five-digit number you will use to actually register for the course. 5. Note the course date and time. MTWRF are used to denote the days Monday-Friday. R stands for Thursday.

Note on Online Classes You may register for online classes, however these credits do not count towards the required 9 credits of in-person coursework to maintain your J-1 status.

Registration Process

Registering for Classes Students register themselves via GWeb with the instructions below. Note: registration is open from 7am –10pm, seven days per week. More information here. 1. Log into GWeb at www.banweb.gwu.edu using your GWid and PIN (see page 9) 2. Select “Student Records & Registration” 3. Select “Registration Menu”

12 4. Select “Register Drop and/or Add Class” 5. Select the appropriate semester 6. Enter your desired CRNs into the boxes and click on ‘Submit Changes.” You will immediately see if you have been successful or if there were any errors with your request 7. If you receive an error message saying “restricted to a specific student level” or another similar error message, submit a Registration Request Form to [email protected]. 8. To review your schedule, go to “Student Records & Registration” 9. Select “Registration Menu” 10. Select “Student Schedule by Day and Time”

Classes tend to fill up fairly quickly on a first come first served basis, so we recommend registering as soon as possible. If you would like a more detailed description of a course you’re interested in taking, feel free to ask the professor of the course for a copy of the syllabus. To look up a professor’s e-mail, you can search them by name in the GW Directory. Additionally, many students like to use the add/drop period during the first week of classes to observe a class they are unsure about taking, and then decide whether or not to take the class or to choose a different one.

Registering for Classes in Module 2 or 4 Modules 2 and 4 meet in the 2nd half of the fall and spring semesters, respectively. Students should make every effort to finalize their schedule by the registration deadline for both modules. However, students who need to make changes to Modules 2 and/or 4 after the registration deadline must submit a Registration Request Form to [email protected] no later than the week before the Module 2 and/or 4 classes begin.

When Classes Are Full or Closed

You may find that some of the classes you are interested in are listed as “Closed” by the time you try to register. Please note that this does not mean that the class will not open back up prior to your arrival at GW. Many GW students switch classes before the semester starts and throughout the add/drop period. Classes may become available throughout the summer months or after the start of the semester. G&EE will also provide guidance about requesting professor permission in order to enroll in closed courses or courses requiring departmental signatures upon your arrival on campus.

Waiting Lists Some (not all) courses do have online waitlists. Approximately two weeks after registration begins, students may have the option to add themselves to an online waiting list for courses that are full. In order to add you to the waiting list and to obtain a seat: 1. Enter the CRN on the GWeb registration form as if you are registering for the class (note, using the class search option will not present the waitlist function). 2. GWeb will indicate that there is a waitlist for that particular course and ask if you would like to be added. 3. When a seat becomes available, the first student on the waiting list will receive an e-mail notification to their GW email and have 24 hours from the time of the email to register for the class through GWeb. If they do not register during the 24 hour period, then the seat will be given to the next person on the waiting list. If you are put on a waitlist, check your GW email daily.

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Please note: • You are permitted to put yourself on the waiting list for a course that conflicts with one of your enrolled courses or for multiple sections of the same course. However, you will need to drop the conflicting course before you can add the waitlist course to your schedule. • Obtaining a space on a waitlist should NOT be interpreted as a guarantee of getting a seat in the course. Waitlists will accommodate MANY more students than are likely to ultimately gain a seat in the course. This is done to allow departments to more accurately gauge the demand for a course. This information can be used by academic departments in future planning.

Registration Error Messages You may encounter error messages when attempting to register for a course. This may not mean you cannot register for the course. Common messages are: • Needs departmental or instructor approval - this course requires the approval of the instructor or department to register. E-mail the professor or department requesting approval to enroll in the course. If you are granted permission, forward the approval e-mail to G&EE and we will enroll you in the course. • Course restricted to certain students pursuing specific degrees - this message typically means that the course is restricted to certain degrees or programs (GMBA or MSF only). Students can see restrictions in the schedule of classes and should check with G&EE to see if registration is available with permission. • Level not appropriate -this message means the course is probably an undergraduate or law school course and may not count toward your degree. Contact G&EE if you receive this error in registration. Course closed - this course has reached its capacity. You can see how many seats are available in the class on GWeb. To get a seat in a closed course, e-mail the professor or department requesting to be added to the course.

Former Exchange Student Course Feedback The Exchange Course Catalog includes feedback from former exchange students on the courses they took at GW. Find it HERE. Courses are listed alphabetically by course subject.

Health Insurance / Immunization

Healthcare and Medical Insurance Healthcare and health insurance are important aspects of your life here and require careful thought and planning. The U.S. healthcare system differs from that in other countries, and it is your responsibility to protect yourself from the exorbitant costs of healthcare.

U.S. regulations require you to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself under U.S. government regulations. As an exchange student on a J-1 visa, you are required to have health insurance that meets certain requirements of this visa type.

Health insurance is important because the cost of health care in the U.S. is extremely high, often over $2,500 per day in some hospitals (covering room and board only). There is no national health program, and international students are not eligible for financial assistance from 14 the U.S. government or from the University to pay medical bills.

Important facts about the U.S. Health Care System • The system is privately funded, not government sponsored. • Payment is the responsibility of the individual, with or without health insurance • Some doctors providing services at a hospital may bill the patient separately. • Payment is usually expected at the time the care is given. Therefore, you should always check that your insurance will cover the treatment before it is given. • You are responsible for seeing that bills are submitted and that claims forms (used to request payment from the insurance company) are properly completed. • The reimbursement process takes time, and incomplete forms can cause further delays. • Copies of all bills and papers should be kept for at least one year. • It is appropriate to seek an opinion about your case from a second doctor before deciding on a course of treatment. • Be aware of your own health needs and background. Keep copies of your past medical records with you. It is very helpful, for example, to tell the doctor which medications you have taken in the past. • It is appropriate to ask questions about your condition and your treatment. Take a friend to the doctor’s office with you to translate or help with forms if you feel that will help. • Additional information about the US healthcare system can be found in this informative video: http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/us-healthcare-system-video.php (Please note, GW does not endorse International Student Insurance)

Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement All international students will be automatically enrolled in the GW Student Health Insurance Policy through Aetna. This insurance policy meets the requirements outlined for your J-1 visa. Students who choose to remain in the GW Student Health Insurance Policy will see the insurance charges on their GW bill.

Exchange students have the option to enroll in an alternative health insurance plan only if it meets the following requirements as outlined by the university: • The plan is provided by a company licensed to do business in the United States, with a U.S. claims payment office and a U.S. phone number. • The plan is currently active and the student agrees to maintain health insurance coverage throughout the entire academic year or term of stay. • The plan offers a (lifetime/annual) minimum of at least $100,000 in coverage per accident or illness each policy year and has prescription coverage. • The plan covers pre-existing conditions with no waiting period or the plan must have been in effect long enough that any waiting period has passed • The plan covers inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health care in the Washington, DC area, including Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Detoxification Treatment. Emergency only coverage does not satisfy this requirement. • The plan covers expenses related to self-inflicted injuries and suicide. • The plan provides at least $10,000 for medical evacuation and $7,500 coverage for repatriation (repatriation provides transportation to your home country in the event of death). • The plan has a maximum deductible of $500.

If you are unsure as to whether your health insurance meets GW policy standards, you can contact Camri Henderson at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

15 Requesting a Waiver of the GW Student Health Insurance Plan If you have purchased an outside health insurance plan that meets the above criteria, you will be able to request a waiver of the GW student health plan. You can request a waiver of the plan by visiting Aetna’s website and selecting the “Waive: Student Health Insurance Plan” button on the right side of the page. This process can be completed upon arrival on campus.

