Q.What are the requirements for admission at Fort Lewis College?
A. International Students will attend Fort Lewis College in one of the two categories listed below. Please read each category carefully and then select the appropriate one for your situation.

1.) Exchange students
These students are participants of an exchange program for either one semester or a full academic year. Incoming exchange students are non-degree seeking students. We have an established reciprocal agreement with their home school that waives the tuition and fee requirements during their stay at Fort Lewis. All paperwork and placement inquiries should be directed to the International Programs Office.

2.) Independent International Students (Direct Enrollment)
Students who wish to attend Fort Lewis College need to follow the regular admission policies and procedures as other non-resident students. Your paperwork and placement inquiries should be directed to the Admissions Office.

Q.What if I can’t arrive by orientation?
A. In the fall we have orientation the Thursday and Friday prior to the start of classes. It is a requirement that you arrive in time for this very important session. This is a mandatory meeting that covers SEVIS, class registration, and all school procedures. If for some reason you cannot be with the group - you will need to schedule an individual meeting with the international student advisor, but she will only do so if circumstances preventing you from attending the group meeting are merited.

Q.How far is it to Denver or my country’s consulate?
A. Denver is about a 7 hour drive from Durango. Check with your state department to find out where the nearest consulate/embassy is to Durango. Denver is a large city, however, your country may not have representation in Denver.
See this link :    http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html

Q.Is there public transportation?
A. To travel from the Durango Airport to campus, you can use Durango Transportation. There is a courtesy phone in the Airport lobby that you can use to connect to Durango Transportation. Alternatively, their telephone number is 259-4818. The distance is about 10 miles. The cost will be approximately $20.

Durango is a small town with a population of about 13,000 people. Public transportation is available between campus and town, and throughout town via “The Lift”. Once you arrive on campus, you may get a sticker on your ID card that will allow you to use The Lift for free. You obtain this sticker at the Information Desk.

Q.Can I drive in the US?
A. Yes, you can use your own country's driver's license, an international driver’s license, or you may obtain a Colorado Driver’s License. It is very useful to have a Colorado Driver’s License as it can be your identification - much safer and convenient than carrying your passport.

Q.Is there campus housing? What are the accommodation options?
A. On campus housing is available in the form of dormitories or apartments. Some international students choose to live in housing off campus.
For more information about on campus housing, go to
http://www.fortlewis.edu/prospective_students/housing/default.aspx

Q.What are the rules in residence halls at Fort Lewis College?
A. We will cover this information at orientation once you are here.
Generally speaking, residence halls are designed to promote learning and scholarship. Resident assistants supervise students on campus. While there are some restrictions for residential life such as the prohibition of alcohol or drugs, you are able to come and go as you please and entertain visitors as long as your roommate is in agreement with your choices and you do not disturb the peace.

Q.Can I choose a roommate?
A. If you and a particular student would like to room together on campus, you should let the Housing Department know on your application by each indicating the other student’s name on your application. You can always request a roommate. It is not guaranteed that your request will be accommodated. We encourage International students to room with American students.

Q.How do I find off campus housing?
A. The primary method for locating off campus housing is to search the housing ads in our local newspaper, the Durango Herald (or online) You will likely need to do this upon arriving in Durango. You can get an estimate of what off campus housing will cost by searching these ads online at www.durangoherald.com Go to "Classifieds".

Q.When do I check into Housing?
A. This will change every year. Please contact Scott Miller miller_scott@fortlewis.edu or Asuka Morley morley_a@fortlewis.edu.

Q.What if I want to move in earlier?
A. You cannot move into housing early. You may find off campus housing in the interim. The earliest you can enter the US is 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

Q.Can I live with my girlfriend / boyfriend?
A. Coed accommodations are not available on campus.

Q.How much does it cost to live on campus?
A. Depending on the type of accommodation you choose, the cost varies. Go to: http://www.fortlewis.edu/prospective_students/housing/housing_expenses.asp

Q.Can I stay in the dorms during Christmas break?
A. It depends. If you are living in the dorms, you cannot stay in your dorm room during breaks. International students typically find friends to stay with if they are not traveling.

However, if you are living in the On-Campus apartments, you are able to stay in your room over the breaks.

Q.What kinds of courses are offered?
A. Fort Lewis College offers classes in the Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education. Education classes are restricted to students who have applied additionally to the Teacher Education Department and are seeking Teacher Licensure in the state of Colorado.

For a list of classes offered in the Fall, go to:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/calendars/course_schedules.asp
Then click on Fall.

Course descriptions can be found at:
https://webopus.fortlewis.edu/pls/banner/bwckctlg.P_DisplaySubjects
Then click on Fall.

Q.How do I register for classes?
A. You should first meet with your advisor at your home school to make sure the classes you take will transfer back to your school and fulfill the requirements you need them to fulfill. Exchange Students need to email your course requests to Scott Miller <miller_scott@fortlewis.edu>. Make sure you choose at least 8 possible classes so that we have enough options to build a full-time schedule. It is best to include the course requests with your initial application.

