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Early Fall Start International Students
Welcome to Early Fall Start (EFS) at the University of Washington! 2013 EFS classes begin on Tuesday, August 27th. International students enrolled in this program are expected to attend a compulsory day-long orientation on Monday, August 26th.
Early Fall Start is an optional program for new freshmen who wish to begin their studies early and earn credits before fall quarter begins. There are a few important things you should know as an international student participating in the Early Fall Start program.
Arrival
International students may enter the U.S. up to, but not more than, 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20: September 11th, the official start date for all international students admitted for autumn quarter. Please make your travel plans accordingly and do not arrive before August 12th if you are entering the U.S. with an "Initial Attendance" I-20 form.
Early Fall Start International Student Orientation: August 26th
The compulsory EFS International Student Orientation held by FIUTS on Monday, August 26th will include required visa and immigration check-in for new international students and special thematic sessions to introduce you to student life in the United States and at the UW. You do not need to register for the orientation in advance, we are expecting you!
International students participating in EFS must attend EFS International Student Orientation to complete the International Student Service (ISS) New Student Check-In process. You must bring photocopies of your immigration documents to complete the check-in process. Go to New Students Report to ISS for a list of documents you need to copy and samples of each document. Please make copies of your documents after you have entered the U.S.
Monday, August 26th
EFS International Student Orientation: Welcome to the UW
Schedule currently under development - please check back.
Important: If you plan to participate in EFS, please do not schedule your Advising & Orientation session during your EFS class. You will not be able to participate in both programs at the same time, and absence from your class will be unavoidable. If you participate in EFS, you should register for an online Advising & Registration session that takes place prior to your arrival.
Housing
You are welcome to apply for the FIUTS Welcome Week Homestay Program. This week-long program is designed to give you an opportunity to make a connection with a local family. Your host family can assist you with airport pick-up and transitioning to your life in Seattle. The deadline to apply for a homestay is one month prior to your arrival in Seattle. You can find more information about the FIUTS Homestay Program here.
Health Insurance
Keep in mind that students who participate in Early Fall Start will not be covered by the University student health insurance program until autumn quarter begins in late September. We recommend you make arrangements for temporary health insurance coverage if you plan to participate in the EFS. Find additional resources to help address your health insurance questions here.
Fall International Student Orientation
Fall 2013 International Student Orientation is September 11th-20th, and you are encouraged to participate in events, activities, and information sessions that are of interest to you. There will be many more opportunities to meet other new students and learn more about the UW and Seattle at FIUTS Orientation.
Connect with FIUTS online