International Students
International students entering FMU as degree seeking or international exchange will receive support from International Programs. We will provide you with information and guidance regarding immigration documentation, foreign work permits, and general counseling.
Preparing for FMU and the U.S.
International students are required to complete a health history form, supply dates of previous immunizations, and have a current PPD, which is a TB skin test. The current immunization form must be presented to FMU Student Health Services before the student will be allowed to register for classes.
A full listing of the required immunizations can be found a the Student Services and Documents website.
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. If this insurance is not obtained before arrival at Francis Marion University, the student will not be allowed to register for classes and pre-registered courses may be dropped.
Insurance Options
While FMU does not have a preferred insurance carrier, students may acquire insurance from the following vendors and services, depending upon their needs and requirements. International Students are required to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage as indicated below.
General health insurance may be purchased through the national Health Insurance Marketplace at: www.healthcare.gov . Students should explore their options carefully as coverage, premiums, and eligibility varies. International student health insurance must meet the minimum requirements as indicated by the U.S. Government. These requirements include:
Students with a J-1 Visa:
$100,000 or greater major medical benefit (per accident or injury).
$25,000 repatriation benefit.
$50,000 medical evacuation benefit (to his or her home country).
Medical deductible not to exceed $500 (per accident or illness).
Students with a F-1 Visa:
$50,000 or greater major medical benefit (per accident or injury).
$25,000 repatriation benefit.
$50,000 medical evacuation benefit (to his or her home country).
Medical deductible not to exceed $100 (per accident or illness).
If an international student has insurance that meets these requirements, they must submit a copy of the policy coverage and proof of validity (in English).
Climate and Clothing Needs: South Carolina has warm/hot weather from May to October, with temperatures usually ranging from 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 38 degrees Celsius). Cooler temperatures, ranging from 20 to 70 degrees F (-7 to 21 degrees C) usually occur from December to March. Students will need a heavy jacket during the winter months. Most students will purchase additional items for inclement weather (such as umbrellas, raincoats, etc.) upon their arrival.
Personal Items: Most students like to bring typical examples of art, crafts, traditional dress, photographs, tapes, maps, or other items descriptive of their country and culture to show interested Americans and provide a touch of home decoration to their new homes. Students may want to bring items they regularly use that may not be readily available, or may be more expensive in the United States. Examples include cameras, watches, personal electronics, or items available mainly in their home country.
If living on campus, basic furniture is provided in campus residence halls and apartments, but bed linens (twin extra long or full), blankets, pillows, and towels are not provided. If possible, students should bring a light blanket, a bed sheet, sheets and a towel. If that isn’t possible, you should plan to purchase them before moving into the residence hall.
You can obtain a booklet on U.S. Customs regulations at the consulate or embassy where you acquire your visa. Prohibited items include open containers of food, narcotics, agricultural products and goods for resale. Required textbooks and supplemental reading materials are available for purchase or in the University library. You do not need to bring books used in previous study.
It is best to purchase electrical appliances after your arrive. Appliances manufactured outside the United States may not work with our electrical system. The United States electrical system is 110 volts.
Students can search for flights directly to Florence using the airport code FLO. Other students may also choose to fly into the airports in Charlotte (CLT), about a 2 hour commute from Florence, or you can also look for options to arrive in Columbia (CAE) or Myrtle Beach (MYR), a 1.5 hour commute.
Luggage and Baggage
Please do not send baggage or packages in advance of your arrival because the University does not have storage facilities for luggage, trunks, or packages.
Regardless of cost for excess weight, most students find it better to bring all personal baggage on the plane (check with your travel agent or airline for size and weight limitations) rather ship it separately. Students shipping items separately may require the services of an agent to arrange for U.S. Customs clearance and forwarding of unaccompanied parcels. Such services are expensive and result in considerable delays. Once you arrive, you may receive packages and parcels if you are living on campus.
Finances/Money
Many students find it more convenient to exchange their local currency for U.S. dollars before their departure. It is important to not travel with large amounts of cash, due to the danger of loss of theft. If students anticipate bringing large sums of money to the United States, they should consult with their bank about the safest and most convenient means of carrying and transferring funds. Some students make arrangements for funds to be transferred in U.S. dollars to a U.S. bank before they arrive in the U.S., and that money is available immediately upon arrival. Foreign currency is not available in most U.S. cities, and all local businesses (including FMU) accept only U.S. currency.
Students arriving in the U.S. should have sufficient funds to cover expenses until they arrive on campus. The amount depends on individual travel plans. Most students choose to use traveler’s checks, which may be obtained at banks or travel offices and can be cashed by most businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and airports. Most vendor’s in the United States also accept major credit cards, such as Visa or MasterCard.
It is also advisable to carry a small amount of cash – at least one hundred dollars in paper currency and two or three dollars in coins for bus fares, telephones, baggage, lockers and tips.
Students are expected to arrive at the University no later than the arrival date specified on your I-20 form. There will be a mandatory International Student Orientation program to become familiar with the campus and its resources. Students will need to secure housing, get settled in, learn about University procedures and regulations, register for courses, recover from travel fatigue, and begin the transition of life in a new environment and cultural setting. See the section on Traveling to the United States for more information.