Money Matters

• Have you checked with your bank about the possibility and procedures for transferring money from home to a bank in the US?

  Make sure your family or sponsors know how to make such an international money transfer before you leave home. For more information contact world2scsu@stcloudstate.edu.

• Have you purchased travelers checks to cover costs for immediate needs on the way to the United States and during your first few weeks at SCSU? Remember that you will need to pay your Health Insurance upon arrival if you have not already paid for it. The cost is $969.00 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

  Please keep the purchase receipt from your travelers checks separate from the checks themselves. This will facilitate speedy replacement of checks if they are stolen.

• Do you have a small amount of US currency, in small denominations?

  Approximately $100 - $300 in US currency should be as much as you need to cover personal travel expenses.

• Have you purchased a money belt or under-the-shirt pouch to keep your valuables safe during travel?

  Such a belt or pouch can be very useful to carry your passport, travelers checks, cash, university paperwork, etc.

• Are you in need of any dental or medical care?

  It may be advisable to have medical and dental examinations before you leave home. Medical care is very expensive in the United States.

• Do you have copies of your medical records and prescriptions for authorized medicines with you?

  Such documents should be written in English for possible use in the United States.