Visas
Which visa type are the majority of Mac international students on?
F-1 Visa
True/False?
International students can take most of their classes remotely.
FALSE
They can only take up to 3 credits remotely (back to pre-COVID regulations).
True/False - Gift cards are a good form of payment for international students.
FALSE! Gift cards are taxed at 30% for international students.
TRUE/FALSE?
Now that weed is legal in MN, international students can eat and toke all they want.
FALSE
Still not federally legal. International students must follow federal laws.
True/False?
A student can remain in the US past their visa expiration date.
True!
A visa is only a ticket INTO the US. The valid I-20 document (ISP provides) is what keeps them in legal status.
Students only need to renew their visa if they leave on an expired visa and want to return.
On average, what percentage of our international students declare a STEM major?
> 70%
True/False?
Students can work at Dunn Bros, Macalester summer camps, be a social media influencer, house/pet sit, tutor, etc.
FALSE
Students are not allowed to work off-campus or remotely unless it is a registered internship (CPT) that relates to their major
AND
Any on-campus employer must provide a service to students (ie: Bon App, Highlander)
Feet on the ground test.
TRUE/FALSE?
International students who have a driver’s license from their home country can drive in MN legally.
FALSE
They must get a valid MN license within 60 days of arrival to drive in MN.
Besides visas, name 3 challenges that international students face that don’t affect domestic students.
Being in a new country/culture/language
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Needing to take at least 12 credits
Cannot work off-campus w/o CPT
Cannot work outside of major field
Navigating new healthcare system/insurance
30% taxation
First time being a minority/outsider
Grading system/classroom etiquette
TRUE/FALSE?
International students can stay in the US during a leave of absence (LOA).
FALSE
International students must depart the US within 15 days of the LOA approval.
What is the work authorizations called that students must have to work off-campus 1) while a student and 2) after they graduate?
Bonus 50 points: What does off-campus work need to relate to?
1) Curricular Practical Training (CPT)- During studies
2) Optional Practical Training (OPT)- After graduation
Their major! (not minors)
What would be the consequences of an international student being caught with underage drinking or getting a DUI?
Their visa could be revoked.
Could also affect their ability to obtain a future visa, permanent residency or US citizenship.
An international student is struggling in your class. They are registered for 12 credits. What would you advise them to do?
They should NOT drop without authorization! It would be a violation of their F-1 student visa to go below 12 credits.
They would need a "Reduced Course Load" authorization which has to be recommended by a licensed medical professional and approved by ISP staff.
What are some challenges that international students may face in an American classroom? Name at least 2.
Participation (not common in other cultures)
Language barrier- lectures, fast speech, slag, idioms
Curriculum is catered to Americans
Cultural concepts
Casual relationship with professors
True/False?
The regulations allow a Mac alum on STEM OPT to do research at Mac (in a paid position)
FALSE
Bonus 150 points:
Why?
How many years does ISP work with a typical international student?
7-8 years
~70% international students are STEM majors which allow them to work for up to 3 years after graduation.