Global Engagement Office

The Eagle International Ambassador Program (Eagle I) provides opportunities for international students to experience American culture through friendships with U.S. students — and helps American students expand their education through interaction with students from abroad. These relationships enhance cultural awareness and global learning.

Get involved - more on the Eagle I Ambassador Program

At FGCU we value the importance of world travel, and as such we are an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility. We serve FGCU students, faculty, staff and the public.

FGCU Passport Acceptance Facility

 The FGCU Peace Corps Prep program creates a frameworks for you to build competencies, integrating coursework with hands-on experience and professional development. Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates that centers on one empowering question: How can you prepare yourself to be the best Peace Corps Volunteer (or any international fieldwork representative) you can be?

Get involved - more on the FGCU peace corps prep program

A Living Learning Community (LLC) is a place where students who share similar majors or interests live together in a designated residential community, enroll in a minimum of one 3-credit course and a 1-credit common hour course each semester. The Global Eagles LLC members will participate in community activities and initiatives related to intercultural competence and international activities. One of the great advantages of joining an LLC is receiving priority class registration.

 FGCU Global Eagles LLC

By immersing yourself in another culture somewhere across the globe, you will broaden your international perspective, gain greater awareness of your own culture and history — and collect amazing travel stories to share for a lifetime. Studies show that international experience leads to greater employment opportunities after you graduate.

FGCU Study Abroad 

Exchange programs allow you to pay FGCU tuition to study at foreign institutions with which we have exchange agreements. Students earn direct FGCU academic credit for courses taken abroad. Exchange programs are often affiliated with and coordinated by a college or degree program.

Audencia Business School in Nantes, France (semester and summer programs) 

University of Barcelona in Spain (semester and summer programs)

University of Wuertzburg in Germany (summer program)

University of Macerata in Italy (semester programs)

• The Global Learning Grant Program aims to help students pay for tuition and fees for undergrad students in programs affiliated with the Global Engagement Office, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
  Global Learning Grant Application
• The Latin American Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship for FGCU Graduate Students is designed to provide assistance to international students from designated Latin American and Caribbean countries.
  Latin American Caribbean Scholarship APPLICATION

The FGCU Peace Corps Prep program creates a frameworks for you to build competencies, integrating coursework with hands-on experience and professional development. Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates that centers on one empowering question: How can you prepare yourself to be the best Peace Corps Volunteer (international fieldwork rep) you can be? 

GET INVOLVED - MORE ON THE FGCU PEACE CORPS PREP PROGRAM

FGCU students traveling abroad are encouraged to submit photos from their experience to the FGCU Study Abroad Photo Contest. Awards will be given and the photos showcased on our website for winning entries in the 4 categories: learning abroad, cultural activities, places and food. Stay tuned for Spring 2021 Study Abroad Photo Contest.  

2019 Winner: Andrew Bidwell, New Zealand

 

2020 Winner: 

 

 

2021 Winner: William Braden from Trier Germany

Arrival Information and Meeting Notices

Housing Move in date for international students: Please expect your earliest move in date to be Monday August 15, 2022 unless housing assigned you an earlier date.

Mandatory Meeting: August 17

Document processing: August 17 & August 18

All new international students must report to a DSO (Designated School Official) no later than the first week of classes to activate your SEVIS record.

Our office calls this Document Processing

• Most Recent I-94 record.- retrievable here: (this is for students who arrived via air or sea port)
• A copy of your course schedule
• Passport & student visa
• I-20
• Foreign National Identification Form (FNIF FORM) (we can answer questions about this form during your document processing)
• Current U.S mailing address  (campus housing address if living on campus)

 

                                         MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

              (*On the drop down menu select- DOCUMENT PROCESSING)

                Select Carey Fells or Tim Gjini to see available DATE and TIMES

 

 

FGCU welcomes the global perspectives and diversity that students from around the world bring to our campus. Located in Southwest Florida between the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, we offer an exceptional environment for learning. FGCU offers 63 undergraduate degrees and 26 master's degrees in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Engineering. Half of our 800 acres is preserved or restored nature. Our campus and region serve as a living laboratory where life-enhancing discoveries are made. We're an incubator for entrepreneurs who fuel economic development and a cultural resource that enriches life on and around campus. The first step in the process is visiting the international applicant webpage and beginning your application: 

