{"id":200,"date":"2018-01-13T17:06:12","date_gmt":"2018-01-13T17:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/160-isp\/pre-departure\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T10:39:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T16:39:27","slug":"pre-departure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/incomingstudents\/pre-departure\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa, Pre-Departure Checklist and FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    >\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t        <h2 class=\"accordion-group__heading\">Checklists<\/h2>\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-1\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">\u2610 Apply for visa<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Be sure to complete all applicable steps\u00a0<strong>before<\/strong>\u00a0your arrival at Macalester and before any deadline required by specific Macalester offices.\u00a0<strong>If you do not plan to attend Macalester, email International Student Programs (ISP) immediately.<\/strong><br \/>\nContact ISP with any additional questions at\u00a0<a class=\"email\" href=\"mailto:intlstudent@macalester.edu\">isp@macalester.edu<\/a>\u00a0or call +1 (651) 696-6992.<\/p>\n<h3>Applying for Visa (and I-20)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0if you will be studying in the U.S. in a visa category\u00a0other than F or J, please contact ISP immediately to discuss your situation.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h4><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Obtain a Valid Passport<\/h4>\n<p>Passport must be valid\u00a0<strong>6 months<\/strong>\u00a0beyond your period of stay in the U.S. If it will expire while you are at Macalester, you should renew it 6 months before it expires.<\/p>\n<p>If you intend to graduate from Macalester, your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the program end date on your I-20.<\/p>\n<p>For exchange students, passports should be valid 6 months beyond the program end date on your I-20 (or DS-2019).<\/p>\n<h4><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Obtain your I-20<\/h4>\n<p>Degree-seeking students should follow instructions from Admissions for submitting required documents to obtain an I-20 for visa application. Non-ISEP exchange students will receive instructions from ISP.<\/p>\n<p>Necessary documents include, but are not limited to,\u00a0copy of passport, and\u00a0copies of recent bank\/financial statements\u00a0and\u00a0International Student Certification of Finance (CoF) form\u00a0that are no more than 6 months old.<\/p>\n<p>ISEP exchange students should communicate with their ISEP program coordinator for their DS-2019 and J-1 visa.<\/p>\n<h4><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Apply for a visa<\/h4>\n<p>Apply for a\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/study\/student-visa.html\">student (F-1)<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/j1visa.state.gov\/\">exchange visitor (J-1)<\/a> visa from a U.S. embassy\/consulate.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t apply for your visa <strong>too early<\/strong>, or it may expire before your campus arrival. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html\">visa reciprocity agreements<\/a> for the expected validity period.<\/p>\n<p>Starting October 2025, you must <strong>apply for your visa in your country of legal residence or citizenship<\/strong>. If your country does not issue nonimmigrant visas, <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html\">use the alternate designated location<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Use a<strong> non-high school email<\/strong> for visa applications, as you may need future access.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0students from\u00a0Canada and the Bahamas\u00a0generally do not need to apply for a visa, but must present the I-20 (or a DS-2019 for the J-1 visa category) in order to enter the United States.<\/p>\n<p>After receiving an I-20, <a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/students\/prepare\/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee\">pay the required I-901 SEVIS fee<\/a>\u00a0and print the payment receipt required before the interview (unless instructed differently by Macalester Admissions).<\/p>\n<p>Learn about\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/wait-times.html\">Visa Appointment &amp; Processing Wait Times<\/a>\u00a0at specific U.S. embassies and consulates.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/educationusa.state.gov\/your-5-steps-us-study\/apply-your-student-visa\">how to apply for your visa<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nafsa.org\/professional-resources\/browse-by-interest\/10-points-remember-when-applying-student-visa\">prepare for your interview with these 10 tips<\/a>. Bring any supporting documents with you, including acceptance letter, Macalester financial aid award (if you have aid), bank and other financial statements, academic records, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-2\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">\u2610 Prepare your departure<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p style=\"color: #d44420\">These steps must be completed BEFORE your arrival at Macalester.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Transferring?<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">If you attended a school in the United States immediately prior to Macalester, fill out the\u00a0<a class=\"download submit\" href=\"https:\/\/macalesterassessment.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_54L1m1bzJzlmYfP\">SEVIS Transfer Form<\/a>. If you will attend a summer program in the U.S. before coming to Macalester, please\u00a0<a class=\"email\" href=\"mailto:isp@macalester.edu\">email ISP<\/a>\u00a0immediately so we can discuss your visa situation.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Bring important documents<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Copies of your admission letter, financial documents, previous school transcripts, and medical prescriptions.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Payment<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Complete payment through\u00a0<a class=\"more www\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/studentaccounts\/payments\/\">wire transfer<\/a>\u00a0or another method for any tuition, room &amp; board balance, and other fees.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Student Employment<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Submit the student employment application form, which will be sent to you from Macalester\u2019s\u00a0Human Resources\u00a0Office.