This page helps to answer some frequently asked questions by international students. However, please always check with ISS (website or walk-in) regarding latest regulations. You can also call them at 979-845-1824 or e-mail them at iss@tamu.edu
If you find any error or wrong information in this page, please contact us. Click here to visit their website.

Travelling Outside The United States

• Please make sure that your I-20/ DS-2019 is signed for travel from the International Student Services (ISS):
• First semester student, you will need to get a new I-20
• Other students, check the date of your signatures. Make sure it is within one year of printed date and that the advisor which signed your I-20 is still working at ISS
• To get your I-20 signed, please fill out the I-20 Request Form. You can find the form from the ISS website
• For sponsored students, you will need to have your Sponsored Students Advisor signed your request form before going to the ISS
• For students on OPT, please contact ISS directly to discuss your travelling plans
• Please bring copies of your most current and all your previous I-20s during the duration of your travel in addition to your passport, visa, and I-94 card
• If you are travelling during the academic school year or coming in later than when school starts, please bring a departmental letter stating that (and not exclusive to):
  • the department permits you for travelling mid-semester or that you are coming in late
  • duration and destination of travel

Renewing Your Visa In Indonesia

• Please make sure to bring:
  • a visa letter from ISS
  • your I-20, please make sure that all information, especially financials are up-to-date
  • please call ISS directly to discuss more specific questions.

Travelling Inside The United States

• It is advised to always bring your passport and I-20 whenever you travel within the USA

Filing For Taxes

• All international students, with or without any income, are required to file for taxes. For more comprehensive information about taxes, please visit the TAMU ISS website.

Employment

• As an international student, you are only allowed to work up to 20 hours for Fall and Spring semesters. For Summer semester, however, you are allowed to work up to 4 hours. If you are interested in finding a part-time job (while you are in school) or a full-time job, here are some good links to A&M job search.>
  
  • Jobs for Aggies
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas A&M Systemwide
  Do not forget to check with ISS regarding latest regulations on employment.

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance to A&M. You are now officially an Aggie!
As part of our mission, we would like to help all Indonesian students to adjust to the life in College Station. We know how trying it can be living so far from home, especially when you are in a foreign country, but we will try as hard as we can to make the transition as easy as possible for all of you.
So, here are just a friendly suggestions on what you should do before your departure to CS:

• Let us know that you are coming.
  Click here to contact us.
  Let us know whether you need help in arranging transportation, finding apartments, getting a ride, etc. Just let us know and we will try to help you!
  
• Have important contact information ready.
  Have at least two of your friends' contact information with you. Or our officers. Or whoever will pick you up at the airport.
  Another important number to have is ISS's and the Indonesian Consulate General at Houston:
• A&M ISS: 979-845-1824
• Konjen Houston: 713-785-1691
• Know your schedule.
  All new international students are required to:
• attend the new student conference. It is separated to Undergraduate, Graduate, or Transfer.
• attend the international student orientation. They are the same for undergraduate, graduate, and transfer.
• check-in with ISS.
Student conferences/orientation typically takes about 2-3 days each. They are scheduled from morning to afternoon and will consists of various activities pertinent to new students.
They are mandatory. If you are coming in later than the conferences date, typically a late conference/check-in date will be scheduled. But it is generally adviseable to come in before the recommended date.

• International Students required to have health insurance.
  International students at TAMU – College Station can purchase the ISO MED 1 plan from www.isoa.org. The ISO Med 1 plan meets the health insurance requirements at TAMU -College Station.
• Make sure you have all of your documents with you.
  Most importantly: Passport, I20, I94, cash, and your plane ticket.
  In addition, during check-in with the ISS, it is adviseable to have your: Acceptance letter, financial documents (bank letters, letters of support, assistantship offers,etc), transcripts of your previous schools, and other documents you were required to send when applying to the university and for your I-20.
  
• Know the new travel regulations.
  
After 9/11, ariports in the US are very strict in their travel regulations. Please make sure you know what the rules are before you travel to prevent any confrontation with law officers. Websites to look at:
• From US state government website (airline regulations, visas, etc): http://travel.state.gov/
• Your airline's website. Each airline has their own regulations. Check their websites for baggage limitations.
• Tips to maintain your health during travelling: http://familydoctor.org/311.xml
• Know the weather.
  Here in Texas the weather's a bit...odd, for lack of a better word. It's nicer than the rest of the country, but weird nonetheless. So be aware of the weather conditions.
  Prepare your clothing. Have a warm jacket during your flight. Wear the right shoes for travel.
  
• Breathe and relax. You are making the right choice to come to A&M!