INTERNATIONAL
2
WELCOME TO
SCAD
We are pleased you have joined us at SCAD. One of the reasons our
university is such an exciting environment for artistic exploration is
that our student body is composed of talented individuals from more
than 100 countries.
International student services oce sta members, with whom you
have already been corresponding, will support you through your
entire SCAD experience. They are here for you any time; just call,
send an email or stop by.
The details in this book will help you understand important parts of
student life and explain many of the rules and services you’ll encounter.
Let’s get started.
MYSCAD
MYSCAD
3
4
CONTACTING ISSO
7
IMMIGRATION AND
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
14
U.S. INSURANCE
AND HEALTH CARE
18
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
21
WORK AUTHORIZATION IN THE U.S.
23
QUICK CONTACT LIST
PASSPORT
SCAD
4
ISSO oers wide-ranging support to
SCAD international students from oces
in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.
Please seek assistance from ISSO sta members
when you have questions or concerns about
cross-cultural issues, campus employment,
housing, immigration requirements and forms,
personal matters, the surrounding community,
travel or any part of university life.
Email ISSO only from your SCAD student
email account and include your name and
SCAD ID number in each message.
Read and understand the material in the SCAD
Student Handbook and the SCAD Code of
Student Conduct. There is also a sub-section on
international student services in the handbook;
you will receive a copy of this at orientation.
Upon your initial log in to MySCAD, you
agreed to comply with the responsibilities
outlined in the handbook.
SCAD Savannah
Norris Hall
548 E. Broughton St.
Savannah, Georgia
912.525.7301
facebook.com/scadisso
SCAD Atlanta
1600 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, Georgia
404.253.3104
facebook.com/scadissoatl
visit us
[Your name with student ID number]
International Student Services Oce
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 3146
Savannah, GA 31402 USA
[Your name with student ID number]
International Student Services Oce
SCAD Atlanta
1600 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30309 USA
If you will be living in a SCAD residence hall, you
will be issued a mailbox and key during orientation.
Until then, you may have mail and small packages
sent temporarily to the ISSO. All packages should
be addressed to you using the below guidelines.
savannah students
atlanta students
student conduct
contacting isso mail procedures
5
MySCAD is the university’s Web portal for all
current students. Within MySCAD, you will
find information about your program of study,
your courses, and get access to Blackboard
and the Academic Resource Network.
You will also find details on ISSO oerings and
events, links to important forms and documents,
and contact information for ISSO advisers. Log
in to MySCAD and navigate to the Resources
tab. In the Department Directory channel,
scroll down until you see International Student
Services and select the appropriate link based
on your location in Savannah or Atlanta.
If you move or get a new phone number,
you must update your address and contact
information in MySCAD. You are legally required
to report these changes within 10 days to
comply with U.S. government regulations.
contact updates
Report name changes to ISSO and the
registrar’s oce at your location.
Savannah registrar
Bradley Hall
115 E. York St.
registrar@scad.edu
912.525.5800
Atlanta registrar
Student Success Center
Rooms 125 and 127
1600 Peachtree St.
registrar@scad.edu
404.253.3425 or 404.253.3103
name changes
Stay connected with ISSO by reading our
email newsletter. It’s packed with information
about SCAD events, exciting day and
weekend trips, and upcoming immigration
requirements, insurance due dates and more.
You will receive this email through your student email
address. If you wish to have this newsletter sent to
another address, email your request to isso@scad.edu
and include “Subscribe to ISSO” in the subject line.
ISSO exists to help international students
have a positive educational and co-curricular
experience at SCAD while they pursue
their education and career goals.
myscad intranet
isso news
isso mission
SCAD ISSO
MYSC AD
MYSCAD
6
SCAD provides free bus service between university
buildings and residence halls during the academic
quarters. You can see Savannah schedules and
track buses in real time at scad.edu/beeline.
For Atlanta, click the vertical Atlanta icon
at the top right of that same page.
