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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Newly Admitted Students Coming from US Institution

This Checklist if for New Undergraduate & Graduate Students Coming from a U.S. High School or Language School

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Step 1: Accept your Admission to CSUSM by Requesting your I-20

You may request your transfer I-20 by clicking on the link included in the email sent from International Admissions and the Office of Global Education. Please request your transfer I-20 as soon as possible.  In addition, you have two options for receiving your I-20: request it be sent by regular U.S. Postal Service mail within the U.S. to a local mailing address or outside the U.S. to your permanent address (length of delivery unknown); OR you can personally pay for the shipment of your I-20 through eShipGlobal. (FedEx, UPS or DHL)

"eShipGlobal" is an online service that allows students to easily pay for Express Mail with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover cards only).  Do not request delivery through the FedEx, DHL or UPS websites. All Express Mail related communication will be handled by the eshipGlobal service. To pay for Express Mail delivery through eshipGlobal, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to: https://study.eshipglobal.com (link is external) (works best with Internet Explorer & Mozilla Firefox browsers).
  2. Click on "Sign up" under the Students section.
  3. Register for an account by completing the online form. Have the CSUSM Student ID number, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and credit card information ready.
  4. Email newintl@csusm.edu with your eshipGlobal Order number.
  5. For any difficulties, use the “Help (link is external)” link in the eshipGlobal site for step-by-step instructions. The Office of Global Education is unable to resolve technical problems associated with the eshipGlobal service.

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Step 2: Request a transfer of your SEVIS record from your current International Student Advisor:

You will need to show them your CSU San Marcos Admission’s Letter. The transfer of your I-20 will only be done once you have completed your program of study at your previous school.

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Step 3: Review Pre-Arrival Information Document sent to your Email

The Office of Global Education has sent you an E-mail with an attachment document called “Pre-Arrival Info Packet”. Please read this document carefully for detailed information on pre-arrival requirements.

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Step 4: Prepare your Finances

You must bring enough money to pay for your tuition, homestay or housing fees, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. Click on Tuition and Fees to view the estimated expenses per academic year for International Students.

Students will receive an email with detailed information regarding the Tuition Payment Plan.

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Step 5: Plan Housing Arrangements before you arrive

You must make housing arrangements before you leave your home country. You must confirm your on campus housing, homestay with a local family, or other off-campus housing before you arrive in San Marcos.The Office of Global Education cannot reserve housing for you. Please read the student housing options below.

Homestay with Local Families

Living with an American family in homestay is one of the best ways to learn about American culture and customs. Many students choose homestay for their first semester. You may contact the following homestay agency directly to apply for homestay: Housing Information: Homestay

Homestay also offers short term stays.  We recommend homestay if you are unsure where you want to live and need time to search when you arrive to the US.  You can request a one month stay and the host family will help you become acclimated to the San Marcos area.

Campus Housing

CSUSM offers two options for on-campus housing: The UVA (University Village Apartments) and the QUAD. Please apply early. Campus Housing fills up many months before each semester. 

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Step 6: Meet the Immunization and Health Insurance Requirements

You must complete the Office of Global Education Immunization Form BEFORE arrival, and maintain adequate health insurance all year round.

Immunizations:

There are three immunizations that you will need to show proof of: MMR, TB and Hepatitis B.

IF students cannot provide proof of immunization, they must arrange these during their first semester of school. The CSU San Marcos Student Health and Counseling Services provides the immunizations.

Health Insurance:

You may meet the health insurance requirement in one of two ways:

  1. Purchase CSU-sponsored health insurance from Aetna Student Insurance (offered through Wells Fargo). You are encouraged to purchase your health insurance before you arrive. Purchase CSU-sponsored health insurance. 

  2. If you wish to purchase a health insurance from your home country you must receive prior approval from the Office of Global Education. Please send details of the health insurance coverage before purchasing it to the Office of Global Education for evaluation. Please note that if the outside health insurance does not conform to CSU requirements, the Office of Global Education will require you to purchase the CSU-sponsored health insurance. 

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Step 7: Traveling Between Programs

You are allowed to travel and re-enter the U.S. between school programs. However, you must re-enter the U.S. with the CSU San Marcos I-20. Please make sure  you have received your I-20 from the Office of Global Education before your travels. Remember you must also have a valid visa to re-enter the U.S.

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Final Step: Attend International Student Orientation

Attendance for our International Student Orientation is MANDATORY. 

  • Fall 2021 Orientation Dates: August 24, 25 & 26
  • Check in: August 24, 2021 
  • Location: Extended Learning Building
  • Parking: PS2 (Parking Structure 2 beside Extended Learning Building)

    • You will need to purchase a parking permit each day – permit booth located in the upper back corner

    • Daily Rate: $9.00

* The Office of Global Education will send you a CAMPUS MAP with Orientation location

We look forward to meeting you! 

If you have any questions please email: newintl@csusm.edu