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FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
I NT ERNAT I ONAL PROGRAMS
International Village, Building D
(253) 833-9111, ext. 3300
The International Programs office staff offers
a variety of services, such as international
admissions, orientation, assistance with
immigration issues, academic, cultural and
individual university transfer advising, housing
assistance and help getting involved on campus.
Students can use the following information
to familiarize themselves with living in the
United States.
BANK I NG
There are many local banks to choose from.
Green River has a no-fee School Employees
Credit Union of Washington ATM on campus.
In order to open an individual banking account,
a student must be at least 17 years old and
present two types of identification containing his
or her photograph. For example, a student may
use his or her passport and a Washington state
identification card.
BOOKSTORE
The college bookstore sells the textbooks
required for each student’s classes. Students may
pay with a check, credit card or cash. Textbooks
are usually listed under the course name and
number.
CULTURE SHOCK
Most students require several months to adjust
to a new culture. During this time they may feel
excited, sad, homesick, depressed or that U.S.
culture is not what they expected. This is not
unusual. This is called “culture shock.” Stress is
common for students who are far from home.
Signs of stress include feeling anxious, tired,
depressed or angry.
Students who feel overwhelmed should talk to
an advisor in International Programs or make
an appointment to talk with a counselor. The
Counseling and Health Services Prevention
Education offices are located on the second floor
of the Student Affairs and Success Center.
Here are some suggestions to help students
adjust to their new surroundings:
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Set realistic goals (don’t try to do too much)
x
Have patience with yourself
x
Find out as much as you can about your new
culture
x
Try to have a sense of humor
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Practice English daily
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Learn to manage your time
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Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, exercise
and try to relax
EMA I L AND I NT ERNE T
Students may access the Internet and their
email accounts on campus at the library and at
computer stations in the International Programs
and Student Life offices, as well as in the
Technology Center. Some useful websites are
listed below.
x
Directions to anywhere in the United States
—
mapquest.com
x
Green River information
—
greenriver.edu
x
Local events
—
seattleinsider.com
x
Bus information
—
transit.metrokc.gov
EMP LOYMENT
On-campus jobs are available on a limited
basis to international students holding F-1
visas. Government-funded work study positions
on campus are not available to international
students. Those interested in working on
campus should make an appointment with an
International Programs advisor to determine
his or her eligibility, then visit the Career and
Advising Center in the Lindbloom Student
Center. The staff will assist students with resume
writing and interview tips. If there are any
on-campus jobs open to international students,
information will be sent via Green River
student email.
F O R I N T E R N AT I ON A L S T U D E N T S
