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International Student Information

Check list for international students:

Obtain your visa (F1 or J1)
Contact the Bechtel International Center for visa information.

Additional information can be obtained from your department's student affairs administrator:

• GES: Elaine Andersen (650-725-0574)
• Geophysics: Tasha Newson (650-724-3293)
• Petroleum Engineering: Ginni Savalli (650-723-8314)
• IPER: Suki Hoagland (650-724-3074)

Spouses and Families
Immigration information for spouses/partners of International Students
www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/InternationalScholars/Spouse.html

Information for International Families www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/families/index.html
www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/families/resource_folder/index.htm

Medical requirements for new students
Before you can begin your studies at Stanford, you must complete certain health-related forms, immunizations and tests.
www.stanford.edu/group/cowell/newstudent/medreqs.html
www.stanford.edu/group/cowell/newstudent/list.html

English Language Placement Test
If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you may be required to take the Stanford English Placement Test upon arrival. Students who accept an offer of admission will be notified in a separate mailing by Graduate Admissions of that requirement.

The English Placement Examination for Incoming Graduate Students and the TA Screening Examination are both administered by the English for Foreign Students Office. Check their site for updates and information about test dates.

The English Placement Examination assesses the ability to understand, speak, and write American English, with particular emphasis on active speaking and writing. Results are evaluated in terms of your academic program at Stanford and the University’s requirements for that program. Depending on results of the placement test, you may be required to take appropriate courses in English while beginning your academic work. Admission remains conditional until such specified course work is satisfactorily completed. It is important to note that completion of a degree program may be lengthened if English courses are required.

Get your Social Security Number
www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/new/orientation/social_security.html

Get a California driver's license
(Bring your driver license from your country in case you want to rent a car right away!)
www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/info/license.html

Health Insurance
www.stanford.edu/group/cowell/newstudent/international.html

More information
The Bechtel International Center has a helpful New Student section and a list of International Student Groups at Stanford.