International Services FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Telephone: 413-538-2072
Telephone from outside the U.S.: 001-413-538-2072
On the Web: McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives

What is the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives?
The McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives is an administrative office of the College with responsibility for advising international students who come to Mount Holyoke and students interested in studying abroad in obtaining an international internship.

Donna Van Handle, Dean of International Students, organizes activities for international students throughout the year, advises students on filing tax returns, administers the international student emergency loan program, and serves as a general resource person for international students.

Jenny Medina, Immigration Specialist, issues visa document forms and is the person to see if students have any questions about immigration or visa matters.

Joanne Picard, Dean of International Studies, advises students on opportunities for study abroad.

Jale Okay, Director of International Experiential Learning, advises students on opportunities for securing international internships.

How should my daughter get to Mount Holyoke after she lands at the airport?

The McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives offers new international students entering the College in September van transportation from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, to Mount Holyoke. Students who wish to be picked up at Bradley Airport should fill out the online Arrival Form. Students who arrive at Logan International Airport in Boston or at one of the airports in New York City should plan on taking a Peter Pan Bus or reserving a Valley Transporter Shuttle to South Hadley. Note that students may now make shuttle reservations online. For more information about travel, see the International Student Handbook.

What should my daughter bring to Mount Holyoke?
The International Student Handbook, written by international students currently studying at Mount Holyoke, provides detailed information on what students will need at Mount Holyoke and what they should plan on bringing with them.

What should my daughter do if she has questions about immigration, her visa, or working in the U.S.?
The McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives provides orientation, advising, and information about immigration regulations to international students. International students who have questions regarding visa issues should contact Jenny Medina, Immigration Specialist, in the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives. Most international students come to Mount Holyoke on the F-1 Student Visa. There will be a session during the orientation program devoted to visa matters such as travel, maintaining legal immigration status, and work options. For more detailed information on visa issues, please see the Global Initiatives web site.

With whom should my daughter speak if she has questions about her financial aid package or general questions about finances?
International students should contact Student Financial Services if they have any questions about financial aid. Students can also speak with Donna Van Handle, Dean of International Students, for general advice on finances (taxes, etc.) and to determine whether they are eligible for small no-interest loans to cover medical or other emergencies.

Will my daughter be eligible to apply to study abroad or for an international internship?
International students are eligible to study abroad or to apply for an international internship on the same basis as U.S. students. Study abroad advising is coordinated by Joanne Picard, Dean of International Studies. International internship advising is coordinated by Jale Okay, Director of International Experiential Learning. For information about opportunities abroad, please visit the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives Web site.

Will my daughter be able to stay on campus during semester breaks or during the summer if she is unable to return home?
There is no charge to international students who wish to stay in Wilder Hall during winter break (the period between the end of first semester and the beginning of January Term). Although no meals are provided, there is a kitchen in Wilder and van runs to the local supermarket during the break period.

A limited amount of summer housing is available for current students. If summer housing is limited, preference will be given to current students who are employed at Mount Holyoke for the summer months. Students may be placed in double-occupancy rooms. Rental fees are set every spring. There is no difference in rate for double or single occupancy. Meals are not provided. Students who wish to secure summer housing at the College are required to apply with the Office of Residential Life in late April.