Courses I Took:
Introduction to Computer Science for Software Development
Sociology of Health and Illness
Black Judaism
The Chemistry of the Environment Around Us

A Cherished Memory from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½:
It’s hard to choose just one memory from my time at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ that I will cherish forever. However, I will always hold dear the moments spent at Commons and the Student Center for Community and Belonging (SCBC). These spaces became my home away from home, where I met incredible people and engaged in meaningful conversations. Seeing familiar faces and forming new connections made my experience at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ truly unforgettable.

What Attracted Me to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ & How I Learned About It:
I first heard about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College from my advisor at Spelman College. She encouraged me to consider ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ instead of the more common domestic exchange destinations for Spelman students. Before that, I hadn’t been familiar with the college. What drew me in was the variety of courses available to support my major and minor, the close-knit academic environment, and the incredible dining hall. Additionally, the abundance of extracurricular activities and the small class sizes made ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ an ideal fit for me.

Academic Environment – Similarities & Differences with Spelman:
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Spelman share many similarities. Both have small class sizes, a rigorous academic environment, and a vibrant campus life with plenty of opportunities for student engagement. However, there are also key differences.

One major difference I noticed is the campus culture and climate—literally and figuratively. The winter in Maine was an entirely new experience for me. Additionally, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’ dining system is different from Spelman’s, as ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has a central dining hall rather than multiple dining locations. Social dynamics and campus traditions also differ, shaping a unique student experience at each institution.

Campus Culture & Student Life at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½:
One of the things I appreciate most about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is its inclusivity. Every aspect of campus life feels welcoming and open to all students. I often tell my friends that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ reminds me of scenes from classic American college movies—students playing frisbee on the lawn, chatting on blankets, and simply enjoying campus life. Although I arrived during the winter, experiencing my first true Northeast winter was an adventure of its own. Growing up in Los Angeles and later living in the South, nothing could have prepared me for it!

Academic & Personal Growth at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½:
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has challenged me both personally and academically, pushing me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Since many of my courses were outside my comfort zone, I had to be proactive—attending office hours, seeking tutoring, and making the most of academic resources. This experience helped me develop a deeper understanding of my studies and taught me the value of actively seeking support. Beyond academics, I also took the initiative to connect with professors and peers outside of class, which enriched my overall experience.

Culture Shocks:
The biggest culture shock for me was definitely the weather. Experiencing a real Northeast winter was an adjustment—the cold, dry air was vastly different from Georgia’s climate. Another surprise was the unique culture of Maine itself. I hadn’t realized just how much lobster was a staple food here! When visiting Portland, I saw lobster featured on almost every restaurant menu. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™ dining hall was also a pleasant surprise. While different from what I was used to, the food quality was impressive, and I found plenty of delicious options. Although the campus doesn’t have multiple restaurant chains like those in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), places like The Den and The Ronj made up for it and quickly became my favorites.

Advice for Future Exchange Students:
Make the most of every opportunity! ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College is a hidden gem with countless resources to help you grow both academically and personally. You will meet some of the most genuine and down-to-earth people—just keep an open mind and embrace the experience. Learning how to navigate spaces where people may not always look like you is invaluable, and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ provides a safe environment to develop that skill.

Take full advantage of your time in Maine! Explore Portland, Brunswick, Bowdoin, and Lewiston. Be present, soak in every moment, and capture memories through photos—because when will you be in Maine again? Most importantly, have fun and embrace the unexpected joys of this experience.

NOTE: This information is intended as a reference for general purposes. It is not comprehensive and should not be considered legal advice. Consult a personal immigration attorney for case-specific legal advice.

As part of new screening procedures implemented by the Department of State (DOS):

• Applicants must be prepared for their online presence to be reviewed as part of the visa application process
• Applicants are required to set their social media profiles to “public”

Effective September 6, 2025, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments:

Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the  in their country of nationality or residence.
Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate listed , unless their residence is elsewhere.

Last updated 9/6/2025

Applying for visa renewal for continuing students

F-1 students (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda) are required to have a valid, unexpired F-1 entry visa in order to enter the United States as F-1 students.

You are required to have a valid F-1 entry visa for the purpose of entering the U.S. in F-1 status. However, once you are in the U.S., the expiration of your F-1 visa has no bearing on your eligibility to stay. You may remain in the U.S. as long as you have a valid and unexpired I-20, an I-94 record marked with a Class of Admission “F-1” and Admit Until Date “D/S”, and are making full-time progress toward the degree objective indicated on your I-20. 

Before leaving on a trip outside the U.S., check the expiration date of your visa and the number of entries you are allowed. If your visa is expired or will expire while you are abroad, you may need to renew it while you are abroad. *Short trips (30 days or less) to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean do not require an unexpired F-1 visa for re-entry into the U.S.

You cannot obtain a new visa while in the U.S. Visas are issued only at U.S. consulates outside of the United States. You will need the following documents for your visa appointment.

• Valid Form I-20 from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ with a recent (within 12 months) travel endorsement on page 2
• Unexpired passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
• Recent financial documents showing evidence of continued financial ability
• Receipt of your I-901 payment 
• Transcripts or other evidence of attendance at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. You may obtain your transcript via Garnet Gateway (official transcript recommended)
• Visa application form, fees, and photographs (consult the instructions of your local consulate)
  To confirm the requirements and procedure for applying for renewal of an F-1 visa, consult the where you will be applying. Most consulates post current information on their web site.
• Please be sure to plan carefully. Visa appointments and application procedures vary from consulate to consulate, and waiting times vary. Visa appointment delays are expected which could delay your return to the U.S.

Renewing your F-1 visa while on OPT

Students who must renew their visa while on OPT, must provide the following documents:

• Documents listed above  plus
• Valid travel endorsement on form I-20 (while on OPT, signatures valid for 6 months from date of signing)
• EAD card (OPT card)
• Letter from employer, verifying employment, recognizing travel (recommended)
• Check with your to see if they require any additional documents.

Security Checks

Some visa applicants may be subject to a security check as part of their visa application, which may delay getting the visa. This is referred to as “.” While most security checks are completed within 2 weeks, (the U.S. State Department works with the other federal agencies involved to expedite them), in some cases they can take several months. Various factors may make you more likely to have a security check, such as your country of citizenship, and the field you are studying.

Applying as a “Third Country” National

Students are strongly recommended to apply for their F-1 visas in their country of nationality or residence, per . Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate listed , unless their residence is elsewhere. An applicant may apply for their F-1 visa at any around the word. This is called a “third country national” (TCN) application and carries some risks. Please consider the following before deciding to pursue such an application:

• Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.
• Wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments vary by location. Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.
• You might need to obtain a visa to enter the third country.
• You will need to stay in the third country until you receive your F-1 visa and thus will need to factor in the cost and time needed to receive your visa.
• If your F-1 visa application is denied, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student and might need to return to your country of citizenship to apply for your F-1 visa.

Authorization of your F-1 Visa

If the consular officer grants you the visa, the officer will instruct you on when and where you can pick it up. The visa will have an expiration date; however, the expiration date on the visa is not the date by which you must leave the U.S. You may stay in the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your immigration status by being in possession of a valid I-20 and follow all immigration rules. If you have left the U.S. and your F-1 visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one to re-enter the U.S.

Bermudan and Canadian citizens do not need a F-1 visa to enter the U.S., but they do need an I-20.

You may stay in the U.S. until the completion of your program (see program end date on I-20) plus 60 days (e.g., grace period). During the 60 days grace period, you may travel in the U.S., prepare for your return home, etc.; however, you cannot work during that period – even on-campus.