\u00a0This application is only for students with employment awards in their financial aid package. Consult the\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/human-resources\/\">Human Resources Website<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Registration<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Submit your registration form on the\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/orientation\/\">Orientation website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Visitor Visa<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Obtain visitor (B-2) visas for family members coming with you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Check out our\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/graduatingstudents\/family-travel\/\">family travel page<\/a>\u00a0for more visa application information and accommodation suggestions.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Finalize your travel plans<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">And finish your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/macalesterassessment.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6s63I6kPh5PlB1c\">Arrival Form<\/a>\u00a0for PO4IS\/Ametrica.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Read the<a class=\"more www\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/programs\/ametrica\/\">\u00a0information on the Ametrica Program<\/a>\u00a0and, if you wish to join, applications will be available in the near future. Application for Ametrica and other programs are available on the New Student Portal.<\/p>\n<h5><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>Read the ISRB (International Student Resource Book)<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Read ISP\u2019s\u00a0<a class=\"download\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/06\/ISRB-2025-26.pdf\">International Student Resource Book<\/a><em>\u00a0<\/em>before you arrive.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-3\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">\u2610 Complete your medical requirements<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p><input type=\"checkbox\" \/>\u00a0Get a physical exam and complete your Health and Medical Forms through your Macalester Patient Portal by specified date.<\/p>\n<p><input type=\"checkbox\" \/> Complete required immunizations. Please refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/06\/ISRB-2025-26.pdf\">Laurie Hamre Center for Health and Well-being<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<p>No extra cost will occur if you are under the United Healthcare for Student Resources insurance plan (provided through Macalester); otherwise, your student account will be charged based on the costs listed in the <a class=\"download\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1AFLA1EWmcgHRepcfjC0n7Q3I7x8qclkP\/edit?tab=t.0\">HWC Charges document<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Refer to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/06\/ISRB-2025-26.pdf\">International Student Resource Book<\/a> for more helpful information (pp. 19-25).<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>\n\n\n<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    >\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>\n\n\n<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    id=\"faq\">\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t        <h2 class=\"accordion-group__heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-1\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">When should I apply for my visa?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Timing depends on your situation, but consider these factors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Visa validity.<\/strong> Some countries issue visas valid for only 3 months. For 3-month visas, we recommend scheduling your appointment 89 days or less before your planned arrival (see your I-20 for earliest admission date). Check your country\u2019s visa reciprocity for expected validity <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Appointment and processing time.<\/strong> US embassy appointment availability and processing times vary. Check the next available dates for your location <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/global-visa-wait-times.html\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location requirement.<\/strong> You must schedule your visa appointment in your country of legal residence or citizenship; appointments elsewhere may be denied or canceled.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Email. <\/strong>Use a long-term, non-high school email address when applying.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-2\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Can I mail packages to ISP?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>New students are welcome to send luggage or packages to ISP for arrival <b>after August 8<\/b>. ISP will hold packages until students arrive for PO4IS. After PO4IS starts, however, all packages must be addressed <b>directly <\/b>to the student at Macalester College and not include ISP in the address.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Your Name\u00a0<\/strong>(Legal\/Passport)<br \/>\nC\/O: International Student Programs<br \/>\n1600 Grand Avenue<br \/>\nSaint Paul, MN 55105 USA<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-3\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Can you pick me up from the airport?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>You are strongly encouraged to arrive between regular, working hours\u00a0<strong>8 am and 5 pm\u00a0<\/strong>on<strong> August 19th (Tuesday)<\/strong>. If you arrive after 5 pm, we will pick you up based on availability. Please inform ISP if your flight will be delayed.<\/p>\n<p>On the day of the arrival, ISP offers airport pickups to all incoming international students and Ametrica participants. We shuttle Macalester vans to and from the MSP airport during\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/incomingstudents\/po4is\/\">Pre-Orientation for International Students (PO4IS)<\/a>. To be eligible for a pickup, you must arrive on the designated date and preferably during the day, allowing you more time to settle in. Fill out the Arrival Form and keep ISP updated with any changes to travel.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fill out <a href=\"https:\/\/macalesterassessment.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6s63I6kPh5PlB1c\">Arrival Form 2025<\/a> by August 1st.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE<\/strong>: PO4IS is a required pre-orientation program for international students on F-1, J-1, or other visas, as well as domestic participants of Ametrica. NO housing nor airport pickup is available before August 19th (Tuesday). You are responsible for finding a place to stay (refer to <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/about\/visit\/places-to-stay\/\">Places to Stay<\/a>). Depending on availability, ISP may offer hotel pickups on August 19th.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-4\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How do I buy a U.S. cell phone plan?