There have been international students at Reed College for many years, and these students from around the world have played an important role at Reed and in their own countries after their return home. There currently are more than 60 international students at Reed from countries including Russia, China, Brazil, Spain, France, Kenya, Uganda, Trinadad & Tobago, Pakistan, Germany, Japan, and India, to name only a few.

This handbook was written to help you, the international student, get settled in school and in Portland, and to begin the process of adjusting to a different culture and educational system. The International Programs Office in Eliot 203 is always open to you, and we hope you will drop in to visit periodically, as well as to direct questions of a more urgent nature to us.

IMMIGRATION

Glossary of Terms

I-20A-B: Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-I) Student Status. Basic document which students use to obtain student visas abroad, leave and return to the U.S., transfer from one school to another, etc.

I-20ID: Is part of the I20A-B; contains student-specific information number. Notations by INS also indicate extensions of stay, authorizations to work, and authorizations to transfer schools. This document must be kept up- to-date for the student to remain legally in the U.S.

IAP-66: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-I) Status. Basic document which people use to obtain a J visa abroad, to extend their stay in the U.S., and to travel abroad for brief periods of time.

I-94 Arrival-Departure Record. Small piece of paper which everyone receives when arriving in the U.S. It indicates visa type, date of entry into the country, transfer of schools, approval for work/practical training, and the date to which the person is authorized to stay.

Visa: Red, white, and blue stamp affixed to a page in a person's passport by a U.S. Consular Officer abroad. It allows a person to apply to enter the U.S. Final determination regarding entry is made at the point of entry or the place at which the student arrives in the United States. Once the person has been allowed into the country, the visa's validity is no longer of concern. A visa must be valid only if the person is outside the U.S. and wants to enter the country.

Extension of Stay: An F-1 student is admitted to the United States for "duration of status," that is, to complete an educational program. However, if a student must remain in an educational program beyond the date originally estimated for completion of the program, as stated by item 5 on the initial Form I-20 A-B issued to begin the program, the student must comply with INS procedures for program extension. Application must be made to the Designated School Official (DSO) in a 30 day period befoe the completion date on Form I-20 A-B.

I-538: An immigration form, which F-I students use to apply for extension of stay, authorization to work, and authorization to seek practical training. The Director of International Student Programs must sign the form.

Optional Practical Training: Work experience which a person can seek during or after receiving a degree (F-I students) or finishing a program (J-I exchange visitors). You must apply through the Director of International Student Programs (the Designated School Official) or for J-1 visas your program sponsor using form I-538.

INS: An abbreviation for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, part of the Department of Justice.

Immigration and Naturalization Service

The Director of International Programs is the liaison with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). He can help you with most of your interactions with that office.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service is part of the Department of Justice, which in turn is one of the departments of this country's federal government. There is a central Immigration Service office in Washington, D.C., as well as regional offices including one in Portland (see page 10 for address). Most of Reed's international students are in the United States on a student (J-1 or F-1) visa, and the following information is directed to them. If you have another visa, you should contact the Director of International Programs for questions on INS issues.

Immigration Problems

Sometimes students have immigration problems, often because they have not maintained their immigration status in every detail. Sometimes problems can be resolved very easily, but other times the matter can go on for months with various exchanges of letters and documents between the student and the Immigration Service. If you have an immigration problem of any kind, you should talk first with the Director of International Programs, who will tell you what steps to take to resolve the difficulty.

It is essential that you have a complete record of all your dealings with the INS--copies of your letters to them, their letters to you, documents that you submit, etc. Be sure to make copies of everything so that, if they lose your papers or question any of your actions, you will have a complete record. When you talk to the Director, you can ask him to make photocopies of everything so that your file in the International Programs Office also will reflect a complete record, in case the Immigration Service calls the advisor to discuss your case.

Sometimes students have problems complicated enough to require a lawyer. Please consult the Director before going to a lawyer. It could cost you at least several hundred dollars to handle even a simple matter that might have been solved by the Director. It would be unfortunate to spend so much money if the problem could be handled by yourself or with the help of the Director. Most immigration lawyers are honest and trustworthy, but there are some who will charge you lots of money for very routine immigration matters that you could handle without a lawyer. Be sure to consult the Director for referral should you decide to seek legal help.

Maintaining Student Status

When you arrived in the United States, you received a small piece of paper known as the Arrival-Departure Record or I-94 form. The immigration inspector at the port of entry stamped the form to indicate the type of visa you have, the length of time you are authorized to stay in the country--most often "Duration of Status," and the school which you are authorized to attend. This is a basic document which you have to present at various times during your stay and which you will have to surrender to an immigration inspector when you leave the United States (except for brief periods of travel in Canada--see later section on travel). All people coming to this country (except permanent residents and citizens) receive an I-94 when they arrive, no matter what visa they have.