Find more information on SCAD Department
of Public Safety in MySCAD, under the
Department Directory channel.
Savannah
Department of Public Safety
912.525.4500
Atlanta
Department of Public Safety
404.253.3333
SCAD
All students must abide by U.S. laws concerning
illegal drugs and age restrictions on the sale
and use of alcohol and tobacco products.
The legal drinking age in Georgia is 21.
Consumption or display of drugs or alcohol in
residence halls, on SCAD premises or during SCAD
events is strictly prohibited, regardless of age.
Contact an ISSO adviser if you have questions
concerning U.S. drug and alcohol laws.
drugs and alcohol
transportation and security
drugs and alcohol
7
In addition to keeping up with your coursework, you
must also be aware of passport and immigration
form deadlines and expiration dates. A brief
explanation of these documents follows.
Nonimmigrant students are required by U.S. federal
law to maintain a valid passport. You should renew
your passport six months before it is set to expire.
Contact your embassy or one of your consulates
to renew or replace a lost or stolen passport.
To contact your embassy or consulate, call
202.555.1212 for directory assistance and ask the
operator for the telephone number. A list of foreign
embassies in the U.S. is available at embassy.org.
passport
The Form I-94 is the document CBP uses to confer
immigration status when you lawfully enter the U.S.
You can find and complete this form online at
cbp.gov/i94 within 72 hours of your arrival in the U.S.
The 11-digit admission number on the Form I-94
is used to monitor your arrival and departure.
When you entered the country, a CBP inspector
at the port of entry determined your status in the
U.S., how long you may remain in that status and
recorded this information on your Form I-94.
You should print this document after each entry into
the U.S. and keep it with your important records.
form i-94
F-1 and J-1 visas can be obtained only from a U.S.
embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. These
visas authorize you to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1
status, allow you to present yourself at a U.S. port
of entry and to be interviewed by a U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, or CBP, inspector.
The expiration date on your F-1 or J-1 visa indicates the
last day you may enter the U.S. in that status. It does
not govern how long you can remain legally in the U.S.
If your F-1 or J-1 visa expires while you are in the U.S.,
you may remain here in legal status. If your visa has
expired and you plan to travel outside the U.S., a
new, valid student visa will be required for re-entry.
Websites for all U.S. embassies and consulates
are available at usembassy.state.gov.
visas
PASSPORT
STUDENT VISA
Your student visa may expire
while you are in the U.S.
immigration and student responsibilities
8
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System, or SEVIS, Form I-20 you have in your
possession grants you eligibility for nonimmigrant
F-1 entry into a college or university in the U.S.
F-1 visa students who leave the U.S. for longer than
five months for any reason will forfeit their F-1 visa
student status and lose all associated benefits.
You should retain Pages 1-3 of the SEVIS Form I-20
at all times. The date listed in Line 5 is the date your
stay in the U.S. expires. Do not allow your SEVIS Form
I-20 to expire or you will lose your F-1 visa status.
keep it with you
If you complete your coursework prior to
the end date shown on Line 5 of the
SEVIS Form I-20, the document becomes invalid.
After graduation, you have a 60-day grace period
to decide what your next course of action will be.
early completion
Request a SEVIS Form I-20 program extension with
the ISSO at least one month before your form is set
to expire. If your SEVIS Form I-20 expires, you will no
longer have F-1 visa status and will be required to pay
a fee to apply for reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services, or USCIS. In most cases,
students must return to their home country to reapply.
Extension instructions are available in MySCAD
under the Resources tab, Department Directory
channel, “International Student Services” link.
sevis form i-20 extensions
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you must
obtain a signature from ISSO authorizing travel on
Page 3 of your SEVIS Form I-20. The ISSO signature
is valid for 12 months during a program of study
and six months during Optional Practical Training.
travel outside the u.s.
