International Student Services Office

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am a new student and need to move into the dormitory early for International Orientation, but the housing information says that move in day is after I arrive. What can I do?

If you will be living in on-campus housing, do not worry about your early arrival-you will be able to get into your on-campus housing room and move in early. International Student Services will be arranging your early arrival.

I would like to be picked up at the airport when I arrive to Indianapolis for my first semester at Butler. What do I do?

Please complete the airport pickup confirmation form so we may plan for your arrival.

My flight does not arrive during business hours.  Can I still request an airport pickup and will someone really meet me at the airport?

YES and YES!  It is not a requirement that your flight be during business hours, we will arrange for your pickup no matter the hour.  Please complete the airport confirmation form and we will confirm with you before you arrive who will be meeting you at the airport.

I don't want to pack my pillow, blankets, etc. in my suitcases to travel. What can I do my first night?

Another service that International Student Services provides for incoming international students is a linen/bedding service. This costs $30, and includes, all new: one pillow, one set of sheets, one set of towels, and one blanket. This is a very affordable price and it allows you not to pack these items and have more room for other things. If you are interested, please let us know via email (intstudents@butler.edu) so we can have the linens ready for you upon arrival. You should be prepared to pay the $30 at international orientation.

I will not be able to get my health form sent in before I come because international mail is very slow. What should I do?

Many of you have a health form that requires vaccinations and a signature from your doctor at home. If you cannot complete it in time to send it to Butler, just bring it to orientation and one of the nurses will be at orientation to pick them up.

I have several questions about the immunizations and health requirements.  Who should I ask?

You can contact the Butler Health Center Director at vrosa@butler.edu and she will be happy to answer any of your health-related questions before your arrival.  You can also visit the Health Center's website.

I am a new international student who has not registered for classes. When do I register before classes begin?

Exchange students will register with Jill McKinney, who is your academic advisor for your exchange period. You can contact her at jsmckinn@butler.edu to discuss your schedule.

Degree-seeking students will have an academic advisor assigned to them. If you have not corresponded with them via e-mail before arriving, we will facilitate your meeting them and getting your classes scheduled.

How do I pay my bill when I get to the university?

First you need to register for classes for the semester you would like to pay for. Once you have registered, you can pay at the Office of Student Accounts with cash, credit card, check or money order/bank check.

As an international student, am I eligible to open a US bank account?

Yes, you are eligible, and my office facilitates the opening of bank accounts during the week of orientation. You only need your passport and your Butler ID card or another form of identification along with $100 cash to open a bank account.

My parents want to wire transfer money to my bank account from my country--can they do that?

Yes! When you open your bank account, let the banker know that and they can provide you with the complete information you need to give your parents to have a successful wire transfer.

Are international students eligible to work in the U.S.?

International students have limited options to work. International students (F-1 & J-1) can work on-campus for 20 hours per week with correct authorization from the International Student Services Office.

After one year at Butler, F-1 international students are eligible for off campus internships in their area of study called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The International Student Services Office provides the correct work authorization for these internships.

After graduating, F-1 international students are eligible for a 12-month practicum experience in their area of study called Optional Practical Training (OPT). The International Student Services Office aids the student in filing the correct paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office (USCIS) 90 days before graduation up to 60 days after graduation.  The processing time for USCIS is stated as 90 days.

J-1 Non-degree students are eligible for Academic Training (AT) (PDF) for the amount of time that they studied in the United States and never more than 18 months of Academic Training can be given. Students are not eligible for more than 24 months (TOTAL) in J-1 non-degree status (24 months includes time studied and time in Academic Training). For example, if your time of study is one semester (approximately 4 months), your time in Academic Training cannot exceed four months. ISEP students please see the guidelines set out by your program:  ISEP Students (PDF).  All J-1 students please see the Center for Global Education in JH212 to file for Academic Training.