As a student, you are required to maintain your immigration status at all times. This requirement has various elements:

• You will register for a full load of courses every semester at the school you were authorized to attend. The college is surveyed periodically by the INS to identify students who were registered the previous semester but are not currently registered. Therefore, if you fail to register one semester, you may be reported to INS. Documented illness is usually the only acceptable reason for not registering. If for some reason you cannot register one semester, you should go as soon as possible to the International Programs Office to discuss your situation with the Director.
• You must register as a full-time student every semester. This means 3.0 to 4.5 units, and you must maintain full-time status throughout the semester. If you register for 3.0 or more units at the beginning of the semester and later drop to one or two courses, leaving you with fewer than 3.0 units, you will need to take more than 3.0 units in the following semester in order to maintain status. If you are on a J-I visa, you are required to pursue full- time whatever program or activity is specified in your contract.
• You will not seek employment off-campus without the written authorization of INS as documented in the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). See the section of this pamphlet titled "Employment" for further information.
• You will remain at the school you were authorized to attend. If you want to change schools in the middle of your program or after receiving a degree, you must notify INS as well as your current school. The Director can help you with this process.
• When your authorized stay in the United States, as shown on the I-94, is about to expire, you will apply to INS for an extension of your stay. You must file the application before the date shown, not after it.

Passport

Your passport must be valid at all times and not due to expire for at least six months beyond the period of your authorized stay. INS will not take action on any application that you submit unless your passport is valid. Whenever your passport is about to expire, you should send it to your own country's embassy to have it renewed.

Optional Practical Training

Reed students on F-I visas may apply for a period of practical training both before and after completion of studies. For both periods of practical training the student must have been in F-I status for at least nine months. The training must be in the student's field of study. A J-1 student may be authorized to engage in up to 18 months of practical training. An F-1 student may be authorized to engage in practical training for a combined period of 12 months during the duration of student status in that visa category. The two periods are:

-PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF STUDIES. Students are eligible for up to 12 months (including that time used after completion of studies) of practical training to be used during the annual vacation periods as long as it adheres to the guidelines above. Students submit the I-538, I-20ID, and a letter from their advisor (to the Director of International Programs) stating that it is his or her belief that the training compliments the students study at Reed. Students would then submit the endorsed I-20ID with the form I-765 to the INS in order to be issued the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

-AFTER COMPLETION OF STUDIES. May not exceed 12 months in combination with practical training used prior to completion of studies. To apply, students must submit the forms I-538, I-20ID and certification letter from advisor no earlier than 60 days before completion of studies and no later than 30 days after completion of studies. Following approval of the Director of International Programs, the student follows the process in application for the EAD outlined above.

Transfer to Another School

Students may transfer to a different school to pursue a new degree or continue in the same degree level through the following notification procedure:

• Obtain form I-20AB from the new school.
• Inform the designated school official at the current school of intention to transfer.
• Enroll in the new school in first term after leaving previous school.
• Complete Item 11 on form I-20AB and submit it to the designated school official at the new school no later than 15 days after beginning classes.

Travel to Canada

Because the U.S. and Canada have a very long, common border and there is so much traffic between the two countries, the immigration regulations tend to be more relaxed and less restrictive. Usually when you leave the U.S., the immigration inspector will take the I-94 form from you, and you will receive a new one when you return. If you go to Canada, however, you keep the same I-94 with you. In fact, you cannot enter Canada without a valid I-94 which you must show to the Canadian immigration inspector at the port of entry. You may also need a visa for Canada (http://www.ingenia.com/cicnet/), and you should check with the International Programs Office before you take a trip there. Visas can take up to 2 weeks to be issued. You will also need a signed I-20A-B and the I-20 ID and the I-94 departure card (note--do not surrender your I-94 when visiting Canada for periods of up to 2 weeks).

Travel Outside the U.S.A.