International Applicants - UndergraduateInternational Applicants - GraduateInternational Student Life Cycle (F-1/M-1) Infographic

Congratulations on being accepted! This checklist can be referenced after you have completed all steps for international student enrollment  as required by our Admissions Office:

• Housing  (Secure your housing as soon as possible- spaces on campus fill up very quickly)
• SEVIS Fee. Prior to applying for your visa and upon receiving I-20 / DS-2019 form. SEVIS fees are paid by completing the I-901 SEVIS Fee form  
• Visa Appointment. Make sure you are prepared for your visa appointment and bring all necessary documents with you. Click here to read about items you need to bring and tips for a successful interview. 
• Immunization Records.  Before registering for classes, all international students must provide proof of vaccination against 1) Rubella and 2) Measles (MMR). Refer to the FGCU Student Health Services Portal to complete the immunization form online, you will need your FGCU eagle email address and password. In the portal you click "My Profile" then "My Forms" then "Immunization History for Portal", enter date, upload forms and submit. 
• Check Gulfline Account for Holds. If you have holds on your account you will not be able to register for classes. Common holds for not meeting certain requirements could be for not proving immunizations, not proving health insurance or not completing orientation among others. Holds need to be removed by relevant department. Students can view their holds by signing into their Gulfline accounts under "Student Records" tab.    
• Provide Proof of Health Insurance.  View our health insurance guide page for more information
• Sign up for Orientation. You must sign up 2 weeks prior to the actual orientation date that you want to register for.   Eagle View Orientation, for more information and to register click here. 
• Sign up for Document Processing.  GEO staff will need to verify and make copies of your immigration documents. New international students schedule 30 minute time slots within the first 3 days of arrival. SEVIS requires students to check in with FGCU staff within 10 days of arrival. 

Health Insurance is mandatory for international students as required by Florida law. All international F1 and J1 students are required to provide proof of valid health insurance. It is the students responsibility to be familiar with the requirements and process for their health insurance. 

International Student Health Insurance Guide  

The Global Engagement Office encourage students to live in on campus housing.  The FGCU offers many different accommodation types and locations throughout the campus, . Once students have paid their tuition deposit, registered for an orientation and have completed their housing application they will be given their housing selection options. 

FGCU Student Housing Options

The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located 6 miles from the FGCU main campus. Other arrival airports to consider are Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA) or Tampa (TPA), all of which are under 3 hours by car.  Red Coach Bus Services has routes to and from FGCU to most major airports in Florida. First year international students are required to attend an orientation which takes place between 3-5 days before the first day of classes and will receive instructions by email that cover specific arrival details.   

No matter where you are in the process you can always schedule an appointment with our Global Engagement Office.  Appointments can be via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, phone or on a limited basis and following COVID-19 protocols, in person. 

Schedule an Appointment with GEO Staff  

1. Click on “Select Option”
2. Click on “International Student/Scholars” option
3. Choose either Carey Fells, or Timothy Gjini
4. Choose the appointment data and time that works for you.
5. All appointment will be virtual unless approved in advance.

• Application for Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials
• Education Credential Evaluators - NACES member

Most international students that hold an F1 or J1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your F1 visa. There are several categories of employment during the term of your stay as an F1 student in the United States. On-campus employment is the most freely available, and then there are four categories of off-campus employment.

