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MU Home » Student Development & Services » International Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum/maximum number of courses that can be taken each semester?
2. Does MU offer graduate programs?
3. What is the average class size?
4. How many students are enrolled at your university?
5. What clubs and activities do students take part in?
6. What types of housing does Methodist offer?
7. Do you feel safe in your dorm room?
8. How can I pay for tuitions and fees?
9. How much money should I bring and in what form?
10. What do I need to apply for F-1 Visa?
11. Is it possible to get a visa stamp within the U.S.?
12. When can I arrive in the U.S.?
13. Does the International Programs Office offer any pick-up service from the airport?
14. Can I open a bank account in the U.S.?
15. What is the social security number (SSN) and how can I get one?
16. What are the basic guidelines for on-campus employment?
17. What is public transportation like in Fayetteville?
18. I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the U.S., what should I do?

What is the minimum/maximum number of courses that can be taken each semester?
International students in F1 status must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester. More may be possible but you should talk with your academic advisor first.

Does MU offer graduate programs?
Our fully accredited graduate programs are tailored to serve the needs of public and private sector managers and highly skilled health care clinicians. Please visit our four graduate program links at the Professional MBA at Pinehurst, MBA on-line, Master of Justice Administration, and Physician Assistant Program. However, the MBA is not suitable for international students due to insufficient hours.

What is the average class size?
The average class size is 20 and the student: faculty ratio is 15:1.

How many students are enrolled at your university?
2,200 students

What clubs and activities do students take part in?
MU has more than 70 clubs and organizations for you to join. We are certain you will find one or two that meet your interests. Please visit http://www.methodist.edu/student_life/clubs.htm for more information on MU clubs and organizations.

What types of housing does Methodist offer?
Methodist offers a variety of housing options, including

• Two-person rooms with common floor bathrooms (Cumberland and Sanford Hall)
• Two-person suites that share a bathroom (Garber, Weaver, Pearce, West)
• Two-bedroom apartments that share a common bathroom (Pines Apartments)
• Four-bedroom apartments that share two bathrooms (Cape Fear Commons Apartments)
• Four-bedroom with four-bathroom apartment (McLean Residential Complex)

Most first year Methodist students live in rooms or suites; apartments are primarily reserved for upperclassmen. For more information about Housing and Residence Life please visit http://www.methodist.edu/housing/faq.htm.

Do you feel safe in your dorm room?
Methodist University takes security very seriously. All vehicle traffic entering the campus must pass through a staffed welcome center. Hall entrances are locked, and visitors can enter the hall only after dialing a residence hall room from an exterior phone. Campus police and security patrol the campus 24 hours a day.

How can I pay for tuition and fees?
Please look at Future Students for current tuition. However, the exact figure will depend on what courses you register for and if there are any additional fees administered. You can pay by cash, credit card, traveler's check or bank check.

Wire Transfer Information
Bank Name: BB&T (Branch Banking & Trust)
Bank Address: 5137 College Center Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311
Bank Phone: (910) 482-4230
Routing #: 053101121
Account #: 5292616084

Please be sure to include your name and the reason the funds are being wired to Methodist University account (application fee, tuitions, room deposit, etc). This information is necessary for us in order to accurately identify and credit the money properly.

How much money should I bring and in what form?
In addition to the tuition and fees, please bring about $1,500 in traveler's checks and $100-$150 extra in your wallet in case you need to purchase something at the airport. Please be aware that campus work may or may not be available immediately. Also, it normally takes up to three weeks before you can get social security number (SSN) to be able to work on campus.

What do I need to apply for F-1 Visa?
It is imperative that you present a valid SEVIS I-20 to the nearest U.S. consulate in order to apply for an F-1 visa. Students may be required to present the following documents:

1. Current, valid passport
2. Form DS-160, non-immigrant application
3. Acceptance letter from MU
4. Proof of SEVIS fee payment. For more information, go to www.fmjfee.com.
5. Passport photograph
6. Current, dated financial statements
7. Proof of permanent address in home country and plans to return to home country

Is it possible to get a visa stamp within the U.S.?
Visa stamps are obtained at U.S. Consulates abroad. It is not possible to get a U.S. visa stamp (not even a renewal) within the U.S. Please visit
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f3.htm to find out more about renewing your visa.

When can I arrive in the U.S.?
New international students may enter the U.S. only up to 30 days prior to the start date on the I-20 or DS-2019. The residence halls do not officially open until the first day of orientation; however, special arrangements can be made for international students with housing assignments to move-in 2-3 days prior.

Does the International Programs Office offer any pick-up service from the airport?
The International Programs Office or IPO will pick up new international students who arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) and take the students to their residence hall if they plan their arrival accordingly.

Can I open a bank account in the U.S.?
Yes, you can. You will just need your passport, I-94 card and I-20 and some money to deposit. Please ask if the bank requires a social security number to have the account. Some banks require it and some don't.

What is the Social Security Number (SSN) and how can I get one?
The social security number (SSN) is the 9-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents and temporary working residents who are employed in the U.S. and required to file for taxes.

International students on F-1 status who will be employed are eligible for a SSN and must apply in person at the local social security office at least 10 days after the IPO staff updates their SEVIS record.

Proof of visa status is required and will include passport, visa stamp, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, a letter of eligibility from the IPO. As of October 13, 2004, all F-1 students who apply for a Social Security Number on the basis of on-campus employment will have to present a letter from the IPO stating that the student is authorized to engage in on-campus employment, the nature of the employment to be engaged in, and identifying the employer for whom the student will be working.

For off-campus work, you will need to show page 3 of your I-20 for CPT or your EAD for OPT/economic hardship.

What are the basic guidelines for on-campus employment?
Please consult the following website for on-campus employment
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment/faq_f_on1.htm.

What is public transportation like in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville is a "car city". Even though the city has Fayetteville Area System of Transit or FAST which operates 10 bus routes around the Fayetteville area, sometimes it takes forever to get around! Some tips for getting around include:

1. Share a ride with friends
2. Buy your own vehicle. Your friends can help you search for second-hand cars online or with the dealers once you arrive.

The International Programs Office provides a ride to Wal-Mart store and banks on Ramsey Street weekly. Please contact the International Programs Office once you arrive to find out when we can take you.

I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the U.S., what should I do?
Failure to turn in your I-94 (or I-94W) when you leave the U.S. can create a serious problem. Without this record of your departure, you will be identified in our records as an "overstay." Being identified as an overstay means that you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. If you failed to turn in your I-94, please send it, along with any documentation that proves you left the U.S. to ACS Inc.1084 South Laurel Rd., London, Kentucky 40744.