SEVIS I-20
F-1 VISA STUDENTS
Travel signatures are required annually
on Page 3 of your SEVIS Form I-20.
f-
1
students
9
J-1 visa students should make travel plans only during
breaks between quarters. If you are completing your
ESL studies, you may be required to participate in
ESL training during break periods between quarters.
J-1 visa students who leave the U.S. in the middle of
a quarter or without permission from their program
sponsor for any reason may jeopardize their J-1 visa
student status and exchange sponsorship. Check
with your ISSO adviser before making travel plans.
All exchange visitors on a J-1 visa must have a
SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 Certificate of
Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status provided
by their program sponsor. The main requirements
of this visa status are on Page 2 of the form.
The SEVIS Form DS-2019 must be valid during
your stay and reflect your current academic
status. Only your program sponsor can make
changes or updates to this form; SCAD is not
responsible for your SEVIS Form DS-2019.
Be aware of the dates for which you have been
approved for study in the U.S. The end date is
indicated in Box 3. The U.S. government gives
students a 30-day grace period to depart the
U.S. after the end date listed on this form.
sevis form ds-
2019
If you need to travel outside the U.S. during your
exchange period, you must obtain permission from
your program sponsor along with the sponsor’s
signature on Page 1 of your SEVIS Form DS-2019.
A second signature may be required from SCAD.
To be eligible for readmission to the U.S.
after travel, you must present:
» A valid nonimmigrant visa
» A passport valid for six months beyond
the anticipated period of admission
» A properly executed SEVIS Form DS-2019
travel outside the u.s.
j-
1
students
10
SCAD operates on a quarter system.
Classes are just 10 weeks long and we
oer four quarters of instruction each year.
Because of the way our classes
are organized, it’s imperative you attend
every class or you will quickly fall behind.
If you are an F-1 visa student, you must be enrolled
as a full-time student in order to maintain your
visa status. Full-time study is defined by USCIS
as 15 quarter-credit hours for undergraduates
and 10 quarter-credit hours for graduate
students. You must consult an ISSO adviser
before withdrawing from a course or course
of study to avoid jeopardizing your status.
All undergraduate students must be enrolled
in three classes per quarter. For undergraduate
students enrolling in three classes, only one
may be an online class.
All graduate students must be enrolled in two
classes per quarter. For graduate students enrolling
in two classes, only one may be an online class.
For students who are enrolling in more than
the minimum requirement of two or three
classes, extra classes may be online classes.
F-1 visa students are allowed to take transient
coursework at other universities provided the majority
of their coursework is taken at SCAD each quarter.
Restrictions apply and students must get permission
from their student success adviser and ISSO sta in
advance of registering for courses outside of SCAD.
Most schools use a semester system, with
academic calendars that are quite dierent from
SCAD’s. Semester courses are weighted dierently
than quarter courses in terms of meeting full-
time F-1 visa enrollment requirements. An ISSO
adviser can assist you with understanding the
requirements for maintaining F-1 visa status
while engaging in transient coursework.
F-1 visa students may count one eLearning class
toward the full-time enrollment requirement each
quarter. Your sponsor must permit students to
take eLearning classes. Participants in the Brazilian
Scientific Mobility Program and Saudi Arabian Cultural
Mission are not permitted to take eLearning classes.
Summer is the only quarter F-1 visa students
may enroll in only eLearning courses.
full-time enrollment
transient coursework
elearning classes
student responsibilities
VISA STATUS
You must consult an
ISSO adviser before
withdrawing from a course
or course of study to avoid
jeopardizing your status.
11
The normal academic year includes three
quarters: fall, winter and spring. As an
international student at SCAD, you are entitled
to take a break only during summer quarter.
Know your program responsibilities for summer
as each student’s program can vary greatly. Some
programs require academic training, full-time ESL
training or academic study in the summer. Follow
the requirements outlined in your program.
Students who wish to graduate early, declare
more than one major or take additional electives
may enroll for classes during summer quarter.
SCAD international students are not required to
enroll for summer quarter unless summer is the
first quarter of study. Please be aware course
oerings may be limited during summer quarter.