 

Employment Page

Forms and Procedures related to employment:

• OPT EMPLOYMENT REPORTING FORM
• OPT-Online Application Steps - Post-Completion OPT, Category C3B
• STEM Extension-Online Application Steps- Stem Extension OPT, Category C3C
• STEM OPT: Form I-983 TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS
• STEM OPT 24 Month Extension Checklist and Agreement Form
• DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
• Fillable I-765 Form for Employment Authorization
• I-9 Form for Employment Eligibility in U.S.
• W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Information and Request Form
• Application for a Social Security Card

Social Security PAGE

Any F1 student suffering "severe economic hardship" as defined by USCIS is eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks. To be eligible under "severe economic hardship", a student must 1) Be in valid F1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) 2) Be in good academic standing 3) Provide evidence of economic hardship based on unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control 4) Show that on-campus employment is neither available nor sufficient 5) Make a good faith effort to locate employment on campus before applying

Academic Forms 

• Financial Support Documents
• Academic Advisors' Recommendation for Program Extension
• Reduced Course Load Request Form
  • Sample Letter for Medical Reduced Course Load Request from Physician
• International Student Life Cycle (F-1/M-1) Infographic
• Transfer OUT of FGCU Request Form
• Department of Records & Registration Forms

Data Update Forms 

• Aliens Change Of Address Form AR 11.pdf
• Change of Non-Immigrant Status to F-1 Category
• Foreign National Identification Form (FNIF FORM)

Any non-resident (such as J Exchange Visitors) attending college in Florida who has a valid driver license from another state or country may drive in Florida without having a Florida driver license. However, if you decide to purchase a vehicle, you must obtain automobile insurance first. Insurance companies often REQUIRE you to obtain a Florida Drivers license prior to obtaining insurance. So, if you decide to purchase a vehicle you will probably need to obtain a Florida driver license and then automobile insurance for the specific vehicle you wish to purchase prior to purchasing the vehicle. If you decide to obtain a Florida driver’s license, state law requires that you present certain identification and documents such as your DS-2019 and I-94 card, and a driver license from another state in United States if you already have one.

If you need further information please contact the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles at 1-850-617-2000 or  Lee County Driver License Offices. 

How to open a bank account

You may open a bank account through some of the following steps:

1. Choose a bank: You may want to consider the features, benefits, perks, ATM locations, and types of accounts offered by your choice of bank as well as any applicable monthly service fees and other fees that may apply before opening your bank account.
2. Confirm eligibility requirements: Confirm the bank or credit union’s eligibility and age requirements for opening a savings or checking account.
   For example, you usually need to be at least 18 years old to open a checking account and some banks may require a parent or guardian to be part of the process of opening a student checking account. If you are applying for a child’s first savings account or student checking account some banks require both people to be present with their necessary documents.
3. Choose the right accounts for you: Before the application process, you can usually specify what types of products you’d like, such as a checking account, savings account, or both. Read over the account materials and be sure to familiarize yourself with the account features.
4. Start the application at your bank: Once you have chosen a bank or credit union, and the type of account, visit their local branch or online site to learn more about their application process and to access their application.

 Here’s a list of what you’ll need to open your new bank account:

•  A valid, government-issued photo ID
• An initial deposit is required by some banks

• Proof of Address

Proof of Residence can be obtained through housing@fgcu.edu 

Send them an email stating:

 

Hello,

I am need of a letter showing proof of my residency to open a bank account. Please let me know if you need further information from me.

Name: Provide them with your Student Name

UIN#: Provide them with your FGCU UIN# (Student I.D#)

Thank you for your help

Sincerely,

Your Name

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. Each year USF faculty and students contribute to and participate in many Fulbright programs. To find out about the opportunities available visit: http://www.cies.org/ 

FGCU Faculty Advisors:

John Griffis (PhD)

Megan McShane (PhD)  

Current Opportunities for U.S. Scholars

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a teaching method that enables professors from different countries to add a global learning experience to each of their courses. If you are faculty or student, learn more about FGCU's COIL initiative: 

FGCU COIL Initiative

*Beginning January 1st, 2021: An innovative new way to internationalize the curriculum at FGCU across 4 areas of study: Humanities, Business, Science and Global Perspectives. Materials are for faculty to use to internationalize and enhance curriculum. Initial countries to be covered are Costa Rica, England, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and India with more countries to be announced soon.

