International
Student Information
• INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COORDINATORS:
MAIN OFFICE PHONE (240) 567-5043
– Marlon Vallejo, Rockville Monday - Friday
– Heidi Russell-Kalkofen, Rockville M, Tu, Th F,
Wednesdays serving the Germantown campus
– Vida Bonsu, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
EMAIL: I20questions@montgomerycollege.edu
Main College/Emergency number (240) 567-5000
Webpage: www.montgomerycollege.edu/InternationalStudents
RULES TO KEEP F-1 STATUS
• Attend FULL TIME (12 billing hours) EVERY
Fall and Spring term
• Must have at least 9 credits of ‘face to face’ or
“blended” classes (NOT ‘on-line’ or DL)
• Make “normal progress” (keep 2.0 overall grade
point average, do not repeat level more than once)
• Work ONLY with correct permission
• Keep I-20 information correct (address, sponsor)
and “current”
• Get signatures 2 weeks BEFORE out of US travel
HEALTH INSURANCE
• Medical treatment is good but EXTREMELY
EXPENSIVE in the United States.
• Students MUST have health insurance to cover the cost
of major illnesses or injuries.
• International Student insurance covers special items not
on US student insurance policies
• Average costs are $50-75 per month for an individual
student and are part of the “Living Expenses” you or
your sponsor promised to pay for.
• Find information on the International Student webpage
under “Health Care” or in the Office.
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
• You may use a “private” Doctor or a Clinic for
regular medical care
– Some Clinics may be in stores like CVS and may be open
evenings and weekends – may be called “Urgent Care”
• Do NOT use a Hospital Emergency room for any
non-emergency medical care (Use an Urgent Care clinic)
• Prescription Medicines, Vision correction and
Dental work are usually separate from medical care
covered by insurance
• IF you are ill or injured and miss classes YOU must
contact our office AND your teachers
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
• Scholarships and Grants
The Office of Student Financial Aid has limited institutional scholarship and
grant funds for certain statuses of international students. Students need to
check with their campus financial aid office regarding specific status
eligibility, required forms and deadline dates.
• Employment
Students who hold F1 and M1 Visas are eligible to apply for employment as
Student Assistants, an institutionally supported on campus employment
program. Students should check with their campus International Student
Advisor to obtain authorization to work. International students in any
other status other than F1 and M1 are not eligible for this program.
• Emergency Loans
Small loans up to $400 can be given for the semester for emergencies. Get a
referral from the International Coordinator to take to Financial Aid.
• Long Term Loans
There are alternative loan programs that will consider international students.
Students may check with their campus financial aid office to obtain
brochures and/or other contact information for different alternative loan
programs.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAXES
• A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER is a tax and retirement
benefit number only.
– It is ONLY given to F-1 students who have a job offer. New law since 2004
– It is LEGALLY REQUIRED ONLY to pay taxes.
• Get a Letter from the Social Security Office (not a card or number) to
show the MVA for a Driver’s License or State Identity Card
• Open a non-interest-bearing bank account
– It is often used like a national ID number to check the “credit
history” of whether a person pays their bills on time.
• Most International Students have no US credit history so would need to
pay deposits for things like cell phones in any case
• F-1 students DO pay some Income TAXES if they get a job.
– See instructions on the International Student Webpage and attend the First
Friday Workshop in March if you must pay taxes.
• ALL F-1 STUDENTS MUST FILL OUT A TAX FORM
8843 EACH SPRING - EVEN IF THEY DO NOT NEED
TO PAY ANY TAXES.
WHEN TO SEE A COORDINATOR
• TRAVEL
Two weeks before departure
Registered and paid for next semester (between terms)
Get help to apply for a visa stamp
• TRANSFER
Bring forms when new school requires them
Be SURE how your credits will transfer FIRST (see Counselors)
We can only release your I-20 to ONE SCHOOL
• TROUBLE (if we can’t help we’ll refer you)
• TO EXTEND AN I-20 THAT IS ENDING/COMPLETING
***ALWAYS READ EMAILS FROM OUR OFFICE
FOR UPDATES AND DEADLINES
HOW TO SEE A COORDINATOR
• Visit the Office during WALK IN Hours for:
Travel signatures (no visa application), questions about whether to see an
Academic Counselor, application packets, transfer forms signed, other simple
issues.
• APPOINTMENT REQUIRED for:
Visa
application during travel, letters of reference or any specialized letter, serious
academic issues, change or problem with financial sponsorship, I-20 extension,
Change of level to credit on I-20
• Office Hours will be POSTED on the webpage, at the Office, and
available by telephone. CALL for information and Appointments.
• Actual EMERGENCIES (emergency travel, personal crisis, etc) are
seen as soon as possible and may be referred to other offices
• Student and Office Staff can help with many issues – ask them!!
F-1s TOP CONCERNS
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Full time, Part time and class problems – Counselor Ms Greene
Travel and I-20 signatures – Office webpage and at Office
Normal Progress, grades, academic restriction – Counselors Ms Greene
Change in program: Move to Credit level, end-date of program, choosing major –
Appointment with Counselors (start with Ms Greene), then Coordinators
Expiring documents: passport, visa stamp, I-20 – Coordinators, (your own Embassy for
the passport)
Activities and support: Office of Student Life, Personal Counselors, International
Student Connections group (MCInternationalStudents@gmail.com)
Life changes: new address – Registrar’s office. Family additions; spouse, child, and
illness – Coordinators
Leaving the College: Transfer –Counselors, new school, finally…Coordinators, Going
home - Coordinators
Financial assistance: Scholarships or grants - Financial Aid Office. Tuition rates –
Registrar’s Office. Payment Plans – on MyMC or Cashier’s Office
Work Authorization Information: First Friday workshops, Office Website, Office Staff
Social Security number and driver’s license – Handouts, Office Webpage
Tax Forms (required 8843) – First Friday Workshop in March, webpage, www.irs.gov