International Student Frequently Asked Questions

As a new international student, you are required to attend the New International Student Orientation before you can register. For a schedule of orientation events, please visit the International Student Orientation Scheduleor contact International Admissions & Advising Services (IAA) for details.

International students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa are expected to enroll in a full course of study. If you need to drop below a full course of study you should speak with your international counselor immediately. Your counselor can advise you of your options under the current immigration regulations. A drop below a full course of study must always be approved in advance by International Admissions & Advising Services.

Yes. The following is a list of reasons for taking less than a full course of study. Please contact International Admissions & Advising Services to discuss your situation and get approval to register for less than full-time.

• Initial English language difficulties or difficulties with reading requirements.
• Unfamiliarity with US teaching methods.
• Illness or other medical reason
• Improper course level placement
• You need less than a full course of study to complete your program.
• Doctoral/graduate student engaged in thesis or dissertation research.

Yes. Students are expected to enroll in courses that span the duration of the 15-week term. This means that you should expect to take a combination of 10 and 15-week courses or a combination of 10 week courses in both the Spring I and Spring II terms.

Yes, but only one cyber class may be counted toward your full course load requirement. You will need to make sure that you are enrolled in the appropriate number of in-person courses in order to maintain your immigration status. It is always a good idea to discuss this option with your international counselor.

As an international student in F1 or J1 immigration status, you need permission from IAA to enroll in courses through open enrollment. GGU will allow international students to take classes through open enrollment if they are maintaining their immigration status at another institution and if they have received permission from that institution to enroll at GGU. Please contact the Associate Director of International Admissions and Advising to further discuss open enrollment.

Please provide proof of your current immigration status to International Admissions & Advising Services. They will be happy to change your status in the University database.

International Admissions & Advising Services
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: (415) 442-7290
Fax: (415) 442-7807
E-Mail: iss@ggu.edu
Web Site: International Admissions & Advising Services