FGCU Global Virtual Content 

 

Resources

• Teach Abroad
• WorldTeach
• Peace Corps
• Rotary
• Teach Abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions
• Teach TESOL Abroad with Oxford Seminars
• Study Abroad, Volunteer, Teach with GoAbroad.com
• Tips for Teaching Abroad

All persons sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast University in the Exchange Visitor Program who are issued a J-1 visa must register with the FGCU Global Engagement Office after arriving at the university. Either the exchange visitor (scholar) or the scholar’s host department may contact our office at (239) 590-7925 to schedule an appointment to register.   

Process to host an international scholar:

 Process to be completed by the host: 

•  Complete Exchange Visitor Request Form to request FGCU Global Engagement Office to issue a DS-2019 form. Please fill out the form, bearing signatures from the host, hosting supervisor, and the FGCU Department Chair (or Dean) must sign in ink, on the last page  bearing signatures from you, the hosting supervisor and the FGCU department head (or Dean) must sign in ink, on the last page. The sponsoring FGCU department must complete all items on this form. This form is to be completed and approved no less than one month before the intended program start date. 
• Complete the Deemed Export Compliance Form
• Provide Letter of invitation for Prospective Scholar: Including/describing activities the research scholar will be engaging during his Exchange Visitor Program. (Optional)

If the host wishes to grant FGCU Courtesy Faculty Appointment to the scholar, please work with the Provost’s office and ISO on further details and instruction.

Process to be completed by the prospective international scholar:

• Complete Exchange Visitor Profile
• Provide Financial Support document/Statement, in U.S. Dollars, to be accompanied by a bank statement (verifying the evidence of funds available, if financial support comes from an outside FGCU source).
• Complete J-1 Insurance Notification Form: All scholars must maintain medical/health insurance coverage for the duration of their program.
• Complete Sickness and Accident Insurance Verification Form. Please contact the FGCU Global Engagement Office at Tgjini@fgcu.edu for further information and guidance on available alternative health/medical insurance plans. 
• Provide CV or Resume Copy
• Provide A Photocopy of his/her Passport Biographic Page. Please indicate if a dependent (spouse or child) will be joining scholar in the program to the United States.

All this paperwork needs to be submitted to our office at least 45-60 days in advance of the scholar’s intended program start date. Upon successfully submitting all the required paperwork, our office will work with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs on the Deemed Export Control Review, Legal Counsel’s office, and other stakeholders to process these documents before the scholar visa documentation could be issued.

IF THE PROSPECTIVE SCHOLAR HAS PREVIOUSLY PARTICIPATED IN A J-1 SCHOLAR PROGRAM IN THE U.S. AND HAS A 212(E) TWO YEAR HOME RESIDENCY RULE PLACED ON THE ANNOTATED SECTION OF THE J-1 VISA, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PROSPECTIVE SCHOLAR APPLIES FOR AND RECEIVES A 'No-objection' WAIVER OR RESIDES IN HOME-COUNTRY FOR TWO YEARS, PRIOR TO BEING ABLE TO APPLY TO ANOTHER J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM.

Annotation: Prospective International Scholar: All scholars must maintain medical/health insurance coverage for the duration of their program. Prospective Scholar must sign and send back to us the J-1 Insurance Notification Form (See the attached document titled: Insurance Notification Form ).  If the Scholar has insurance in his/her home country and wishes to utilize that plan during his/her stay at FGCU, she may ask her insurance company agent to fill out the attached Sickness and Accident Insurance Verification Document and send it to our office of International Studies, before the program start. Should her current health insurance be deemed to meet the criteria in the Compliance Form (Sickness and Accident Insurance Verification Form), then he/she will not be required to purchase the FGCU Health Insurance Plan through Gallagher Insurance Company. If the Scholar does not wish to utilize another alternative health insurance plan, they may enroll in the FGCU International Scholar Health Insurance Plan through Gallagher Insurance Plan at https://www.gallagherstudent.com/students/user-login.php?idField=1187/ For frequently asked questions about the Gallagher Medical Insurance plan; please visit: https://www.gallagherstudent.com/parents/faq/ and https://www.gallagherstudent.com/parents/value-proposition/   If the Scholar doesn’t plan to utilize an alternative medical insurance plan, then he/she will be required to enroll in the FGCU medical insurance plan through Gallagher Insurance company (our FGCU scholar insurance plan). If the Scholar plans to utilize another insurance plan and has further questions on which insurance plan would meet the FGCU requirements, please let us know.