The lone exception to the break in study rule is if
you decide to take a leave of absence by leaving
the U.S. Contact ISSO for more information on
taking a leave of absence and to complete the
required documentation in order to maintain
your F-1 visa status during such a period.
All international students are required to file
tax forms. Students working on campus or who
engage in paid Curricular Practical Training or
Optional Practical Training, and students who
have scholarships that provide funds beyond
tuition are required to pay U.S. taxes.
In many instances, students may be eligible
for a tax refund and should file an Internal
Revenue Service, or IRS, Form 1040. The
deadline to file is April 15 each year.
International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa who
are non-residents for tax purposes are required by
law to file a tax report IRS Form 8843 each year,
even if they did not work or receive income.
If your spouse or dependents are on an F-2 or
J-2 visa and have been living in the U.S. for any
part of the tax year, you must also file a tax report
IRS Form 8843 for them with the Internal Revenue
Service, even if they did not work or receive income.
Read more about U.S. taxes and your responsibilities
within the ISSO department directory in MySCAD.
Look for updates and deadlines in the ISSO email
newsletter each winter and spring quarter.
breaks during study
leave of absence
income taxes
IRS
12
There are several major documents nearly every
U.S. citizen uses in daily life. Keep reading for an
explanation of each and to learn how to obtain them.
This nine-digit identification number is assigned
to citizens, some temporary residents and
permanent residents in order to track their
income and credit records, and determine U.S.
and local government benefit entitlements.
You may be asked for a Social Security number
if you apply for a car loan, set up cellphone
service or rent an apartment, for example.
It is possible to live in the U.S. without a Social
Security number. Visit the ISSO department
directory link in MySCAD to learn more.
You will need a Social Security card that has
your Social Security number on it in order to
work in the U.S., but you must have an oer
of employment before you can apply for the
card. You can find general information about
Social Security cards by visiting ssa.gov.
If you choose to apply for a Social
Security number and card, protect these
items as you would your passport.
U.S. citizens use their driver’s licenses or state-
issued identification cards as the primary way
of proving their identity. These cards are much
easier to replace than a passport and include your
photo, physical address and a unique state-issued
ID number. The driver’s license is also linked to
law enforcement agencies, so it can give you a
greater sense of security in case of emergency.
You should obtain a driver’s license or state-issued
ID card because you will need identification to
cash checks, rent a car or check in to a hotel.
Identification may also be requested if you are
buying certain items where proof of age is required.
Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services
at dds.ga.gov to learn more about obtaining
a driver’s license and a state ID card.
social security number
social security card
driver’s license and identification cards
other important u.s. documents
GEORGIA
13
and
to learn more about obtaining a
DRIVER’S
LICENSE
STATE
ID CARD
DDS.GA.GOV
VISIT
13
14
Health care in the U.S. is extremely expensive.
To protect you from the potential financial
impacts, SCAD requires all international students
to maintain adequate health insurance coverage
for the entire academic year. Mandatory
health insurance charges will be added to
your student account each fall quarter.
F-1 visa students are automatically enrolled in the
SCAD international student health insurance plan
provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources.
The policy brochure is available at uhcsr.com/scad.
Download UnitedHealthcare’s smartphone app
to access information about your policy, check
claims status and more at uhcsr.com/scad. The
app is available for iPhone and Android.
You will receive a new health insurance card with
a new policy number each year via your student
email address. Remember to present your insurance
card for the current year when receiving health
services so your medical bills will be accurate.
The student health center in Savannah can treat
minor illnesses. If you go there, you will not
have to pay the $50 deductible associated with
each illness or injury. You are responsible for 10
percent of your covered medical expenses.
