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Current Students > International Student General Information > International Student Services
The International Student Office helps students.
This assistance includes:
Retention: We work with international students on an individual basis through formal advisement appointments and informal drop in discussions. A special multi-day International Student Orientation is held prior to each academic semester. All new students are provided with an International Student Handbook in addition to other FMCC materials (Course Catalog, Student Handbook, handouts, etc).
The IS Handbook addresses topics such as:
- FMCC International Student Office services and contact information
- Immigration Matters: documents, law and requirements
- Financial Matters: banking services, employment and scholarships
- Insurance and Health Care: requirements and referral information
- Automobile Information: procedures and law
- Day- to- Day Living: telephone service, shopping, transportation, etc.
- Student Conduct/Classroom Behavior: attendance, exams/coursework, smoking policy, etc.
Enrollment: We advertise and market FMCC programs abroad via a variety of sources. We respond to international student requests for information electronically and by mail. We work with overseas educational agencies to recruit new markets for the college. We have established flexible enrollment schedules for individuals (i.e. summer sections of the ESL classes). We have established partner institution articulation agreements with colleges abroad.
Acedemic Success: We advise international students and local students whose first language is not English on appropriate course enrollment and degree requirements. We monitor individual academic progress. We coordinate the Intensive English Language Program and establish curricula and assessment policies that interface with campus testing procedures and policy. We network with FMCC faculty to monitor student achievements and weaknesses.
Career/Transfer Planning: We refer students to appropriate sources of career advise on and off campus. We assist the student to prepare paperwork for practical training work experiences as granted by federal law to international students seeking 1 year work in the U.S. in a field related to their academic/ vocational major. We assist students with transfer needs: inviting international admission reps to campus for presentations, contacting colleagues upon students requests for specific info relevant to international students, writing letters of recommendation and completing required immigration transfer documents, etc.
Student Life: Through the International Student Club, we provide students extra curricular activities both on and off campus. we encourage student participation in all other campus clubs, events and activities - often requiring attendance at specific functions for ESL students as part of their coursework.
We work closely with USInternational Student Housing to monitor host families and provide suggestions to families on how to facilitate the students adjustments to American life. Also, we coordinate with USISH on services for students such as transportation to campus (bus service), establishing bank accounts, shopping for necessities and medical needs referrals.
An in-depth orientation class: Orientation to American Culture is required for all international students in their first semester. This non-credit course fills in the gaps for new students on specifics that cannot be addressed in the short orientation held just before each semester. The course description reads as follows:
Assistance through lecture/workshop/field trip and guest speaker series in adjusting to life and studies at FMCC and the surrounding community, and in understanding specific and broader aspects of American culture. Topics typically covered include: the US Educational system including FMCC Library and Learning Center services, Culture Shock, Holidays and Traditions, etc.
Contact for more information:
Mrs. Arlene M. Spencer
Director International Student & ESL Programs
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
State University of New York
2805 State Highway 67
Johnstown New York 12095 USA
Telephone (518) 762-4651 Extension 4750
Fax (518) 762-7835
E-Mail: intl@fmcc.suny.edu |