In order to leave the country temporarily and return, you will need to surrender your I-94 upon departing the U.S. (except as noted above) and present certain documents to the immigration inspector upon your arrival. An F-I student must obtain the Director of International Student Programs' signature on Page 4 of your I-20. The United States Embassy in your own country originally stamped a visa in your passport, valid for a certain period of time (most often D/S, meaning duration of status meaning as long as you remain in-status as a student you can enter and leave as you wish) and for a certain number of entries into the U.S. As long as you remain in the U.S. you do not need to be concerned with visa expiration. If you leave the U.S. with a visa that is no longer valid, you must return to a U.S. Embassy and obtain a new visa before you return. You cannot obtain a new visa within the U.S., only at a U.S. Embassy outside the country. Then, upon arrival in the U.S., you will present a valid passport, a valid visa, and an I-20A-B form. The immigration inspector will stamp a new I-94 for you indicating the period of time you may remain in the country.

A J-I exchange visitor needs the pink copy of the original IAP-66 to return after a temporary visit abroad. The visa in your passport must also be valid. Upon returning to the U.S. you will present a valid passport, a visa, and the pink copy of the IAP-66.

Visa to Come to the U.S.A.

Whenever you are outside the U.S, and want to come here to study, you must have in your possession a valid passport, a valid student or exchange visitor visa, and immigration form I-20A-B or IAP-66. When you first came to this country you probably had these documents; each time you leave the country, even for a short visit abroad, and intend to return, you must have the same documents in order to return. You should also carry with you evidence of your financial support so that you can show immigration officials how you finance your education here. If you are going abroad for a short visit only, they may not ask to see that financial evidence, but they have a right to ask for it each time you want to return to the United States, so you should always have it with you. See SEVIS section below!

Where is INS?

Immigration and Naturalization Service
511 N.W. Broadway
Portland, Oregon
Telephone: (503) 221-2271

SEVIS

SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.

How does SEVIS work?

• After Reed College admits an international student (starting in 2003), SEVIS is notified and the INS decides whether to approve the College's request to issue an I-20. If approved by the INS, the College transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
• The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa.
• An INS officer at the airport (or other port of entry) reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S.
• When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to the International Programs Office (IPO). After the student registers for classes, Reed confirms, through SEVIS, the student's enrollment. The College continues to provide regular electronic reports verifying enrollment to INS throughout the student's academic career.
• Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?

REED must report:
• Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.
• A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address.
• Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.
• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
• When the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the designated school official (DSO). (Immigration regulations refer to international student advisers as DSOs).
• Termination date and reason for termination. The date the student ceases to be enrolled at the college and the reason s/he is no longer enrolled.)
• Other information generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatement. Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

How will REED help students comply with the immigration laws? The College is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. Accordingly, effective Spring Semester 2003, three registration changes will take effect. 1. F-1 and J-1 students new to REED must check in with the International Programs Office (IPO) prior to registering for classes. The IPO will review the student's visa documents, confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus, and then release the hold on the student's registration. 2. F-1 and J-1 students (not scholars) who register for less than a full course of study without a waiver of the full-time requirement will have their registration cancelled by the 14th calendar day of the semester. 3. International students will not be able to drop below a full course of study after the 7th calendar day of the semester without prior authorization from the IPO. Any student at Reed who wishes to enroll in a part-time load must seek the approval of a dean in student services as well. Further, if a reduction in tuition based on part-time enrollment is desired, the student must petition the administration committee to seek approval. Approval is rarely granted. "Full-time" means 3.0 Reed units per semester. Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include: * Students who experience academic difficulties may take a reduced credit load. * Students in their final term of study need only the credits required to complete the degree. * Students who have a medical problem can reduce their credit load or take the semester off. Remember, for students on F-1 or J-1 visas, only the Designated School Official in the IPO has authority to authorize a reduced credit load for INS purposes! Students must also follow regular college procedures to receive academic approval of an underload.

EMPLOYMENT

It is expected that people who come to the United States to study will have arranged sufficient financial resources so that they will not have to work. However, because of economic problems in their countries, unforeseen changes in circumstance, desire to have practical application of skills learned in the classroom, etc., some students will want to consider working. Immigration regulations are strict in regard to employment, and if you need/want to work, you should make sure you are complying with the regulations.

Eligibility

1. On an F-I student visa, you can work on the Reed campus without obtaining INS' authorization. The job must not interfere with your academic work and therefore cannot exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.

2. If you are on a J-I visa, you can work if you first obtain written permission from your program sponsor. INS does not have to grant permission, but your sponsor must agree that the work is necessary and will not interfere with your program. If your sponsor is Reed you should discuss this with the Director of International Programs.

3. Students who have completed 9 months in F-1 non- immigrant status may work off-campus up to 20 hrs per week while school is in session or full-time during vacation periods under a special program initiated by the U.S. Congress in 1992. The employer must be able to document that a significant effort has been made to hire U.S. nationals for the job and failed. The form EAD approved by the INS is required in addition to several attestations the employer must complete.

