FAQs for F-1 Visa
This page has been designed especially for international students who are interested in studying at the University of Puget Sound. Listed below are common questions that many international student applicants have. If you have additional questions or would like more information about becoming an international student at Puget Sound, please contact Allyson Lindsley in the Office of International Programs.
For more information about the application process and to fill out an application on-line, please visit Puget Sound Office of Admission.
- What kind of education will I find at Puget Sound?
- What type of curriculum is offered at Puget Sound?
- When should I decide on a major?
- What are the classes like?
- Will I have homework?
- What is the workload?
- Is there academic support for international students?
- Are there resources available to help with writing papers?
- What is the percentage of international students at Puget Sound?
- What countries do international students come from?
- What is the academic calendar?
- What opportunities exist for me after graduating from Puget Sound?
- As an international student, how do I apply to Puget Sound?
- When is the deadline to submit my application?
- Do I have to take both the TOEFL and SAT?
- What is the average SAT score of students enrolling at Puget Sound?
- Can I transfer courses for credit from my previous university or college?
- Do international students qualify for financial aid or scholarships?
- Who should I contact if I have questions about applying to Puget Sound?
- Do I need a visa to study at Puget Sound?
- What on-campus housing facilities are available for international students?
- Is housing provided for international students during their four years here and in the summer?
- Do all students, including those living off-campus, have their own mailbox on campus?
- Will I have an American roommate?
- What activities does Puget Sound offer for students?
- What opportunities are there for me to join sports teams?
- Are there special programs offered for international students at Puget Sound?
- What difficulties do international students face at Puget Sound?
- What is the weather like in Tacoma?
- Is there public transportation in Tacoma?
- Are there work opportunities on campus?
- Are there work opportunities off campus?
Academics
1. What kind of education will I find at Puget Sound?
Puget Sound provides a liberal arts education to last a lifetime. The academic program at Puget Sound is based on a core curriculum for all students and includes a wide selection of majors in the liberal arts. A complete listing of all majors is available in the University Bulletin. A Puget Sound education enables students to adapt their careers and to assume ever greater responsibilities as new opportunities arise in a changing world. It also enables them to lead interesting, enriching and satisfying lives, while at the same time it ensures that they contribute significantly to the leadership and civic improvement of society. Puget Sound is primarily an undergraduate university, with excellent graduate programs in Occupational and Physical Therapy and Education only.
2. What type of curriculum is offered at Puget Sound?
Colleges and universities have historically categorized learning into academic disciplines such as mathematics, English, etc. Alongside the more traditional majors, Puget Sound offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The faculty continually develop distinctive interdisciplinary programs at Puget Sound. Much of the academic core is interdisciplinary, and Puget Sound has developed strong interdisciplinary majors, including Asian Studies, International Political Economy, Natural Science and a Special Interdisciplinary Major. Interdisciplinary minors include African-American Studies, Environmental Studies, Latin American Studies and Women Studies. Examples of Puget Sound interdisciplinary programs and courses include Asian studies, the science in context course included in the core curriculum and the Business Leadership Program.
3. When should I decide on a major?
A student who has 12 or more units is expected to declare a major and be assigned to an academic advisor in the major department. A student with fewer than 12 units may declare a major. Consultation with the director of Academic Advising is recommended but not required for such students.
4. What are the classes like?
The faculty at Puget Sound is first and foremost a teaching faculty, selected for excellence in various subjects and for their desire and ability to transmit that knowledge in a manner that promotes critical thinking. Classes are generally, but not limited to, discussion seminars, lectures, presentations, labs, or a mixture of two or more. The average class size is under 20, which gives an opportunity for all students to participate in class discussion. The faculty to student ratio at the university is 11:1.
5. Will I have homework?
Yes, all students are assigned homework. The academic system at Puget Sound is a continuous assessment system. Students work closely with faculty and are graded on their work throughout the semester. It is not unusual to have multiple tests, exams, and papers scheduled throughout the term, in addition to a final exam or research paper.
6. What is the workload?
Students describe the work at Puget Sound as challenging. The workload will not be too overburdening if you apply good time management. Generally, you should spend at least 3 hours of studying for every 1 hour spent in class.
7. Is there academic support for international students?
Tutoring and advising resources are available for all students on campus through the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching. The Center also helps students learn how to develop good time management and study skills that will help them excel academically.
8. Are there resources available to help with writing papers?
Students can seek the help of the Writing Center, which is a branch of the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching that is dedicated to teaching all Puget Sound students how to improve their academic writing. They do not proofread, but rather, they teach students the tools and skills that will help them improve their papers.
9. What is the percentage of international students at Puget Sound?
International students make up about 1 percent of the student body.
