Visa and Travel Arrangements
When you receive a letter of acceptance to
Alma
College, a $500 (
US)
deposit must be submitted in order to confirm your attendance. Once your
deposit is received the college will send you either an I-20 form if you are a
degree seeking student or a DS-2019 form if you are an exchange student. Upon
receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 form please schedule an appointment at the
nearest American Embassy or US Consulate. You will need to present the I-20 or
DS 2019 form along with your acceptance letter at your immigration interview.
Once you have completed your visa process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@alma.edu or 1-800-321-ALMA to confirm
travel arrangements and expected arrival time. Students should plan to arrive
at
Capital
City
Airport in
Lansing,
MI or Midland/Bay City/Saginaw Airport in
Saginaw,
MI. Alma is located about 45 miles/73 km north of
Lansing
and about 45 miles/73 km west of
Saginaw.
What is Preterm?
Students enrolling for fall classes participate in a
week-long Preterm orientation and classes. Preterm provides a wonderful
opportunity to acquaint new students with the campus and many educational
facilities available to
Alma
College
students. After the scheduled activities, there is time to prepare your
residence hall room and purchase books and supplies. If you use special
resources, dictionaries or other study aids, bring them with you because they
may be unavailable here.
What is Spring Term?
Alma
College
is on a
4-4-1 term schedule.
This academic calendar allows a one-month Spring Term to work with students in
courses and projects that helps them develop in new directions, broaden their
perspectives on the world and even fill general education and major
requirements. Some of the courses are taught completely on campus, some travel
locally and others travel extensively within and beyond the borders of the
United
States. Students are required to complete
two Spring Terms for graduation (transfer students are required to complete one
Spring Term).
Organizations
Alma
College
offers over 100 student organizations, such as athletics,
performing arts, Model UN, fraternities and sororities, student government,
campus newspaper and many others. One organizations that might have special
interest to international students is the International Club. Members of this
organizations help answer questions you may have and are a source of friendship
and social activities. Mentoring and host family programs are available to aid
in adjustments as well.
Food Service
Sodexho, Inc. provides a variety of dining options
and flexible meal times to accommodate students active lifestyles. All students
are required to participate in the College's food program unless they are
approved for living off campus. There is a wide variety and style of food
preparation. Vegetarian dishes are included in every meal served in
Alma’s
dining facilities.
Temperature
In July, the average high temperature is 71 degrees F/22
degrees C with 6 in/15 cm of rainfall; January average high temperature is 24
degrees F/-4 degrees C with 5-10 in/13-25 cm of snowfall.
What Should I Bring?
Michigan's diverse temperatures and precipitation
necessitate a variety of clothing and footwear. Current international students
at Alma suggest purchasing clothing, bedding and education materials after
arriving at Alma. Some of the personal essentials suggested include:
Linens for twin-sized bed (extra-long sheets)
Blankets
Pillow
Towels and washcloths
Alarm clock
Calendar
Residence Halls
Each residence hall has a kitchenette, laundry
facilities and a reception desk to distribute mail, sell stamps and loan
equipment to students. Your Resident Assistant (R.A) will be a source of campus
information for any questions that you have. Alma students and the campus
community are helpful and friendly. You will quickly feel at home.
Medical Care
Wilcox Medical Center is available for any minor
health problems, but you should expect to assume financial
responsibility for most medical, dental and other health treatment. Major
medical insurance is required for all students and is available through the
college for approximately $463 (US) per year.
Summer
The three-month summer break offers international students
an opportunity to return home, travel, work at a temporary job (must be
approved by Alma College), participate in an Alma College individual study
program, or take a class at another institution.
Social Security Number
In the United States, you may be expected to have a social
security number. During the international student orientation, the College will
make sure you receive proper information to apply for a social security number
and assist you with the application process.
Important Numbers and Contact Information
Alma College's code number for TOEFL and SAT is 1010; for
the ACT it is 1958.
Within the United States, you may call toll free
1-800-321-ALMA (2562) to reach the Admissions Office. Otherwise you will need
to call the United States using the proper country code for your location. The
Admissions office number is (989) 463-7139.
You may also reach the office through email at
Admisisons@alma.edu or by fax at (989) 463-7057.
The Admissions Office is open 8:00 AM to 5 PM (EST) Monday
through Friday.
