Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory that I attend the International Students Orientation (ISO)?
Yes. Carriers of F-1 visas, guests, transfers and exchange students are expected to attend ISO. Those who are U.S. citizens living abroad,
(Students from the U.S., namely, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have not spent at least two consecutive years, prior to graduating
from high school, out side of these areas), students with dual citizenship (U.S. and another country) that completed high school outside the U.S., and permanent resident of the U.S. (holders of Green Card) who did not complete high school in the U.S., are strongly encouraged and will be welcomed; however, they are not required to participate in ISO.
When will I receive my I-20 Form?
I-20 Forms are issued after you have been formally offered admittance by the Haverford College Admissions Office and you have formally accepted. The Forms are then prepared by the Registrar’s office and mailed to you via express mail.
What documents do I need to bring?
- F-1 Visa
- Current Passport
- I-94 Card (issued by INS and stapled into your passport)
- I-20 Form
- Evidence of financial resources
How do I register for ISO?
By printing and returning the PDF 
or Word 
version of the form.
Will a confirmation be sent to me once the Registration Form is received?
Yes. The Director of International Student Services will send you an electronic mail (email) confirming your registration. If you do not have an email address, the Director will telephone you.
Can my parents attend ISO?
ISO is only for students.
Since my parent(s)/other family members/friends will be accompanying me to Haverford can he/she/they stay in my room with me? It’s a long drive from Boston to Haverford and my parent(s)/other family members/friends will be tired, can he/she/they sleep in my room?
We have to be considerate of all our students. We cannot allow some parent(s), aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, etc. to sleep in your room or remain for unreasonable amounts of time, no matter how extenuating the circumstances. There are hotels and bed and breakfasts that are in close proximity to Haverford’s campus.
Can I stay in the hotel/bed breakfast with my family during ISO?
ISO program is designed to help acquaint you with other students and
become familiar with your educational setting and cultural atmosphere, so, we strongly advised that you remain on campus with your peers. This
is the time for bonding!
Can my parents, other family members, or friends take me off campus during ISO?
In the past, we found this to be disruptive for the other participants and ISO staff, but more IMPORTANTLY, for the student. While we realize that separation can be difficult, the longer the delay, the more problematic it is for the student to adjust to his or her new environment.
Are there any programs for parents during ISO?
We do not schedule any programs for parents during ISO. All programs for parents are held on Opening Day, August 26, 2009. Information will be sent by the Dean’s Office at a later date. Parents of International students are encouraged to attend Family Weekend. This is scheduled for the weekend of October 30 to November 1, 2009. Parents will be sent information from the President's Office.
When is the arrival date and time for ISO?
August 23, 2009, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Report to the GIAC (Gardner Integrated Athletic Center).
When is the latest date I can arrive on campus?
If for some unforeseen reason you cannot attend ISO, you should report to Haverford College no later than the date specified on your I-20 Form (#5). U.S. Immigration law requires F-1 students to register within 30 days of your program of study.
What will happen once I arrive on campus on check-in day?
You should report to the GIAC where
you will be greeted by the Director of International Student Services,
ISRPs, and other members of the Early Return Administrative
Team. You will be given your dorm key and an ISO Schedule, get your one-card
ID picture taken by Safety and Security and report to your dorm room. Refer to your ISO schedule for the the day's events. (ISRPs will assist you to your dorm.)
What if I cannot arrive on time to attend ISO?
F-1 students will be required to schedule an appointment with
the Director of International Student Services. At that meeting you should bring your Passport, I-94 Card and your I-20 Form. Your F-1
status and responsibility will be reviewed with you. Important! The Registrar or the Director of International Student Services must register you in the SEVIS system. If we do not register you, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the United States. We must see you in person!
What is the cost of ISO?
All events related to ISO will be free of cost to you and you will be
given $10 cash and two train tickets for your excursion in
Philadelphia with your peers. All other expenses that you incur will be your responsibility.
How can I travel to Haverford?
Please see the "Getting Here" page for instructions.
