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    International Student Guide |The Culinary Institute of America

    to The Culinary Institute of America.

    At the CIA, we value the diverse cultural and

    culinary perspectives that you and fellow

    international students bring to our college.

    This guide is designed to help you make a

    smooth transition to college life and life

    in the United States. We look forward to seeing

    you on campus!

    CONTENTSStudent Visa Information............ 2

    Visa Interview............................. 3

    Transfer Credit........................... 4

    Enrollment Packet...................... 4

    Housing

    Health

    Before Leaving........................... 5

    Financial Information.................. 5

    Payment Options

    How to Transfer MoneyBanking Services

    Traveling to the CIA................... 6

    Local Hotels............................... 8

    Clothing..................................... 9

    College Vacations...................... 9

    First Few Days............................ 9

    Residence Check-in

    Phone Calls

    Meals on First DayAfter Registered

    FAQs.......................................... 10

    Helpful Hints.............................. 11

    Residence Hall Rooms

    Off-Campus Storage

    Area Shopping

    Medical Insurance

    Religious Services

    Web Sites Helpful forInternational Students.................. 12

    CIA Contacts............................... 12

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    IMPORTANT INFORMATIONIn order to prepare the Form I-20 correctly, thefamily name and first name must match your passport

    . Please provide a copy of your passportsPersonal Information page to the CIA AdmissionsDepartment for this purpose.

    STUDENT VISASYou are responsible for yourself and your family withregard to immigration and visa laws. CIA staff willprovide assistance and advisement where possible, butultimately, you are responsible for knowing andcomplying with the laws of the United States, yourhome country, and those of the countries to whichyou travel while you are a CIA student. This includesnon-immigrant F-1 visa regulations.

    Keep in mind that you are expected to understand the

    F-1 student visa regulations, both the responsibilitiesand the benefits.

    Please note: To remain IN-STATUS, you mustcontinually attend class on a full-time basis. Academicor disciplinary suspension will terminate your F-1student status, requiring a reinstatement application ordeparture.

    Special note for Canadian students:At this time,Canadians must have passports but do not need visasto enter the U.S. A student should present the form

    I-20

    A-B and financial documentation at theCanadian/U.S. border.

    As a holder of an F-1 student visa, you may acceptemployment in the U.S. if you maintain a full-timecourse of study.

    Opportunities include:

    Working on campus for a maximum of 20 hours perweek with authorization by the school official.

    Completing the required externship in the U.S. withauthorization by the school official. Employmentauthorization is job-specific.

    Accepting part-time employment off campus afternine months of full-time study with authorizationfrom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)via the application process. The time worked will bededucted from post-completion employment.

    Accepting full-time employmentfor up to12 months after completion of studieswithauthorization from the DHS via the applicationprocess, which takes approximately three months.

    You must have a Social Security number to work inthe United States. All international students mayapply for a Social Security number after they havereceived a job offer. You can pick up a copy of thenecessary paperwork from the CIA AdmissionsDepartment. You will then complete and submit theseforms to the Social Security Office, located atAcademy and Main Street in nearby Poughkeepsie,NY. The office is open MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to4 p.m. This application process takes up to 10 days,with authorization from the school official. For moreinformation, please call 845-452-3584.

    Planning a Trip to Another CountryWhen planning a trip back home or to anothercountry, it is very important that you stop by theAdmissions Department to have your I-20 signed.This procedure will enable you to reenter the

    United States.

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    THE F-1 VISA:

    PREPARING FOR THE VISA INTERVIEWWhen you apply for a visa (F-1 visa for yourself andF-2 visas for your spouse and children, if applicable)

    at an American embassy or consulate, a consularofficial will interview you for about two to threeminutes.

    You should have the following documents:

    Form I-20 A-BA valid passportFinancial documentationLetter of admission from the CIASEVIS fee payment receipt

    The main purpose of the visa interview is to proveto the consular official that you will return to your

    home country after finishing your academic program.Of course, it is impossible to actually prove whetheror not a person will do something in the future. Thus,the consular official must believe that you will returnto your home country, or the visa will not be issued.

