Accepted International Students
We’re eager to have you join the Concordia community and be on campus soon. We want you to get off to a great start, so we’ve put together the following checklist to make it easier for you:
Obtain Your I-20 Form
We issue the American government-required I-20 form to students who have been accepted and who have certified the ability to pay their share of the costs. If you are accepted but we did not issue an I-20, we likely need more information. Please send us your updated financial materials, including the financial form and documentation of willingness and ability to pay the costs.
Send Your Deposit and Housing Agreement
Finalize your admission by sending the $200 deposit and the housing agreement to Concordia, and we’ll start to make preparations for your arrival.
Obtain a Visa
We encourage you to work through Education USA advising centers prior applying for your visa. These centers, which have little or no costs to students, can help with the application process and provide other helpful information, include pre-departure orientations. Obtaining a visa can be a lengthy process, so start early. These centers also frequently offer pre-departure orientations to help students prepare for study in the US.
Pay Your SEVIS Fee
Information about international students in the U.S. is tracked using a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, commonly called SEVIS. You are required to pay for this service online, which is separate from the visa application fee and must be paid prior to your visa interview. Your SEVIS ID number can be found on your I-20 form in the upper right hand corner, a 10-digit number beginning with an N. Students from Canada, who do not require a visa, must pay the SEVIS fee before your first entry as a student to the US.
Plan for Your Arrival
For January 2009 students we encourage you to arrive at Concordia Saturday, January 3, 2009. We'll have orientation on Sunday, January 4, and classes begin Monday, January 5. Information and a schedule for mid year orientation are available online.
For students joining in August we ask that you please plan to arrive August 26 or 27. We’ve planned an exciting two days called International Student Orientation Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 to help you meet other new international students and settle into your new community. We’ll also help you understand visa regulations, U.S. culture and our academic style and expectations. Then you’ll join the rest of the incoming students for Orientation Sunday, Aug. 30 - Wednesday, Sep. 2 Classes start Thursday, Sep. 3.
American government regulations allow students to enter the USA only within 30 days of the start date on your I-20. For most January students the start date shows as January 4, so you should plan to fly to the United States December 5 or later. For most fall 2009 students, your start date should be August 27, 2009, so you should plan to fly to the United States Tuesday, July 28 or later. Concordia campus housing is not available until the few days prior to the start of school. If you arrive earlier than that, you are responsible for your own accommodation.
Please let us know your arrival details as soon as possible by e-mailing Aida Martinez-Freeman. Aida will make arrangements to meet you and transport you to Concordia’s campus when you arrive in Fargo, North Dakota. Even though we are located in Moorhead, Minnesota, please arrange your travel to go to Fargo, N.D., which is just across a river from Moorhead. If you fly to Minneapolis, Minn., which is about 250 miles and four hours away, you will have to then find some way to get to Fargo-Moorhead. Fargo has air service by Northwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier, and Allegiant Airlines, along with bus service and train service or you can arrive by car.
Arrive in Time for Fall Sports
If you will begin in August and are playing on a fall sports team, you’ll want to arrive on campus in time to attend meetings and practices scheduled before the start of school. Contact the coaches if you are interested in playing on one of the fall sports teams. If joining in January and interested in playing any winter sports, please contact the coaches.
Read the Summer Book
For students joining in August, a book will be selected by the First-Year Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students as the summer Book Read. This book will be part of Orientation and also used in some fall semester classes and during our fall symposium. We ask all new students to please try to find and read this book before arriving, or as soon after you arrive as possible.
There is not a book read for students joining in January.
Review Our Catalog and Calendar
Concordia’s catalog is loaded with information and details. You may wish to take a look at the course descriptions, graduation requirements and general information about the college. A printed copy of the catalog will be available for you when you arrive. Contact us if you’d like one sooner.
Our academic calendar shows the start and stop dates for the academic year, along with important holiday and break information.
Review the Class Schedule
The spring class schedule becomes available in November and fall class schedule becomes available in March. The schedules include information about course capacity and how many students are currently registered.
Sign Up for Health Insurance
All international students are required to have valid health insurance. A student accident and sickness health insurance plan is available through Gallagher Koster Insurance. From the Gallagher Koster site, select “Concordia College” on the Student Access page, and you can learn more about this policy. You may choose this policy or choose your own insurance as long as it is valid and will pay claims in the US.
Learn More
International Students