Sign-up and walk-in schedules may change so it is
best to call for more information on current schedules.
proof of insurance
student health center
SCAD STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
300 Bull St., Suite 102
Savannah, Georgia
912.231.9956
MLK J
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Beasley
Park
Congress
Broughton
York
Perry
Macon
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C
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arlton
Jo
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Taylor
Gordon
Gaston
Huntingdon
Hall
Gwinnett
Bolton
Waldburg
Park
Henry
Anderson
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Derenne
W. Bay
W. Bryan
Zubly
W. Youmans
W. Oglethorpe
Tur
n
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Turner
Louisville
W. Jones
Berrien
Alice
W. Bay
E. Lathrop
Ann
MLK Jr.
Montgomery
Barnard
Whitaker
Bull
Drayton
Abercorn
Lincoln
Habersham
Price
Houston
E. Broad
Martin Luther King Jr.
Montgomery
Barnard
Whitaker
Bull
Bull
Drayton
Abercorn
Lincoln
Habersham
Price
E. Broad
Bull
Sussex Pl.
Battey
Reynolds
L
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Fahm
W. Boundary
E. Bay
President
Exchange
W. Victory
Pearl
49th
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W. Gwinnett
404
204
404
404
Abercorn
Washington
Martin Luther King Jr.
Montgomery
Abercorn
Habersham
Lincoln
Habersham
L
i
ber
t
y
Bull
Drayton
Drayton
Abercorn
Abercorn
Liberty
Harris
Charlton
Jones
Colonial
Park
Cemetery
Colonial
Park
Cemetery
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park
Turner House
Fahm Hall
Propes Hall
Alexander Hall
Adler Hall
Hamilton Hall
Student Center
Bergen Hall
Trustees Theater
Anderson Hall
Eckburg Hall
Barnard Village
Carnival Sushi
Byte Café
Jen Library
Oglethorpe House
Ex Libris
Crites Hall
SCAD Museum of Art
The Hive
SCAD Security
Student Health Center
Pepe Hall
Magnolia Hall
Charlton Hall
Smithfield Cottage
Gulfstream Center
Montgomery House
Wallin Hall
Anderson Hall
Bobbie’s Diner
The Terrace
Turner House Annex
D at The Hive
W at The Hive
Boundary Village
Montgomery Hall
u.s. insurance and health care
COVERED NOT COVERED
Fees for the diagnosis
and treatment of
illnesses and accidents
(70-90 percent of
medical bills)
Acne treatments
Prescriptions for
illnesses and injuries
(80 percent)
Cosmetic surgery
Professional
ambulance service
Vision care
Expenses for treatment
of mental and
nervous disorders
Dental care
15
Medications for common ailments such as colds,
rashes, stomachaches, mild allergies, etc., can be
purchased at a pharmacy. If you are unsure about
which products to purchase, ask the pharmacist on
duty to recommend a medication for your condition.
CVS Pharmacy is located in downtown Savannah
and can assist with most medication needs.
CVS Pharmacy
119 Bull St.
Savannah, Georgia
912.232.1129
NurseOne is a free call center you can access at any
hour of the day or night. Describe your symptoms
and a registered nurse will oer suggestions
on how to care for your illness or injury.
Explain that you are an international student
and are unfamiliar with how medical services
are provided in the U.S., so the nurse will
give you very detailed instructions.
NurseOne
912.350.9355 (In Savannah)
800.420.9355 (Free anywhere in the U.S.)
on-call nurse assistance
If you have a true medical emergency and call an
ambulance, you will be taken to an emergency room.
U.S. emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day.
Unless you are experiencing a true emergency, it
is best to avoid going to an emergency room for a
minor illness because visits can be very expensive.
Dial 911 if you need an ambulance.
emergency care
pharmacies in the u.s.
If you are sick and the student health center is
closed, you can visit one of the following locations.
Memorial Health University Medical Center (In Network)
4700 Waters Ave.
912.350.8000 | memorialhealth.com
Southern Urgent Care (In Network)
10 Whitaker St.
912.401.0682 | southernuc.com
Candler Hospital (In Network)
5353 Reynolds St.
912.819.6000 | sjchs.org
UrgentOne (In Network)
14089 Abercorn St.
912.350.2121
memorialhealth.com/urgentcare
Urgent Care of Historic Savannah (Out of Network)
144 Lincoln St.
912.234.3714 | urgentcare247.com
local health-care providers — savannah
U.S. health insurance companies operate
using networks of preferred providers.