    You can reassure the consular official by talking aboutthe things that tie you to your home: family, property,and employment. You should anticipate that theinterview will be conducted in English and not inyour native language.

    Here are some specific suggestions to help youprepare for your visa interview:

    You need to be able to describe what you will dowith your degree from the CIA when you returnhome. You need to have plausible future plans inyour own country.

    It is often very helpful to have a job offerinwritingfrom an employer in your home countrypromising you a good job or a higher position whenyou return from the United States.

    You should know what the job situation is in your field inyour home country. With a little research, you can findout what the job prospects are. The U.S. consular officialswill know about these things, too. Its usually better if youcan show that you will have good job prospects in yourhome country after finishing your studies at the CIA.

    Be ready to answer questions such as Where didyou hear about The Culinary Institute of America?If you dont know very much about the CIA, theconsular official may refuse to give you a visa. Heor she may think that you are not really planning to

    go to school but are simply trying to enter the U.S.to work.

    You should write a statement of purposeexplaining why you want to attend the CIA andwhat you hope to do with the knowledge youvegained after you return to your home country.

    If your financial status is an issue, you may want topay tuition to the college in advance and present thereceipt to the consular official. The official willalmost certainly respect this gesture. Bank loans arenot good evidence of financial support for students.Consular officials may think that people with loansare more likely to seek employment in the U.S. sothey can repay the loan.

    You should be honest with consular officials at alltimes. For example, applicants in some countriesmight not want to show their true financial statusbecause they maybe trying to shield income fromtaxes. Not reporting this hidden income mayindicate that the applicants do not have enoughmoney for education in the United States. Consularofficials may not care if your family is hiding

    income from your own government. They mostlikely will, however, appreciate your honesty and bemuch more likely to grant the visa if they knowyour true financial status. Conversely, if the consularofficials believe that you are lying or have lied in aprevious interviewabout anythingthey willprobably not issue the visa.

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    Do not bring family members with you to the interview.The official wants to interview you, not your family. Anegative impression maybe created if you are notprepared to speak on your own behalf.

    Maintain a positive attitude. Do not engage the consularofficial in an argument. If you are denied a student visa,ask the official for a list of documents he or she wouldsuggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal andtry to get the reason you were denied in writing.

    Do not concede, under any circumstances, that youintend to work in the U.S. after completing your studies.While many students do work off-campus, this work isincidental to their main purpose of completing theireducation.

    If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under anycircumstances, be employed in the U.S. If asked, beprepared to address what your spouse intends to dowith his or her time while in the U.S. Doing volunteerwork and attending school are permitted activities.

    If your spouse and children are remaining behind, beprepared to explain how they will support themselves inyour absence. This can be an especially delicate area ifyou are the primary source of income for your family.Should the consular official gain the impression that youwill remit money to your family from the United States to

    support them, your student visa application will almostcertainly be denied.

    Visa interview tips compiled by John Whitney. Updated September23, 1998 by Deborah Healey. Edited by Pratt Institute Office ofInternational Affairs in 1999 and by The Culinary Institute ofAmerica in 2010.

    TRANSFER CREDITStudents who have attended other colleges anduniversities may be eligible to transfer courses for

    credit at the CIA. For details, refer to the CIA catalogor visitwww.ciachef.edu/admissions/apply/transfer.asp.

    OF NOTE IN YOUR ENROLLMENT

    PACKET

    On-Campus Housing FormTo request a room on campus, please read and sign

    the Residence Hall Agreement, complete the HousingRequest Form, make copies for your records, andreturn original forms to:

    Admissions DepartmentThe Culinary Institute of America1946 Campus DriveHyde Park, NY12538-1499U.S.A.

    Please be aware that the Residence HallAgreement is a binding contract. By signing it,you agree to all of the terms listed therein,

    including the refund policy.

