Congrats on making it into the International Accelerator Program at American University! Now that you’re on your way to the US, we’ve got a few things that you will need to do or get before you arrive, as well as some tips to help you out once you are here.
On our Before You Arrive page, we have an important checklist for you to complete. These things must all be done before you come! You must remember to…
- Apply for your visa
- Tell us your flight information so that we can pick you up from the airport
- Pay your tuition and other fees
- Create a MyAU account on American University’s website
- Fill out the immunization and FERPA forms and email them to IAP
- Take the math placement test (unless you are a Pre-sessional or Master’s Accelerator student)
- Submit an ID photo through your MyAU account
After you’ve done all of that, you must bring these items with you…
- Your high school transcripts
- Your passport with visa
- Your I-20 form
- A copy of your confirmation of SEVIS fee payment
- Evidence of finances
- Evidence of student status, such as letter of acceptance or tuition receipts
- Contact information for…
- The International Accelerator Program
- Office: 202.885.6986
- Student Services: 1.800.282.7749
- Email: studentservices@auaccelerator.com
- International Student and Scholar Services at American University
- Office: 202.885.3350
- Email: isss@american.edu
- The International Accelerator Program
If you are staying in Accelerator housing, we will provide the following items for you…
- Furniture
- Bed sheets
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Towels
- Soap, shampoo
- Pots and pans
- Plates and bowls
- Forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks
- Dish soap, sponge
And some things that you might want to bring/buy that we do not provide…
- Alarm clock
- Hangers
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry basket
- Iron
- Trash can
- Shower shoes (for dormitory showers)
We will have a shopping trip to Bed Bath & Beyond and other stores on Wednesday, January 11, where you will be able to pick up these and other supplies that you might need.
When you’re in the US, some apps that will be helpful for daily life are…
- Facebook: the social network that everyone uses
- Instagram: a social network for photos
- Uber: get a car to pick you up within minutes and take you to your destination; the easiest way to get around
- Lyft: an alternative to Uber
- Transit: shows the different forms and routes of public transportation in DC
- Wanderu: cheap buses to New York or other cities
- Chinese Bus: cheap buses
- Google Maps: the best map app in the US
- Google Translate: don’t rely too much on this, but it is sometimes useful for translation
- Yelp: restaurant recommendations and reviews
- Yelp Eat24: order delivery food online instead of calling
- TripAdvisor: recommendations for restaurants, activities, sightseeing
- MeetUp: social activities and gatherings
- Tip Calculator: servers in restaurants expect tips!
- Groupon: discounts for food and activities
- RetailMeNot: shopping discounts
- Fandango: order movie tickets
- Shazam: find out what song is playing
- Venmo or Paypal: transfer money
- Tinder: dating app
Keep up to date with IAP on this blog, plus our social media accounts…
