 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Current Students
Student Resources
Resources for International Students
The College of Education encourages and welcomes international students to study with us! The presence of international students enriches our learning community and enhances the College’s efforts to broaden our perspectives through international partnerships. Learn more about the College’s international activities.
Resources for Admitted and Incoming International Students
I-20
If you have applied to the University of Washington and have a question about your UW I-20, please contact the appropriate admissions office:
- Undergraduate students: intladm@u.washington.edu
- Graduate students: gradvisa@u.washington.edu
Visa and Entry into the US
If you are living outside the U.S. you must obtain a passport from your government and then take the I-20 or DS-2019 and supporting documentation to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Apply for the visa as early as possible. Students applying for initial entry F-1 and F-2 visas may be issued the visas up to 120 days before the academic program start date as noted on the I-20. J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but must present the I-20 or DS-2019 to the immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry. A passport may be required depending on your method of travel. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's travel pages.)
You may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days before the start date noted in item 5 on the I-20 form or item 3 on the DS-2019 form. If you are transferring to the University of Washington from another school within the U.S. you must report to ISS in 459 Schmitz Hall as soon as you arrive on campus.
If you are changing schools within the U.S., you must carefully follow certain procedures in order to maintain lawful immigration status.
Immunizations
All enrolled matriculated students and all students living in UW residence halls or single-student apartments must provide proof of measles (rubeola) immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the Hall Health Primary Care Center confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before January 1, 1957, are considered to be immune to measles and therefore do not need to submit proof of immunity. If you have previously satisfied this requirement, no further action on your part is required.
The Enrollment Confirmation Acknowledgement Form indicates if the requirements listed on the Measles Immunity Verification Form have not been met. Once you have submitted this form, you may check your registration status at http://www.myuw.washington.edu within the Self-Service Enrollment Verification area of the Student Personal Services section. Please allow up to one week AFTER this documentation is received by Hall Health Primary Care Center for complete processing.
Checking In
The Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) offers an online check-in procedure for new international students which allows for the removal of the ISS registration hold. Students can complete an online check-in at any time, even before they arrive in the U.S., and ISS will remove the registration hold within 3-5 business days of their completing the online check-in. The link to the online information can be found at http://iss.washington.edu/stu/ns.html.
Orientation
The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) conducts an orientation for all new international students at the beginning of each quarter. Check the FIUTS website for orientation dates and schedules, as well as advice on housing, transportation to campus, host families, and much more. The orientation is designed to acquaint international students with the University, American customs and lifestyles, visa and immigration issues, the Seattle area, and other UW students. All F-1 and J-1 international students new to the University of Washington are charged a $65 nonrefundable orientation fee. We encourage you to participate in the orientation program!
Academic English Program (AEP)
All international students, undergraduate and graduate, are screened for English language proficiency at the time they enter the University of Washington; the Academic English Program (AEP) provides courses for UW students whose test results indicate that they need to improve their English proficiency. Enrollment in these classes must begin during the student's initial quarter of registration and must be continued in each succeeding quarter until the sequence of courses is completed. Students who do not have an AEP requirement, non-matriculated students, and visiting scholars may also enroll on a space available basis. To learn more, review the English language proficiency requirements for graduate students or the English language proficiency requirements for undergraduate students.
College of Education Orientation
The College of Education hosts an orientation program for new graduate students each autumn quarter. The program includes introductory sessions, workshops on academic topics, and social events. For a complete list of events, visit our New Student Orientation page.
Resources for Current International Students
International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) The International Students & Scholars Office at the University of Washington assists international students with a variety of matters during their stay in the United States, including visa status issues and the registration process. The office offers annual workshops and online resources as well. To contact your non-academic advisor in ISS, visit ISS website.
Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS)
FIUTS is a community non-profit organization at the University of Washington that helps enhance international understanding and promote cultural exchanges between UW international students and Americans. Visit the FIUTS website if you need more information on UW orientation, Homestay Programs, Friendship Connection, and other activities for international students.
Office of Minority Recruitment & Retention (OMRR)
With a focus on diversity and social justice, the UW College of Education Office of Minority Recruitment and Retention is committed to equity and access for all students. One of the Office’s primary goals is to connect students to the College of Education, the University of Washington, and community resources. An equally important goal, however, is to help students develop their own sense of community while attending the College of Education.
OMRR staff are available to provide social and academic support to international students, and international students are welcome to participate in activities planned by the staff. To learn more, visit the OMRR website, contact the staff (recruit@u.washington.edu or 206-543-1821), or visit them in 201A Miller Hall.
International Student Listserv
The International Student Community listserv keeps student informed and connected to College and Community events and services catered to our International Students. For more information, and to subscribe to the listserv, visit https://mailman1.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/coeinternational.
Writing Center
The College of Education Writing Center, located on the fourth floor of Miller Hall, serves students in all College of Education programs. All students are welcome to take advantage of the Writing Center’s services. The primary function of the Center is to assist students in communicating their ideas by offering assistance with every step of the writing process: researching, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and submitting/publishing. Students may contact the Writing Center at 206-221-4117 or coewrite@u.washington.edu.
Useful Links
Funding Options for International Students
Job Search Strategies for International Students (from the UW Career Center)
Resources about Education in the United States
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
The American Educational Research Association (AERA), founded in 1916, is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation and, by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results.
http://www.aera.net/.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington State. You can download and search information related to the Washington K-12 curricula and standards.
http://www.k12.wa.us/.
U.S. Department of Education
The official website of U.S. Department of Education features current U.S. educational policies and lists demographic data about K-12 student population and staff distribution.
http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml.