**You must be registered for classes in order to waive out of the Aetna Student Health Insurance**

What to Have with You When Requesting the Waiver You should have the following information with you when completing the online waiver process: • Your GWID Number (beginning with Gxxxxxxxx) • Your Date of Birth • Your Address • Details about your plan’s coverage • Insurance Information • Company Name • Company Address (must be a U.S. Address) • Company Phone Number • Insurance Policy or Group Number • Policy Holder’s Name • Subscriber (you) Birth Date • Policy Holder ID Number • Relationship to Policyholder • Insurance Company Website • Insurance Plan Name

Completing the Waiver The waiver request will ask you a series of questions about your health insurance plan; you must answer Yes or No to the statements. Your alternate health insurance place must meet the requirements listed in the “Mandatory Health Insurance Requirements” section above, and also must provide at least $7,500 for repatriation of remains. Repatriation provides transportation to your home country in the event of your death. In the waiver the wording may be altered slightly.

*Please note that travel insurance is not eligible for an exemption or waiver.*

For more information, please visit http://studenthealth.gwu.edu/student-health-insurance

IMPORTANT: When answering whether your policy is valid for the entire academic year, please select “Yes” if your policy is valid for the length of your academic program. If you will be at the George Washington University for one semester, your policy is only required to cover until the dates of your departure.

Upon completing the online waiver request, you will receive a confirmation message that your waiver has been submitted. In the confirmation message, it will indicate if your waiver has been accepted or denied.

Who to Contact with Questions Student Health Services has outlined a list of Frequently Asked Questions on their website regarding the health insurance requirement and waiver procedure. Should you encounter difficulty with using Aetna’s website, or have questions about your waiver application, you must 16 contact Aetna on their Customer Service Line at 1-800-213-0579 or, for GW-specific enquiries, email [email protected].

Where to Go for Medical Care If you are feeling sick, do not hesitate to get help – even if you are nervous and have never seen a doctor outside your own country. The longer you wait, the greater risk you run for developing a serious problem from what may have been minor and easy to treat. Unless you have a real emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding or a broken bone, do not go to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Emergency rooms are very expensive and, if your condition is not life threatening, you may have to wait a long time for care. For non-emergency attention go to:

Student Health Services (SHS) GW Student Health Services, located in the Marvin Center, provides students with medical attention through appointments and walk-ins. However, it is best to make an appointment in advance. Students enrolled in the GW student health insurance plan do not pay a fee to visit the Health Center. If you waive the GW student health insurance, you will be expected to pay for your visit. For more information visit their website. Make note of their hours, fees, and instructions to make an appointment.

For Emergencies Students with illnesses requiring emergency treatment may obtain care at a local Emergency Room. To view facilities covered by GW’s Aetna Student Health Plan, visit Aetna’s website HERE, and click “Find a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy” on the left side of the page.

911 In cases of extreme emergency where you cannot get yourself to the Emergency Room, you may dial 911 from any cell or home phone. Dialing 911 will automatically connect you to an emergency response operator.

The operator will ask you what your emergency is and direct you to a hospital operator, dispatch an ambulance, or connect you with local police. 911 can be dialed from anywhere within the United States. This number is not to be taken lightly and should be used only in extreme emergency cases.

Immunization Records The District of Columbia Immunization of School Children’s Act requires that all students under the age of 26 have a record on file with the Student Health Service documenting vaccinations to Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella or Chickenpox, Tetanus/Diptheria booster, Polio, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis. *If you are planning to receive these vaccinations before coming to the United States, ensure that you have started the process with enough time in your home country. Some of the vaccinations can take up to three months and if you wait to begin the process until arriving in the United States, this could delay us in sending your official transcript to your university.

Instructions for submission of Immunization History: 1. Please take a copy of GW’s immunization requirements and the immunization form to your health care provider. You can access these forms via the Immunization Requirements page and the Mandatory Health Form: https://healthcenter.gwu.edu/immunizations 2. Have your provider ensure that you are up to date with the requirements. 17 3. Your health care provider will need to complete and sign the Immunization Form. Important: Your provider should provide you with copies of our immunization records to submit with this form. 4. You will need to bring the completed form and proof of receiving these immunizations to Student Health Services.

It is very important that you submit the immunization form by the deadline. Failure to do so may result in having a hold placed on your account, and you will be unable to access your grades at the end of the semester. If you are planning to stay in the USA for more than one semester, you will also not be allowed to register for your second semester of classes without submitting the immunization form.

Estimated Cost of Living

Although actual living expenses vary considerably, depending on students' housing and lifestyle preferences, the following is an estimate of the minimum costs for graduate students per semester in the Washington metropolitan area (excluding tuition and fees):

$6,950 Housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses (4 months)

$250 Books and supplies

$884 Health insurance (4 months)

Students should note, for instance, that living farther away from the Foggy Bottom campus may reduce housing costs. However, if a student uses the metro, one-way trips can cost anywhere from $1.75 to $6.75 per ride, depending on distance traveled.

Packing for DC

Washington, D.C. is bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia and nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, with the Potomac River intersecting through the middle of the city. Although the city experiences all four seasons, it is known for having hot and humid summers and mild winters that produce minimal snow. DC can experience a lot of rain, so be sure to pack accordingly.

We recommend that you consider purchasing common items when you come to campus. Many malls and stand-alone retail outlets are within walking distance or a short Metro ride or drive away from GW’s main campus.

The following is a list of suggested items to consider when packing:

Clothing • Range of warm and cool clothing items suitable for all four seasons • Winter coat • Rain Jacket • Bathing suit Keepsakes • Pictures or a small personal item from home

18 Electronics • Adapter for U.S. outlets • Camera • Computer/Laptop (Don’t forget the laptop’s charger and locking cable) • Power Strip w/Surge Protector for the US Voltage system Identification/Money • Debit and Credit Cards • Insurance Cards • Passport/Visa (and copies) • DS-2019 Miscellaneous • Umbrella • Personal Hygiene and Grooming Products • Prescription Medication

After your Arrival

Post-Arrival Check List Complete E- Check-in with International Services Office (if you haven’t already done so before you arrive) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22 Immigration In-Person Check-in at the International Services Office Welcome Center ..……….....22 Attend the International Student Orientations ………………………………………………………………………..22 Get your GWorld ID card at the GWorld Card Office……………………………………………………………...... 23 Secure housing ………………………………………………………………………………...... 23 Purchase a mobile phone or SIM card & set up voicemail ………………………………………………………….27 Update your address in the GWeb Info System with your local DC address……………………………… 29 Connect to the University’s wireless networks………………………………………………………..…………...... 31 Set up a GW G-1 Account ………………………………………………………………………………………….………………31 Purchase your books for class …………………………………………………………………………………………………..31

Arriving on Campus

Students may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on their DS- 2019. The program start date is governed by the student’s school and may not be changed. Please plan your travel to the U.S. accordingly and contact ISO with any specific travel questions.

Hand-carry the following documents: • Your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your departure from the U.S.) • Your SEVIS form • Your DS-2019 • Evidence of financial resources.

19 In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand-carry the following documents: • Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee • Evidence of student status, such as letter of admission • Name and contact information for your Designated School Official (DSO)

You should enter the United States for full-time study in the J-1 visa category. You should not enter the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa (or B-1 or Visitors Waiver Program) unless you plan to leave the U.S. shortly after your arrival and reenter in the correct status before the start of your academic program.

Effective April 30, 2013, US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) no longer require international non- immigrant visitors to fill out a paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record upon arrival to the U.S. by air or sea. With the new process, the immigration officer will stamp the travel document of each arriving non-immigrant traveler. The stamp will show the date of admission, class of admission, and the date until the traveler is admitted. Travelers will also receive on arrival a flier alerting them to go to: CBP.gov/I94.

Please be sure to visit the CBP.gov/I94 website and check to make sure all the information entered is correct. Save a PDF of your automated I-94, print two copies, and submit one copy to ISO. Include a legible copy of the U.S. entry stamp in the passport and the U.S. visa page. The copies will be necessary when you need to show evidence of entry to the U.S. when applying for a social security number, a driver’s license, or when you are completing forms to begin work. We urge all members of the GW international community to maintain hard copies of their immigration documents available for retrieval at all times. This is a federal requirement!

