Franklin & Marshall College

The purpose of the International Student Orientation is to assist international students in adjusting to living and studying on campus and in the United States.

Attendance at orientation is mandatory for new students and will include useful information about:

• The Franklin & Marshall College Campus
• F-1 student regulations
• Employment options
• Banking
• Cultural Adjustment
• And much more!

Students will have opportunities to meet new and current students at F&M.

The 2011 mandatory International Student Orientation begins on August 24 at 4:00 p.m. and will conclude on August 26 by 12:00 pm. International students will then start the general student orientation, with all other new students.

Use the Franklin & Marshall Beginnings website https://mydiplomat.fandm.edu/beginnings/ for assistance with:

Housing

As a student at Franklin & Marshall College, you will be assigned to a College House where you will live.  Each person will have a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe closet, and set of drawers.  You will need to complete a series of forms to start your housing and meal preferences selection process.  You should begin these applications as soon as possible on the Beginnings website, listed above.  

Exchange students will not utilize the Beginnings website.  Housing assignments for exchange students will be made in August.  Exchange students will work with Dean Haring on other administrative matters.

Health Insurance

International students receiving need-based financial aid, again as determined by the Office of Financial Aid, will be provided with health insurance, for the duration of their studies, valued at approximately $1,100 per year. This insurance primarily covers accidents, illnesses, and prescription drugs.  It does not include vision and dental benefits, so be sure to address any such concerns before leaving your country.  This benefit is not part of your financial aid package, therefore it cannot be transferred into a monetary award should you already have insurance.  International students who are not receiving financial aid should be prepared to purchase this same College health insurance, priced at approximately $1,100 per year, as the College has strict requirements for approving alternative policies.  Few students meet the criteria necessary to be waived from the College's health insurance requirement.

Health & Immunization Forms

All students are required to submit a completed health form prior to their arrival in the United States. This form will be available on the Beginnings website listed above; however, it can also be accessed at /x6420.xml. This form must be completed in English and signed by your doctor. If you do not return this form, you may not be allowed to register for classes. For specific information or questions about this form or the data required, contact Appel Student Health Services at (717) 291-4082.

Registering for Classes

Once you have sent in your $500 tuition deposit (or in the case of students on need-based Financial Aid, once you have received the appropriate waiver), you will be sent an F&M NetID for the Beginnings website. You will be able to select your seminar course and subsequently, your other courses. You will be able to meet with you faculty adviser to discuss course selection or other issues during orientation.

Banking on Campus

With your passport and Franklin & Marshall College I-20, you will be able to open a bank account with a local bank near campus. You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account. (Please be sure to complete Form W-8BEN1 to be exempted from this requirement. Bank representatives will have this form.) You will receive more information about this and have an opportunity to sign up for an account at International Student Orientation.

Working on Campus

The College Work Award of $2,175 represents about 10 hours of work per week for the academic year at an hourly rate of $7.25.  Paychecks are issued to students and are not directly credited toward the College bill.  Students awarded a need-based College Work Award will receive information in the summer on accessing the online bulletin board of available on-campus jobs.  All students are responsible for securing their own employment and are not guaranteed a job.  The United States government requires international students to secure a job on campus before they apply for a Social Security card.  After securing a job, international students must apply for their Social Security card and may not begin working in their hired job until they have completed the application process.

International students may work on campus full-time, up to 40 hour per week, during Winter Break, Spring Break, and the summer.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will not be charged until after you register for classes. The approximate amount of tuition will be $21,255 per semester.  Students that wish to have their tuition payments wired electronically to F&M can do so by having their bank send funds to:

Fulton Bank
1695 State St.
East Petersburg, PA 17520 USA

Fulton Bank Swift Code: FLBKUS33

Fulton Bank ABA#: 031301422

Beneficiary:
Franklin & Marshall College
415 Harrisburg Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603 USA

Beneficiary Account#: 362310861

Further Credit: Student Name and F&M ID Number

Purchase of Linens, Pillows, Toiletries, Etc.

We recommend you wait to purchase these items until you arrive. International Student Orientation will provide you an opportunity to go to the store and purchase these items.

_____ I have completed all tasks and forms on the Beginnings website

_____ I have completed the health insurance coverage application.

_____ I have sent the $500 tuition deposit.

_____ I have planned to check-in with the Office of International Programs within ten days of my arrival into the USA. This can be accomplished at International Student Orientation.

Questions about this information? Please contact us.