Related Forms: 

• Estimated Expenses for J-1 Exchange Visitor/Scholar
• Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
• International Agreement Process

MOU Agreement document

Exchange Partner Universities: 

University of Macerata

University of Barcelona

University of Würzburg

Audencia Business School

Universidad Privada Boliviana

Direct Enroll Partnerships Abroad:

Harlaxton College (UK)

Sant'Anna Institute (Italy)

Lorenzo de Medici Institute (Italy)  

Third Party Study Abroad Organizations:

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

CEA Abroad

SAE Barcelona

Academic Studies Abroad (ASA) 

Study Abroad Association (SAA)

Memorandum of Understanding: 

University of Siena (Italy)

Tel Aviv University (Israel)

University of West Hungary (Hungary) 

Szent Istvan University (Hungary) 

Universidad Cienfuegos (Cuba)

Incheon National University (South Korea)

US Department of State fellowship sponsor organizations:

IREX

World Learning

If you're and FGCU faculty or staff and would like to initiate a partnership with an international institute or organization, or if you represent an organization interested in developing a partnership with FGCU, begin by completing this form

Florida Gulf Coast University is a global institution.  Our community members undertake international travel in pursuit of teaching, study, research, service and co-curricular activities. FGCU faculty and staff members must go through their individual units and departments when traveling for business and follow the procedures subscribed in the International Travel Policy.  When traveling international to international destinations, faculty, staff and students must first register their travel in FGCU's Veoci Travel Registry system, see link below. The Veoci Travel Registry is a one stop accessible tool for reviewing export control concerns (including a possible license to travel), receiving institutional approval, destination specific resources as well as initiate the spend authorization process for Procurement Services. Registering faculty or staff international travel on the Veoci system should begin as soon as the travel is known but not later than 45 days before the planned departure.  To begin, click on the link below and log in with your university email address. 

FGCU International Travel Registry 

Steps: 

1) Create traveler profile in VEOCI (this step only needs to be done once) 

2) Request international travel authorization

3) Notifications will be sent to traveler supervisor, FGCU Export Compliance and the Global Engagement Office / Chief International Officer for approval

4) Upon Approval international traveler will be sent expenditure request instructions and can begin making plans.  

 

The following policy was approved by President Martin on November 13, 2020

• FGCU Policy 2.020, International Travel link: 

 https://www.fgcu.edu/generalcounsel/policies/approved/policy2.020.pdf

Process for Acquiring International Travel Approval

All FGCU faculty, staff and students traveling internationally on University Sponsored International Travel are required to be covered by the CISI Travel Abroad Insurance Plan. University Sponsored International Travel is defined as any international academic or business travel taken by faculty, staff, and students, or Volunteers, authorized, funded, coordinated, or administered by the University. Such travel may include, but is not limited to, teaching, research, consulting, co-operative programs, service, administrative work, field studies, volunteer work, performances, athletic contests, and trips abroad in connection with a University-recognized student organization, academic, or administrative unit.

FGCU Faculty and Staff International Travel Insurance Policy: 

Florida Gulf Coast University – Business Travel Policy

Florida Gulf Coast University Business Travel Abroad Enrollment Form – Blanket Plan

FGCU Student International Travel Insurance Policy: 

Florida Gulf Coast University - Study Abroad Travel Plan

Florida Gulf Coast University Study Abroad Insurance Enrollment Form

US Department of State Travel Advisories - Check advisory level and specific risk factors in your destination

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Country-specific notices for travelers' health needs. These are sortable by destination country, condition (if applicable), and type of travel.

World Health Organization (WHO) | Country-specific health notices and vaccination requirements/recommendations.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) | Register with the local U.S. Embassy and get travel alerts.

At FGCU we value the importance of world travel, and as such we are an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility. We serve FGCU students, faculty, staff and the public.

FGCU Passport Application Acceptance Facility