Please keep these extremely important immigration documents in a secure place. Students must attend the school whose form DS-2019 was used to obtain a student visa and to enter the U.S. You should immediately see an ISO advisor if you entered the U.S. with a different school’s DS-2019.

Helpful Links:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/ U.S. Customs and Border Protection: http://www.cbp.gov/

Travel from Reagan National Airport to GWU (Foggy Bottom Metro) By Metro*: A metro station is located adjacent to Reagan National Airport. Ride the Blue Line train in the direction of Largo Town Center. Travel roughly six stops to the Foggy Bottom - GWU Station. A one-way fare costs approximately $2.50 and takes 15- 20 minutes. By Taxi: Taxicabs serve Reagan National Airport regularly and are found at the exit of each terminal. A ride to Foggy Bottom should cost between $12-15 plus tip (tips are normally 10 -15% for taxicabs).

Travel from Dulles International Airport to GWU (Foggy Bottom Metro) By Bus and Metrorail*: The Silver Line Express Bus provides nonstop service between the Dulles Main Terminal and the Silver Line's Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, just 15 minutes away. The cost per trip is $5. Bus tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket counter located inside the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal. The bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes. Details about the bus schedule can be found on the Dulles website. Board the metro at Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station and take the metro 12 station stops to the Foggy Bottom/GWU Metrorail Station. 20

By Metrobus and Metrorail*: Coming from Dulles International Airport, connect to Metrorail using Metrobus. For just $6 per person, the 5A takes you to Rosslyn station on the Orange and Blue lines with just one stop in between. To find out when the bus leaves the airport, see the 5A schedule at https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/ Once at the Roslyn station, ride the Orange or Blue line in the direction of New Carrollton/Largo Town Center.Travel one stop to the Foggy Bottom - GWU station. Metro fare varies depending on the time of travel.

By SuperShuttle Van: SuperShuttle’s door-to-door service is available to any destination in metropolitan Washington. Rides to Foggy Bottom are approximately $30. Shuttles operate on a shared ride by demand basis. The average wait time for a shuttle is 30 minutes. SuperShuttle stops are clearly identified on the Ground Transportation Level Roadway outside the main terminal at Dulles. Rides to Foggy Bottom cost roughly $30. For information, call 1-800- BLUEVAN or visit www.supershuttle.com.

By Taxi: Washington Flyer taxicabs serve Dulles International Airport exclusively with 24-hour service to and from the airport. Taxicabs accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Discover Card, Visa and cash, and provide transportation at metered rates to any destination in metropolitan Washington. Approximate one-way fares to Washington range from $50 to $70.

Travel from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to GWU By Train and Metrorail*: The BWI airport is serviced by both Amtrak and MARC trains. A free shuttle bus brings passengers to the BWI rail station. Trains travel between BWI Rail Station and Washington’s Union Station. Schedules and fares will vary depending on time of arrival. Information for schedules and fares is available online: Marc Trains – Penn Line: http://mta.maryland.gov/ marc-train or Amtrak Trains: www. amtrak.com.

Upon arriving at Union Station, transfer to the Metrorail system. Ride the red line in the direction of Shady Grove. Travel three stops to the Metro Center Station. Transfer to the Orange line in the direction of Vienna or Blue line in the direction of Franconia/Springfield. Travel three stops to the Foggy Bottom - GWU Station.

By Bus and Metrorail*: From BWI airport, connect to Metrorail using Metrobus. For just $7 per person (exact change required), the B30 takes you to Greenbelt station on the Green Line. To find out when the bus leaves the airport, visit https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/

Upon arriving at the Greenbelt station, transfer to the Metrorail system. Ride the Green line in the direction of Branch Avenue. You will travel approximately 12 stops and then transfer to the Blue or Orange line at L’Enfant Station. Take the Blue line in the direction of Springfield/Franconia or take the Orange line in the direction of Vienna.Travel 6 stops to the Foggy Bottom – GWU Station.

By SuperShuttle Van: The SuperShuttle desk at BWI is located between Southwest Airlines luggage carousels 1-5. The ticket counter is open between 6:00 am and 2:00 am. (See SuperShuttle Van information in the Dulles Airport section of the handbook for more details.)

By Taxi: Taxicabs serve BWI and provide transportation at metered rates to any destination in metropolitan Washington. The BWI taxi stand is located just outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level. Approximate one way fares to Washington range from $60 to $75.

21 For Metrorail information, call (202) 637-7000 or visit www.wmata.com. *Metrorail farecards may be purchased from machines located at the rail station.

Travel to the School of Business from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) is located on the Foggy Bottom Campus. A map of step-by-step directions to the School of Business is available on pages 49- 51 of this handbook. GWSB is housed in Duques and Funger Halls. The entrance to Duques Hall is on 22nd street NW between G and H streets. Upon entering Duques Hall, the elevators are to your left.

Reporting and Orientations

School of Business exchange students are required to attend a School of Business orientation hosted by Global & Experiential Education. All F-1 and J-1 newly admitted international students are also required to attend International New Student Orientation hosted by the International Services Office.

Reporting date: A “reporting date” is the date by which you must arrive in the US and check-in with the ISO. The date is located on your form I-20, part 5 and DS-2019 part 3. Failure to arrive in the US by this date may increase the risk of you being denied entry into the US. If you are concerned that you will not be able to arrive in time for the reporting date, please see the Late Arrival Instructions. It is advised that you report to the International Student Office within one week of arriving in Washington DC.

E-check-in: Prior to the in-person check-in at ISO, you must complete an online E-check-in by uploading your immigration documents to your GW University International Student Record. The E-check-in is mandatory and should be completed as soon as possible.For E-Check-in instructions, clicke HERE

Mandatory Orientations ISO Orientation Tentative Date: For new GW graduate international students. Fall – Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Spring – Tuesday, January 9, 2018

GWSB Orientation Tentative Date: For graduate GWSB exchange students Fall - Monday, August 21, 2017 Spring – Monday, January 8, 2018 Please check the ISO website for updated orientation schedule information.

Important Notes: • All newly admitted international students are welcome to attend any additional international student orientation sessions or events that do not conflict with their program and school- specific orientation schedule.

22 GWorld Card

The GWorld Card is the official identification card of The George Washington University. It provides access to campus buildings and facilities, among them residence halls, academic buildings, libraries and The Lerner Health and Wellness Center. They also offer access to campus events. Students are expected to carry their GWorld Cards with them at all times. In order to obtain your GWorld card, please visit the GWorld card office on the ground floor of the Marvin Center. To obtain your Gworld, you must: 1. Bring a Government issued photo ID (Driver's license or Passport) 2. Bring your GWid number 3. Have registered for at least one class

Housing

Temporary Housing Exchange students who do not have existing housing arrangements upon arrival will need temporary accommodation. If this is your situation, you must make a reservation for temporary accommodations for your first few days at GW. The following websites are helpful for finding temporary housing:

• https://www.airbnb.com/ • https://www.vrbo.com/ • https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/ • http://www.hostels.com/washington-dc/usa

Hotels Near GW

There are also plenty of hotels within walking distance of Foggy Bottom. If you are considering staying at one of these hotels, be sure to ask about a discount for GW affiliation.

Finding Housing The George Washington University is located in Foggy Bottom, a neighborhood in the heart of the DC Metropolitan area. This section is intended to provide you with information on Foggy Bottom and surrounding areas. GW does not provide housing to graduate exchange students.

To start your search, learn more about the different neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. and surrounding area by visiting the GW Off-Campus Student Affairs website.This site provides a breakdown of each neighborhood, the commute time to the GW campus, and average rent. As always, students are advised to visit the prospective home and investigate the neighborhood in order to assess the safety of the area before signing any lease.

Sample List of Apartment Complexes in D.C. and Virginia * Suggested by GW MBA students/current residents.

