FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS

• What is the software “Blackboard” that I am supposed to use for class?

Blackboard is the software/learning management tool our university uses in order for professors to post their curriculum, exams, and homework for the course. You will be able to complete assignments and see your grades for each course in this application. You will be able to locate it in your MyAstate account under the box “BlackBoard”.

• Where can I purchase textbooks for my classes?

You are able to purchase your textbooks either on-campus in our A-State Bookstore or off campus at the rental book company Textbook Brokers.

• When is the last day to add or drop my courses?

The last day to add a course is the 10^th class day.

The last day to drop a course for full refund can be found here: http://www.astate.edu/a/treasurers-office/drop-dates-refunds/.  You will be responsible for fees charged if you drop past the 100% refund date.

• What official documents do I need to bring with me to A-State?

You will need to bring your DS-2019, your acceptance letter, immunization forms, and any admission documents, such as college transcripts or English proficiency test scores.

• Which courses/classes are on offer for incoming exchange students (undergrad)? 

All courses are offered to exchange students besides nursing and music unless approved by the department. Please keep in mind that most of the courses that you decide to take have to match the major listed on your DS2019 exchange document. You can find the courses for the term you are interested in here: https://ssb-prod.ec.astate.edu/PROD/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched

• Does your University accept incoming exchange students for fall 2021 for physical in-person classes, or will the exchange program be suspended through the fall/winter 2021 (Sep-Dec) semester, alternatively delivered entirely online/virtually/distance/web-based?

As of now, we are still accepting students for face-to-face classes in the fall 2021 term.

• When are the deadlines to apply for the exchange program?

The deadlines for the exchange program are the same as all of our admission deadlines. Official deadlines can be found here: https://www.astate.edu/a/global-initiatives/international/admissions/important-dates/index.dot

• Do I have to pay an application fee?

Yes, a non-refundable $50 application fee.

• What is an exchange student?
  
  In order to be an exchange student at Arkansas State University, the student's university and/or agency (such as ISEP and other third party affiliate partners) have to have a contract with Arkansas State University. Within the contract, requirements that both institutions have deemed acceptable are listed.  The information includes the English proficiency requirement (can be waived depending on the country), how many students can be sent to the host institution each year, how long the student can study as an exchange student, credit transfer, tuition and fee agreement, accommodations, etc.

•  What types of international students does A-State have?
  
  We have two types of international students we work with:
  

1. Degree seeking students that are admitted to come here to study courses and work with their advisors to find courses for their degree plan.
   
2. Non-degree seeking students who come here for only 1 or 2 semesters through an agreement with our partner institutions are called exchange.
   

• Why does the international programs department not advise the exchange students?
  
  Since our office doesn't officially academic advise, we cannot do this step. However, we are responsible for making sure the exchange student gets registered for their classes, so we work with them as a liaison between the exchange student, their home institution, and the department for course registration.
   
• What is my role as the faculty member?
  
  Faculty members play an important role to the exchanges students, as they should be understanding and supportive as the students are experiencing a new place, language and new way of teaching. Students in the non-degree seeking exchange category have classes that they need to take set by their home institution in order to graduate there. They will send us that list of courses and we work with the department contact (sometimes an advisor/sometimes a chair-whoever they designate) to make sure the courses they select have no pre-requisites. If the course does have pre-requisites and the student has already taken a similar course at their home institution (example-at A-State: marketing, at home institution: marketing tactics", we will also send this information and the students transcript/syllabi to the department to review and decide on whether the pre-requisite could be waived for the student as that is not our role in the international programs office nor do we have the power to do so for all departments. Otherwise, the student will take courses only in the non-prerequisite category.
   
• I see that this student has already taken A-State courses, why are they labeled as exchange?
  
  We have a partner university located in Queretaro Mexico called "Arkansas State University Queretaro Campus". Now while these students are Arkansas State University students, they are not Arkansas State University Jonesboro campus students as the Jonesboro and Queretaro campus has various curriculums and degree plans. Therefore, they are still considered exchange students.

• Do I have to pay out of pocket for the laundry services?

Yes, you will need to pay for laundry services on your own at one of the laundry mates on campus.

• Is it mandatory to live on campus as an incoming exchange student, and if so, what are the costs for housing/meal plan?

While it is not mandatory, we do encourage our exchange students to live on campus to gain the exchange experience with their new A-State peers. If you decide to live off-campus, your waiver of housing/meals (if the agreement with your institution states housing/meals to be waived) will not be applied and you are unable to receive a stipend to cover your off living costs. Therefore, you would have to fund your own living expenses off-campus. For more costs information regarding housing and meals, please continue to this link. https://www.astate.edu/a/university-housing/files/2020-2021+Rates.pdf?language_id=1

• What are the housing options?

You can review what housing options are available by accessing the following links:

Arkansas State University Red Wolf Den video tour - YouTube

Arkansas State University, The Circle Tour - YouTube

Arkansas State University, Pack Place Building Tour - YouTube

STEM den: https://youtu.be/_4MeEdkbO04

Kays Hall: https://youtu.be/ghwujlkTM54

University Hall: https://youtu.be/2BKvl1bG7IQ

• I'm already insured via my home University (health insurance 100% coverage – no limitation in amount). Will I be required to, in addition to my own insurance plan, purchase an additional University Health Insurance Plan, and what is the cost for this? Can I waive (opt-out) of it or am I automatically enrolled and billed for your health insurance plan?

If you are a non-ISEP student, you will have to purchase the mandatory health insurance from A-State so you are covered while in the U.S. There is no waiver that you are able to receive in regards to insurance. If you are an ISEP student, you do not have to purchase A-State’s mandatory insurance.  

• How do I get involved on campus as an international student?

Many organizations allow you the opportunity to get involved here at A-State. Check out our “Registered Organizations” page to see what organizations you would like to apply for today.

• Are there any students from my country who I could connect with at A-State?

Contact our International Ambassadors to connect with students from your region of the world!

Nonrefundable costs:

• Health Insurance estimated at $450 for spring or an estimated $650 for fall.
• A $350 international student fee.
• $100-$300 Access codes and book costs depending on your major
• Visa costs
• Luggage costs depending on airline

Refundable costs:

• $100 housing deposit that you will receive back upon checkout if the room has not been damaged.
• $90 per MMR shot (2) and $65 TB shot that you can get back with your insurance here from A-State. Contact our office to receive more information about the process of receiving your refund for your vaccinations.

*These prices are estimated amounts that are subject to change each term and/or year.

• What transportation is provided in Jonesboro?

International Programs provides a complimentary shuttle for you to use. More information about this shuttle is found here: http://www.astate.edu/a/global-initiatives/international/international-student-services/transportation-and-travel/index.dot.

There is also the Jonesboro community shuttle, called JET, that you can use for a fee. https://www.jonesboro.org/281/JET

• I feel lonely, whom can I talk to?

Not only is our International Programs Office available for you to talk to, you are also able to utilize our Counseling Center on our campus as well.