New Student F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is College of Charleston Located?
A: College of Charleston is located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, 115 miles from the state capital, Columbia, and 300 miles from Atlanta Georgia. Charleston is a coastal city and is only 20 minutes from some of the best beaches in the Southeast. The population of the Charleston metropolitan area is around 600,000.
Q: How accessible is Charleston?
A: Charleston is accessible from the Charleston International Airport in North Charleston. Amtrak passenger train services are also available from the North Charleston Amtrak Station.
Q: What is Charleston’s weather like?
A: Charleston has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, hot and humid summers, and significant rain fall year around.
Q: How well known is the College of Charleston?
A: The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life, and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities, and cutting-edge programs.
Q: Who is considered a foreign or international student?
A: For purposes of applying for admission to the College of Charleston anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered a foreign or international student.
Q: How many international students are at the College of Charleston?
A: We normally maintain an international exchange enrollment of 100 students from many different countries including: Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The College also welcomes many degree seeking international students from all over the world.
Q: When does the school year begin and end?
A: The school year at the College of Charleston begins in late August and ends in early May. The spring semester begins in January for those students wishing to begin class midyear.
Q: What is the admissions process for full-time degree seeking international students?
A: International students (anyone who would require a U.S. student visa to study at the College) follow the same application process as domestic students, with a few additional requirements. As and international student, you will need to follow the application process for a freshman, or a transfer student if you have attended a post-secondary institution. Instructions for the application as well as application deadlines can be found at the College of Charleston’s admissions website: http://admissions.cofc.edu/.
Q: What kind of tests does the College of Charleston require for international students?
A: if English is not your native language, you are required to submit proof of English language proficiency, regardless of citizenship. The TOEFL or IELTS exams are accepted by the College of Charleston to determine a student’s proficiency in English. The College of Charleston does not accept the Michigan Test o English Language Placement ( MTELP). If English is your native language you must submit either an SAT or ACT exam score.
Q: How many courses can I take?
A: A minimum of 12 credit hours per semester are required. This is usually 3-4 classes.
Q: Does the College of Charleston offer financial aid for International Students?
A: International aid resources for foreign students who wish to study in the US can be found at http://www.iefa.org/. This website has been created for international students who are interested in attending college in the United States and need financial assistance. Furthermore, student loans are available from: http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/.
Q: How do I pay tuition and related fees?
A: You may access your billing via the College's student portal MyCharleston. For detailed information on international money transfer procedures to pay your College of Charleston tuition and fees, contact the Center for International Education.
Q: Where do I live while studying at the College of Charleston?
A: International students live in on campus dormitories. International students are recommended to apply for housing before they arrive to Charleston. Once you pay your housing deposit you will receive your housing placement. International students may also choose to live off campus. You may check the College’s Residence Life web page for current off campus availability: http://reslife.cofc.edu/.
Q: Where can I stay during school breaks?
A: Most International Students are placed in Kelly House, Warren Place, George St., Liberty St., or McAlister all of which remain open during winter, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks. However, if you are not housed in one of these dorms and need a place to stay over the breaks please contact the Residence Life office.
Q: Can I work during my studies in the United States?
A: F-1 students may not work off campus jobs during the academic year, but may accept on campus employment, which is subject to certain restrictions. Although, after studying for a full academic year F-1 students are allowed to find off-campus employment. There are four types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post completion), Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). All off-campus employment must be related to the student’s area of study and must be authorized by the designated school official and USCIS. International exchange students with a J-1 visa may not work off-campus during the stay of their program.
Q: Where can I receive medical care in the area?
A: If there is an emergency dial 911 to receive immediate care. All registered students at the College of Charleston are eligible to utilize the College of Charleston’s Student Health Services. The services provided by Student Health Services are: confidential care, care for minor injuries, care for minor illnesses, examination and consultation related to gyn problems, pregnancy testing, counseling, contraceptive information, STD testing, immunization updates, tuberculosis skin testing, asthma care, allergy shots, respiratory treatments, dermatology care, diagnostic testing, and assistance with referrals to consultants.
Q: Do I need health Insurance?
A: Yes. Private health care in the US is very expensive so the College of Charleston requires all international students to have health insurance.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Probably not. Charleston is a small city in which most destinations can be reached by car. There is also the CARTA bus system that is free of charge for all College of Charleston with a valid College of Charleston student ID card. CARTA bus transit system offers Fixed-route express and Para transit service throughout the Charleston metropolitan area, including DASH service in the Historic Peninsula area of the City of Charleston. The System can take you to shopping centers, hospitals, schools, cultural centers, city and county facilities, and office parks.
Q: Can I get a driver’s license?
A: All persons authorized by the US Department of Justice, the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, or the US Department of State, to work, live, or study In the United States on a temporary or permanent basis will be eligible to apply for a beginner’s permit, driver’s license, or identification card. The expiration date of the driver’s license will be determined by the applicants authorized period of stay in the US or the expiration date of the applicant’s employment authorization document, but will not exceed 5 years.
Q: How can I get to campus from the airport?
A: A staff member from the Center for International Education can pick you up at the airport when you first arrive. If you need this service, prior to your arrival you are required to let the office staff know your arrival date, time, and your airline information. If your schedule changes, you should contact the staff with your updated information at least 72 hours prior to your arrival. A taxi service is also available from the airport to campus.