Below we have included a list of sample apartment complexes in the D.C. metro and Northern Virginia region. Many of the apartment listings came as recommendations by former GWSB students. However, by no means is this list exhaustive. We encourage you to conduct your own housing search and recommend starting with the suggested 23 websites listed at the bottom of page 25

Washington, D.C. 2400 M Apartments* 2400 M http://www.equityapartments.com/bbrochure.aspx?PropertyId=2 Foggy Bottom Street, NW 669 th Claridge House 950 25 http://claridgehousecooperative.com Foggy Bottom Street, NW The Elise* 825 New http://www.apartmentshowcase.com/details/district-of- Foggy Bottom Hampshire columbia/washington/the-elise/2827 Ave., NW The Empire 2000 F http://collegerentals.com/Empire-apartments-Washington- Foggy Bottom Street, NW DistrictofColumbia The Flats at Dupont* 2000 N www.flatsatdupontcircle.com Dupont Circle Street, NW th The Jefferson House 922 24 http://www.dccondoboutique.com/jefferson-house.php Foggy Bottom Street, NW The Letterman House* 2030 F http://www.dccondoboutique.com/letterman-house.php Foggy Bottom Street, NW st The Monroe House 522 21 http://www.dccondoboutique.com/monroe-house.php Foggy Bottom Street, NW th Nine Twenty Five 925 25 http://www.the925apts.com/ Foggy Bottom Street, NW Polk Court* 525 G Street, http://www.apartments.com/polk-court-apartments-washington- Eastern Market SE dc/m09t9zl/ Quebec House* 2800 Quebec www.quebechouseapts.com Cleveland Park Street, NW The Savoy 1101 New http://www.thesavoydc.com/ Foggy Bottom Hampshire Ave, NW Statesman 2020 F www.thestatesmanapt.com Foggy Bottom Street, NW

Virginia Arlington Courthouse 2250 http://www.equityapartments.com/virginia/alexandria-arlington- Plaza* Clarendon apartments/courthouse/courthouse-plaza-apartments.aspx Court House Boulevard Arlington, VA The Bennington* 1201 South http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Virginia/Arlington/T Pentagon City Eads Street he-Point-at-Pentagon-City/4190/ Arlington, VA Courtland Towers* 1200 N Veitch www.dittmarcompany.com Court House Street, Arlington, VA

24 Crystal Plaza* 2111 http://www.crystalplazaapartments.com/ Crystal City Jefferson Davis Highwa Metropolitan* 901 15th www.kettler.com Pentagon City Street Sou th Arlington, VA River House* 1400 South www.riverhouseapts.com Pentagon City Joyce Street Arlington, VA River Place 1011 www.riverplace.com, www.riverplacenorth.org North & South* Arlington Rosslyn Boulevard Arlington, VA Merrifield at Dunn 8130 Prescott http://malkinproperties.com/properties/merrifield-at-dunn-loring- Loring* Drive station Dunn Loring/Vienna Vienna, VA Regent’s Park* 9333 www.regentsparkapartments.com Vienna Clocktower Place Fairfax, VA

International Student House Many exchange students choose to live at the International Student House because of its great location in Dupont Circle—known for its nightlife, restaurants, and its proximity to campus. The International Student House offers temporary/semester housing and includes some meals and organized programming for residents. Please visit http://www.ishdc.org for more details, including rates, and to fill out an application.

Helpful Web Sites Apartment Search • Facebook group: George Washington University (GWU) Housing, Sublets & Roommates – current GW students list housing availabilities/calls for roommates (Closed group, must request to join) • Apartment Guides: http://www.apartmentguide.com, http://www.apartments.com, http://www.apartmentsearch.com • Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com (Find furnished housing, group housing, single housing, and housing with others) • Craigslist: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org (Find roommates, group housing, and apartments) • Padmapper: http://www.padmapper.com (search Washington, DC to see listings on a Google Map. Narrow your search based on rent, number of rooms or type of rent). • GW Off-Campus Housing – Message boards for apartment, roommate, and furniture search for the GW community (log-in with your GWU email address): http://gwoffcampus.com • Washington City Paper Classifieds: http://classifieds.washingtoncitypaper.com • DC Housing: http://www.dchousing.net

25 Roommate Search • Roommate finder and search services: http://www.roommates.com, http://www.easyroommate.com Neighborhood Safety • Walking assessment: http://www.walkscore.com

Former Student Recommendations Finding housing in and around DC can be challenging. To help you in your housing search, former GW exchange students have given the following advice, tips, and recommendations for getting started. These recommendations were provided by former exchange students and are in no way endorsed by The George Washington University.

Former Exchange Students have the following recommendations: • Finding hoursing can be difficult; arrive two or three weeks early to allow time for you to find a place to live. • Research neighborhoods while still abroad and visit properties and neighborhoods in person when you arrive. Do not sign a lease or provide payment without first going to the property in person. • Set up a U.S. phone number to use for housing applications and calling apartments. • If interested in the International Student House (ISH), apply early and follow up on the application. • Most students secure accomodations through Airbnb, Craig’s List, or the ISH • Only respond to Craig’s List postings from one or two days ago (there is 98% occupancy rates in DC and apartments go quickly). • Many apartment complexes do not have leasing options for short-term (3-4 month) rentals. Consider subletting or renting rooms within larger homes or apartments. • Housing will be your main expense. • You should never have to pay for the full semester of rent up front! • Know your rights as a tenant in DC and do not sign forms you do not understand. • You may have to pay a security deposit. If there is no damage to the apartment when you leave, this security deposit should be returned to you. • Try using GW’s Off-Campus Housing Search and roommate match. • Expect to book short-term housing for the first 2 weeks in DC while finding housing. • Most students live in Washington, DC or in Arlington, VA. In DC, Dupont and Foggy Bottom are the most recommended areas, though keep in mind Foggy Bottom is one of the most expensive areas to live.

Banking

There are 27 banks that operate in the District of Columbia. The DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking keeps a list of them all for your convenience at: http://disb.dc.gov/page/list-banks-district-columbia. If you would like to set up a US bank account, please be aware that The George Washington University does not endorse any specific bank nor can the university sponsor you in any bank documents. If necessary, the G&EE staff can provide you with an academic support letter stating your official status as a GW student.

26 Mobile Phones

When considering whether or not to purchase a cellphone during your time in the U.S., there are several things to consider. There are two different options for cell phone services in the U.S.: contract plans, which are paid for on a fixed month-to-month basis over a pre-determined amount of time (usually two years), or prepaid plans which the user pays for based on how much they use the phone. There are a number of different providers and plans so it is recommended that you research your options before making a final decision.

Cell Phone Plan Options: . Two-Year Contracts are the most common plans in the U.S. and offer lower monthly rates as well as low prices on new phones compared to prepaid plans. However, although the monthly rates are lower, terminating your contract early entails paying a large penalty. Also, in order to apply for a contract plan, a cell phone provider usually reviews the applicant’s credit history. Since new international students do not have Social Security numbers or credit history in the United States, the phone provider generally requires a security deposit that could be anywhere from $400-$500. Make sure that you understand all the requirements and charges before signing a contract with a cellphone service. . Prepaid Plans (also called “Pay-As-You-Go” Plans) are easier for new international students to obtain because they don’t require a Social Security number or a credit history check. These plans use the same cellphone networks and offer the same services that contract plans do. They also don’t require a security deposit, charge cancellation fees, or require the user to sign a contract. However, they will usually cost more, because they charge customers based on their amount of usage.

Major Cell Phone Carriers in the U.S. include: . Verizon Wireless . AT&T . Sprint . T-Mobile

Additional Tips: . If you would like to purchase a SIM card for your current unlocked phone instead of purchasing a new one in the U.S., AT&T and T-Mobile are your best options. . Most cell phone companies have free calling between members of the same network, as well as free nights and weekend minutes. . If your plan has a set number of minutes per month, then going over the allotted amount of minutes will likely incur large fees. . If text messaging (SMS) is not included in your plan, then it will cost extra. . Each cell phone carrier has better reception in certain areas than others. Ask around to determine which carrier has the best coverage in your area. . If you get a contract plan, you will be required to pay for the entire length of the contract. If you leave your contract before the agreed upon termination date, you will have to pay a high fee, and if you paid an initial deposit, you may not be able to get a refund. . Also if you get a contract plan, you will be required to provide a proof of address. This could be a letter or utility bill that has been mailed to your current U.S. address.

27 Paying your GW Bill

How to Pay Your GW Bill Graduate Exchange Students pay tuition and fees directly to their home institution. Students may receive an e-mail regarding their GW bill, however graduate exchange students are not responsible for paying tuition or course fees. Global & Experiential Education will submit a waiver to GW billing after the conclusion of the course registration period, which will remove tuition and fees from your GW bill. Graduate Exchange Students are responsible for all other charges or costs, which may include student health insurance (unless waived), library fee (option to waive),any special activity fees, laboratory fees, athletic event ticket fees, and/or course-assigned books or materials. Payment of these additional expenses are due by the first day of classes. In order to pay exclusively for these additional expenses, you can manually enter the amount due while submitting payment online through GWeb. This will allow you to pay only for the expenses you owe, excluding tuition and fees. Failure to pay your bill by the due date will result in a late fee.

Any updates about your bill will be sent to your GW email account.

For details about paying your bill, visit the Student Accounts website.

Incorrect Bills

G&EE will be reviewing your bill throughout the first few weeks to ensure that you are being billed properly, so don’t worry if you receive an incorrect bill.

It is your responsibility to immediately pay the rest of your bill to avoid late fees. You may go to Student Accounts in Colonial Central, located in the basement of the Marvin Center, and explain that you are an exchange student and would like to pay a portion of the bill, excluding tuition and fees.

Always remember to write down the name of the person with whom you spoke at Student Accounts and keep copies of everything, including e-mail correspondence or notes of phone conversations.

As an exchange student, you will have access to different resources at GW, including library materials, recreational equipment, etc. While we encourage you to take advantage of GW’s resources, please be sure that you understand the “due date” or the date by which these materials must be returned. Failure to return items on time, even by a few hours, could result in a late fee.

Western Union GlobalPay for Students

The George Washington University has begun working with Western Union Business Solutions to provide international students with an alternative option for paying their student bills. Western Union GlobalPay for Students lets you pay in your own currency and from your home bank account, without worrying about exchange rates, receiving bank fees, or funds arriving short.

To make a payment using Western Union GlobalPay for Students, please follow this link: https://ibl.globalpay.westernunion.com/geo-buyer/index.jsp

28 Maintaining your Immigration Status

Summary

In order for you to maintain lawful J-1 student status, the ISO must tell the federal government that you are registered for and enrolled in classes each semester. The following is what you should do in order to have ISO register you with the government:

1. Visit the ISO to complete the mandatory in-person check-in. Complete the E-Check-in before going to ISO for the in-person check-in. Bring your passport. 2. Register for the required amount of credits before the GW deadline to add/drop courses. 3. Maintain a valid "Current" local/living address (no PO Boxes) in your GW eb Information System record. 4. Maintain a valid "Permanent" address (address in a country other than the U.S.) in your GWeb record. 5. Maintain lawful immigration status by complying with all J-1 student requirements.

SEVIS Registration and Enrollment Confirmation Requirement Federal regulations require the ISO to notify SEVIS when you first enroll in classes. The regulations also require a registration and enrollment report each fall and spring semester while you continue your studies.

Reporting Deadline

New Students: SEVIS must receive your registration and enrollment report from the ISO no later than 30 days from the "reporting date" in part 3 on your DS-2019.

Continuing Students: SEVIS must receive your registration and enrollment report from the ISO no later than 30 days from the first day of classes each fall and each spring semester. We encourage you to consult with Global & Experiential Education and register for classes during the pre-registration period before each semester starts. This will have no effect upon your SEVIS registration/enrollment report.

When a new semester begins, the ISO downloads your registration information from the GW student records system to their internal database on a daily basis. As soon as the download indicates that you are officially registered for classes, the ISO sends your registration/enrollment report to SEVIS.

What You Need to Do:

• Maintain your lawful immigration status by complying with all J-1 requirements. • Consult with G&EE and register for classes each semester. • If you believe you may not be able to register within the first 30 days of classes for any fall or spring semester, please contact the ISO immediately and make an appointment to meet with your ISO Advisor.

Address Updates

Current/Local Address: Your current, local, living address, as defined by SEVIS, is the physical address of the place where you live. A postal box (e.g., PO Box 1234) is not a living address and will not be accepted by SEVIS. The ISO will download your "Current" address 29 from the GWeb Information System at the same time they download your registration information. If an acceptable current address is downloaded, they will send it to SEVIS as part of your registration and enrollment report. If you do not have a current address in GWeb or if you have one but it is a postal box, they cannot send a registration report on you to SEVIS. The federal government requires that you inform them of your U.S. address and any changes in it. One of the benefits of being a GW international student is that if you maintain your "Current" address properly in GWeb, the ISO will fulfill this responsibility for you! As a part of the data download from the GWeb system each work day, the ISO can see if your address changes and report it to SEVIS.

What You Need to Do: • Make certain that your current local living address appears as the "Current" address in your student record in the GWeb Information System. • Be sure this address is your physical living address (not a postal box). • If you move, update that address within 10 days of your move.

Permanent Address: Your permanent address must be outside the U.S. A U.S. address will not be accepted by SEVIS. The ISO will download your "Permanent" address from the GWeb Information System at the same time they download your registration information. If you do not have a "Permanent" address in GWeb or if you have one but it is not acceptable to SEVIS (e.g., it is a U.S. address), the ISO cannot send a registration report on you to SEVIS.

What You Need to Do: • Make certain that your permanent foreign address appears as the "Permanent" address in your student record in the GW eb Information System. • Be sure this address is in another country (not a U.S. address). • Update that address in GWeb, as necessary, to maintain its accuracy.

Failure to Comply with Registration and Reporting Requirements

If SEVIS does not receive a timely report each semester confirming that you are enrolled, your SEVIS record will be automatically terminated by the government, you will be ineligible for any J-1 benefits, and you will be expected to either apply for reinstatement to lawful J-1 status or leave the U.S. as soon as possible.

More Information

If you would like more information on SEVIS registration and enrollment confirmation reports, or on any other topic that relates to your immigration status, please contact the ISO. The staff of this office is always pleased to provide you with information, counseling, and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals at GW while maintaining a lawful immigration status.

Employment or Internships

J-1 students whose DS-2019s are issued by GW and who wish to engage in on-campus employment at GW must check with ISO to determine if they are eligible. J-1 students can also participate in certain internships AFTER their first semester of classes. For additional information, please speak with your ISO advisor.

30 Set up your On-Campus Technology

GW Wireless

GWireless is a secure wireless network that uses an authentication method that works with a variety of computers, Apple iOS mobile devices and a variety of Android devices. GWireless automatically connects devices to the Internet, and once users are connected, they will not have to log in to the system again. GW community members may log into GWireless using their GW NetIDs (the GW NetID is the part of a GW email address before the “@” symbol) and the passwords that correspond to their NetIDs.

To see step-by-step instructions on how to connect your devices to the GW Wireless network, visit the GWIZ Portal and search “connect to GWireless”.

If you encounter problems, contact the GW Help Desk at 202-994-GWIT (4948), visit the ground floor of the Gelman Library, or find additional information on the GW IT webpage. eduroam eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community, and it allows students from member institutions to connect to the Internet across campus and when visiting other participating institutions using their full GW email ([email protected]) and the passwords that correspond to their NetIDs.

Academics

Academic Calendar

To view the academic calendar including start dates, breaks, and the final exam period, click HERE.

Purchasing Books

Students are responsible for covering the costs of any materials or books that they might need for their respective classes. Book costs can range per class, as an accounting class may require one textbook whereas a management class may require several small paperback books.

Students can purchase both new and used books in the GW Bookstore, located in the basement of the Marvin Center, upon arriving on campus. Generally, used books will cost less than a brand new textbook.

American students typically purchase their books online through websites such as Amazon (http://www.amazon.com), Barnes and Noble (http://www.bn.com), or Half.com (http://www.half.ebay.com/ ).