Independent international students not affiliated with an exchange partner need to contact New Student Advising and Registration to make an appointment to schedule classes. Email newstudentadvising@fortlewis.edu to make an appointment.

Q.Are classes offered in my language?
A. Classes are taught in English only except for language classes in French, German ,Spanish and Japanese.

Q.How much English do I need to have taken to be able to understand course content?
A. Unless English is a dominant language in your country, you will need to take the TOEFL and earn a score of 550 or higher. Without several years of formal English instruction, you will have significant difficulty understanding lectures.

Q.Is there an interpreter in case I need help?
A. Not necessarily. There are many Spanish speaking people residing in Durango, and one could seek individual assistance and tutoring on their own. Very few other languages are spoken locally.

Finding an interpreter or translator would be the student’s responsibility. The college does not provide any special translation services.

Q.Do I get a social security number?
A. After you arrive in the US, and obtain employment (on campus), you may apply for a social security number in Durango.

Q.How do I get a visa?
A. Once you have completed an admission application and are admitted to Fort Lewis College, we will generate an I-20 which can then be taken to a US embassy or consulate near your home to obtain a visa.

Q.What is the cost of living and attendance?
A. Your cost of living can vary greatly depending on your accommodations. Keep in mind that if you are an exchange student, your tuition and part of your fees are waived in the exchange. There is still a matriculation fee of either $35 for non-degree seeking (unclassified, such as exchange students) students and $105 for degree seeking students who plan to graduate from Fort Lewis College. There is also a $125 international student fee assessed to all international students each semester.


Q.Can I work?
A. You may work on campus up to 20 hours per week. To work off campus requires special permission. Your F-1 visa assumes your primary purpose in the US is to study, therefore, opportunity to work is quite limited. We will cover the details during Orientation.

Q. Do I have to open a US bank account?
A. You don’t have to but it is recommended if you will be earning a paycheck.

Q.What is the best way to manage my money?
A. It is highly recommended that you obtain either a debit card or a credit card from your home financial institution.

Q.If I want to pay bills through my foreign account, can I?
A. You cannon write foreign checks under any circumstance. Again, we recommend getting a local checking account at a local bank and a credit card through your home financial institution.

Q.How far is it to downtown?
A. We are less than a mile from the business district of Durango. The campus is on a mesa so it is a little strenuous to get up to campus by foot. However, public transportation is available.

Q.Will my classes transfer back?
A. You need to speak with the advisor at your home institution regarding how Fort Lewis College classes will transfer back to your school and what requirements will be fulfilled.

Q.Are there any special requirements for getting a degree at Fort Lewis College?
A. For students seeking a degree at Fort Lewis College, you will be required to take placement tests in Math, Reading, and Writing when you arrive, or within earning 30 college credits. The cost for this placement test, including all three subjects is $20. It is called the Accuplacer.

Q.What happens at orientation?
A. Orientation includes an overview of academic expectations, standards, and procedures, student support services, procedures for registration for future semesters, add/drop class policies, placement tests, and residential life information. Additionally, issues specific to international students, especially immigration issues will be addressed.

Q.>When is orientation?
A. Please contact International Programs Office for more detail. Scott Miller <miller_scott@fortlewis.edu> or Asuka Morley <morley_a@fortlewis.edu>

Q.Is there a fee?
A. The fee for orientation is covered in your matriculation fee.

Q.When is my bill due?
A. Payment in full is due by “census date”, which falls 12 school days into the semester. In summer sessions, it is the 5th day into the term.

Q.How many international students attend Fort Lewis College? From where?
A. Typically, Fort Lewis College hosts approximately 50 international students per term. They typically come from Western Europe, Australia, Mexico, Kenya, Japan, and Middle East.

Q.What do I do if I get sick? Health care?
A. We have a health center on campus. Check to see if your insurance from home will cover you while studying abroad. If not, a policy is available through Fort Lewis College.
To learn more, go to: http://www.fortlewis.edu/student_life/health_center/default.aspx

Q.What are the immunization requirements?
A. For immunization requirements, please visit the link below.
http://www.fortlewis.edu/student_life/health_center/default.aspx

Q.What is the weather like?
A. Durango enjoys all four seasons. In the Fall term the temperature ranges from 85 degrees Fahrenheit in September to 25 degrees Fahrenheit in December. Bring warm clothing. In the Winter term, temperatures range from 0 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the end of April. Durango is subject to receive a lot of snow in the Winter term. The summer is very hot: 90’s. We are a high desert/alpine climate and very arid. Humidity levels are extremely low.


Q.Will I get altitude sickness?
A. Upon arrival in Durango from a sea level location, you may experience altitude sickness. Durango is about 7000 feet (2500 meters) above sea level. Many people experience shortness of breath, headaches, dehydration, or lethargy in the first few weeks as a result. Drink water and take it easy.

Q.Should I bring / do I need a computer? Special compatibility issues?
A. Fort Lewis College offers free access to computer labs on campus. These computer labs are open at convenient times throughout the week. Most computers are PC’s, or IBM compatible. There are a few Macintosh computers on campus.

You may bring your own computer. Check http://comtel.fortlewis.edu/ for details about compatibility.