    Health FormsPlease complete the appropriate sections of theImmunization Record Form and Health EvaluationForm. Ask your medical doctor to complete thesections for the physician, and then mail or fax bothcompleted forms to:

    Health Services OfficeThe Culinary Institute of America1946 Campus Drive

    Hyde Park, NY12538-1499U.S.A.Fax: 845-905-4061

    The State of New York requires that medicalinformation be completeincluding immunizationfor measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)before astudent can move on campus or register for class.The Hepatitis A vaccination is also mandatory. It isvery important that you submit your immunizationinformation to the CIA before you arrive oncampus. Many students wait to do this and areextremely disappointed when they cannot register.

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    THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING

    1.Make sure you have a valid passport with an F-1visa stamp from a U.S. Embassy. Canadians do notneed visas to enter the U.S. They must present apassport, Form I-20 A-B, SEVIS fee payment

    receipt, and financial documentation at theCanadian/U.S. border.

    2.Remember to bring the I-20 form.3.Obtain required health insurance or be prepared to

    purchase the Part B: Sickness Medical ExpenseBenefit policy at the college. Please see medicalinsurance information on page 11.

    4.Make your housing reservations.5.Read the travel directions to the CIA (see page 6).6.Have a medical and dental checkup and mail or fax

    to the CIA proof that you have had the MMR andHepatitis A immunizations.

    7.If you are staying in a residence hall, be sure topack sheets, blankets, and a pillow, unless you planto purchase these items here.

    8.Be aware that you may not bring any alcoholicbeverages, uncooked food, plants, or fruit with you.These items will be seized by U.S. Customs.

    9.If you have a valid drivers license, bring it with anofficial English translation.

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Payment OptionsWe accept personal checks, bank checks, moneyorders (U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank only), andcash (in person only). All checks should be payable to:

    The Culinary Institute of America.

    The college has contracted with Tuition ManagementSystems (TMS) to provide students with paymentalternatives.

    Internet Credit Card Payment using the TMSPayment Center

    MasterCard, Discover, or American Expressaccepted.

    A convenience fee, based on a tiered scalefrom 23%, will be charged to the card holder.

    Internet Checking and Savings Account PaymentUsing TMS Payment Center

    Electronically debit your checking or savings account.Monthly Payment PlanOur payment plan, administered by TMS, allows you tospread the cost of your education over equal, manageablemonthly payments. Your only cost is an annualenrollment fee of $75 for an Annual Plan (two semesters),or $50 for a Semester Plan. You are encouraged to join

    the plan 60 days prior to the start of your program.

    Theres a link to the TMS Web site (www.afford.com)in the Tuition and Fees section of the CIAs Website at www.ciachef.edu. Or, call TMS directly at401-921-3700. Listen to the menu carefully; if you want tomake a one-time payment or pay in full using thepayment center, choose option 1, then listen for option 3.

    For planning purposes, it is important for you to knowthat the cost of tuition in the American higher educationsystem undergoes yearly increases. At the CIA, thisincrease occurs in June, July, or August. If you have anyquestions about tuition payment or payment plans, pleasecontact the Bursars Office at 845-451-1334.

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    How can I transfer money?Contact the CIA Bursars Office at 845-451-1290 forinformation on wire transfers.

    After concluding the wire transfer, please provide theBursars Office with the following information:

    Wire dateBank nameCountry of originAmount transferredStudents nameStudents ID number

    You can give this information to the bursar by visitingthe office, by faxing it to 845-905-4030, or by mailingit to:

    Bursars OfficeThe Culinary Institute of America1946 Campus DriveHyde Park, NY12538-1499U.S.A.

    Banking ServicesInternational students are urged to open checking/savings accounts. Some can be opened by mail.

