International Students
International Student Support
Over 100 countries are represented in the graduate departments and professional schools at the University of Southern California. The Master of Science in Global Medicine (MSGM) program office is available to answer any question throughout the application process. We can provide additional resources to help you transition to life in Southern California, at the MSGM program and at the USC Office of International Services. We can be sure to help you make the most of your time with us.
Please refer to the following lists of departments and other contact information you may need that will help you arrive in the United States as easily as possible.
USC Office for International Services
This office provides continuing support services for international students. Professionally trained counselors and student peer counselors are available to advise international students on important issues such as immigration regulations, academic progress, financial concerns, housing and cross-cultural adjustment. Through this office, students can receive information about social and cultural activities. For more information, please contact (213) 740-2666, or visit: www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS/.
U.S. Visa Information
Once admitted as an international student to the MSGM Program, you will receive either an I-20 or IAP-66 Eligibility Certificate from the Office of Graduate and International Admissions. After receiving the I-20 or IAP-66, you must apply for a visa to enter the U.S. via a United States Embassy or Consulate. Any student entering the U.S. using USC-issued documents must register for the semester to which admission is granted. For further information contact:
Office of Graduate and International Admissions
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9024
Telephone: (213) 740-7296
Fax: (213) 740-7577
TOEFL and English Language Proficiency
All applicants who earned undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking country are required to submit their scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum TOEFL requirements are listed below:
- Internet-based exam score of 100 (applicants must score no less than 20 points per section)
- Computer-based exam score of 250
Note: 1) The TOEFL is not required for international students who have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. 2) Records of TOEFL scores are purged after 5 years.
To avoid delays in processing your application, we suggest you request that your test scores be sent to USC Graduate Admissions at the time you pre-register. For additional information, please contact:
TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
USA
www.toefl.org
Transcripts
Submit one set of records from each college or university you have attended. These records should indicate the number of lecture and laboratory hours devoted to each course and the grades you received. Be sure to include official documents that indicate the title and date of the degrees you have earned. These records and documents will serve as the equivalent to a "transcript" issued from an American institution.
If these academic records are not in English, please submit a notarized, official English translation. MSGM requires official copies of both original language and English language transcripts. You may send certified copies instead of the original transcripts.
Financial Guarantee Statement
In order to enter the U.S. for academic study, all international applicants must prove that they have the financial resources to meet expected costs of their educational program and living expenses. Before you receive your visa, you must provide documented evidence of these resources. Please include your sponsor's name, address and source of income, all of which must be verified by bank stamp or a United States Consul. If your home government or other official agency (e.g. Fulbright, AMIDEAST) is providing your financial support, you must submit similar documentation. For more information and guidelines, please visit the USC Graduate Admissions website.
USC Student Health Center
International students must carry health and accident insurance unless their sponsors provide sufficient health coverage. USC reserves the right to determine whether or not the amount of insurance contracted by the student is adequate. All students are required to pay a mandatory health fee which allows full use of the university health center and counseling services. Students may also purchase medical coverage for family members accompanying them to the U.S. For more information, please call the USC Student Health Center at (213) 740-5344.
Social Security Number
Government regulations regarding the issuance of Social Security numbers are being reviewed at this time. For updated information on how to obtain a Social Security number or an identification card, please call the Office of International Services at (213) 740-2666, or visit their website at: www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS/.
Driving Regulations
If you have a valid out-of-state or international driver’s license, you may drive in California for six months. After that, you must obtain a California driver's license. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is located near the USC campus at 3615 South Hope Street (on Exposition Blvd., west of the Harbor Freeway). Call the DMV at (213) 744-2004 to make an appointment. Bring your passport, your original I-20 or IAP-66, and Social Security Card to a Driver Testing Center. You will need to take a written, eye, and driving exam. You can also obtain additional information from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Housing
All classes for the Global Medicine program are held at the USC Health Sciences Campus in East Los Angeles. In-campus housing is available at the Seaver Residence Hall, which is located at 1969 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033-9160. For more information, please visit the Seaver Residence Hall website.
Other nearby areas that are popular housing options for our students are Pasadena, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles. There are many internet sites and resources that are very useful when searching for housing around Los Angeles. Here are a few that are very popular:
We also recommend you consider the following in your housing search:
- Accessibility to campus . How far is it from the USC Health Sciences Campus? What is the typical traffic situation? Will you be able to get to your classes on time?
- Safety and security . Is the surrounding area and neighborhood safe?
- Facilities provided . What is and is not provided can make a big difference in cost and/or convenience. For example, if a washer and dryer is provided in the unit, it can save you a good couple of hours each week driving to the coin laundromat on weekends to do your laundry.
- Utilities included in rent . Again, this could make a big difference in your monthly expenses. Some rentals go all the way as to provide cable TV and internet at an incremental price difference.
Always be sure that all agreements between you and your landlord are put in writing. Don’t forget to ask for receipts for deposits or monthly installments. If you need more specific advice regarding your housing search, please don’t hesitate to contact the MSGM program office at (+1)323-442-3141. We will be glad to help provide more information to enable you to make a more confident and informed decision.
Apply Early
While application deadlines are the same for international and domestic students, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible, especially as a student residing outside the United States.