Page 159 - Green River College 2022-2023 Student Handbook

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
International Village, Building D 253-288-3300
The International Programs office staff offers a variety of services, such as international admissions, orientation, assistance with student visa related immigration questions, academic, cultural, individual and 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.
BANKING
There are many local banks in Auburn. 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. Call the bank to arrange an appointment.
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. For mental health help through the College’s insurance, students can also contact “Student Resources - LewerMark International Student Health Insurance” on https://www.lewermark.com/support-2/
Here are some suggestions to help students adjust to their new surroundings:
» Set realistic goals (don’t try to do too much)
» Have patience with yourself
» Find out as much as you can about your new culture
» Try to have a sense of humor
» Practice English daily
» Learn to manage your time
» Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, exercise and try to relax
EMAIL AND INTERNET
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:
» Directions to anywhere in the United States - Google Maps on https://www.google.com/maps
» Green River information — Green River College on
https://www.greenriver.edu/
» Local events — Seattle Magazine on
https://seattlemag.com/
» Bus information —Sound Transit on
https://www.soundtransit.org/ EMPLOYMENT
Students studying on F-1 visas are only allowed
to work on-campus at Green River College if they meet the eligibility requirements. F-1 Students are not allowed to work off-campus unless they have been authorized to do so. The U.S. government takes working illegally very seriously and could cause a student to lose their status as an F-1 student visa holder. There are a limited number of on- campus jobs available for international students
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