    Chase Bank4277 Albany Post RoadHyde Park, NY 12538845-229-7111

    Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union4011 Albany Post RoadHyde Park, NY 12538845-463-3011

    TD Bank North4240 Albany Post RoadHyde Park, NY 12538845-229-2675

    Foreign students must produce their passport and anotherform of ID (your CIA ID card is acceptable). Checksdeposited into new accounts (opened less than 30 days)will have a nine-business-day hold placed on their funds.Established accounts have a five-business-day hold on allout-of-state checks. Foreign checks maybe sent forcollection and a $35 fee will be assessed.

    On-Campus ServicesThe Office of Student Accounts will cash checks up to$100 per day. There is a 25-cent charge for checkcashing. Check cashing hours are from 10:3011:30a.m. and 1:302:30 p.m., MondayFriday.

    For your convenience, an ATM is located in RothHall and in the Student Recreation Center. Pleasecheck with the service of your particular card for feesand withdrawal limits. The ATMs do not acceptpayments or deposits.

    TRAVELING TO THE CIA

    Making Travel ArrangementsThe sections that follow offer information to help youplan your trip to the United States and the CIA

    campus in Hyde Park, NY. Please note that any toll-free 800 telephone numbers listed in this guidecan only be used within the United States.

    Arriving in the United StatesStewart International AirportThe closest airport to the CIA is Stewart InternationalAirport in Newburgh, NY, which is locatedapproximately 30 miles south of the college.Whenever possible, you should take a connectingflight from a major U.S. airport into Stewart. FromStewart, you can travel to the CIA via taxi service or

    rental car.Taxi service from Stewart to the CIA costsapproximately $55$60 per person. To reserve arental car, call Avis at 845-564-4400 or 1-800-331-1212(within the U.S.), or Hertz at 845-567-0180 or1-800-654-3131 (within the U.S.).

    Driving from Stewart International Airportto the CIAFrom the airport, turn left onto Route 207.Proceed to the traffic light and turn left ontoUnion Avenue. Continue on Union Avenue past

    the intersection with Route 17K. Turn right ontothe Interstate 84 east ramp. Exit onto Route 9Wgoing north. Follow Route 9W northapproximately 20 miles to the Mid-HudsonBridge entrance (on the right). Cross the bridgeand take the first exit to the right. Bear left at thebottom of the ramp to merge onto Route 9north. Follow Route 9 for three miles. The CIAis on the left.

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    Arriving in the United StatesNew York City-area AirportsThere are three major international airports in theregion located approximately two hours from theCIA: John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airportand LaGuardia Airport in New York City and

    Newark International Airport in New Jersey. If youneed help with your baggage upon arriving at oneof these airports, look for the red-capped porterswearing security badges.

    There are several alternatives for traveling to the CIAfrom these airports. You may take a connecting flightto Stewart Airport, travel by bus or train, or drive arental car.

    From the NYC-area Airports to the CIA by Bus

    SuperShuttle (212-209-7000) offers bus service fromJFK and LaGuardia airports to the Port Authority busstation in Manhattan (New York City). From thePort Authority, you can travel via the Short Line bus(201-529-3666) to Hyde Park, NY and the CIA.

    From the NYC-area Airports to the CIA by TrainAlternatively, you can continue the trip from LaGuardia,

    JFK, or Newark Airport to the CIA by train. The first stepis to travel from the airport to one of two train stations inManhattan, in the center of New York City. There areseveral ways to do this:

    To Grand Central Station by BusSuperShuttle (212-209-7000) takes passengers from theairports to Manhattans Grand Central Station. Busstops are located directly outside each airline terminal.

    To Grand Central Station by Subway (Metro)The subway (from JFK airport only) is also an option,although it can be a more complicated one since youmust switch subway trains and stations to get to GrandCentral. If you do decide on this mode oftransportation, you should take the internal airportshuttle to the subway station and then follow the NewYork City subway map. You may obtain a map at theinformation desk at the airport or at a newsstand.

    To Grand Central or Penn Station by TaxiThere are taxi stands directly outside the airportterminals, usually with a dispatcher on duty. Fares arecalculated by the trip, not by the person, and may behigher during rush hours. Once you arrive inManhattan, you can travel by train to the CIA fromeither Grand Central Station or Penn Station.