These physicians have a contract with an
insurance company to provide certain types
of care for an agreed-upon price.
This means, if you go to a doctor or hospital in the
network that your SCAD insurance provider prefers,
you will be responsible for paying a $50 deductible
plus 10 percent of your medical bills. To find out if a
doctor or hospital is “in network,” visit uhcsr.com/scad.
Physicians’ oces usually have regular business
hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday. If you need to see a physician after
hours, you can visit an urgent care facility.
care by a physician
16
local health-care providers — atlanta
Piedmont Minor Emergency Clinic (In Network)
3108 Piedmont Rd. NE
404.237.1755
piedmontminor.com
Piedmont Hospital (In Network)
1968 Peachtree Rd. NW
404.605.5000
piedmont.org
If you use Memorial Health University Medical
Center, Candler Hospital Emergency Room
or Piedmont Hospital for a non-emergency,
your deductible will be $50 and you will be
expected to pay 10 percent of your total bills.
In general, the cost of even very basic care in the
emergency room is significantly higher in comparison
to a physician’s oce or urgent care facility.
If you visit the hospital for a true emergency,
the cost to you will be the $50 deductible plus
10 percent of covered medical expenses.
If you visit either of these in-network providers,
your cost will be the $50 deductible plus 10
percent of covered medical expenses.
Southern Urgent Care is conveniently located
in downtown Savannah. UrgentOne is located
approximately 14 miles from the historic district
and is accessible by car, taxi or CAT Bus 114.
Urgent Care of Historic Savannah is an out-
of-network provider that oers 24/7 medical
service in Savannah’s historic district. However,
this clinic is out of network and does not bill
insurance companies. This means you must pay
100 percent of your bill up front and file a claim
with the insurance company for a reimbursement
of 70 percent minus the $50 deductible.
emergency rooms
urgent care of historic savannah
Health insurance does not cover 100 percent
of medical costs in the U.S. When you arrive in
a medical facility, you will be asked to provide
your health insurance ID card and pay the $50
deductible prior to receiving treatment.
The medical provider will then work with your health
insurance company and mail you a bill at a later
date. These bills can arrive up to several months
after you receive treatment. Some exceptions to this
rule are outlined below, so please keep reading.
cost of care
EMERGENCY
ROOM COST
In general, the cost of even very
basic care in the emergency
room is significantly higher in
comparison to a physician’s
office or urgent care facility.
southern urgent care and urgentone
17
If you are traveling and become ill or
injured and must seek medical care, your
SCAD student health insurance covers you
anywhere in the U.S. and outside the U.S.
Visit uhcsr.com/scad to find a doctor or hospital
in the area that is within the network.
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, Texas 75380-9025 USA
uhcsr.com/scad
866.948.8472
When you receive health care in the U.S., it is not
uncommon to receive multiple bills from several
providers. For example, after seeking emergency
treatment, you may receive separate bills for the
ambulance ride, physician, lab work, anesthesia, etc.
It is also common for bills to take several weeks
to arrive by mail. Be sure to keep all medical
bills for your records. You will also receive an
Explanation of Benefits from UnitedHealthcare
Student Resources for each bill that it receives.
Before paying a medical bill, you should
review it and verify the health insurance
company has already paid its percentage.
If you would like assistance understanding your
medical bills, the Explanation of Benefits, or filing
health insurance claims, the ISSO can help.
For more information about your policy or
to file a claim, visit uhcsr.com/scad.
health care outside the u.s.
scad health insurance provider
isso assistance with claims
LEARN MORE
For claims and policy details,
create your account
at uhcsr.com/scad.
contact information
18
Traveling to another country to study can be a
wonderful, exciting experience, but exposure to
a new country and lack of familiarity with local
behaviors and customs can make it harder to adjust
to university life and achieve your academic goals.