A newer trend is for students to rent textbooks from websites such as Chegg.com

31 (http://www.chegg.com) and Amazon.

The Gelman Library also carries copies of textbooks. However, these books are generally limited to one or two copies and are held on reserve in the library. Students may reserve the books for two hour periods at a time, but in most cases the textbook must remain in the library so it can be shared with the rest of the university.

US Classroom Expectations

Academic Year The GW academic year is broken into two sessions, otherwise known as a Semester system. The Fall semester is from August to December, and the Spring semester is from January to May. The MBA program at the School of Business further divides the academic year into 4 modules with Modules 1 & 2 during the fall semester and Modules 3 & 4 during the spring semester. Summer is generally a vacation time, but many students take optional classes.

Faculty At most universities, students are often taught by different types of professors such as associate professors, adjunct professors, and assistant professors. The different titles represent different levels of experience and rank within the education community. Within the School of Business, graduate level professors may have a graduate assistant (GA) or teaching assistant (TA); however, all courses are taught by the professors. GW does employ many adjunct professors, who are part- time professors at the university. GW adjunct professors are typically full-time working professionals in their field who bring practical real-world experience to the classroom.

Educational Styles Within US classrooms, you may find that the classroom environment has a more “Learner- Centered Approach” than what you may expect in your home institution. This approach to education encourages students to participate and interact in the classroom. You will be expected to ask questions, think critically, and share your experiences. Some instructors will, however, prefer a more “teacher-centered approach,” in which traditional lecture-based classes will occur with very limited discussion or teacher-student interaction. In many of your classrooms, you will find a mix of these approaches.

Classroom Interactions Due to the more “learner-centered” approach of the US classroom, you will be encouraged and expected to interact with both the instructor and your fellow classmates. This difference in approach may make the classroom seem much less formal than you are used to, but keep in mind that the classroom style will depend heavily on your teacher and class subject. During classes, be open to asking questions, sharing personal insight, having conversations and debates about topics, and addressing problems that arise.

At GW, many professors also prioritize and utilize group work both inside and outside of the classroom. Working in a group can have many challenges and rewards. When working with groups, remember to discuss expectations and each other’s role in the group. If you are able to choose your group, be sure to speak up and select partners who will work well with you, meet deadlines, and bring helpful experience and insight to your team project.

32 Office Hours All GW professors are required to have office hours. These hours are a scheduled block of time set aside every week for students to meet with the professor to discuss issues relating to the class. Some professors, especially those without an office on campus or who teach many classes, may ask that you schedule an appointment for the office hours. These hours are a great opportunity to establish a relationship with your professor and to receive any personalized attention you may need in order to perform well in the class.

Grading

Grading System Grades are made available to students through the Office of the Registrar after the close of each semester and can be accessed via GWeb. The following grade system is used:

Integrity

Academic Integrity Statement We, the Students, Faculty, Librarians and Administration of the George Washington University, believing academic honesty to be central to the mission of the University, commit ourselves to its high standards and to the promotion of academic integrity. Commitment to academic honesty upholds the mutual respect and moral integrity that our community values and nurtures. To this end, we have established the George Washington University Code of Academic Integrity.

Academic Dishonesty Definition Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting one's own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information.

Common examples of academically dishonest behavior include, but are not limited to, the following: cheating, fabrication of false information or data, plagiarism, falsification or forgey of University academic documents, or intentionally helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty.

A breach of academic integrity is a major violation at GW. Be sure to read the Code of Academic Integrity document for more details. Regarding academic integrity in the U.S., ignorance of the rules does not excuse academically dishonest behavior. 33 Campus Resources

International Services Office

The International Services Office is the first stop for the GW international community and will help eliminate administrative challenges when studying in the US. ISO advisors host a variety of special events that highlight our diverse international student population. For questions regarding immigration status, employment regulations, travel, etc. you may either submit an email inquiry or make an appointment with an advisor. To schedule an advising appointment online, click HERE.

Contact: https:internationalservices.gwu.edu/ Email: [email protected] Marvin Center (800 21st St NW), Floor 5 Phone: 202-994-4477 For office hours, click HERE

Colonial Central

Colonial Central, located on the ground floor of the Marvin Center, houses the offices of Student Financial Assistance, Student Accounts, the Registrar, and GWorld. To contact these offices by phone, dial 202-994-9000, and listen to the menu options to be direct to the specific office.

Student Accounts Office Email: [email protected]

Office of Student Financial Assistance Email: [email protected]

Office of the Registrar Email: [email protected]

GWorld Office Email: [email protected]

For Hours and additional information regarding the Colonial Center, click HERE.

GWSB Career Center

Conveniently located across the hall from the G&EE office, the F. David Fowler Career Center offers numerous services and workshops to help with job searches, interviews, networking, and employer relations. As an exchange student in the School of Business, the F. David Fowler Career Center is the career center you should use. The F. David Fowler Career Center is not the same as the main GW Career Center, which does not work with graduate Business students.

34 Contact Information Duquès Hall, Suite 560 Phone: 202-994-6704 Email: [email protected]

Exchange students have access to the following services at the F.David Fowler Career Center:

Online Resources - The School of Business Career Center has many online resources for students. These are password protected. To access these online resources visit: http://business.gwu.edu/careercenter/graduate/resources/ Password: gwsbfowler15

GWork: The GWork system allows GW students exclusive access to their own personal employment management center. Exchange students have access to GWork and can review job listings. Typically exchange students on a J-1 visa can work on-campus during the academic semester. However, exchange students should first be familiar with their eligibility to work in the US according to their immigration status and can do this by consulting with the International Services Office.

Career Workshops - The Career Center offers in-person workshops for students on common topics such as resume writing, networking, consulting and cover letters. Exchange students are able to attend these workshops and should register for the workshops through the G&EE office by e-mailing [email protected].

Career Coaches - Career Coaches are available for one-on-one counseling, but this service can only be used after a student has completed all of the following steps (in order):

1. Consulted the online resources 2. Attended a resume workshop AND attended a Job Search Strategy workshop (please e- mail G&EE to register) 3. Speak with a career coach for a 15 minute session during walk-in hours (please e-mail G&EE to register)

After compeleting these steps, students who wish to schedule a one-on-one extended appointment with a career coach should email G&EE and we will set up the meeting.

Library

The George Washington University’s five libraries serve the three university campuses, the Law School and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Our libraries offer students and faculty members access to many resources. As an exchange student, you will have direct access to the Eckles and Gelman Libraries. For an introduction to GW Libraries please see this GW Library Guide for International Students. The libraries offer workshops throughout the year to improve research and citation skills. Check the library event schedule for specific dates and times of upcoming workshops.

35 Gelman Library The Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library is the university’s largest library and is located on the Foggy Bottom Campus. During the semester, the Gelman library is typically open 24 hours, though certain services will operate on regular or modified business hours. Through the library you can reserve study rooms and make appointments with librarians for research assistance. To log into the library computers, use your NetID and password (page 10).

Washington Research Library Consortium The George Washington University libraries belong to the Washington Research Library Consortium, which extends borrowing privileges to eligible patrons from other Consortium libraries. WRLC members are found in the immediate Washington area and include American University, Catholic University, Georgetown University, George Mason University and others. If you are searching for an resource that is not available through George Washington University, you may request it through Interlibrary Loan

English Language Resources

Writing Center

The GW Writing Center is an open, welcoming, professional environment within which members of the GW community can receive dedicated attention to their writing and research projects. The Writing Center can help you brainstorm, develop an argument, structure, clarify and review your work before you hand it in. However, it is not meant as a proofreading service.

The schedule fills quickly. You may make day-of appointments by telephone for available sessions, but you are encouraged to schedule your session online at least two days in advance and, during midterms and finals, one week in advance. You can schedule up to three appointments per week, up to 50 minutes per day. You may make appointments of either 25 or 50 minutes.