4. Students may work as part of practical training. See section on practical training below.

How to Find a Job

On-Campus. The Career Services Center, located in Eliot 101, provides a job board listing some but not all "on campus" part-time job openings. Students are encouraged to start their job search as early as possible. Each department does their own hiring and students must inquire directly with the departments that most interest them. The following departments hire a large number of students each semester: mailroom, food services, library, physical plant, sports center, biology stockroom and bookstore.

Off-Campus. To find a job off-campus you should also see the Career Services Center. This office is designed to help students plan their careers and find jobs. They have listings of job openings and can make suggestions to you in finding a job. Some of the jobs are internships and summer jobs which would be available to you for practical training.

Income Taxes

Everyone who works in the United States is subject to taxes on income, payable to the federal government and to the state government of one's residence. Students on F and J visas are also subject to income taxes. Your liability can be affected by the conditions under which you work, whether there is a tax treaty between your country and the U.S., and the total amount of money you make during the year. All students on non-immigrant visas, whether they have earned money or not will be required to submit a declaration and an income tax form each year to the Internal Revenue Service.

Practical Training

HOST FAMILIES

Reed College sponsors a Host Family Program to provide a mutually rewarding relationship between American families and international students. The student's first priority is to his/her studies, and both the adjustment to a new academic system and a different language can be demanding. Many students, however, desire to learn as much as possible through personal experience of the politics, economics, geography, culture, and people of a different country. The hospitality of Americans can provide a multidimensional view of American life, can temper loneliness for the newcomer, and can help overcome the isolation of the campus. It seems demonstrable that experiences outside the classroom and beyond the residence hall can be an illuminating and unforgettable part of the student's stay in the U.S.

Host Families are matched with incoming international students prior to their arrival to begin the freshman year. Families often correspond with their student and arrange to meet at the Portland airport when the student arrives. A reception is given by the International Programs Office in the Fall to allow families and students to become better acquainted as well as to meet other students and families participating in the program. Throughout the year, families invite students to their homes to share a meal, to experience a traditional American holiday, or to join them in recreational or cultural activities around the state. Students, in turn, have the opportunity to host their families on campus to participate in a number of international events and programs. Host families are issued complimentary Sports Center passes, which enable them to join their student in various athletic activities.

No requirements are made for students or families, and the level of interaction is dictated by participants, accommodating their own schedules. The Director of International Programs coordinates the Host Family Program and should be contacted for additional information.

TOWN GOWN INTERNATIONAL FORUM

The Town Gown International Forum (TGIF) is a program administered by the Office of International Programs. This project seeks to provide Reed's international students and the local community with an opportunity to learn more about each other by establishing a network of contacts between students at Reed and community groups (i.e. schools, churches, and civic groups etc.). Through this network system, international students are placed in appropriate settings, at the request of a specific group, and serve as cultural resources. Community groups may want to involve international students in panel discussions regarding their native country's family structure, customs, recreational activities, religious groups/differences, educational system or economy just to name a few. The formats may vary, depending on the level of discussion and audience--all those details will be very clear before the international student ventures off to his/her assignment. It is important for the coordinators of the TGIF program to have your input in and contribution to this program in order that the range of cultures and experiences be broad and internationally encompassing.

FOOD SERVICE

The Food Service at Reed College is dedicated to providing wholesome, well- balanced and varied meals in pleasant surroundings. Meal plans are designed to provide maximum flexibility for busy student schedules. Meeting the individual dietary needs of international students is a priority for the Food Service Director. If the regular program (outlined below) requires modification, students are encouraged to meet personally with the Food Services Director to discuss their needs.

In addition to the general entrŽes offered at each meal, five different salad selections are available with numerous toppings and a variety of dressings. Meals also include five dessert items (including fresh fruit and ice cream for every meal), daily homemade soups, two vegetables at each meal, and a wide variety of beverages including assorted teas. The vegetarian program provides quality, tasty, nutritious meals using whole grain ingredients and complimentary proteins. Each meal provides one vegetarian option, as well as vegetarian soup, fresh fruit, and a salad bar.

The Food Service cooperates with international student groups to prepare meals for international evenings held in the international theme houses on campus. These evenings, often open to the entire college community, feature food from a particular country, along with presentations about the culture, geography and political environment of that country. The International Programs Director coordinates these programs and should be contacted for details.

