Admitted Exchange STudents

Academic Calendar

ArtCenter's academic calendar is available here. If you are admitted to the exchange program, you will receive a document that includes the specific dates for your exchange term.

Mandatory Orientation

Prior to the start of the term, you must attend ArtCenter’s four-day New Student Orientation. You will receive important information on student services, resources, and policies, as well as meet peers and key staff. You will also have your arrival and F-1 status confirmed with the government Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Review the Orientation Week schedule to determine which sessions apply to you specifically. If you have any questions about the schedule, contact the Center for the Student Experience or the International Student Advising office.

Course Selection and Registration

Based on your application, portfolio, and your course interest list, classes will be selected for you with consideration to your academic level and interests by the host Department Chair. You must take a minimum of two courses in your host department. You will likely receive your class schedule at New Student Orientation, and during that week you will meet with a representative from your host department to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your classes. If you hope to change one of your courses, you may discuss that with the host department during Orientation. However, please note that schedule changes can be difficult and may not be approved by the department. You must be prepared to stay with the classes you are enrolled in. You will have until the end of the first week of the term to finalize your course registration.

Course Load and Credits

You will likely be placed in mix of studio and academic classes. You must take a minimum of two courses in your host department. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 18, about 4-6 classes. We usually recommend students take between 12-15 units, but you should check with your home institution for minimum credit requirements.

Mandatory Health Insurance

You are required to purchase ArtCenter’s student health insurance. The cost of insurance ranges between $400-500. Coverage begins the first Saturday of classes and continues through the day before the first day of classes of the following term. Please refer to the Health Insurance FAQ sheet that is included in your Admissions packet for the exact fee and more detailed information. For Fall exchange students, if you do not receive health insurance information in your packet, it will be sent to you separately, most likely by July or early August.

Tuberculosis Test

As requested in the Student Health Information Form, you must provide the results of your tuberculosis (TB) test. You may have the test done in your home country or when you arrive in the U.S. You will not be able to attend classes until you submit your test results.

COVID-19 Vaccination

ArtCenter policy requires all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including boosters when eligible. You will be required to submit verification of vaccination. More information on ArtCenter’s policy is available here.

General Visa Information

According to the International Student Advising office, exchange students must come to the U.S. with an F-1 student visa. The Admissions Office will issue students an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa, not a J-1 visa. Exchange students may enter the U.S. with their F-1 student visa no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their I-20. Do not enter the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 tourist visa; students will not be permitted to begin school with this visa.

How long can I stay in the U.S. after the term ends?

You may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after the program end date listed on your I-20. This means that you can travel within the country within this 60-day grace period. If you exit the U.S. during this grace period, even to travel to Mexico or Canada, then you will have completed your F-1 status and will not be allowed to re-enter on that F-1 visa.

Housing

ArtCenter does not have student housing, but the Center for the Student Experience does coordinate information regarding housing and roommate options. You can find listings through this housing website. You may also check the CSE off-campus Facebook page.

Do I need a car?

Although it is helpful to have a car, it is possible to take public transportation to campus. Please be aware that depending on where you live, it may take you some time to get to school. Also, if you plan to take public transportation to campus, we recommend enrolling in daytime classes. You may discuss your schedule with the Department Chair during your Orientation. In recent terms, exchange students have also relied on Uber or Lyft as methods of transportation. More information on public transportation and rideshare options is available here.

Do I need a driver's license?

If you plan to have a car, you may legally drive with a valid foreign license; however, we recommend that you apply for a California Driver’s License because without it, car insurance, which is mandatory, may be more expensive. To learn more about how to apply for a California Driver’s License, please visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website.