    From Grand Central Station to thePoughkeepsie Train StationYou will travel on the Metro-North Railroad toPoughkeepsie, NY (just a few miles south of HydePark and the CIA). The train trip is approximately

    1 hour and 50 minutes. You can call Metro-NorthCustomer Relations at 212-532-4900 for schedule andfare information, or visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us.

    From Penn Station to the PoughkeepsieTrain StationTake the Amtrak train to Poughkeepsie, NY.For schedules and fares, call Amtrak at1-800-872-7245 (toll free, in the U.S.), or visittheir Web site at www.amtrak.com.

    From the Poughkeepsie Train Stationto the CIA

    The Poughkeepsie station is a short taxi ridefrom the CIA. Taxi service is just outside thestation. To reserve a taxi ahead of time, call:

    Allens Taxi Service 845-485-2411

    Del-RoyTaxi Service 845-452-1222

    From the NYC-area Airports to the CIA byRental CarRental car service is available at all airports. Tomake a reservation, call:

    Avisat LaGuardia Airport 718-507-3600at JFK Airport 718-244-5400at Newark Airport 973-961-4300Toll-free, in the U.S. 1-800-331-1212

    Hertzat LaGuardia Airport 718-478-5300at JFK Airport 718-656-7600at Newark Airport 973-621-2000Toll-free, in the U.S. 1-800-654-3131

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    The following are driving directions from LaGuardia,JFK, and Newark Airports. Please note that manyarea roads and bridges require a toll.

    From LaGuardia and JFK AirportsFollow signs to the Bronx/Whitestone Bridge. Takethe Hutchinson River Parkway to Interstate 684north to Interstate 84 west to exit 13. Follow Route 9north for 16 miles. The CIA is on the left.

    From Newark AirportFollow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike north(I-95). Take I-95 to the Palisades Parkway north, then toRoute 6 east. Follow Route 6 to Route 9W north. Crossthe Mid-Hudson Bridge to Route 9 north. Follow Route9 for three miles. The CIA is on the left.ORTake the New Jersey Turnpike north (I-95) to Route 80

    west and then to Route 17. Follow Route 17 to the NewYork State Thruway (I-87) north to exit 18 (NewPaltz/Poughkeepsie). Follow Route 299 east to Route9W south. Cross the Mid-Hudson Bridge to Route 9north. Follow Route 9 for three miles. The CIA is onthe left.

    LOCAL HOTELSThe following list is provided in case you requireovernight lodging. Please call these establishments forcurrent rates and to make reservations. When youcall, inform the hotel that you are coming to the CIA.

    Courtyard by Marriott408 South Road (Route 9)Poughkeepsie, NY 12601(15 minutes south of the CIA)845-485-6336

    Hampton Inn2361 South Road (Route 9)Poughkeepsie, NY 12601(20 minutes south of the CIA)845-463-7500

    Holiday Inn Express341 South Road (Route 9)Poughkeepsie, NY 12601(15 minutes south of the CIA)845-473-1151www.poughkeepsiehi.com

    Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel40 Civic Center PlazaPoughkeepsie, NY 12601(15 minutes southeast of the CIA)845-485-5300

    Van service to the CIA is available.

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    CLOTHINGThe CIA is located in the northeastern region of theUnited States. The Northeast has a varied climate,one that allows residents to enjoy four distinctseasons. During the change of seasons (late spring,summer, and fall), light coats and jackets are

    appropriate for outdoor wear. Summers can be verywarm, with average temperatures of 6682F (1928C). For this time of the year (JuneAugust), lightclothing is needed. Average temperatures in thewinter are 2030F (-71C) from December throughMarch. Please note that during these months, thetemperature can also be significantly colder. Snowoften falls during the winter and you can expect rainduring any season of the year. You should bringappropriate clothing such as a warm coat, gloves, hat,woolen scarf, raincoat, umbrella, windbreaker jacket,waterproof boots, and long-sleeved garments.

