International Students - Important Facts and Services
International student services (ISS) provides services to help international students adjust to their new environment and become part of the Central College community.
International Student Services Coordinator
Once you have arrived on campus, Debora Hunt will assist you with arrival date, course registration, transportation arrangements, housing issues, I-20's, and other services listed below.
Pre-departure Information
A packet of materials will be sent to you after you are admitted and before you arrive at Central containing information needed to apply for your visa and to prepare for your arrival on campus.
Transportation
A representative from the college will meet students upon first arrival at the Des Moines International Airport or bus station (about 40 minutes from campus) and provide free transportation to campus. Cost for subsequent trips are the responsibility of the student.
Scheduled shuttle service is available to and from the Des Moines International Airport or bus station in Des Moine when leaving or arriving during breakes. Arrangements with Central drivers can be scheduled one week in advance and at the expense of the student.
Housing
Central College is a residential campus and requires that students live on campus. Housing in residence halls is assured upon receipt of the initial deposit. International students may remain in campus housing during breaks. There is an additional charge for housing during summer break. Emergency housing is provided for a few days for early arrival or late departure at the beginning and end of the academic year. Learn more about housing.
Eating on campus
Students are required to purchase the meal plan. There are a variety of food options, including those with special dietary and vegetarian needs. See current menus.
Orientation Program
New international students will arrive early and participate in an orientation prior to the start of the semester. The orientation includes meeting other international students, a tour of campus and of Pella, meeting with important resource people, an overview of immigration requirements and maintaining student status, academic advising and course registration, and cross-cultural information.
Academic Assistance
Students are matched with a faculty member as their academic adviser, who assists them in planning their course schedules. The initial academic adviser for international students is Brandyn Woodard. Once the student has declared a major, a professor in that department will be assigned as primary adviser.
The Center for Academic Excellence provides a free peer-tutoring service to students who want to increase their skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening or studying, and for those who want help with specific courses. Trained student tutors help large numbers of students each semester. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis or by appointment.
Transferring Credit
Students transferring credit from another university abroad are strongly encouraged to have their transcripts evaluated by an international transcript evaluation service. World Education Service is a reputable service to use. The cost of this service is the responsibility of the student.
Group Medical Insurance
Group medical insurance is provided for all students. Students may also use the campus Health Center for wellness exams, vaccinations and to treat minor illnesses.
Counseling Services
Central College provides counseling and assistance with legal documents pertaining to student visa issues, obtaining a social security card and filing income tax forms.
Counseling for medical problems is available through the Health Center and for mental or emotional problems through the director of counseling. Professional resources are also available in the community.
Activities
International Student Services organizes monthly trips to nearby places of interest. Past excursions have included trips to the Nelson Pioneer Farm, the Iowa Renaissance Festival, dinner with an Amish farm family, a tour of the state capitol, an Asian Film Festival in Iowa City and shopping trips to Des Moines. Each year during fall break, students take a trip to Chicago.
Central College also organizes many activities on campus. These include concerts, dance performances, comedians, sports events and theatre productions. Check out the schedule here.
International Club
Membership in the International Club is open to all students who share an interest in international issues and dialogue. The club organizes monthly activities on campus. Learn more about the International Club.
Career Center
The Career Center assists students in defining career goals, finding off-campus internships and job search strategies or plans for graduate school. Learn more about the Career Center.
On-Campus Employment
Degree-seeking international students are eligible to work part time on campus during the academic year and full time during the summer. Learn more about on-campus employment.
Study abroad programs
Students are eligible to study abroad on Central College’s study abroad programs after completing their freshman year on campus and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. Learn more about Central College Abroad
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Debora Hunt. E-mail her at huntd@central.edu or fax 1-641-628-5634.