Also, please see the information on “Transportation” enclosed in the packet of information sent to you by the Director of International Student Services. If you are not comfortable taking a taxi from Philadelphia
International Airport or 30th Street Station (AMTRAK) and would prefer
to have some one meet you at either of these locations, please
contact the Director of International Student Services.
Does the College provide bed linen, blanket and pillow?
Please see this web page: http://www.haverford.edu/housing/FirstYear/2007Information.htm
The Dean of the College’s office keeps a small supply of bed linens, towels, blankets, pillows and toiletries on hand for those students who cannot purchase these items prior to ISO. If you need to reserve any of the items; please contact the Director of International Student Services three weeks prior to ISO. Except for the toiletries, all other items will be loaned and are expected to be returned within two weeks of your arrival at ISO.
What can you tell me about the climate and clothing I should bring?
The temperature is usually 30 degrees farenheit/-7 degree Celsius during the winter months and 90 F/32C with high humidity during the summer months. A heavy overcoat (winter jacket) is necessary for the cold months.There will be opportunities for you to do clothes shopping if you are coming from a climate where you do not experience winters. Watch for notices from the International Student Services Office for other shopping trips.
How do students usually dress for classes?
Students do not dress formally for classes. Most students wear jeans, trousers, t-shirts, sweat shirts, warm up suites, shorts, blouses, skirts, sneakers, lofers (casual shoes) to classes. It is would be wise to also bring formal attire and business casual for special events. If you so desire, you may also want to bring clothing that is traditional to your homeland to wear to special events such as our International Students Reception, celebrations or speaking engagements.
Can I have personal items shipped to Haverford?
Yes, you can; however, the package must be addressed to yourself in care of (c/o) Denise Allison. Upon arrival on campus, please ask any of the ISRPs if you need assistance in retrieving your package(s) from the mail room or from Denise. http://www.haverford.edu/housing/policies/faq.php Please ask any of the ISRPs if you need assistance in retrieving your package(s) from the mail room.
Will my meals be covered prior to the start of ISO?
If you arrive before ISO begins, you will be allowed to take your
meals in the Dining Center; however, you will be expected to
pay for your meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), which could fall between the range of $6.80 and $10.50 per meal. Exact prices have not yet been determined for the next school year. (2009-2010, the prices could be higher.)
Can I apply for an International Driver’s License in the U.S.?
No. You can only apply for an international driver’s license in your
home country. This license only verifies that you can and are allowed
to drive in your country. Click here for complete
information on an International Driver’s License and Driving in the United States. (Please note that first-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus.)
Will information on Banking be provided during ISO?
Yes.
Which is the closest International Airport to Haverford?
Philadelphia International Airport is the closest airport to Haverford’s
campus. It might be more convenient for you to fly to Philadelphia or
arrange for a connecting flight from New York’s JFK International and
LaGuardia Airports or Newark Airport in New Jersey.
Where do I report after 4:00 pm?
After 4:00 p.m., please report to Safety and Security Office, located in
the GIAC. Please ring the door bell at the entrance of the
building and state who you are. Also, ask the Safety and Security Officer
to contact the Director of International Student Services. The Director or an ISRP will come to
the Safety and Security Office to greet you and escort you to your dorm room.
What can you tell me about personal safety while traveling?
As with anywhere in the world you go, there is crime! Some situations might not be preventable; however, there are precautions that you can taken in order not to become an easy victim. For example, when traveling, do not carry or display exorbitant amounts of cash and jewelry. Wear minimal jewelry or none at all. Carry traveler’s cheques, or major credit cards. Carry these items on your person and not in your luggage, or leave in storage locker. Do not display items where they can be seen in any locked motor vehicle. If someone demands money from you, do not
resist, rather, give them the money. Your safety is more important. For emergencies, please call 911, which is the emergency number in the United States. More detailed information will be imparted to you during Customs Week.
In case of an emergency, who on Haverford’s campus should I contact?
Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., contact the
Dean’s Office at 610-896-1232. After 4:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security
at 610-896-1111.