Directions on Traveling to Western Oregon University
Once you have received a visa decision from the U.S. Embassy:
All students must inform the International Students and Scholars Affairs office at Western Oregon University by email: global@wou.edu regarding:
- If your U.S. Visa was approved, denied, or still pending.
- Your flight schedule to Portland International Airport (PDX) in Portland, Oregon,
- Include your name, the flight number, airline, date, and exact time of arrival,
- Tell us if you will need an airport pick-up from Portland or Salem or not,
- Tell us if you have made housing arrangements or if you will need a temporary place to stay while looking for an apartment or before moving into the residence halls.
- Before going to the airport, make sure that your travel documents (Passport, U.S. Visa, I-20 form or DS-2019 form, and Admission letter) are in your carry-on bag or purse so that you can present these documents to the immigration officers at the port of entry. DO NOT put these documents in your check-in luggage!! Make sure that you have the Emergency Contact Information for the ISSA office.
Once you have arrived in the Portland International Airport (PDX):
- Go through the U.S. Immigration and Custom Entry.
- Present your documents to the immigration officer. Make sure that every document (Passport, I-94 form, I-20 form or DS-2019 form, and Admission letter) is returned to you by the immigration officer after inspection!!
- Go to Baggage Claim Area #10 on the lower level of the airport to collect your luggage and meet the person that will pick you up.
Once you have arrived in Monmouth and are on campus:
- Report to the International Students and Scholars Affairs office in Maaske Hall at Western Oregon University before the start date of your program. Our office is located in Maaske Hall and open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Bring your Passport (including U.S. Visa and I-94 card) and I-20 form or DS-2019 form to the office to make copies. Also bring the physical and mailing address of the house or apartment you are living at in the United States.
- Attend the new students/scholars orientation session.
- Meet with your department academic advisor and get registered for classes.
Airport Pick-up Dates (for initial students and scholars only) and Flight Calendar
Review the academic calendar to find out the last day to register for classes (view the WOU academic calendar).
Airport Pick-up Dates and Flight Scheduling Calendar 2011-2013
(dates listed in Month/Day/Year order) |
|
Earliest day Students may arrive in the U.S. (30 days before the program start date on initial student’s I-20 or DS-2019) |
Pick-up dates from Portland Oregon (PDX) Airport |
New Student Orientation Begins and Students may move into the Residence Halls
(Students must report to WOU by this day) |
Classes Begin |
Final Exams End |
2011-2012
Terms |
Earliest Arrival |
Airport Pick-up Dates |
Orientation Begins |
Classes Begin |
Final Exams End |
Spring |
02/28/2012 |
March 21-27 |
03/28/2012 |
04/02/2012 |
06/15/2012 |
Summer |
05/20/2012 |
June 13-19 |
06/20/2012 |
06/25/2012 |
Depends on session |
2012-2013
Terms |
Earliest Arrival |
Airport Pick-up Dates |
Orientation Begins |
Classes Begin |
Final Exams End |
Fall |
08/12/2012 |
Sep 5-11 |
09/12/2012 |
09/24/2012 |
12/07/2012 |
Winter |
12/02/2012 |
Dec 26-Jan 1st** |
01/02/2013 |
01/07/2013 |
03/22/2013 |
Spring |
02/27/2013 |
March 20-26 |
03/27/2013 |
04/01/2013 |
06/14/2013 |
Summer |
05/19/2013 |
June 12-18 |
06/19/2013 |
06/24/2013 |
Depends on session |
Dates are listed in Month/Day/Year format.
** Pick-ups in December cannot be on the 24th or 25th due to the holiday.
* All dates are subject to change! Please see the dates in your admission packet for the most current information or contact us with questions or confirmation before you purchase any tickets. |
Deciding a Flight:
When deciding a flight, please look at the flight calendar and the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Important things to remember when planning your flight:
- We recommend that you not make travel arrangements until you have gotten your visa, and to not to make plans for vacations/return flights until you have confirmed the days of your final exams with your professors.
- All students must report to Western Oregon University BEFORE the program start date or start of classes. Inform the ISSA office in writing if you will miss orientation or may arrive late or after the term begins.
- If you cannot get a flight before the program start date, you will need special permission from the international student advisor. Explain when you would be able to get a flight/attend WOU, and the International Student Advisor will either give you a letter/email of approval to arrive late or after orientation, or will defer your I-20 or DS-2019 to the next academic term. Do not enter the country late without permission or your immigration status will be in jeopardy.
- ALL students must notify our office with their travel arrangements before arriving. This confirms that you have gotten a visa, and plan to attend WOU for the intended term.
- If you need to be picked up from the Portland International Airport or Salem, our office will only pick up students from the airport during the airport pick-up dates so please plan a flight during these dates (see Airport Pick-up Dates and Flight Scheduling Calendar).
- If you decide to enter the United States before the program start date on the I-20 or DS-2019, know that you cannot enter more than 30 days before the program start date and you MUST report to WOU within 30 days of entry.
Arranging a pick-up:
Inform the International Students and Scholars office at Western Oregon University that you need an airport pick-up from Portland international Airport (PDX) and of your flight information. Include your name, the flight number, airline, date, and exact time of arrival.
After arriving in the Portland International Airport (PDX), Go to Baggage Claim Area #10 on the lower level pick up your luggage. This area is where a representative from the International Students and Scholars Affairs office will be waiting for you. Look for the WOU sign!
If you cannot find a WOU representative, please call the emergency contact numbers (see below) .
- Call Adria Zampich-Gibbs or Fred Polinder, the international student advisor and SEVIS coordinator, if you have problems with immigration, your I-20 or DS-2019, or customs.
- Call Ermie Buncal if you change/miss your flight, or cannot find the WOU representative at the airport. If he does not answer, leave a message and try calling the office or international student advisors.
Pick-up Fees:
The pick-up fee will automatically be added to your student bill.
From Portland Airport: $70.00 per person per trip.
From Salem Hut/Bus/Amtrak Station: $30.00 per person per trip.
Visiting Scholars will not be charged an initial pick-up or final drop-off fee.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
Contact us in the International Students and Scholars Affairs office from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
If you need to contact us after hours, call the emergency cell phone numbers.
Other Options to get to Salem:
*Students arriving on other dates will need to take the HUT Shuttle from Portland to Salem, Oregon. The shuttle leaves from the bottom level outside of baggage claim near the exit by carrousel #8. Go out to the island by the "scheduled buses and vans" sign.
The HUT Shuttle from Portland to Salem runs from 4:45 am until 12:45am and leaves Portland every two hours, 45 minutes after the hour on the even hour. It costs $35 to go to Salem and it is not necessary to have a reservation in advance. The contact phone is 503-364-4444.
You will still need to contact the International Students and Scholars Affairs office in advance to arrange a pick-up time at the shuttle station in Salem and a fee will be charged.
