Global Education: Pre-Arrival Information

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Pre-Arrival Information for International Students

It is important that you prepare well in advance for your trip to the U.S. and for your studies at Waukesha County Technical College. The following information will help you in this process. Please read all sections thoroughly so that you do not miss important paperwork or deadlines.

Assessment & Placement Testing

ALL new international students are required to take placement tests in both English and Math before registering for classes. Students should expect to take placement testing during orientation if they did not take them as part of the application process. 

Certain programs also have additional testing requirements, like computer skills, for example. If you are outside of the US, you will take these assessments upon arrival to the US. 

Learn more about placement and computer skills assessments at: https://www.wctc.edu/academics/academic-resources/testing-services/index.php

Expenses

In addition to the estimated cost of tuition, fees, books/supplies, medical insurance, and living expenses noted on your I-20, you will want to bring money for the following expenses that you may incur upon your arrival:

• Bedding, bath supplies, kitchen supplies, personal items, etc.
• First and last month's rent and security deposit are typically required for students renting an apartment. The cost for this can vary but plan on $1,200 USD minimum.
• Emergency cash for unexpected expenses, minimum $300 USD.

If you are planning to pay your tuition by wire transfer, we recommend you do so in advance as your registration will be placed on hold if your payment has not been completed at the time of registration. The amount for the wire transfer should be approximately half the amount listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. For students living off campus: do not include the amount for living expenses. Note that the amount on your I-20 is for the whole year, and includes living expenses and other fees which may not be due directly to the university.

Contact Student Billing with any questions about tuition costs: billing@wctc.edu

Do not book your plane ticket until you have received your visa. Keep in mind that you can legally arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20.

Carry your passport, visa, I-20, and I-901 receipt with you when you board the plane. Do not place these items in checked baggage. You will not be allowed to board the plane if you do not have all required immigration documentation with you.

At the port of entry, you will speak with a Customs and Border Protection Officer who will examine your documents and stamp your passport. If you have any problems at the port of entry, please contact Global Education at 262-695-3424 or 262-695-3481 and make sure to leave a message if no one answers. If the immigration officer has questions, provide the officer with this number to call. Keep all your immigration documents available, because you will need to present them to Global Education at Orientation.