Location: The Writing Center is located in Gelman Library in the entrance floor in Suite 221. For more information, visit their website: http://www.gwu.edu/~gwriter/

English for Academic Purposes

Housed in the Language Center, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Writing Support Program offers free, one-on-one tutoring for GWU students with non-English backgrounds during the fall and spring semesters. Tutors are available during any stage of the writing process to work on audience, brainstorming, citation, drafting, evidence, grammar, organization and flow, outlining, paragraphing, revision, thesis, and tone. In addition they are trained to provide focused support for non-native speakers. Visit the EAP website to make an appointment.

Location: Language Center, Phillips Hall 210B. For more information visit their website: https://languagecenter.columbian.gwu.edu/

Other English Language Resources

EAP 1010, “Academic Communication” is a 3-credit elective course open to all international students who want to develop confidence and fluency in oral communication.

36 Past exchange students recommend reading The Economist, watching TED lectures, and attending presentations in English. These activities can prove quite helpful to improve your academic language and business specific vocabulary. There are also Language Cafés, offering practice with many different languages including a non-native English speaker group. You could also join the group for your native language where you would be an asset as a native speaker.

Lerner Health and Wellness Center

At the corner of 23rd and G Streets, the Lerner Health and Wellness Center is used by GW students, faculty and staff. All registered graduate and undergraduate students on the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses are automatically enrolled to use the center on a semester basis.

The Lerner Health and Wellness Center provides sound programming for a diverse population of students, staff and faculty in the areas of intramural and sport clubs, fitness and wellness instruction and informal recreational opportunities. For more information visit http://campusrecreation.gwu.edu/

Disability Support Services

DSS works with students who have disabilities to ensure access to every opportunity for learning and personal growth so they may participate fully in campus life. At the same time, students with disabilities are responsible for making their needs known and meeting the academic standards set for all GW students.

Getting Started New students seeking access to accommodations and/or services are encouraged to contact DSS prior to or upon admission. There is no automatic referral from Admissions or other GW offices. Eligibility may be established at any time, however, students are expected to disclose their needs in a timely manner.

A wide range of support is offered by the DSS staff. In addition to customary academic accommodations,such as extended time on exams, interpreting services, and note-taking support, they encourage students to develop an individual working relationship with their staff to address learning and disability management issues. These may include advice on course load and selection, learning strategies, organization and time-management, and self-advocacy.

Please note: DSS does not offer diagnostic testing, content tutoring, personal care assistance, or transportation but can make referrals to campus and community resources. For more information on services offered, hours, and to contact, please visit: http://disabilitysupport.gwu.edu/

Counseling Center

It is common in the U.S. for people who experience emotional stress to seek professional help. As you are far away from home and lacking your usual support system of family and friends, you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, strain or stress.

37 The University Counseling Center (UCC) serves as the primary mental health agency for GW students and the entire campus community. Their mission is to support students' mental health and personal development by collaborating directly with students to overcome difficulties and challenges that may interfere with their academic, emotional and personal success. The first six individual sessions of counseling are free and group sessions are always free.

Through individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, assessments and referrals, the UCC strives to provide students with ample opportunities to:

• develop greater insight and self-understanding • identify and solve problems • reduce stress • improve cognitive, emotional, academic and interpersonal functioning.

In addition to their direct clinical services, they seek to promote psychological health and wellness as a value to the GW community through outreach activities, partnerships and consultation initiatives with faculty, staff, administrators, family members and others in the campus community.

UCC are aware that some students may prefer to meet with clinicians with specific areas of expertise to foster a sense of emotional safety in counseling. They offer two walk-in periods that are staffed with clinicians who have specific and relevant expertise. Click HERE to view list of specialized clinicians and their walk-in hours.

International Student Support Group Many international students face some special challenges due to cross-cultural adjustment. The UCC usually offers an international student group. To see if the international student support group is being offered and to get more information on this group, visit the UCC's Current Group website.

Contact Marvin Center Ground Floor Email: [email protected] Call 202-994-5300 to schedule an appointment. For hours, click HERE. .

Student Organizations We encourage you to consider joining a student organization and doing so early in the semester. You are only here for a short while. Becoming involved with a student organization, event, or volunteer work provides you with the opportunity to start building friendships and networks, making the integration process smoother and affording you the possibility of lasting friendships.

MBAA The MBA Association (MBAA) is the umbrella organization representing all MBA students in The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB).The primary goal of the MBAA is to improve the reputation of The George Washington University Graduate School of Business (GWSB) by enhancing the educational experience of its members through activities that promote student involvement and foster a sense of community. The MBAA also strives to present a unified student voice to the University administration by providing a forum for students 38 to express their opinions, build consensus, and take action.

For more information, visit: http://www.gwmbaa.org/

GWSB Student Organizations GWSB student organizations are highly professionalized and often bring in local companies or speakers for events and networking opportunities. There are many different organizations tailored to certain sectors and are also a great way to meet current GWSB students. A complete list of GWSB student organizations is available here: http://business.gwu.edu/current- students-2/student-engagement/graduate-clubs-organizations/

GW Student Organizations Student organizations are a vibrant part of the the George Washington University. Assembled under the array of a variety of causes and interests, student orgs exist to provide GW students the opportunity to enrich their co-curricular experience by producing a diverse array of student activities that benefit and enlighten the GW community. With a wide variety of registered student organizations, there are endless opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved.

Intermural/Club sports Many GW students want to stay active while in college, but without the commitment to participation in a varsity sport. Intramural sports enable students to reap the health and wellness benefits of athletic competition (not to mention the fun), while remaining focused on academics and other aspects of life at GW. Intramurals at GW range from a wide array of team sports (including basketball, floor hockey, football, kickball, soccer, and volleyball) to individual sports (including racquetball, table tennis, Turkey Trot 5K, and Battle Boat Passage Race).

Intramural Sports at the George Washington University is partnered with IM Leagues for all information and registration. This means that you are able to register for all Intramural Sports leagues and tournaments, and view all standings, rules, and policies online!

Call the IM Sports office at 202-994-7775 or email them at [email protected].

GW TRAiLS GW TRAiLS is a great way to explore the natural beauty in the Washington DC area and beyond. You can join GW students in a variety of outdoor excursions, including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, spelunking, and more. To learn more, visit the GW TRAiLS website.

Life in DC

One of the best ways to prepare for your time abroad is to learn as much as you can about GW, Washington, D.C., the United States, and American culture prior to your departure. It is unrealistic, however, to expect that you will be able to prepare yourself fully for your time in the U.S., so we strongly recommend that you expect the unexpected. Your experience at GW and in D.C. will be based largely on how you decide to spend your time here. If you keep an open mind and maintain your sense of humor, it will help you greatly to meet the challenges of

39 studying in a new country and to make the most of the experience.

Climate

You should come prepared for changes in the weather – very cold winters, hot summers and pleasant days in between. The temperature can drop to 30 degrees F (-7 degrees C) in winter and can rise to as high as 100 degrees F (37-38 degrees C) with high humidity in the summer. Plan to wear warm clothing during the winter months (late-November to March). An overcoat is, at times, a necessity. Clothing for rainy weather is also essential, especially during fall and spring.

Dining and nightlife

Washington, D.C., provides the GW community with access to some of the finest arts and culture in the country. There is the theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution,and countless venues for musical and comedy performers. Washington DC has a very diverse range of dining and nightlife options to suit a variety of tastes.

You can spend time exploring our historic Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon/Foxhall neighborhoods. From both neighborhoods, Downtown, Penn Quarter, Capitol Hill and Georgetown shops and services can be reached on foot, Metro subway, taxi, or by bus. The Adams Morgan and U Street/Shaw neighborhoods are a melting pot of cultures and home to popular entertainment, clubs and restaurants. The National Zoo, the National Mall and Rock Creek Park are among the city’s many green spaces.

Washington hosts professional symphonic, opera, theater and ballet companies, including Arena Stage, the Folger Shakespeare Theatre and the Kennedy Center. The city is also filled with clubs offering a wide range of popular music. GW’s own Lisner Auditorium is one of D.C.’s busiest and best-known venue for the performing arts.

Cultural Tourism DC is an organization that provides information on neighborhoods, events, and organizations that you can experience while living in DC.