10. What countries do international students come from?
The international student population at Puget Sound is small but diverse. Currently the countries represented by our international students include China, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, France, South Korea, and Vietnam.
11. What is the academic calendar?
Puget Sound is on a semester system. The fall semester begins in late August and finishes in mid-December. The spring semester lasts from mid-January to mid-May. Each semester is 16 weeks long. There is a winter break (about 4 weeks) between semesters, and a one week spring break in March.
12. What opportunities exist for me after graduating from Puget Sound?
Puget Sound graduates are well represented in corporations, government and other organizations, and graduate schools around the world. Career and Employment Services provides effective guidance and a rich body of resources for students and recent alumni as they make their academic and career choices. They offer support to students at each stage of the decision-making process and draw on their gifts for critical analysis, sound judgment and apt expression in assisting them to pursue creative and useful lives.
Applying to Puget Sound
For the most up-to-date information on applying to Puget Sound as an F-1 international student, please visit Resources for International Students or the Office of Admission Web page.
1. As an international student, how do I apply to Puget Sound?
A completed international student application consists of the following:
- An application for admission. There are two parts to the application: the transfer student application and the application for international students.
- An application fee of Puget Sound is $50.
- Official copies of high school transcripts (and college transcripts, if you have completed any college work). Transcripts must be in English, or accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Official test scores from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the America College Test (ACT).
- If you are a non-native English speaker, proof of English proficiency: a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (paper-based), 213 or higher (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based). Please note that the TOEFL is required and cannot be waived, even if you have successfully completed an ESL program in the U.S.
- Proof of adequate finances to cover the expected period of study at Puget Sound in the form of a completed "International Student Financial Statement" (part of the Puget Sound international student application), and a letter of financial guarantee from the your bank or your sponsor's bank (a sample letter is available in international student application). Proof of adequate finances is necessary to meet visa requirements.
2. When is the deadline to submit my application?
Freshman applicants are encouraged to apply prior to January 15 for fall enrollment. Transfer students are encouraged to apply by March 1 for fall enrollment, and November 1 for spring enrollment.
3. Do I have to take both the TOEFL and SAT?
If your native language is not English, you must take the TOEFL test and submit official test scores for your application. The minimum TOEFL score required is 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer test, 80 on the TOEFL ibt. All freshman applicants are required to take the SAT or ACT test and have official scores submitted to the university. Transfer students who have more than one year of transferable credit from a university or college do not have to take the SAT test.
4. What is the average SAT score of student enrolling at Puget Sound?
The average SAT score is 1250.
5. Can I transfer courses for credit from my previous university or college?
In most cases you can transfer your work (up to a maximum of 16 units) from a foreign university or U.S. university or college to Puget Sound. Information on transferring courses is available from the Puget Sound Office of Admission.
6. Do international students qualify for financial aid or scholarships?
International students do not qualify for need-based federal financial aid in the United States. However, international students are eligible for merit (non-need based) scholarships and international student scholarships at Puget Sound. You will be considered for these once you have completed your application for admission. Please contact Student Financial Services for additional scholarship opportunities
7. Who should I contact if I have questions about applying to Puget Sound?
The Admission website has complete information on the application process for international students. If you have questions, you can contact Allyson Lindsley or send an e-mail to the Office of Admission at Puget Sound.
8. Do I need a visa to study at Puget Sound?
International students are responsible for obtaining the proper visa for study at Puget Sound. F-1 students will be mailed their I-20 form and instructions once they have been accepted and Puget Sound has received their tuition deposit. If you have any questions about your visa status, contact Allyson Lindsley in the Office of International Programs.
Campus Life
1. What on-campus housing facilities are available for international students?
Students who live on campus choose between traditional residence halls, Greek-letter-society residences, and university-owned houses of various sizes. The eight Tudor-Gothic residence halls are arranged in two spacious quadrangles on the North and South sides of campus. Each building has recreational areas, vending machines, kitchen facilities, coin-operated laundry machines, a television lounge, a piano lounge and study areas. Student rooms are furnished with an extended length twin-size bed, a chest of drawers, bookcase, a desk, a desk chair, and a closet for each resident of the room. Also, each room is wired for connections to the university computer network and the Internet for your computer. Further information about campus residence is available online.
2. Is housing provided for international students during their four years here and in the summer?
On-campus housing is guaranteed for freshman (first year students). Room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible for a room assignment, students must submit the $200 Residential Programs Deposit, and complete and sign the Residential Programs Application/Contract. On-campus housing is not provided in the summer, nor during the winter break.
3. Do all students, including those living off-campus, have their own mailbox on campus?
No, only students living in the dorms will have their own mailbox on campus. If you live off-campus your mail will come directly to your off-campus address.
