Exchange Visitor Program

Neal McCrillis, Director

Christine Murphey, Administrative Coordinator

Adam Johnson, Assistant Director

Who Can Help You?

Christine Murphey, Administrative Coordinator

Administrative process Assisting you in obtaining your visa Questions regarding required

documents for visa application

Scheduling your required orientation with our Human Resources Dept.

Obtaining health insurance

Who Can Help You?

Christine Murphey, Administrative Coordinator, continued

Assisting in the arrival processReimbursement of costs (airfare, visa

fee, etc.)Any questions regarding housing,

transportation, etc.Obtaining your Social Security

Number

Who Can Help You?Adam Johnson, Assistant Director

Healthcare information: Which doctors to see if you

become ill or injuredTax Assistance

Which forms to complete when filing your U.S. taxes

Who Can Help You?

Dr. Neal McCrillis, Director

Questions regarding your courses

Your responsibilities as a visiting scholar (including giving lectures across campus, etc.)

Making contact with your colleagues on campus

Important J-1 Visa Information

Maintain valid passport at all times

If traveling abroad after your arrival – you MUST have a travel signature on your Form DS-2019 before leaving. CIE will assist with this.

Ensure that you have a valid visa in your passport, to allow you to return to the U.S.

Mandatory Health Insurance

All Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required to carry health insurance

Insurance must be obtained through the University System of Georgia or you must provide proof of insurance from your home country prior to your arrival (obtain form from CIE)

Your health insurance provider is UnitedHealthcare

Mandatory Health Insurance Contact CIE to determine cost, which depends on your

age.

Costs for family members vary, check with CIE

$15 co-pay for standard doctor office visits

Must visit a physician that is “in-network”

Hospital emergency room visits involve extra costs including an additional out-of-pocket deductible.

Dental expenses are NOT covered, other than injury to sound and natural teeth and removal of full impacted wisdom teeth

Social Security Number (SSN) You must have a SSN in order to work in the

U.S.

CIE will assist you in obtaining a SSN

You must wait 10 days after your arrival to the U.S. before applying for a SSN

CIE will provide you with a letter of employment

You must go to the Social Security Administration to complete the application

You will receive a social security card in the mail

CSU Benefits

Shuttle bus between campusesComputer labs LibraryFitness Center including pool, climbing wall,

fitness classes (small monthly fee)Free or low cost admission to CSU events

Sporting events Music performances Theatre performances

In addition …

You have your own personal email address and account at CSU through CougarNet

CougarNet also allows you to view and change your address, view account information and much more!

Housing

Provided by CSU

All utilities are included

Scholar residence includes: Full kitchen with stove, dishwasher,

eating area Washer & Dryer 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms Linens – sheets/towels Television with cable access & DVD player Computer Wi-fi

Address: 25 W. 10th St., Apt. 1 Columbus, GA 31901

Other Information

Finances

You will want to open a local bank account, as direct deposit of your pay into a U.S. account is required.

This will allow for free check cashing and ATM withdrawals

Other Information, continuedTelephone calls

Local telephone service is provided Long distance telephone service -

You will need to purchase a cell phone and/or SIM card, as well as a long distance phone card in order to make telephone calls

Safety Issues In case of emergency, dial 9 1 1 on

any phone Emergency contact numbers for

repair issues to the residence, etc., are provided on site.

Other Information, continued

Transportation

There is a local transit (bus) system and a CSU bus system

Purchase of a bicycle is optional (CIE can assist with this)

Zip Cars are available on campus for hourly rental (contact CIE for more details on this, as a letter from your home country Driver’s Services Office is required for use)

Other Information, continued

Driving

You may drive in the U.S. with your own driver’s license

Purchase of a car is not necessary, due to the short length of your stay.

Welcome to CSU!

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions before your arrival!

We look forward to your joining our faculty as a visiting scholar!