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International Accelerator Program

  • Student meeting with a professor

Before you Arrive

Complete Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

 You should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

Please visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment. The website also has information on what to expect and the documentation you will need to take with you for your interview. Here are other links that might be helpful to you: visa photo requirements, visa application and I-901 Fee and study in the states.

Check out two videos below that will help you on how to apply and prepare for your visa interview.

Download this useful Immigration Guide to help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa.

 Please plan to arrive at USC on January 5 between 9AM-4PM for January 6-8 oreintaion. You will receive the orientation schedule soon! 

Undergraduate students please fill out your Housing Preference Form.

You must pay your tuition and fees in full, as per the deadline on your Statement of Fees. If you do not pay on time, you will have a hold on your account, and you will not be permitted to register for courses until payment has been received.

Sign up for the multi-factor authentication using the instructions. 

  •  Your flight arrival details
  • Whether you need airport pickup or not
  • How many people (family or friends) would be traveling with you

If you encounter any issues while logging into MyHealthSpace, please try using an English based browser or change the language to English for accessing the website. The English version of Internet Explorer has been working for most of my international students.

Complete the Health/Immunication form using these instructions.  

 

The FERPA Disclosure Form allows us your consent to disclose information to parents, guardians, financial sponsors and agents. When submitting your FERPA Form use your applicant ID that's on your acceptance letter.

 

Take ITEP by January 05, 2021. You will receive an email with instructions in mid-December, and your test must be taken no later than January 05, 2021. This practice test will help you to get familiar with the test.

Send your offical scores to UofSC

All incoming undergraduate USC students are required to take a math placement test before arriving on campus. You will need to complete this before you leave your home country. Follow instructions here. 

Academic English students starting at English Program for Internationals (EPI) DO NOT need to take the math placement test now.

  • Request an official transcript to be sent to USC electronically from UMB. Instructions are here. If you are experiencing technical issues opening the website, please try using different browsers such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.
  • Before orientation, print your unofficial transcript through the Wiser portal and add it to your application materials. International Direct students must bring unofficial transcripts to their academic advising appointment.
  • Review the AC Live FAQs
We strongly encourage all IAP students arriving on campus to get a COVID test prior to departing their home country, and we will require students to be retested again upon arrival during IAP Orientation. If possible, please try to get a COVID test as close to your arrival date as you can.
Please reach out to angi.wang@uofsc.org if you have any questions about the above Pre-Arrival steps.
 
December 3rd, 2020 @8AM EST – please join us for our Pre-Arrival Webinar for students coming to USC.
    • Please download Zoom. Meeting link here.
    • Meeting ID: 865 1464 7429
    • Passcode: 851627


Helpful Resources

Next Steps Brochure

This useful brochure is full of information on your I-20 paperwork required for your visa, what you should pack and other tips to prepare you for your arrival to the University of South Carolina campus.

Immigration Guide

This guide will help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa and arriving in Columbia, South Carolina.  

Pre-Arrival Checklist - Undergraduate

Check off everything on this list to ensure you have completed all the steps before you arrive and bring everything you need to the University of South Carolina campus.

Chinese translation of the Pre-Arrival Checklist - Undergraduate

 This is the Chinese translation of the undergraduate pre-arrival checklist. 

Pre-Arrival Checklist - Graduate

Check off everything on this list to ensure you have completed all the steps before you arrive and bring everything you need to the University of South Carolina campus.

Orientation Schedule

Here’s an example of what your orientation schedule might look like. During orientation, you will receive a full campus tour, see the sights around Columbia, South Carolina and get to know your fellow international students!

Academic Calendar

Plan ahead! This calendar tells you when class starts and ends, and when holidays and exams are happening.

 

 

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