This page provides resources to international students who applied and are already accepted to Concordia College. We have a great group of new students joining this spring, and are eager to see you here at Concordia.

Do you have your I-20 yet?

We can issue an I-20 form to students who have been accepted and who have certified the ability to pay their share of the costs.  This is a requirement of the American government.  If you have your I-20, you can proceed to the next step.  If you are accepted but we did not issue an I-20, most likely there is an outstanding concern about finances that needs to be cleared.  In that case, please furnish us updated financial materials, including the financial form and documentation of willingness and ability to pay the costs. 

Finalize your admission

Please finalize your admission by sending the $200 deposit and the housing agreement to Concordia.  Only when we receive that can we start to make preparations for your arrival.  We encourage you to do this as soon as you know you will attend, and as far in advance as possible.  It is possible to finalize when you arrive, but then things will not be prepared to welcome you in the way we would like.

Education USA advising centers

Education USA advising centers are located around the world and can help students to come to the US to study.  It is possible one of these centers assisted you with your application.  Most advising centers also can help you prepare for obtaining a visa.  We strongly recommend you visit the nearest center and use this valuable service, and that you do so BEFORE applying for the visa.  This can help avoid visa denials.  If your visa application is denied please see them as soon as possible, and they may help you understand why and recommend a strategy.  Education USA advising centers may also offer pre-departure orientations.  Services to students at Education USA advising centers are generally offered at little or no cost. 

SEVIS Fee

Information about international students in the US is tracked using a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (commonly called SEVIS).  You can see that your I-20 form has your SEVIS ID number in the upper right hand corner just below where it says Student's Copy.  The ID number begins with an N and has 10 digits.  Students are required to pay for this tracking system, and this SEVIS fee is an additional fee, not to be confused with the visa application fee.  To pay the SEVIS fee, please visit their website.  Students must pay before the visa interview.  Students from Canada (who therefore do not require a visa) must pay the SEVIS fee before your first entry to the US - you will be asked for a copy of the receipt at the port of entry.

Obtain the visa

Much can be said about the visa application process, but here we will be brief.  Concordia believes the most helpful and best advice is always available at the Education USA advising centers, and we encourage students and families to work closely with them.  Please be aware obtaining a visa can be a lengthy process, and we encourage you to begin early.  NAFSA has 10 helpful hints about obtaining visas. 

Travel information

We encourage you to arrive at Concordia on January 5, 2008.  Please let us know your arrival details by emailing to Angela Seewald-Marquardt seewald@cord.edu, and we can arrange to meet you and transport you to campus when you arrive.   The sooner Angela has your travel information, the better prepared we are to arrange for transportation when you arrive. 

Even though we are located in Moorhead, Minnesota, please arrange your travel to go to Fargo, North Dakota - Fargo is just across the river from us.  If you fly to Minneapolis, Minnesota it is about 250 miles and 4 hours away, and is NOT so convenient, and you will have to then find some way to get to Fargo. Fargo has air service by Northwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Airlines, and also has bus service and train service, or you can arrive by car .

When to travel

American government regulations allow students to enter the USA only within 30 days of the start date on your I-20.  For most students your start date should be January 5, 2008, so you should plan to fly to the USA no earlier than December 6, 2007.  Concordia campus housing is not available until noon on January 5th, so if you arrive in the USA early you are responsible for your own accommodation. We encourage you to arrive at Concordia on January 5, 2008.

Schedule when you arrive

The residence halls do not open until noon on January 5.  If you require overnight accommodations before that time, you will likely need to stay at a hotel.  If this is your situation, please contact Angela Seewald-Marquardt at seewald@cord.edu immediately, and she will help arrange hotel accommodations for you. 

A social hour for all new students will be held on January 5 from 8:00-9:00 p.m.  This will be a good opportunity to meet other students at Concordia.  Orientation for new students will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.   Orientation is designed to provide information about Concordia that will help you begin the year successfully.  An additional orientation especially for new international students will be held on January 9 from 6:00-9:30 p.m.  This orientation will include important information about immigration regulations, employment, health insurance, cultural adjustment, and tips for academic success at Concordia.  There is no better way to begin a successful career at Concordia than to attend both orientation sessions. 

Online Catalog

Concordia's catalog is loaded with information and details.  It is fully available online!  You may wish to take a look at the course descriptions, graduation requirements or general information available.

Spring Class Schedule

The spring class schedule will become available online - you can search it or see the condensed schedule.  You will note this includes information about course capacity and how many students are currently registered.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar, showing the start and stop dates for the year and the dates for school breaks, is available.

Health Insurance

A student accident and sickness health insurance plan is available through Concordia - you can see additional information then select Student Access and select Concordia College.  All international students are required to have coverage either through this plan or with a plan offering comparable coverage which has a claims office in the US.

Immunizations

Concordia requires all students to have current immunizations.  Without current vaccinations, students may not be registered for classes.  If you have had these vaccinations prior to coming to the United States, you must bring medical records that document this, as the Concordia Health Center must have these documents on file.  It is recommended to have the vaccinations before travel to the United States.  The vaccinations are available at Concordia's Health Center, but students must go early in the semester to receive them.  The required vaccinations are:

1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination
2. Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccination

Links

Education USA predeparture information.

US Customs and Border Protection information for arriving students

DHS Travel Tips - this is for spring 2005, but much of the information is still valuable.

US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) information for students.

Arrival survival - information that may be helpful the first few days you are on campus.

Concordia's information for international students site.

Concordia's Student Home site - resources for student life.

International Student Organization website.

NAFSA's Predeparture information for students from China.

Destination USA - the official source of information about US visa policy and procedures.

Education USA guide to higher education