“Culture Shock” describes the diculty some
people have adjusting to life in a new culture.
Use these tips for a smooth adjustment.
» Recognize it
» Think positively
» Keep a sense of humor
» Keep an open mind
» Write in a journal
» Set realistic goals
» Get involved
» Ask for help
It is especially important to contact ISSO sta
members if your feelings are impacting your
success as a student. Professional counselors are
also available to speak with you confidentially.
ask for help
SCAD Savannah
Bradley Hall, Room 124
912.525.6971
SCAD Atlanta
Student Success Center, first floor
atlcounseling@scad.edu
404.253.3400
counseling and student support services
Intercultural clubs, socials and discussion groups will
help you make connections with fellow students,
understand cultural dierences and increase your
comfort living and studying in a new country. We
strongly encourage you to explore these options.
Tea and Talk is a social hour where international
and American SCAD students can network,
exchange cultures and gain support from one
another. The Tea and Talk schedule is available
online at blog.scad.edu/teaandtalk.
tea and talk — savannah
Known as ISA, this diverse cultural club allows
you to interact with other students from
dierent backgrounds on a weekly basis. Engage
in and learn about other cultures in a social
environment. Any student can join and, this year,
ISA is looking for new members and ocers.
For more information, join the ISA Facebook
group at facebook.com/groups/2204932828/
members or email [email protected].
intercultural student association — savannah
UNI, the intercultural club of SCAD Atlanta, is a
student organization targeted toward but not
limited to international students. It focuses on
creating connections between international and
American students and increasing cross-cultural
awareness through programs and events.
UNI is open to graduate and undergraduate students.
Want more information? Join the UNI Facebook
group at facebook.com/groups/298053375573.
uni — atlanta
get involved
cultural adjustment
19
Transitions is a group where international students
support and are supported by each other as they
navigate through the transition to university life
in the U.S. Transitions is sponsored by ISSO and
counseling and student support services, and meets
every few weeks to discuss such topics as adjusting
to a new culture, holding onto values, managing
when values clash and coping with stereotypes.
Contact counseling and student support
services if you want to join Transitions.
transitions group — atlanta
The International Festival is the largest annual event
coordinated by ISSO and takes place in April.
The event is open to the public and features
traditional music, dance, art and food to
celebrate the diversity of SCAD’s international
arts community. We often have reggae bands,
Irish dancers and student groups perform.
International students are encouraged to get
involved and wear cultural attire and display cultural
items. You could perform a traditional dance, host
a country or culture booth to share foods from
your home country, or sell jewelry or artwork.
Taste of the World is an ISSO-coordinated
annual event that is usually held the first
week of November. You’re invited to submit
recipes from your home country, which are
then served in the SCAD dining halls.
ISSO and SCAD Language Studio host the “Far
From Home” exhibition and reception annually. A
call for entries is issued each winter. Students who
submit work have the opportunity to be featured
in the gallery and win awards for their work.
The ISSO team plans an exciting array of events
and activities each year for your enjoyment
and to bring you together with your fellow
students and the surrounding community.
Read the ISSO email newsletter for up-to-
date details on these events and more.
international festival
taste of the world festival
far from home
events and trips
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ISSO sponsors events and trips for Savannah
and Atlanta international students each quarter.
Some examples include kayaking outings,
shopping trips, ice skating, movie nights,
and weekends in Orlando, Florida; Asheville,
North Carolina; and Ocoee, Tennessee.
Stay up to date on events and trips by reading the
ISSO email newsletters and our Facebook page. Space
on these trips often fills up quickly, so sign up early.