4. Will I have an American roommate?
In most instances, yes. While the international population at Puget Sound is very diverse, it is small enough to enable you to immerse yourself in American college life. One important aspect of this is giving you the opportunity to interact with Americans and other international students in all aspects levels of college life, not just in the classroom.
5. What activities does Puget Sound offer for students?
With 75 percent of students coming from states outside of Washington, Puget Sound students can experience a residential college life. Most weekend activities take place on campus. More than 100 organizations and clubs featuring a range of curricular and co-curricular activities, including an active student government association (ASUPS) and an International Club. When you need a break from studying, opportunity abounds for activities in Tacoma, Pierce County, and Seattle. You can attend a concert or theatre production on campus, in Tacoma, or in Seattle, practice your sport, practice your musical instrument, take part in club activities, walk or jog along the Tacoma waterfront, take a ferry ride to Seattle, ski in the Cascades, etc., etc. The list is endless!
6. What opportunities are there for me to join sports teams?
Puget Sound offers varsity sports teams, intramural teams, club sports, and physical activity classes. A varsity team represents the university in games against teams from other schools, while intramural teams play within the bounds of the institution, against other teams at Puget Sound. For more information, check out the Athletics Web site.
7. Are there special programs offered for international students at Puget Sound?
International students at Puget Sound take part fully in the academic, social, and residential life, alongside American students. In addition to the services that are available to all students on campus, the Office of International Programs is available for immigration advising, cultural adjustment advising, and as a general resource for international students. Furthermore, each fall the university offers an orientation program for international students; The International Student Seminar. This series of meetings provides an introduction to university life at Puget Sound and in the U.S., an overview of U.S. history and politics, and a chance for international students to visit historical and political sites in the Tacoma area. This seminar is required of all incoming international students. The International Club is also an excellent avenue for international students to meet each other, meet Americans interested in international issues, to become involved on campus and in leadership roles, and to bring the world to the Puget Sound campus.
8. What difficulties do international students face at Puget Sound?
Most students, including international students, encounter a period of adjustment during their first semester or first year at a university. As an international student, you will most likely experience a period of adjustment academically and culturally.
You may find that the homework assignments are different or more frequent than you anticipated, or that you are writing more papers than you expected. However, there are many resources on campus to help you, including the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching, your professor, and your academic advisor. All entering international students are partnered with an International Student Mentor to provide an easeir transition to the Puget Sound experience. In addition, you may also find that others students in your class form study groups outside of class. While students describe the academics at Puget Sound as challenging, they also find them very rewarding. Many are involved in creative, scholarly work with their professors. Students at Puget Sound experience a superb academic life and a solid foundation for a career or graduate school.
Another difficulty you may encounter is an adjustment period to life in the U.S., and university life in particular. Although this is commonly referred to as "culture shock," this experience is not a single event; rather, it is a cycle of personal readjustment you experience when you encounter challenges to your own cultural beliefs, values and behaviors. The best way to prepare yourself for culture shock is to read about it, learn about your host country, set realistic goals and expectations for your time abroad, keep an open mind, and be adaptable. The Office of International Programs is available to advise you on cultural issues, and the campus has an excellent health center that provides counseling and medical assistance to students. For more information on cultural adjustment and tips on dealing with culture shock, please see the International Student Handbook.
9. What is the weather like in Tacoma?
The weather in the Pacific Northwest is generally mild and rainy. Day time winter temperatures in Tacoma range from 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit, and snow is unusual except in the mountains. Summer temperatures range from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The driest months are generally August and September. Most of the rain falls between November and April.
10. Is there public transportation in Tacoma?
Yes, Tacoma has a bus system through Pierce County Transit. The bus system includes service from the Puget Sound campus to the major shopping areas in Tacoma. Pierce County transit also runs buses to Seattle 7 days each week. The cost is about $3.00 one-way.
11. Are there work opportunities on campus?
In general, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours each week in on-campus employment while classes are in session. There are a wide variety of employment opportunities on campus, including jobs in the cafeteria, the library, facilities services, and some administrative offices on campus. Career and Employment Services has resources for finding work. Before an international student looks for on-campus employment, the student must make an appointment with Allyson Lindsley in the Office of International Programs.
12. Are there work opportunities off campus?
Employment opportunities off campus exist for students who engage in curricular or optional practical training. The Office of Academic and Career Advising has resources to help students find internships. Before an international student looks for employment, the student must make an appointment with Allyson Lindsley in the Office of International Programs.
Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Koida
CONTACT INFORMATION
International Programs
1500 N. Warner St.
CMB 1055
Tacoma, WA
98416-1055
215 Howarth Hall
253.879.2515
253.879.2648 (fax)
Allyson Lindsley
International Student Advisor
253.879.2513
alindsley@pugetsound.edu
