Students from other countries who find their way to TWU Houston Center in pursuit of academic goals are a treasured group! The Office of Student Life provides a direct line of communication with the International Education Office in Denton, and houses a DSO (Designated School Official) on site to deal with SEVIS related matters for F-1 students.
Status Letters
With regards to status, much can be accomplished at the Houston site. Issuing status letters for departure out of the country, Texas Driver's License and for Social Security Number application, as well as invitation letters for relatives are all done at the Student Life Office. I-20 updates for such items as address changes, new dependents, practical training notations and signing prior to country departure additionally fall under that same umbrella.
Mandatory Health Insurance
International students with J-1 or F-1 status are required to maintain health insurance coverage during their physical presence here in the United States. This includes times in-between semesters, when they are not attending classes, yet still being hosted by TWU. Academic Health Plans is the designated carrier, and all students with a F-1 or J-1 status will be automatically billed for insurance coverage each semester. For those students from other countries who have insurance either through their sponsoring Embassy or U.S. employer, health insurance waiver forms can be obtained through the Student Life Office. For more information, including deadlines and criteria for insurance selection, visit Student Health Services - International Students.
Tuberculosis Skin Test - Manatory Screening
Prior to stepping into your first class, international students (both F-1 and J-1) are required to show proof of TB screening. The University is now requiring that a TB Blood Test (not merely a Skin Test) be accomplished, with lab results sent to the Student Health Services in Denton. Students will not be permitted to register for classes until all of this has been addressed in a satisfactory manner. If you have challenges finding a place that will offer this type of blood testing, the University of Texas Health Services, located one block away from TWU - Houston can facilitate this. It will take approximately one week for the results to be returned. This important topic is addressed in a bit more detail on the Denton International Student web page under the heading of both Health Insurance and Tuberculosis.
CPT, OPT, Application for Change of Status
For those students who are at a point in their academic course work where practical training becomes a necessary next step, applications for Curriculum Practical Training and Optional Practical Training can be obtained and submitted here also. As the situations emerge, forms such as the Exemption from Full Time Enrollment and Insurance Waiver form are both available at this same office, and guidance for use is shared as well. Additionally, Change of Status applications are coordinated through the Office of Student Life.
International Student Festival
A highlight for all of TWU ~ Houston each year is a wonderful celebration of cultures with the International Student Festival! Information tables are set up, one for each country represented, filled with interesting materials and items from that part of the world, and a tasty dessert/snack. People are available at each table to paint a colorful cultural experience filled with stories and explanations for what is present. This past year, we introduced a passport that was taken from table to table and stamped as individuals took away nuggests of information about a country. Additionally, performances of dance, tabla and martial arts captured the attention of everyone present! We are looking forward to the wonder of next year's festival!
Family Community
There is a strong sense of family among the international students here at the Houston Center. Opportunities exist for students to network with other upcoming professionals, and to get-to-know a variety of established individuals from around the world. We are honored with the wealth of human experience and expertise which each student brings to the fabric of TWU!
For more information regarding International Students at TWU, you are encouraged to peruse the following web site: www.twu.edu/o-sl/International_ed/. Within that web site, you will also find a page filled with numerous forms to address most every concern and task identified as your next step in academia is sought. Staff at the International Education Office would welcome your call directly at (940) 898-3338.
Shaping Your Journey * The Office of Student Life * Moving Toward Wholeness
page last updated 2/8/2012 9:50 AM