HEALTH SERVICES

Medical care in the United States is very expensive and there is no national health care system. Most people carry some sort of medical insurance which pays the majority of the costs of any illness or injury. When you register at Reed as a full- time student, you are required to show proof of medical insurance or to purchase insurance through the college. Insurance through Reed will provide a solid comprehensive coverage. Health care is thus provided in two parts: 1) the college provides a range of services in the college infirmary, and 2) your insurance covers services not available at Reed.

The College Student Health Service is organized to provide routine medical and counseling care to registered full-time Reed students. Prescribed medications are dispensed at a discount price and referrals to specialists in the Portland area can be arranged expeditiously as the need arises.

MONEY MATTERS

It is advisable for international students to open an account at a commercial bank. This will afford easy access to your money, allow you to pay bills by check, and avoid the necessity of carrying large amounts of cash. There are some small differences among the various banks in the area of the college; however, it really doesn't matter which one you choose. The closest banks are First Interstate and the United States National Bank of Oregon (they are a short walk from Reed). In order to open an account, you will need identification, preferably a passport. The local banks are particularly helpful to Reed students and will help with international transactions and other details of concern to international students. You should take your Reed student I.D. card when you open your account and transact business. There is also a 'bank faire' each Fall on campus during which the local branches are represented and set up accounts for students.

Most international students receive funds periodically from their own countries. This is a time-consuming and sometimes complicated process. Someone at home goes to a bank and pays whatever sum of money is to be sent to you. The bank then sends the money, sometimes after obtaining government approval to an international bank in the U.S. (San Francisco or New York), which then forwards it to you. The person sending the money should give careful instructions as to where the money should be sent. The easiest and fastest way would be to have the money sent to your bank.

You will be able to write checks on campus to pay for college bills or to get spending cash. The Business Office in Eliot 308 is open from 10 a.m. to Noon and 2 to 4 p.m. during the week. You will need your Reed I.D. to write checks. There is also an ATM machine on campus.

HOUSING

Off-Campus Housing

There are a number of large houses and apartments surrounding the campus which traditionally have housed Reed students at reasonable rates. The Office of Residence Life will assist students seeking these accommodations.

On-Campus Housing

The college provides housing for approximately one-half of the student body. All incoming freshmen are assured rooms and exected to live in the residence halls. Living on-campus offers a number of advantages, including close proximity to classes and the library, as well as the opportunity to get to know other students in a supportive unstructured environment. Upperclass students serve as house advisors, helping freshmen become acclimated to Reed and encouraging activities and social events. International students have found living on-campus an excellent way to learn about lifestyles and customs of American students. Their presence enriches the living-learning environment for all the students in the residential program.

In addition to the regular residence halls on campus, five theme "international language houses" are available. The Spanish, Russian, German, Chinese, and French houses are centers for language and cultural activities from the respective countries or language/culture regions and each is staffed with a native speaker/Language Scholar. International students are welcome to participate in these houses.

INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

Reed College operates a FAX and can place international correspondence directly. You will find this the easiest and fastest way to conduct international correspondence in instances where you cannot use the telephone. Reed's FAX number is:

503 777-7769

You should contact the Print Shop in the basement level of Eliot Hall for information. Should you need to send a telegraph, you can call Western Union in Portland at 248-6710 or 248-3670.

MEETING OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

At Reed

In addition to the general orientation program for all new students and the specific orientation program given for new international students, Reed hosts a reception for international students is given during the Orientation Week. At the reception, students will meet the President, Vice President/Provost, and other key officers of the college who will greet them and answer questions about Reed. In addition, new and returning internationals will have an opportunity to meet each other, share respective wisdom, and exchange local addresses and telephone numbers.

Off-Campus

There are a large number of international students in the Portland metropolitan area. The Director of International Programs at Portland State University, the University of Portland, and Lewis and Clark College share information on a regular basis and would be pleased to assist international students from Reed. You should contact Reed's Director of International Programs for details.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

International Travel

When planning travel overseas, students are encouraged to contact the International Programs Office at least three weeks prior to departure to gain information regarding low-cost student fares, to purchase international student I.D. cards, and to arrange visa details.

Vacation Travel

Many international students use the long break between semesters as an opportunity to travel within the United States. That is a particularly good time to travel, as the dormitories are closed and activities around the college are minimal. Several resources may be useful in planning travel during that time. The YMCA International offers a visit program which provides housing with host families in cities of the student's choice for periods of two to three days. Students send their itinerary three weeks prior to beginning their trip to the sponsors, who make contacts with families in the cities the student plans to visit and send back addresses and family information to the student. Also, the Council in International Education Exchange sponsors a See-America program which provides a budget rate for international students at hotels throughout the U.S. Details and applications are available in the International Programs Office.