We are delighted you've chosen Agnes Scott College!
We recognize that it takes courage to leave family and friends to study in another country. Your decision to study in the U.S. at Agnes Scott is highly commendable! We look forward to meeting you in the fall. Until then, use the information in the following sections to prepare you for the journey to your new home!
Please note that while we strive to keep all information found on our sites current and up-to-date, we strongly recommend and encourage students to visit government sites for the most recent updates to any immigration rules. For additional information or specific questions please contact the Center for Global Learning.
International Scotties Arrival Day: Monday, August 11, 2025
International Scotties Orientation: Tuesday, August 12 to Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Legacy - New Student Orientation: Friday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 19, 2025
During International Scottie Orientation (ISO), you will have an opportunity to hear important information about academics, housing, meals, health services and immigration. Orientation will also give students the opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and to meet fellow international students. After ISO, international students will join their classmates for the general New Student Orientation, known as "Legacy".
We look forward to meeting and supporting you as you embark on your first year as an International Scottie!
In Your Carry-On Bag
- Passport
- Immigration documents (Form I-20 and valid passport with with F-1 visa stamp)
- Birth certificate (and/or certified copies)
- Documentation of financial support
- Letter of admission from Agnes Scott College, as well as any correspondence regarding scholarships or financial aid given to you
- Cash/debit card/credit card
- Any medications you might need in the original prescription bottles (preferably enough to last you two months)
- ASC Entrance Health Record
- List of allergies
- Important phone numbers and contact information
- Sarah Moore, International Student Advisor, +1 404.471.5380
- Agnes Scott College’s 24-hour Public Safety +1 404.471.5554
- Enough clothing and toiletries for a few days in case your luggage is delayed
- Electronic items, such as laptops, digital cameras and cell phones (Note: Check the voltage requirements of all electronics that you bring. The voltage used in the United States is 110V so make sure your devices are compatible with that.)
- Please check the extensive list of what to bring to college on the Office of Residence Life website.
Personal Items
Bring a few items representative of your home country or nationality. For example, music, national dress, instruments crafts or other traditional materials. You and your fellow students will have opportunities to share your culture and customs with the campus community. Bring pictures of your home country, hometown, your family and other places, people and things you love. Many people will ask you about your home country and will want to see the pictures. These pictures might help you describe your family and friends to new friends, and they will provide comfort and encouragement when you're homesick.
Travel Information
Destination: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (ATL)
Address: 600 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
Travel and Arrival Form
After purchasing your plane ticket, please complete the travel and arrival form that will be sent to you at your agnesscott.edu email. You'll also need to upload a detailed itinerary of your flight information including departure flight name, flight number and connection flight with the departure and arrival times in each city that is a part of your journey to Atlanta. You can indicate on the Travel and Arrival Form if you would like transportation from the airport to campus. However, we cannot guarantee transportation unless you fill out and submit that form.
Shuttle services from the airport operate on moving day for international students only.
Transportation to Campus
If you are arriving early, please click here for a map and directions to campus.
Other forms of transportation to campus
- Taxi
- Uber (download app ahead of time)
- Lyft (download app ahead of time)
- Train: MARTA (most affordable):
- Get on the Marta train (GOLD) Northbound to Doraville Station.
- Get off FIVE POINTS.
- Get on BLUE train going eastbound to Indian Creek Station/Decatur.
- Get off Decatur Transit station.
- Go up the stairs.
- Turn right, go all the way down (about .5 miles). You will see a small tunnel, go through it and Agnes Scott College will be across the street.
As a nonimmigrant studying at Agnes Scott College on an F-1 visa, you are expected to maintain your immigration status during your time in the United States. Failure to follow the terms and conditions of your F-1 status may be grounds for termination and your immediate departure from the United States.
When signing your Form I-20, you agree to comply with the terms and conditions of your F-1 visa status. It is your responsibility to know and comply with the U.S. immigration regulations that affect you. For questions about your F-1 status, please contact your International Student Advisor, Sarah Moore.
The full terms and conditions of your F-1 status are listed on Page 3 of your Form I-20. Below are some of the top regulations you must follow to maintain your F-1 status:
- Enroll in a full course of study every fall and spring semester. A full course of study is a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students. You should not drop below full-time hours without special authorization from your International Student Advisor.
- Report updates to your address or personal information within 10 days. If you move to a new address or have any changes to your personal information (such as your legal name), you must inform your International Student Advisor within 10 days of the change.
- Do not engage in off-campus employment without special permission from your International Student Advisor. Employment is limited to on-campus only, unless you are granted permission to engage in practical training opportunities related to your academic program.
What you do as an F-1 visa holder can impact employment applications and future U.S. immigration applications. To avoid problems with your immigration record, please consult your International Student Advisor BEFORE:
- Lowering your course load
- Withdrawing from the college
- Changing your major or program of studies from what is listed on your I-20
- Planning on taking a leave of absence
- Your I-20 or DS-2019 expires prior to you completing your degree objective (i.e. program)
- Traveling outside of the United States (even for a short period)
- Looking for off-campus work
- Transferring to another school
- Changing your visa classification or U.S. immigration status
Always, check with your immigration advisor for all immigration-related information. Please do not ask friends, relatives or fellow classmates for assistance. Remember each situation is unique to that individual and might not be the same as yours. When in doubt, email us right away to ask questions.
Employment as an F-1 International Student
During your time at Agnes Scott College, you may consider what employment opportunities can support your educational endeavors.
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students are eligible for part-time, on-campus employment throughout their academic program. During fall and spring semester, students can work a maximum of 16 hours per week. Students can exceed 16 hours per week during college holidays, breaks, and vacation periods. You do not need special authorization on your I-20 to work on-campus. However, you may not work on-campus after the program end date listed on your I-20.
Off-Campus Employment
During your time as an international student, you may be eligible for two types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students must complete a full academic year (fall and spring semester) before being eligible for off-campus employment. Special authorization from your International Student Advisor is required before you engage in any off-campus employment.
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary employment authorization benefit extended to F-1 students in degree programs to gain practical experience that is directly related to their major field of study.
CPT is defined in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) as an “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school” and may be authorized for training that is an “essential part of an established curriculum.”
If you have questions about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), please contact your International Student Advisor.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major field of study. Eligible students can apply with the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive up to twelve months of employment authorization. Eligibility for OPT must be determined by your International Student Advisor. Most students apply to participate in OPT after they complete their degree.
If you have questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT), please contact your International Student Advisor.
What is the 24-month STEM OPT Extension?
STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT), also known as a “STEM extension,” is a 24-month extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). A STEM extension is available to F-1 students who are currently on post-completion OPT, have earned a qualifying degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) whose employment meets additional requirements.
If you have questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, please contact your International Student Advisor.