Before you arrive
WELCOME TO THE INTERNATIONAL ACCELERATOR AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY!
Soon you’ll be on campus. How exciting! There is a lot to consider before you arrive. While moving to a new country can be intimidating, we’re here for you. Follow the four steps below to make sure you have everything in place before you board the plane.
Confused or worried about any of the steps? Email a student ambassador by choosing your region below and we will answer any questions you have!
CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR
We have a team of dedicated enrollment advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.
Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local enrollment advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
China
North
America
Southeast
Asia
South
Asia
Latin
America
Africa
North Asia
Middle East/North Africa
Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe
UK and Western Europe
Your Pre-Arrival Checklist
After you receive your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:
- Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
- Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
- Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.
After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.
- Complete your Visa Application.
- Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee.
- Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and the documentation you need to take with you.
- Notify your enrollment advisor of the date and embassy of your visa appointment.
- Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:
Other links that international students find useful:
All International Accelerator students are required to submit an ID photo below one month before your move-in date. See here for the photo requirement.
Important note: Any student who does not submit their ID photo before arrival will not be able to have their ID preprinted and will likely not be able to use your meal plan during welcome week (the meal plan is linked to the ID card).
If you are having issues with form submit your ID photo to studentservices@auaccelerator.com
Undergraduate Non-US High Schools
Please request from your high school counselor(s) all final official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 12 in sealed and stamped school envelopes, and a copy of your original certificate of high school graduation/diploma along with certified or notarized English translations. Once you collect all documents, please notify your enrollment counselor for next steps.
If the English translation of the high school diploma is not provided by any of your schools, a notary attesting the English translation that matches exactly the original high school diploma in original language is required. Note: For countries other than China, a Certified English translation suffices.
Undergraduate US High Schools
Please request that your high school counselors email scanned final official transcripts to jmiles@american.edu cc finalofficials@auaccelerator.com.
A-Level or IB official results (if applicable) must be sent to American University directly by the testing agency.
If you attended multiple high schools, the original transcripts with translation (if applicable) will need to be submitted individually following the above-mentioned ways.
When purchasing your ticket to Washington, DC, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day.
For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, Please visit our profile on Shorelight.com for important dates
Discounted Flights
Book your flights through StudentUniverse and benefit from exclusive discounts for students! Get the best deals when you need them and benefit from 24-hour risk-free cancellation.
StudentUniverse has exclusive deals to get you the lowest possible airfare. Use this page to search for the best deals: https://www.studentuniverse.com/travel-services/Shorelight/affiliate/flights
Book discounted flights here.
Making your payment in full two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment.
Before you begin, please make sure you have your offer letter in front of you, as you will need to refer to the information in the letter.
- Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit AU’s flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a US credit card or US bank account.
- Please be aware that if you do not pay your balance as indicated on your statement of fees by the payment deadline, the following may occur:
- Late payment fees may be charged.
- You may have your scholarship and/or waivers rescinded. In such cases, you will be responsible for the full cost of your program.
- You may encounter delays or other issues enrolling and registering for classes.
Setting up your MyAU account
Submit your COVID-19 proof of vaccination
Submit your proof of vaccination by following these instructions. Upload your documentation as soon as you receive your final dose. Please remember that it takes two weeks after the final dose to be fully immunized. Receiving your final dose and uploading documentation by July 15 ensures that you will be in compliance by August 15 and approved for campus presence.
You will need to complete and submit the following forms before your arrival.
| Immunization Form | FERPA Disclosure Form | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | ||
| Spring | December 15th | December 15th |
| Summer | May 15th |
Submit your proof of vaccination by following these instructions. Upload your documentation as soon as you receive your final dose. Please remember that it takes two weeks after the final dose to be fully immunized. Receiving your final dose and uploading documentation by August 1 ensures that you will be in compliance by August 15 and approved for campus presence.
- Immunization Form
- FERPA Disclosure Form (Optional)
Incoming undergraduate Accelerator students are required to take a math placement test before they arrive on campus.
You will need to complete this before you leave your home country. Here are the instructions on how to take the exam. Please note: this is not required of incoming Pre-Sessional English Program students or Master’s Accelerator students.
Prepare for life in the US
You can set up a US bank account and sign up for a US phone plan before leaving your home country with our trusted provider, Ellis.
