Transcripts

Since you put so much effort in your studies abroad, you shouldn’t forget to get your transcripts before leaving your host country. In order to get them right on time you should go to Student Services and order them well in advance. Because the end of the semester is very busy, so it might takes much longer to get your transcripst as usual. You have to pay a $ 3,00 fee in order to get one hardcopy of your transcript and you shouldn’t forget to let this transcript sent to your home university. Otherwise you can’t transfer your credits. If you do it when you are already at home it probably takes you more effort and time to get this done.

Check your current immigration status

Depending on what you want to do after your study ends here (Albuquerque: May 16, 2008), you have to take action now since your DS-2019 form - which guarantees legal J1-status in the US – will expire May 16, 2008. You should consider following things:

• First of all, if you plan to leave the U.S. after your the completion of the intended program, there’s nothing to worry about. You don’t need a new DS-2019 form. The only thing you need to do, is to go to your advisor and fill out a leaving form and pick up an information sheet. But there’s no rush for now!
• If you want to work after the completion of your study you should act immediately since you need to apply for an academic training before your DS-2019 form expires. Ask your academic advisor for more instructions.
• If you would like to stay for an additional semester as an exchange student you need to see your advisor to get a form for “Program Extension”, also before your DS-2019 expires (30 days before your DS-2019 expires), otherwise you are not eligible for an extension. Also make sure that you talk to your advisor in your home country since he/she has to sign the “Extension Form” and you will need to show proof of funding to continue the program.

Last, but not least: If you plan to travel after the completion of your program, don’t forget that you are only allowed to stay in the U.S. for another month from the day your DS-2019 expires. If you disobey, you will be in violation of your legal immigration status.

 

Tax forms (for the U.S.)

Since April 15, 2008 ist the deadline for doing your tax forms for the previous year, you should do it immediately. If you don’t fill out the tax form be aware of fines and immigration problems. Also students who arrived for the spring semester 2008 and just spend a couple of days in the year 2007 on vacation have to fill out a tax form for the year 2007.