The CU Experience | International Students | Concordia University Portland
 


International Student Support Services

Academic Support

Tutoring Services: Concordia offers tutoring services for students struggling in specific courses such as Math and Science. Contact Erika Wiescher at ewiescher@cu-portland.edu to request a tutor.

The Writing Center: Concordia offers free services to assist you with writing research papers in English. The Writing Center http://www.cu-portland.edu/writing_center/ is located in the GRW Library.

Employment

The first thing to remember is that as an international student on an F-1 visa, you are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus. The best place to start your job search is by visiting the Concordia University Career Services website at: http://www.cu-portland.edu/services/career/ You can click on "On-Campus Job Postings" in the left menu bar to see what positions are currently available.

Should you become employed during your time in the U.S., you will be required to obtain a Social Security Card and Number. Social Security is a retirement benefit program that began approximately 75 years ago to provide economic protection for US workers when they retire. The program "taxes" a portion of every worker's paycheck. The employer matches the "tax" and sends it to the Social Security program for savings until the worker reaches retirement age. A Social Security card is required only if you work in the United States. To apply for a Social Security card, you must have proof of a job offer and you must go in person to:

Social Security Office
1538 SW Yamhill Street
Portland, OR 97205
TEL: 1-800-772-1213

For more information on Social Security, visit the Social Security Administration's website: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

Campus Involvement and Student Activities

The Department of International Studies encourages all international students to get involved in student activities. It is a great way to better your English speaking skills and good for alleviating some feelings of homesickness. Check out the Student Activities board next to the student cafeteria in the Hagen Campus Center. Activities are posted weekly that you can participate in! You can also get involved in a student club on campus: http://www.cu-portland.edu/campuslife/organizations/index.cfm Concordia is in the process of starting an International Student Club on campus as well.

Additionally, Concordia University has opportunities for students to participate in sports and fitness activities. Concordia has a wonderful gym on campus for students. You can also sign up to participate in intramural sports http://www.cu-portland.edu/campuslife/intramurals/index.cfm that allows you to play your favorite sport on a team. Visit the gym to sign-up.

Health Services

In the event that you are not feeling well and are experiencing health issues, there is a campus nurse available on campus to assist you. For details on location and how to schedule an appointment with the campus nurse please visit: http://www.cu-portland.edu/services/health_wellness/

Additionally, Concordia University has a Counseling Center that is free for all full-time Concordia students. A counselor can serve as a great resource on campus and can also provide a listening ear to assist you as you adjust to American culture and living far away from your home: http://www.cu-portland.edu/services/counseling/

F-1 Visa Support

Linda Rountree lrountree@cu-portland.edu is available for advising regarding your F-1 Visa. You can remain in-status as an F-1 visa student by:

  1. Keeping your passport valid for at least 6 months. You should apply for a new passport if it will expire in less than 6 months.
  2. Maintaining full-time enrollment and normal full-time progress toward your degree.
  3. Being enrolled for at least 12 credit hours (6 for graduate students) except for last semester before graduation.
  4. Advancing regularly towards graduation in your declared major.
  5. Accepting no employment of any kind off campus.
  6. Obtaining extensions, as needed, of your permission to stay in the United States.
  7. Obtaining a new I-20 when changing programs/majors.
  8. Making sure you meet eligibility criteria before you transfer to another school in the United States.
  9. Having your I-20 signed by a Designated School Official, as needed, before leaving the U.S.
  10. Understanding and following U.S. law and INS regulations.
  11. Making copies of your passport, I-20, I-94 and financial documents and keep in a separate place from originals.
  12. Attending the school you are authorized to attend (school that issued most current I-20).

Should you have further inquiries regarding international student support services, please contact the Department of International Studies:

Linda Rountree
lrountree@cu-portland.edu
503-493-6248

Erika Wiescher
ewiescher@cu-portland.edu
503-280-8152