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>There are several factors to consider when choosing a cell phone and\/or a cellular plan, including cost, carrier, coverage, compatibility and options for minutes, texting and data.<\/p>\n<p>This <a class=\"download\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/06\/2025-Cell-Phone-Plans-in-the-US-Updated.docx-1.pdf\">guide to buying a phone in the US<\/a>, as well as this\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/best-picks\/best-phone-carrier\">guide to phone carriers or networks and SIM cards<\/a> can help you make an informed decision. Options and pricing are subject to change.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We ask that you share your US phone number with ISP as soon as you have one.<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-5\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How do I open a bank account?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>During\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/incomingstudents\/po4is\/\">Pre-Orientation for International Students (PO4IS)<\/a> you will have an opportunity to open a bank account with either <strong>U.S. Bank<\/strong> or <strong>Wells Fargo<\/strong>; although you are welcome to use any other bank.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about banks in the US and differences between U.S. Bank or Wells Fargo through our guide: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2024\/12\/2025-Banking-101-1.pdf\">Banking in the US\u00a0Guide<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Generally, banks require you to be there in person to open a bank account.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-6\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How do I obtain health insurance?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>All international students are <strong>required<\/strong> to enroll in the Macalester-offered insurance plan, <strong>United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For more details, visit <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/healthandwellness\/insurance\/\">Health and Wellness Center (HWC)<\/a>\u00a0website. If you have questions about obtaining health insurance, contact\u00a0<a class=\"email\" href=\"mailto:nmichael@macalester.edu\"><strong>Nicola Michael-Tsai<\/strong><\/a>, the Insurance &amp; Referral Specialist at HWC.<\/p>\n<p>Please note that health care and insurance in the U.S. will be very different from what you&#8217;re used to in your home country.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about the US healthcare system through this short video:<\/p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/72268541\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen><\/iframe>\n<div style=\"width: 768px;\">\n  This video teaches international students how to prepare for their arrival in the US, how the US healthcare system works and how students should seek medical care appropriately if they become sick or injured.\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 768px; margin-top: 20px;\">\n  Please visit <a href=\"\/\/www.internationalstudentinsurance.com\/explained\/\">www.internationalstudentinsurance.com\/explained\/<\/a> for more information.\n<\/div>\n<p>For additional information, watch <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3I3tqBecL_s\">US health insurance<\/a>.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-7\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-7\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">What should I get for my room? Where can I shop ?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-7\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Your dorm room comes furnished with a bed, Twin XL-size mattress, desk, chair, dresser, and closet. However, you will need to bring or purchase your own pillow, beddings, hangers, laundry basket, lamp, and other personal items. Residential Life provides a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/residential-life\/incoming-students\/move-to-mac-packing-list\/\">suggested packing list<\/a>, and you&#8217;ll find more helpful information in ISP\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/06\/ISRB-2025-26.pdf\">International Student Handbook<\/a>. See the section below for ISP&#8217;s recommended places to shop for (winter) gear.<\/p>\n<p>During <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/incomingstudents\/po4is\/\">Pre-Orientation for International Students (PO4IS)<\/a>, depending on driver and van availability, ISP might offer a shuttle service to\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/\">Target<\/a>, a department store that sells a wide range of goods.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/sustainability\/mac-free-swap\/#\/0\">Macalester Free Swap<\/a> and 1550 Summit Avenue are also good resources to find room essentials and decorations.<\/p>\n<p>We strongly recommend purchasing items online before your arrival. You can order from <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/\">Target<\/a>, <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/\">Amazon<\/a>, or other retailers, and have packages mailed to:<\/p>\n<p>(Note: Do <strong>not<\/strong> have anything shipped to ISP before August 8)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Your Name\u00a0<\/strong>(Legal\/Passport)<br \/>\nMacalester College<br \/>\nInternational Student Programs<br \/>\nC\/O: Luyen Phan<br \/>\n1600 Grand Avenue<br \/>\nSaint Paul, MN 55105 USA<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-8\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-8\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How to prepare for winter?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-8\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Minnesota summers and early fall are usually mild, so you won\u2019t need to worry about cold weather right away. As temperatures begin to drop, you\u2019ll want to be prepared for winter.<\/p>\n<p>To help you get ready, ISP has put together a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2024\/12\/2025-Where-to-get-Winter-Clothes-1.pdf\">Shopping Destination Guide<\/a> featuring a variety of stores and price ranges.<\/p>\n<p>For tips on how to stay warm during the colder months, check out these helpful resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/rochesterlocal.com\/winter\/minnesota-winter-clothing\/\">How to dress for Minnesota Winter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Dress-for-Winter\">How to dress for Winter<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":173,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-200","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=200"}],"version-history":[{"count":199,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9335,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/200\/revisions\/9335"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/173"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}