DCist.com is a community blog that covers a variety of issues and happenings including music, arts, sports, food, theater, transportation and many others.

Opentable is a very popular website that allows you to find restaurants, make online reservations, read restaurant reviews from diners, and earn points towards free meals (when you make a free account).

Looking for options nearby? Yelp is a website that can help you find businesses within your neighborhood or in locations across the US. Yelp will search for and list anything from restaurants to doctors, and will often show you reviews of the services as well as their location on a map.

40 Shopping

There are several shopping centers within close proximity to GW:

Arlington, VA: Pentagon City Mall. This mallis accessible via metro at the Pentagon City Station on the Blue and Yellow Lines. Georgetown: There are a variety of high-end clothing stores and resturants on M street, just 15 minutes walk from campus City Center DC: Ten acres of luxury shopping, local cafés, renowned restaurants and park space in the middle of downtown’s concrete building-lined streets.CityCenter is located between H Street NW and New York Avenue, and is bordered by 11th and 9th streets

Taget and Bed, Bath, & Beyond are good stores for apartment necessities.

Culture and leisure

Customs and culture in the United States may be very different from your own. Prepare yourself for these differences, but keep in mind that Americans can be complicated since we are often a mixture of many cultures, and one of the things Americans value most is their sense of individuality. You may benefit from talking with people in your home country who have studied here or by purchasing a travel guide book.

Washington, DC is home to a vast amount of interesting museums. • The Smithsonian Museums are free and open to the public. Become a museum connoisseur by exploring the Smithsonians and attending special galleries and showings. • The International Spy Museum is a fascinating museum and the only in the world that shows the global-perspective of espionage history and how it has shaped world events. • The Newseum promotes, explains and defends free expression and the five freedoms of the First Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. Considered one of the most interactive museums in the world, the Newseum experience also traces the evolution of electronic communication from the birth of radio, to the technologies of the present and the future.

Sports

Outside of GW, there are many different sports available for spectators as well as for those who wish to participate.

Spectator Sports • The Washington Wizards are DC’s professional men’s basketball team. Home games are played at the Verizon Center, located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro stop.. The season runs from October to April.

• Hockey fans may enjoy watching the Capitals, DC’s National Hockey League team. Their games are also played at the Verizon Center.

• The Washington Nationals, DC’s Major League Baseball team, play their home games at Nationals Park, located off the Navy Yard metro stop..

41 • The Washington Redskins are DC’s professional football team. Their home games are played at the FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, and the season runs from September through January.

• D.C. United is Washington DC’s Major League Soccer club. Games take place at RFK Stadium, located near the Anacostia River.

There are many other professional as well as club sports which spectators can see during their time in Washington DC, including but not limited to the DC RollerGirls, Washington DC’s Roller Derby teams; Washington Bayhawks, DC’s professional lacrosse team; the Washington DC Slayers, DC’s rugby league team; and the annual ATP Tour men’s tennis event, held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.

Participatory Sports Washington DC has many sports leagues and club teams for those who wish to participate. These opportunities are a great way to meet new people and have fun in the city.

*Note: Non-GW sites that are listed here are for reference purposes only. The university does not endorse or promote them. • DC Social (http://dcsocialsports.com/) offers many different sports opportunities for each season of the year. The spring selection includes: basketball, softball, bowling, flag football, soccer, volleyball, dodge ball, etc.

• ZogSports (http://www.zogsports.com/dc/home.aspx) offers participants with the opportunities to play sports, get involved in social events, and give back to the community through volunteer work.

• NAKID (http://dc.playnakid.com/) offers different sports options including kickball, sand volleyball, flag football and soccer leagues, all of which are centered around socializing with other young DC professionals.

• DC Kickball (http://dckickball.org/) focuses on playing kickball, socializing, and working with local charities, non-profits and event organizers in the DC area to help recruit volunteers and raise money for worthwhile causes.

• WAFC (http://wafc.org/) gives participants the opportunity to play Ultimate Frisbee on a pickup-game basis or as a part of a league team.

Mailing Services

Visit your local USPS (U.S. Postal Service) for mailing letters, and/or packages. To find your nearest USPS location, search here: https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction!input.action. UPS and FedEx can also be used to send or receive packages. To find your nearest UPS location, search here: http://www.theupsstore.com/Pages/index.aspx. To search for your nearest FedEx, check here: http://local.fedex.com/dc/washington/DCACE/.

42 Transportation

Transportation Services Members of our GW Community can explore our campuses and the city of Washington, D.C. by foot. They can also take advantage of a number of other transportation options on the campuses, between campuses and throughout the city.

4-Ride Escort Service The George Washington University Division of Operations coordinates two safe travel options. 4-Ride is a fleet of escort vehicles that pick up and drop off GW students, faculty and staff anywhere within three blocks of campus.

The Vern Express The Vern Express shuttle connects the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses seven days a week, 24-hours a day, during the academic year. It offers limited service during the winter and summer breaks. The Vern Express makes four stops on the Foggy Bottom campus and three on the Mount Vernon campus. Departures run every 5 to 10 minutes during the academic day with departures every 15 to 30 minutes in the evenings, overnight and on weekends.

The Virginia Science and Technology Campus Buses The University provides convenient shuttles between the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus and the GW Foggy Bottom Campus, as well as the West Falls Church metro station in Virginia. Buses are free for GW students, faculty and staff.

Zipcar GW students over the age of 18 can join Zipcar at a discounted rate. Zipcar is a service that permits by-the-hour or by-the-day rental of small, eco-friendly vehicles. Fuel, insurance and Zipcar-only parking are included in the rental rates.

Metrorail and Metro Bus The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers a safe, convenient and affordable way for students to travel throughout the D.C. metropolitan area. Two Metro subway stations serve the Foggy Bottom campus. They are the Foggy Bottom-GWU station and the Farragut West station. Street-level buses also serve the university. For a map of the metro system, see page 49.

Lyft and Uber Alternate modes of transportation include Lyft (https://www.lyft.com/) and Uber(https://www.uber.com/). These options are available for smartphone users who would like quick, private transportation for cheaper rates than taxicab fares.

Capital Bike Share Members can borrow bikes at any one of the 110 locations across Washington, DC and Arlington, VA, including several stations located on or near to GW’s campus: http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/.

43 Traveling outside the US

Travel Outside the US for All Students

If you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S. during your stay at GW, you must have a valid travel signature by an ISO staff member that is not older than one year on your DS-2019. This is required for any international travel. Since immigration regulations change often, it is recommended that you meet with ISO before leaving the U.S. Please obtain your travel signature well in advance of planned departure from the U.S. Processing time for travel signatures at the ISO is 15 business days.

GW Safety

Campus security is an important concern. The GW Police Department (GWPD) is a large, experienced force. Our campuses are also served by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and federal police agencies. Campus security: • Operates 24 hours a day • Uses 100 uniformed officers • Features additional security services, including emergency blue light phones, a campus shuttle, bicycle registration, the 4-RIDE campus ride service and Alert DC text messaging • Includes buildings fitted with card readers, accessible only to those with a student ID access card.

44 Maps

Campus Map

The George Washington University Foggy Bottom campus spans over 20 city blocks concentrated in the center of Washington DC. As an open campus, it can sometimes be difficult to tell where the campus ends and the rest of the city begins. If you would like to get acquainted with the campus before you arrive, please consider taking the online virtual tour

45 Map of DC

Washington DC is broken up into four different quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. There are many online websites that will give you the opportunity to learn more about each quadrant and its many neighborhoods.

46 Directions to the School of Business from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station

22

n d

S

t r eet

N W

I Street NW

H Street NW

G Street NW 23 r

d

S t r

e e

t

Metro Entrance/Exit

rd Walk this way 23 Street NW down I Street NW

47

Walk one block down I Street NW toward Whole Foods. Turn right onto 22nd Street

Walk this way to I Street NW the intersection of 22nd and G Street

2201 G Street NW Duques Hall

Duques Hall

After entering the building, the elevators will be on your left. Enter here

48 Metro Map

49