    Casual clothing for everyday wear as well as business-like attire for formal activities and dining in the CIAsrestaurants is also recommended. You will need tohave business attire to wear during your first threeweeks of classes. If you plan to take advantage of ourStudent Recreation Center gym, swimming pool, andother athletic facilities, you should bring appropriateathletic wear.

    COLLEGE VACATIONSThe CIA community refers to student vacationperiods as winter and summer breaks. The winter

    break is approximately two weeks long and coincideswith the Christmas (December 25) and New YearsDay (January 1) holidays. The summer break is aboutthree weeks in duration and usually takes place in

    July.

    . You should therefore make alternate livingor travel plans for these vacation periods.

    YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS

    Residence Hall Check-inIf youve been assigned to a residence hall on campus,you can move into your room after 2 p.m. on the daybefore your entry date. Please report directly to theresidence hall. If you arrive after midnight, pleasecheck in at the Safety Office to obtain keys to yourroom. Your residence assistant (R.A.) can put you intouch with other international students.

    International Phone CallsYou may be eager to call home as soon as you arriveon campus (typically on a Sunday). If you plan to doso, please bring a long-distance calling card with you.It will allow you to make an international call withouthaving to wait until Monday or Tuesday, when allstudents are offered AT&T long-distance telephoneservice. In the U.S., you can buy calling cards in gasstations, convenience stores, drug stores, and airportshops. The campus bookstore also sells calling cardsMondaySaturday.

    Calling cards may be used at public phones and withmost residence phones (depending on the carrier).Each card gives step-by-step instructions for dialingthe desired party. In general, when placing aninternational call you will dial 011 for internationalaccess, the appropriate country and city codes, andthe number you are calling. Country and city codes

    are listed in the international section of the telephonedirectory or can be requested from the operator bydialing0 (the zero key). You may want to writedown your towns country and city codes before youleave home.

    Meals on Your First DayYour arrival on campus usually coincides with twodays (Sunday, and sometimes Monday) when classesare not in session. This means that the kitchens andbakeshops are not in operation and student meals arenot available. You can purchase a quick meal at theCourtside Caf and Pub at the Student RecreationCenter.

    After Youve RegisteredAfter you have registered for classes, please bringyour passport, I-94 card (the white card stapled intoyour passport), and I-20 form to the AdmissionsDepartment.

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    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Q: When do I pay my bill?A: You will pay one-half of your first-semester bill

    60 days prior to enrolling. The balance is dueduring orientation. Acceptable forms ofpayment are wire transfer, check, or moneyorder (U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank only).

    Q: What if I cant pay my full bill?A: The Culinary Institute of America, in

    partnership with Tuition Management Systems(TMS), is pleased to offer payment choices tohelp you afford your college education expenses.This interest-free monthly payment optionallows you to maximize your savings and income

    by spreading your college education expensesover equal monthly payments. Your only cost isan annual enrollment fee of $75. Enroll today bycalling a TMS educational payment counselor at1-800-343-0911, or enroll online at www.afford.com.

    Q: How much money should I bringwith me?

    A: You should bring U.S. $100 cash with youalong with about $2,000 in U.S. dollar travelerschecks. Since there are only certain banks that

    will change foreign currency, we recommendyou change money to U.S. dollars before youenter the United States. If you will rent yourown apartment, realtors require in advance onemonths rent, one months security deposit, andone month as a realty fee.

    Q: How long does an internationalcheck take to clear?

    A: It takes at least six to eight weeks for checksfrom abroad (drawn from non-U.S. bankaccounts) to be cleared by an American bank

    which maintains your account.

