UNIVERSITY of C E N T R A L F L O R I D A WELCOME to GLOBAL UCF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK UNIVERSITY of CENTRAL FLORIDA CONTENTS WELCOME Welcome to UCF ................................................................2 Congratulations and welcome to the University of Central Florida’s Global Achievement Academy. This is your Student Handbook - your guide to the student visa process, arriving and settling in at UCF, and making the most of your time here. We encourage you to read all the information very carefully! If you still have questions, feel free to contact your admissions specialist who will be Before You Arrive .............................................................4 glad to help. Remember to pack this Student Handbook in your carry-on bag when you travel, as it has important information and contact details. Again, welcome to the UCF family and we look forward to meeting you! When You Arrive .............................................................. 9 Dear Parents of Global Achievement Academy Students: Welcome to the University of Central Florida’s Global Achievement Academy! Coming to study in the U.S. is a big step and we recognize the investment this requires. We value you as a partner in your child’s educational process. This is a proud and exciting moment for you and your son or daughter. We want to extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to our university family. Life at UCF ..............................................................................13 We are committed to partnering with you to help achieve your son or daughter’s academic and career goals. Again, congratulations and welcome! Meet the Team ................................................................... 14 Mary-Kay Haseley Managing Director, Global UCF Explore Orlando ............................................................. 19 Student Support .............................................................24 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK | 1 TOP 10 FLORIDA EXPERIENCES 1 6 Experience the magic of See the USA’s largest concentration Walt Disney World in Orlando of coral reefs and marine life at – America’s number 1 tourist Biscayne National Park or John destination. Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. WELC ME 2 Relax on one of Florida’s stunning 7 beaches, which are just a short to UCF! drive from UCF. Try Cocoa Beach Catch a rocket launch at for surfing or head to the Canaveral the Kennedy Space Center Welcome to your new home! Florida, also known as the National Seashore for unspoiled “Sunshine State,” is a great place to live, study and have dunes, lagoons and white sand. fun. Here are some of the experiences you can look forward to at UCF and in Florida. 3 8 Hike in the sub-tropical forests, Buy designer brands at cypress stands and crystal springs bargain prices in Orlando’s Top UCF Highlights of the Ocala National Forest, just a Premium Outlet malls. 1.5 hour drive from Orlando. 4 9 Island hop along the Florida Keys Pay a visit to the USA’s oldest city, for vibrant nightlife combined St. Augustine, and tour the with a wealth of outdoor activities magnificent Spanish cathedrals to enjoy. and forts. CHEER ON THE JOIN A STUDENT UCF KNIGHTS SPIRIT SPLASH ORGANIZATION Wander through art museums 5 and boutiques, pick up some 10 Attending a Knights football game Each year, the Reflecting Pond is Whatever your passion or interests, local food at the Farmers Market Head south to glamorous Miami for is a UCF tradition – so put on your transformed into a joyous pep rally – there’s a student organization for you. or check out one of the great art galleries, architecture, dancing black and gold t-shirts and get into the a pre-football game tradition where It’s not only a great way to make friends, restaurants in Winter Park, and a world-class restaurant scene. game-day spirit. students, players, cheerleaders and you’ll develop your leadership skills and located just outside the Knightro, our mascot, celebrate UCF create networks that will follow you into UCF campus. and the Knights. your professional life. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK | 3 2 | UNIVERSITY of CENTRAL FLORIDA F1-Visa: You should carefully plan for Applying for your F-1 student visa application. your visa Apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing and avoid any delays. Keep in mind that even SEVIS I-901 AND VISA if you apply early, your F-1 visa will not be issued until 120 days before the first day SEVIS I-901 fee: The SEVIS I-901 fee of classes. Nevertheless, it is best to apply is required by the U.S. Department of early and have the consular officer hold Homeland Security for all foreign nationals your application and issue the visa after who come to the United States for the the 120 days. purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities and language training programs. TO PAY ONLINE • Complete form I-901 online at VISA INFORMATION www.FMJfee.com. For more information on • Provide the necessary Visa, MasterCard student visas, please visit the or American Express information and U.S. Department of State website. PHOTO CREDIT: KUSTER & WILDHABER PHOTOGRAPHY make sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20. www.travel.state.gov • Print a copy of the online receipt and a keep a copy for your records. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Student Visa Checklist How to apply for a student visa? Get ready to come to the U.S. Please visit www.usembassy.gov to learn more • Expired passports: Bring all passports • Official transcripts of returning about scheduling your visa appointment. containing all previous U.S. visas, even students: If you have previously if it is expired. studied in the U.S. please bring past Plan to present the following documentation official transcripts during your visa interview: • SEVIS form I-20: Properly completed and signed by both the Designated Be prepared to speak about the following • Current, valid passport: Please check School Official (DSO) and the applicant. during your visa interview: the expiration date on your passport. Name on form must exactly match If your passport will expire less than 6 the name in your passport. Visit • Academic study plan: Detailed months from your planned arrival in the www.ice.gov/sevis/students for more information about your study. You may United States, is damaged or you do not information. be asked why you chose the university, have a page for a visa, get a new passport program and/or major. You may also before your interview. • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt: Visit be asked about your career goals www.fmjfee.com/i901fee for more after college. • One photograph: Two inches square information and check the instructions (51mm x 51mm) color photograph, at the top of this page. • Ties to home country: Prove that you less than 6 months old, against a white have economic, social, family or other background, full front view of your head • Proof of finances: Proof that you can leadership commitments that will help and shoulders. Please use clear tape to support yourself during your entire stay demonstrate your intent to return to home stick your photo on the front cover of in the U.S. without working. This is a country after your studies in the U.S. your passport. bank statement and/or letter of support from your sponsor proving the funds Other helpful immigration websites: • DS-160 application form confirmation that are shown on your form I-20. page. Visit ceac.state.gov/Genniv www.ice.gov/sevis/students for information and instructions • Resume/CV: Detailed information about travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/ your past academic and professional study-exchange.html • Original bank receipt for application fee: work experience www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/students/student/help PHOTO CREDIT: JORGE LASCAR CREDIT: PHOTO Please glue or tape the application fee receipt onto the bottom of DS-160 form confirmation page. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK | 5 4 | UNIVERSITY of CENTRAL FLORIDA Please send your completed immunization REMEMBER: You must bring the original Health & forms and medical lab attachments via mail Immunization Form and medical lab Immunization or fax to the address below, or scan and attachments to orientation. email to [email protected]. Please note: The Advisory Committee HEALTH FORMS on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that college freshman living Important reminder about immunizations: in residence halls receive vaccinations UCF HEALTH SERVICES You must have a completed immunization for meningococcal meningitis. By action HIM DEPARTMENT form to register for classes at UCF. Please of the Florida State University System complete this REQUIRED form BEFORE 4098 Libra Drive Board of Governors, this recommendation you arrive in the United States. It can take Orlando, FL 32816-3333 is supported by the policy effective July a lot of time to obtain your records so Fax: (407) 823-3135 1, 2008 that “all NEW matriculating please do not delay! You should complete Phone: (407) 823-3707 4098 students must provide documentation the immunization form with your doctor. [email protected] of vaccinations against meningococcal It must be signed and stamped by your meningitis and hepatitis B or provide a You must bring original copies to campus. doctor and have supporting medical lab signed waiver for each declined vaccination.” records proving you received immunizations. special occasions, but day-to-day dress What to pack is typically casual. Many international Download the UCFMobile app for your students will bring a national costume iPhone, iPad or Android device and connect along with formal dress for organized CLOTHES to UCF resources before you leave home international student events. You should ucfmobile.ucf.edu When you are packing for Florida it also bring a light waterproof coat. can be difficult to decide what to bring. Most airlines allow for 23 kg of checked ROOM Your apartment has a full kitchen with luggage, but please check in with your A linen pack will be included in your on dishwasher.