Frequently Asked Questions for International Students and Athletes

Who should I send my information to at the college?

All documents should be forwarded to Haley Walter, International Student Advisor at East Central College.

How should I send documents and contact the college?

The preferred method is through e-mail to Haley Walter at haley.walter@eastcentral.edu. International phone calls will not be returned.

Who do I need to show bank documents and an affidavit of support?

The monetary support from you and your family members is essential to be successful in college. The money covers expenses for rent, utilities, food, insurance, and transportation.

Do I need a physical to participate in athletics? Do I need proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) negative test?

Yes, all student athletes need a physical on file with the athletic department before they can participate. All students need to have proof from a medical doctor of a negative tuberculosis test before registering for the first semester of classes at ECC.

Do I need insurance while I am attending East Central College and how does it differ from medical services in my home country?

Yes, all international and student athletes need to provide proof of US medical insurance. Medical insurance is needed at all times while in the US. Medical treatment is not free like in most countries with socialized medicine.

Will my traveler’s insurance suffice for my medical coverage?

In most instances, traveler’s insurance must be for the period you will be staying in the US and cover all medical treatments. (Not recommended)

When can I expect my I-20?

After all supporting documents are received in the International Admissions office, it will take 14 days to process and you will be notified of admission to the college and sent an I-20 via email.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee?

Yes, it is the responsibility of the student to pay the mandatory SEVIS fee at the current rate.

How many months can I study under my current F-1 Student Visa?

The Visa is valid for 36 months. The student’s I20 allows for up to 30 months of coursework.

When should I book my plane ticket?

Do not book your ticket until you have your I-20 and receive your F-1 Visa from the US Embassy Office in your home country.

Which airport do I fly into and how far is the airport from campus?

St. Louis-Lambert International is 55 miles (88 km) from the East Central College Campus.

Do I need to do anything when I arrive to campus for the first time?

You need to bring your passport and F-1 Student Visa to Haley Walter to be entered into the SEVIS system.

Can I work on campus?

Yes, but there are limited amounts of jobs on campus. You will also have to obtain a Social Security/ Department of Homeland Security Authorization number in order to work on campus which can be obtained by taking a letter from the prospective supervisor on campus and your class schedule to the Social Security Office.

Social Security Office
43 Prairie Dell Plaza, Suite 5
Union, MO – 63084
800-772-1213

Can I work off campus with my F-1 Student Visa?

No, international students cannot work off-campus jobs according to the F-1 Student Visa regulations.

When I leave at semester break what do I need to do to leave and re-enter the United States?

You will need to check in with Steffani McCrary with your passport and student visa to be tracked in the SEVIS system a minimum of one week before you are scheduled to leave. You should not leave until your finals are completed and return prior to the start of the next semester.

What do I do for transportation?

International students are encouraged to live as close to campus as possible. There are options of living within walking distance of the campus. When living with roommates with a car, it is expected to contribute money towards fuel.

What if I am feeling homesick the first week I arrive to campus?

You can meet individually with your coach, athletic director, or a counselor in the Student Service Center to help with your adjustment to living in the United States and attending East Central College. We encourage you to contact family and friends often.

How do I make contact with my family back home?

Set up an international plan on your personal phone. You should try to set up a Zoom account, or FaceTime with them over Wi-Fi, to talk directly with your parents or other family members. Email is the most preferred method. ECC does not provide international calling.

What items should I bring with me as I travel from my home country?

You should bring all clothing items- shirts, shorts, pants, and long sleeve shirts as well as shoes for training, a winter coat, pillow, sheets for a single bed. It is helpful to also bring cash for bed when you arrive. You can also purchase these upon arrival in the U.S. if you would prefer.

What is the weather like in Missouri?

You will experience extreme heat in August with temperatures reaching 100◦F for multiple days. A mild fall during the months of Sept.-November. Cold winter months from December through February. Rainy season in March-May.

Is there shopping close to campus?

All essential items can be purchased at Walmart or Aldi. Both are located near campus.

Are there other activities on campus besides athletics?

Yes, the ECC Student Activities Director conducts campus intramural events. There are also many other special interest clubs and art, music, and theater performances on campus.

Why do I need to attend classes on a regular basis and remain about 12 credit hours?

In order to be eligible for athletics, you must attend all class meetings and keep at least 12 hours for athletic eligibility. If you are dropped for non-attendance in a course by an instructor and you fall below 12 hours you are ineligible for intercollegiate athletic competition at the NJCAA level. Dropping below full-time can lead to a SEVIS violation and possible forfeiture of your I20. Please meet with your coach or Steffani McCrary before a situation arises.

How is the length of my athletic scholarship determined?

Scholarships are for a fall and spring semester period and renewable for a second year at the discretion of the coach and athletic department based on academic and athletic performance.

What if I feel I can’t live with my roommate after trying for a period of time?

After discussions with your coach and athletic director, you may be responsible for breaking an apartment lease and could possibly move in with another roommate.

How do I set up a bank account?

One of the best ways to set up a bank account is to find out which banks in Union will accept monetary wires from foreign countries in order for your family to send you money with minimal fees.

What happens if I do not pay my school bills?

You will be dropped from courses and not be allowed to register for the next semester. Once you are not enrolled in classes, you will also lose your SEVIS status, and your I-20 will be revoked.

What happens if I do not pay my rent and other bills?

You may be evicted from your apartment or utilities may be turned off.