The international student office assists in admission, registration and other college services for the international student.
The International Student Office is located in room 504G of the South Building. This office is a relaxing and friendly place for International students (International is defined as students on an F-1 visa or born other than the United States) to mix and exchange with students from other cultures. This includes, but is not limited to students on F-1 visas, ESL (English as a Second Language) students, and refugee status students.
International Student Office Services:
- Class registration
- ESL, F-1, and Refugee student Academic Advising
- Student Health Insurance services for F-1 students
- Provide local housing sources
- F-1 Student Orientation
- Campus tours (Spanish and English)
- Peace Corp information
- Limited F-1 Student Employment on GWCC Campus.
- American students are also most welcomed to stop by and visit, exchange, and share the multicultural American experience, culture, and life style with this diverse community of students..
For more information, please email raeann.nunez@gwmail.maricopa.edu or visit the International Student Office, (South Building) or call 602-286-8063.
Health and Health Care
Health care and medical treatment are excellent, but very expensive in the United States. You must have medical insurance to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses. You may be in very good health, but accidents, injuries, or sudden conditions requiring medical attention could cost you more in one week than you budgeted for a whole year.
Beginning with the fall 1998 semester, all MCCCD colleges, including GateWay Community College require that international students purchase the MCCCD health insurance plan. The international student advisor has information about the mandatory insurance program. You must purchase medical insurance while you are in the United States.
SEVIS
Section 1.02 What is SEVIS? How does it affect International Students?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires GateWay Community College to implement many changes in our business practices and data systems to comply with the federal government's new regulations and technical specifications. The primary change is in how colleges must share information with the government. SEVIS replaces an old paper-based, student-initiated process with an electronic, information-initiated process. Changes in student/scholar bio-data, requests for program extensions or other immigration benefits, academic changes in registration hours or major all create SEVIS "events" which are provided electronically to the federal government.
We are required to report change many things including change in address, program, enrollment changes, etc.
Important Links
Employment
There are only certain types of employment legally available to F-1 or M-1 students in the United States.
F-1 students may accept on-campus when authorized by the designated school official (DSO)
Off campus employment must be authorized by the DSO. Working off campus without proper documents and approval is illegal.
F-1 Student Orientation
Every Fall and Spring Semester the International Student Office hosts the F-1 Student Orientation. This Orientation is a fun and relaxing time for new and returning F-1 students to meet and exchange, along with learning about the important and vital aspects of being an International F-1 Student at GateWay Community College. To ensure academic success and cultural adaptation, GateWay professionals, professors, representatives, and returning F-1 Students come together to welcome all F-1 students.
International Student Orientation Topics
- F-1 Student Rules and Regulations: An Overview of the Do's and Don'ts
International Student Health Insurance Plan (Insurance Representative)
- Campus Resources: The Learning Center, Library, Career Center, Cashiers, Center for Student Life.
- The American Classroom: Faculty Guest Speaker
- Working on Campus
- Filing for U.S. Taxes
- Campus Safety presented by College Safety Officer
- Join The Club: Introduction to Campus Life
- Success at GateWay!
- Bank Information: Desert Schools Bank (sign up for appointment, visit)
- How to Adapt to Phoenix
- Cultural Issues (new and returning students)
- American Holidays
- Getting a Social Security Number and Driver's license
- Finding and Furnishing Your Apartment
- Community Resources (Public Library, State Parks)
- Eating in America: Nutritional Counsel From Health Professionals