Want information on starting a new student
club or to see what clubs are available to join
this year? Check out the Inter-Club Council
blog or send an email to icc@scad.edu.
quarterly trips
international student clubs
ISSO OUTINGS
Kayaking
Shopping
Snow Skiing
Whitewater Rafting
Zip-Lining
The ISSO is happy to assist students and clubs
with events that they suggest. Often these
events are organized through the Intercultural
Student Association, which ISSO sponsors.
Joining ISA gives you a voice in what events take
place. Please keep in mind that successful events take
time to plan, organize and promote. We recommend
you contact ISSO at least 8-12 weeks in advance of
the date on which you would like to host an event.
Like ISA on Facebook to see pictures and
read details about ISSO events.
student-led events
21
You are allowed to volunteer your time and skills
in any non-paid position as long as you do not
volunteer for positions that are normally held by a
paid worker. In other words, international students
may not volunteer to do paid work for free.
Non-paid work does not require any work
authorization for you as an international student.
However, you must maintain full-time enrollment
while participating in non-paid employment
unless you are engaging in an internship that
is considered Curricular Practical Training.
As an international student, you must
obtain U.S. work authorization for any paid
position not on the SCAD campus.
F-1 visa students are not eligible to apply for
o-campus employment until they have been
in F-1 status for at least three quarters of study
and may not accept employment o campus
without USCIS authorization. If you are an F-1 visa
student and you are working o campus without
USCIS authorization, you are working illegally.
O-campus work authorization types for
F-1 visa holders include: Curricular Practical
Training, Pre-completion Optional Practical
Training and Optional Practical Training.
Always consult with an ISSO adviser before
accepting o-campus employment and visit the
ISSO department page in MySCAD to learn more.
ISSO frequently hosts workshops on work
authorization types for F-1 visa students. Look for
these announcements in our ISSO email newsletter.
non-paid work
off-campus employment
SCAD is dedicated to helping students and alumni
succeed in their chosen fields. The oce for
career and alumni success helps students find
internships, provides job-search assistance and
oers extensive resources to match students
with their dream jobs. Learn more in MySCAD
under the Department Directory channel.
Want to work on or o campus? ISSO team
members can explain what types of employment
you may accept and if work authorizations are
required. Here are a few things that you will
need to know about working in the U.S.
F-1 visa students are automatically
authorized to engage in on-campus
employment, though employment is not
guaranteed to all interested students.
F-1 visa students may apply to work in any
department or SCAD building for up to 20 hours
per week during the academic year and up to
40 hours per week during break periods.
Learn more about working on campus
in MySCAD under the Resources tab,
Student Employment channel.
working in the u.s.
on-campus employment
work authorization in the u.s.
22
As a SCAD international student, you’ve got a
lot of responsibilities, but we’ve given you a
comprehensive set of resources to manage them.
Refer to this book when you have questions
and feel free to talk to your ISSO advisers about
anything. Every faculty and sta member at SCAD
is here to help you succeed.
Get involved.
Make new friends.
Try new things.
Explore your SCAD experience.
WE’RE
HERE
FOR YOU
22
ISSO - Savannah
Norris Hall
548 E. Broughton St.
Savannah, Georgia
facebook.com/scadisso
912.525.7301
ISSO - Atlanta
1600 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, Georgia
facebook.com/scadissoatl
404.253.3104
Registrar - Savannah
Bradley Hall
115 E. York St.
registrar@scad.edu
912.525.5800
Registrar - Atlanta
Student Success Center
Rooms 125 and 127
1600 Peachtree St.
registrar@scad.edu
404.253.3425 or 404.253.3103
SCAD Department of Public Safety
Savannah
912.525.4500
SCAD Department of Public Safety
Atlanta
404.253.3333
SCAD Health Insurance Provider
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, Texas 75380-9025 USA
uhcsr.com/scad
866.948.8472
Counseling and Student
Support Services - Savannah
Bradley Hall, Room 124
912.525.6971
Counseling and Student
Support Services - Atlanta
Student Success Center, first floor
atlcounseling@scad.edu
404.253.3400
quick contact list
INTERNATIONAL
