International Student Orientation
2024-2025 Orientations
Fall 2024
Welcome to Capital University! International Student Orientation for international students and U.S. students who have received their high school education overseas is Thursday, August 15 and Friday, August 16. Students MUST attend both days of International Student Orientation. Intensive English Language students will take their placement tests in the morning of Friday, August 16. Any undergraduate student wishing to also participate in the Smooth Transitions Program, we will work with you so you are participating in important parts of each program.
- Date: August 15, 2024, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (required for all students on F-1 or F-2 status) August 16, 2024, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is placement testing for ESL students and introduction to the U.S. academic system and myCap for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students do not need to take an ESL placement test.
- Parking: Any "S" lot or the visitor lot
Spring 2025
International Student Orientation for international students and U.S. students who have received their high school education overseas is Friday, January 3 and Saturday, January 4. Students MUST attend International Student Orientation. Intensive English Language students will take their placement tests in the morning of Saturday, January 4.
- Date: January 3, 2025 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (required for all students on F-1 or F-2 status) January 4, 2025 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. is placement testing for ESL students and introduction to the U.S. academic system and myCap for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students do not need to take an ESL placement test.
- Parking: Any "S" lot or the visitor lot
For directions and a University map, please go to: http://jr.dektinary.com/Maps-and-Locations/
For questions, please contact the Center for Global Education at 614-236-6170 or jadams@dektinary.com.
International undergraduate students (both first year and transfer students) are expected to participate in Welcome Week Activities with all new students.
What to bring to orientation:
- Your passport
- Your I-20
- Your local address (if you are temporarily living at a hotel or a friend’s home, please bring this temporary address with you.)
- Student Health Form and immunization record(PDF)
- Financial Guarantee for government sponsored students only
International Orientation is the legal check-in process for all students on F-1 status. Information will be provided on student immigration information and government reporting requirements. Even if you are a student who has been in the U.S. awhile and is transferring from another university, you need to go to this orientation. Information will also be provided on the required international student health insurance requirement. The orientation program will also provide helpful information on the U.S. education system and Capital University classroom expectations, accessing health care, living in the Columbus area, cultural adjustment and personal safety. Students can also expect to go through a tuberculosis (T.B.) screening or test. If you have recently done a T.B. test, or if you have taken medication for T.B., please bring this documentation with you to orientation.
International Student Orientation does not replace graduate or undergraduate orientation. If you cannot enter the U.S. before the departmental orientation, please contact the Center for Global Education at jadams@dektinary.com. We will work with your academic department to get you registered for classes. All ESL students will be registered by the Center for Global Education (International Education Office.)
Arrival to Columbus:
Free airport pick-up is available to students registered to live on-campus at the John Glenn airport (CMH) or the Columbus, Ohio Greyhound Station located at 111 E. Town Street.
Please e-mail arrival information to Jennifer Adams at jadams@dektinary.com at least 2 weeks before your arrival.
For International Students
The parents of Aya Ueki established a scholarship to honor and celebrate the memory of their daughter, a former Capital University and Hokuriku Gakuin University student, who had a love of global learning. International students who have completed at least one semester at Capital, who are in good academic standing, and who have demonstrated campus involvement are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is open to any academic program of the university (ESL, undergraduate, graduate studies and the adult degree program.) The scholarship may be used to help cover tuition costs for the following fall and spring semester, but is not available to be used towards summer tuition or to pay off previous university debts.
Students who meet the qualifications can apply for the Aya Ueki International Student Scholarship using the online form.
Students or scholars from one of Capital University Partner Institutions may apply to Capital University as part of an exchange program. Each year, the number of available participant spots is determined but the number of students who participated the previous year. Generally, there are between 1 – 3 places available each year for each exchange partner.
To participate in an exchange program, students must provide the following documents:
- An exchange application with a signature from the partnering institution indicating you have been approved by them to participate.
- A Financial Affidavit-of -Support form and a current bank statement translated in English. Students need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to live and study in the U.S. while participating in the program. This is determined by the length of time you will be studying. Students should keep a copy of this information for themselves as they apply for a F-1 student visa.
- Copy of the Information page of the passport
- Demonstration of English proficiency. If students are enrolled in Capital courses, students may demonstrate they have sufficient English skills from taking one of the following exams; TOEFL or IELTS, scores.
Change of Address Form
All students should update their address in MyCap within 10 days of a move. Immigration regulations require an address update in SEVIS. Please send an email to oie@dektinary.com to make sure address has been updated.
Letter Request Form
Complete this form online and we will process your request as soon as possible.
Vacation and Travel Request Form
Complete this form (interactive PDF) and submit it with your I-20 to Lesly Boateng, RM 121, Harry C. Moores Student Union.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for you to have temporary employment to gain practical experience in your field of study. Generally, an F-1 student is eligible for a MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS of this type of employment for each educational level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.).
STEM Optional Practical Training
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM OPT provides an opportunity to extend Optional Practical Training for an additional 24 months for graduates who completed a program of study in a STEM major. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that the major and the major CIP code listed on the student’s I-20 matches up with their list of STEM CIP codes. The list of Capital majors meeting these requirements is listed on the STEM OPT instructions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also requires that employers meet specific requirements before a STEM OPT extension can be considered. Employers must have an e-verify employment number and must also work with the employee to complete, sign and regularly evaluate the employee on form I-983; training plan. A person who is eligible for a STEM extension must file this application before the end date of their current OPT. Unlike a traditional OPT application, a STEM extension requires employment and a specific employer prior to applying.
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training-paid or volunteer temporary employment-is a way for students in F-1 immigration status to gain practical experience and work authorization in their field of study before they graduate. Students must be earning academic credit for the internship or clinical work during CPT, or the work must be either a required or integral part of the academic program as documented in the University Bulletin or the Student Handbook for the academic program. Eligibility requires students to have been full time in a qualifying immigration status for one academic year, or on F-1 status for one academic year. ESL students are ineligible for CPT. The controlling federal regulations is 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10).
GSA is a recognized campus student organization with membership open to all Capital University students. This organization plans cultural events to provide opportunities for Capital University students, faculty and staff to learn about world cultures and events that shape our world. The organization also plans social and community service events for its members. Watch your e-mail for important announcements and follow the activities on Instagram.
Popular trips and events have included:
- Trip to Old Man’s Cave and Hocking Hills State Park
- Shopping trips to Easton
- Culture Night
- Halloween Pumpkin Carving
- Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo
- Skiing or Tubing at Mad River Mountain
- Ice Skating
- Trips to Columbus Metro Parks
- Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration