The International Student-Athlete Experience

Chapters

1. 1. Your first weekSet up the things everything else depends on: your school email and your calendar.3 min
2. 2. Classes and staying full timeFor you, registering for classes is also an immigration decision.2 min
3. 3. How U.S. classes workParticipation counts, office hours matter, and the cheating rules may not be what you expect.3 min
4. 4. Your DSO and staying in statusYour DSO is your best ally. Keeping your status is still your responsibility.2 min
5. 5. Travel and getting back inLeaving is easy. Getting back in depends on the papers in your hand.3 min
6. 6. Working, and NILYou can work, but only where and how your visa allows. Working without permission is a status problem.2 min
7. 7. TransferringYou run two transfers at once: the NCAA one and the immigration one.3 min
8. 8. Health care and insuranceThere's no national health system here. Where you go for care changes what you pay.3 min
9. 9. Mental health and adjustingMoving countries is hard. Every NCAA school must provide mental health support, and homesickness is a real reason to use it.3 min
10. 10. Everyday lifeHousing, driving, banking and the small customs no one explains.3 min
11. 11. Laws, police and your visaThe same laws apply to you, with one more consequence: your immigration status.3 min
12. 12. TaxesEvery international student files every year, even with no income.3 min
13. 13. Holidays and breaksCampus empties at breaks. Plan for where you'll be well ahead.3 min
14. 14. After collegeYour options after graduation depend on your visa. Start planning a year early.3 min