    Q: Can I work in the United States?A: Employment opportunities are indicated in the

    Student Visas section on page 2 of this guide.Please be aware that the application process forDHS approval for post-completion practicaltraining takes approximately 90 days. You willneed to visit the Designated School Official(DSO) for the required forms and materials to

    be processed and/or copied:

    Form I-765Application for EmploymentAuthorization

    All previously issued Form I-20s and newForm I-20 endorsed with the DSOsrecommendation

    Form I-94Departure Card Two photographs on white background $340 payable to the U.S. Department of

    Homeland Security

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    HELPFUL HINTS

    Residence Hall RoomsThe average size of rooms in the residence halls is12 x 20 feet (4 x 6.5 meters). Each student is providedwith a bed (with a 82.5x 203 cm mattress), dresser,

    desk, and closet or wardrobe. If you already havesheets for this size mattress, please bring them.Otherwise, you may purchase them at local shoppingmalls. Each room is allowed a 3.5-cubic foot (onecubic meter) refrigerator that is provided by thestudent.

    Off-Campus StorageIf you need additional storage space, there are severalrental facilities in the area. The closest is Guardian Self-Storage, located 12 mile north of the CIA on Route 9.Please call 845-229-0330 for more information.

    Area ShoppingYou can purchase food items at Stop & Shop, locatedapproximately one mile north of the CIA on Route 9.

    For clothing, appliances, and other supplies, you mayvisit either the Poughkeepsie Galleria or the SouthHills Mall, both located 2025 minutes south of thecollege. Please be advised that a 8.25% tax isautomatically added to all purchases (except clothingand shoe purchases up to $110 and all food products).

    You can reach the shopping areas via the Dutchess

    County LOOP bus, which runs north and south onRoute 9. The bus stop (under the bus sign) is locatedright outside the CIAs south entrance. Bus schedulesare available on campus.

    Medical InsuranceIf you are an F-1 student, youre required to havemedical insurance while in the U.S. We stronglyrecommend that you obtain a medical insurance planbefore you leave that will cover your health costs inthis country. Please note that you may also want tosecure coverage for mental health treatment,prescriptions for any chronic illness, and dental care,as these are not necessarily included in basic medicalinsurance policies. You should consider your overallneeds and well-being as you select a health plan thatis right for you. Also, most plans require you to payfor a portion of your care, so access to some cash orcredit is still important.

    You can call any of the following companies thatoffer medical insurance specifically for internationalstudents in the U.S.: Med Choice International at202-457-6842, The Harbour Group at 703-733-0952,

    or Collegiate Care at 251-661-0924. A group policy,the Part B: Sickness Medical Expense Benefit, isoffered by the CIA as well.

    In addition, the CIAs manager of internationalstudent services or Health Services Office can giveyou information about our insurance carrier. In lieu ofpersonal coverage, the CIA policy will be mandatory.

    Religious ServicesReligious services are held throughout the HudsonValley region. Off-campus places of worship are listedin the Yellow Pages of the phone directory. Inaddition, Catholic services are held at the Our Ladyof the Way Chapel, located at the colleges southentrance.

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    WEB SITES HELPFUL FORINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    The Culinary Institute of Americawww.ciachef.edu

    Airport Transportationwww.goairporter.comwww.supershuttle.com

    Currency Conversion(Exchange Rates)www.xe.net/ucc

    ELS Language Centerswww.els.edu

    Financial Aid for International Studentswww.edupass.orgwww.iie.org

    Foreign Embassieswww.projectvisa.com

    Department of Homeland Securitywww.uscis.gov

    The CitiAssist Loanwww.studentloan.com

    Vagabond Tours(Student Discount Travel Company)www.vagabondtours.com

    CIA CONTACTSAll college students need a little help now andthen. As an international student at the CIA,who should you turn to for advice, information,and assistance? In addition to your instructorsand CIA staff members, the following

    professionals are available to assist you and otherinternational students with specific issues:

    Virginia ReillyManager of Admissions and InternationalStudent ServicesPhone: 845-451-1531Fax: 845-451-1068E-mail: [email protected]

    Assists students with any visa-related issues.

    Michelle ArmstrongAdmissions Officer for International

    StudentsPhone: 845-451-1508E-mail: [email protected]

    Assists students with any admissions and/or enrollmentquestions.

    2010 The Culinary Institute of America