Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes should I take? ... Can I take classes other than business? ... How will I register for my classes? ... How will I get my transcripts at the end of the term? ... What does "TR" mean on the schedule of classes? ... What if I decide I want to stay for more than one term? ... Do I have to go to the orientation? ... How do I find a place to live? ... What kind of health insurance do I need? ... Why do I have to pay fees to OSU? ... How much will it cost to live? ... How do I get my visa? ... What if I want to stay in the U.S. longer than the date on my visa?
 To comply with visa regulations, undergraduate students must take at least 12 credits, and graduate students must take at least nine credits. Most business classes are four credits each; most classes from other colleges are three credits each. American students typically take between 15-18 credits per term (4-6 classes); exchange students usually take between 12-15 credits (3-4 classes) per term.
Yes. Exchange students can take Psychology, Foreign Language, Women's Studies, Economics and Physical Activity Courses, to name just a few popular choices. We can allow you access to most business courses that you may request, however, we cannot allow you into classes from other colleges that may already be full.
For example, you want to take a Psychology class, but when it's your turn to register all of the seats are already full. You will then need to go to that department when you arrive and ask them for an override.
Once you submit your application, our office will register you for your classes during your scheduled registration time. Please keep in mind that we may not be able to give you your top choices, so it's important to provide us with alternate classes. After we complete this process we will send you a copy of your schedule for the term. It is possible to make changes to this schedule after you arrive at OSU.
Grades will be posted by the Tuesday following finals week. Once we have access to the grades we will process your transcripts and mail them to your international coordinator.
"T" indicates that a class is taught on a Tuesday; "R" indicates that a class is taught on a Thursday. "M" = Monday and "W" = Wednesday.
We have had the pleasure of hosting many exchange students for more than one term. The answer to this question will depend on the decision from your home school and how balanced the numbers of incoming and outgoing students are between your school and OSU. In many cases it is possible for exchange students to stay for more than one term. These arrangements should be made in advance.
Yes. There are two orientations that exchange students must attend. The first one is presented by the Office of International Education at OSU. The focus of this meeting will be on safety and visa issues. Document check in and verification is also a part of this orientation. The College of Business will also have an orientation. This will focus on academics, course structure, fees, important dates and deadlines, and class schedules for the term. We will also give you a tour of the sports facilities, our computer lab and our new Entrepreneurship Center, Weatherford Hall.
Your international coordinator will have housing applications and information to give to you. It is important to make your housing arrangements before you arrive in Corvallis as housing is very tight, and there are not many furnished apartments available. If you want to live off-campus you will need to complete the application and mail it to our office along with a housing deposit which will reserve your room. OSU On-campus housing is done through an online housing application. You will need your GAP and Student ID number to complete this process. Our office can provide you with this information.
Health insurance information may be found on-line at the Student Health Services web site. If you have your own coverage that meets OSU requirements, then it is very important that you sign the Insurance Waiver form as soon as you arrive on campus. If you do not sign the form you will be billed $280.00 per term for ASOSU health insurance coverage.
Education in America is very expensive. Every term all students are charged fees which cover many of the facilities and resources that available for all students to use. At the current time, exchange students must pay these fees. For the 2006-07 academic year, these fees totaled ~ $500.00 per term. Students pay these fees at the Student Account window in the Kerr Administration building. *Effective fall term 2006, there is also a $30 charge for the International Education orientation.
(Note: Students from Australia do NOT pay facilities and/or resource fees to OSU. You will pay your usual fees to UTS.)
| Expense |
Amount |
Information |
| Food (per term) |
$450 |
$5 for a fast food value meal/$3.25 for a gallon of milk/$2.00 for a loaf of bread |
| Rent (per month) |
$350 |
Off-campus apartment |
| Fees |
$409 |
For use of OSU facilities |
| Student ID card |
$10 |
|
| Books (per term) |
$150-$300 |
|
| Medical Insurance (per term) |
$286 |
Cost of OSU insurance, waived if you buy suitable insurance from home country |
| Telephone (per month) |
$30 |
|
| Movie |
$5/$8 |
$5 for an afternoon matinee and $8 for an evening ticket |
| DVD Rental |
$4 |
Per DVD |
| Pizza |
$10 |
For a large cheese pizza, extra toppings will increase the price |
| Beer |
$6 |
Cost for 6-pack of imported beer |
| City bus |
0 |
No charge with student ID card for city transit |
| Gas |
$2.49 |
Per gallon |
The Office of International Education in Snell Hall helps all exchange students with visa questions and issues. (College of Business helps you with other issues such as classes and housing). Once accepted to the Stonehill Exchange program, you will receive a DS 2019 document from the International Education office and you can use this to apply for your visa. More information about visas is available at their website: click here.
The DS 2019 form issued to you for your program must remain valid at all times. If you need more time, and wish to apply for an extension, please contact an International Student Advisor at least 4-6 weeks before the ending date of your DS 2019. Forms and instructions are available in the lobby area of the 4th floor at Snell Hall. I
If subject to the two-year country physical presence requirement, please take note. If you apply for a waive of the requirement and receive a favorable recommendation from the USIA, you are not eligible for an extension of J-1 stay after the USIA action.
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