New International Student Information
We’re very excited to welcome you to COD, and we hope that your final COD preparations are going well! As we get closer to the start of the start of the semester, here is some important information to keep in mind.
Housing
COD now works with International Student Placements (ISP) to arrange homestays for our students. They have an excellent local coordinator (Allyson) ready to assist you. View more information about ISP and read through the homestay application. Please note that two ISP fees are different (less expensive) for COD students:
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You will not need to pay the $70 service charge for Southern California.
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The optional airport pick-up fee for the Palm Springs airport is $80, not $120.
Homestays are not the only option for housing near COD. Many students choose to live in local apartments. Apartments near College of the Desert Listing
Course Registration
As a student at COD, you have two major advantages when it comes to course registration and class schedules. COD ensures that our international students receive priority course registration each semester, making it much easier for you to schedule the courses you need. Additionally, we have a dedicated counselor on staff who will create a course schedule for you before you arrive. The counselor will also meet with you at orientation to assist you with any scheduling changes you would like to make before the start of the term. Therefore, there is no need to stress about your classes!
Orientation
We're thrilled to announce the in-person international student orientation program for the fall 2024 semester. The program will take place from August 14-16 and will feature workshops and information sessions. Additional details will be sent via email.
Traveling to COD
If you need advice on the best way to travel to COD, please let us know. When planning to fly here, consider that although we are near Los Angeles (136 miles from LAX airport), it's often more convenient to choose Palm Springs airport (PSP) as your final destination. PSP is only about a 20-minute drive from campus and is a very user-friendly airport. There are plenty of taxis & Ubers/Lyfts available, and ISP offers a pick-up service there.
F-1 Status
Please let us know if you are having any trouble obtaining an F-1 visa, if you have any questions/concerns about your I-20, or you’re unsure if you have everything you need to gain/maintain your F-1 status before you come to COD. When you travel to the U.S., make sure you have the following documents with you (easily accessible in carry-on luggage):
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Passport/visa
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COD I-20
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COD acceptance letter
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Copy of your proof of funds (bank statement/affidavit, financial guarantee, etc.)
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It’s also helpful to have copies of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt and any I-20s given to you from other schools.
International Education Program Office
During the fall and spring terms, our office is open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. In the summer, we're open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and closed on Fridays. Here's a link to our current hours of operation and contact information. The best way to reach us is by email at iep@collegeofthedesert.edu, but we’re happy to schedule a phone or in-person appointment at a time convenient for you.
Deferring Attendance
We understand that certain circumstances such as delayed visa appointments, medical issues, family emergencies, etc., may prevent you from arriving in time for the beginning of orientation and classes. If you cannot make it for the current semester but would like to attend COD at a later date, we are more than willing to help you defer your start date to the next term.
Questions? Concerns?
Let us know! We want to make sure you’re well prepared for success at COD!
