Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements

1.             What is the minimum TOEFL score requirement?

The minimum TOEFL score requirement for incoming exchange students from non-English speaking countries is 550 on the written test or 210 on the computer-based test. TOEFL scores are not required for incoming students from the Jönköping International Business School.

2.             What immunizations do I need to have had in order to register for classes?

Every incoming USC student must complete an immunization form in order to be allowed to register for classes. You can find the immunization form here. The required immunizations for international students include:

1. Two measles and one German measles immunization that must have been administered after the student’s first birthday

   OR

2. Positive serum titer test for measles and German measles. The positive titer must have been performed within the last 5 years.

   OR

3. Physician diagnosed measles illness, plus meeting either criterion 1 or 2 above for German measles.

In addition, for international students, you must also have proof of a PPD test (Mantoux) within the past 12 months. Other recommended vaccines include Tetanus-Diptheria, Mumps, Polio, Meningococcal, Hepatitis B and Varicella (if you have no prior history of Chicken Pox). If you are unable to receive the PPD test (Mantoux) in your home country, you can submit a chest x-ray instead along with the chest x-ray examination results documented in a letter from your doctor.

If both the PPD test and chest x-ray are not an option in your home country, you can also make an appointment with the Student Health Center upon arrival to receive the test.  For more information on immunizations, please see the Student Health Center web site.

Health Insurance Requirements

3.             What are the health insurance requirements? What if I already have health

coverage in my home country?

For international students, it is required that you have health insurance. Health insurance coverage is automatically charged to your USC student account. If you already have health insurance coverage in your home country that will cover you while you are studying in the U.S., you are eligible to waive the health insurance and have that charge removed from your account. In order to do so, you would need to complete the hard waiver form and submit proof of insurance coverage from your home country (translated into English) to the Student Health Center within the first two weeks of the semester.

For exchange students studying for the academic year, you must complete and submit the hard waiver form and proof of health insurance to the Student Health Center each semester.

Housing

4.             Where can I live on-campus?

You have several housing options to choose from including South Quad, Bates West or one of the language communities. Once you are admitted to the University, you will be contacted by a study abroad advisor about your course and housing choices. South Quad housing costs are approximately $800 more than Bates West per semester.  You can view the housing options, costs and take a virtual tour by going to the University Housing web site. 

Within South Quad you may request to take part in the Carolina Global Community (CGC). Designed to enhance intercultural experiences, this international living-learning community pairs international students with American roommates.  For more information on the CGC, please visit their web site.

Finally, if you have a background in Spanish or French language study you can request the French House or Spanish House as your accommodation option. More information on these options can also be found on the University Housing web site.

5.             When can I move in to my on-campus housing? When do I have to pay my

housing bill?

You can refer to the University Housing web site for exact move-in dates each semester. If you plan to arrive before the move-in date, please contact a study abroad advisor to make arrangements. You may be able to stay in early arrival housing on-campus. Your housing bill will be due by the first day of the term. You can pay your housing bill on-line using VIP. You can refer to the due dates indicated in the academic calendar.

Academics and Course Selection

6.             What courses am I able to take at USC?

Exchange students can take any undergraduate courses that they meet the pre-requisites for. Please note that you should not choose any classes at or above the 500 level as these are graduate-level classes.  Generally, class names are followed by the course number which serves as the level indicator.  For example, Biology 101 is an introductory course for first year students.  It follows that 200 level courses are for 2nd year students, 300 level for 3rd year students, and 400-level are for final year (4th year graduating) students, with some overlap in upper range course numbers.  Essentially, the higher the course number, either the more advanced the class or the more specialized the topic. 

7.             How many classes do I need to take?

Full-time status, which is required for all exchange students, is 12 credit hours which typically equals four 3-credit classes. Undergraduate exchange students can enroll in up to 16 credit hours.

8.             Where can I find out what classes will be offered when I’m at USC?

You can find out what classes are being offered by referring to the “Master Schedule” for the Columbia campus each term. You can also refer to departmental web sites for more information on academic programs.

For more detailed course descriptions, please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Bulletin. If a course is listed as closed, do not be discouraged, there may still be a way to get into the course. Many students drop courses during the first week of classes. You may also try attending the course and talking to the professor to see if you can get permission to add the class.

9.             What if I need a syllabus for a course?

Syllabi for courses are generally handed out during the first class meeting. However, if you need a syllabus before the start of the term to determine if the course will transfer back to your home institution, please contact a study abroad advisor and they will make arrangements to get the syllabus for you.

Visa and Arrival Information

10.           When should I arrive and when do classes start?

You can arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the starting date on your I-20 document (immigration document). The starting date is generally the start of classes at the University of South Carolina. Incoming exchange students are required to attend the international student orientation which is generally one week before the start of classes. For the upcoming term’s schedule, please refer to the International Programs for Students web site.

You can check for the starting and ending date of the term, as well as holiday observances when the University is closed, by checking the academic calendar.

11.           Is there someone that is able to pick me up at the airport?

Yes, you can complete the arrival assistance request form in order to arrange free airport pick-up through the generous volunteers of the Columbia Council for Internationals. Airport pickup is only available if you fly into the Columbia, SC airport (code CAE).

12.           What type of visa will I need to apply for? How do I apply for my visa?

You will need to apply for an F-1 or student visa for your studies at USC. For more information on applying for a student visa, please see the “Steps to Applying and Student Visa Information” section of this site. You can also refer to the checklist of required documents on the International Programs for Students web site.