Welcome!
Welcome! We are so excited that you will be joining Johnson County Community College and we look
forward to helping you have a wonderful experience here.
Moving to a new country and starting classes at a new school is never easy, but we will
strive to provide you with enough information about all the resources that are available
to you to make this transition as smooth as possible.
The Office of International and Immigrant Student Services and the JCCC Community are
here to assist you in any way we can, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have
any questions or concerns.
Plan to enter the United States no more than thirty days prior to the start of the semester.
Before you travel, make two sets of copies of important documents such as your passport,
I-20 and your visa.
If you take medicine regularly, be sure to fill any necessary prescriptions.
It may be cheaper to fill them in your home country.
Also, take care of any dental or optical needs before you travel.
Dental and Optical services are not covered by the JCCC Health Insurance.
Reconfirm your flight information with the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
You'll also want to remember to check baggage weight limits and any additional fees for
extra luggage.
As you prepare to come to the U.S., don’t forget to pack these items: clothing for all
four seasons, bath towels and toiletries, backpack, jacket, coat and umbrella, eyeglasses,
sunglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solution.
First Aid kit including essential medicines for travel and common ailments.
As well as prescription medicines and written prescriptions.
You may also need a voltage converter to adapt from 120 volts to 220 volts for any electronic
devices you bring with you.
A power plug adapter may be needed as well to fit the US electrical receptacles.
Be sure to review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s prohibited and restricted items
list.
Some items you bring with you may need to be declared at the port of entry.
When you arrive at the airport you will need to have the following documents in hand for
the immigration official: Valid passport and F-1 visa, all three pages
of your valid I-20, SEVIS Fee receipt, your Johnson County Community College acceptance
letter, and financial documents.
We recommend that you keep your I-20 inside your passport with your visa.
Do not bring large amounts of cash or checks with you.
We recommend that you bring traveler’s checks in American dollars for your personal funds
and about 200 U.S. dollars in cash for items such as food, transportation, tips, and telephone
calls.
Additionally, we recommend bringing a major credit card with you, such as a Visa or Mastercard.
If you run into any difficulties on your journey, you can contact the Principal Designated School
Official by telephone or email.
If you need to make contact after hours in a Port of Entry, you may call the campus police
at 913-469-2500.
They can put you in contact with the School Official.
JCCC is a commuter college which means that there are no dormitories, residence halls
or on-campus housing.
Students reside in the community and typically travel by car to JCCC as public transportation
is very limited in Overland Park.
International students have several options for housing: homestay, apartments, rooms for
rent, or hotels for short- and long-term stays.
Housing generally needs to be arranged after a student has arrived in Kansas.
It is recommended that students arrive in Overland Park at least two weeks before the
start of classes in order to find suitable living accommodations, and to make the necessary
rental and transportation arrangements.
However, it is very important that you consult the International and Immigrant Student Services
website Housing page to fully understand the options available to you.
When choosing an apartment, here are some things to consider:
Accessibility to campus or public transportation, the length of your lease, utilities, furnished
or unfurnished, private or shared kitchen and bathroom, laundry services, safe neighborhoods,
and number of roommates.
If you choose the Homestay option, you will be expected to purchase a car within a few
weeks of your arrival to Overland Park, KS.
Purchasing a car requires additional costs and documentation.
You will also need to obtain a U.S. issued driver’s license to drive the car.
Visit the International and Immigrant Student Services webpage for detailed information
about the Homestay option.
Be aware of fraud.
Make sure that the agency or source that you’re using to rent an apartment or purchase a car
is legitimate.
Choose wisely when asked for payments and documents.
Carefully read all terms and conditions before signing a contract and always ask for a copy.
In the U.S., a written contract is more important than a verbal agreement.
If possible, pay by check or money order, NOT cash!
Always ask for a receipt in order to have proof that you have paid and always keep a
copy.
Your educational journey to JCCC is exciting as well as overwhelming.
Studying internationally is a new and exciting experience for everyone, and with new experience
comes new challenges and sometimes culture shock.
Cultural shock is the form of complex emotional stress that happens when people move from
one culture to another.
There is no definite pattern to people’s experience.
Each person’s situation is unique.
A person may feel a roller coaster of emotions where they are so happy and excited to be
in a new place however, they can also come to experience homesickness, feeling sad, and
lonely.
This is a very common experience for international students and one that can be overcome by support
and resources.
It is key to maintain an attitude of openness, acceptance, trust and adaptability.
This will lead you to grow, accept differences, and eventually feel more at home in your new
surroundings.
Maintaining a positive attitude and a good sense of humor can make all the difference
in becoming a successful student.
Johnson County Community College has many resources to help you through your transition:
the International and Immigrant Student Services, Counseling, Success Advocates, Academic Resource
Centers, an International club, and the Center for Student Involvement.
The International and Immigrant Student Services Staff is your family away from home.
We look forward to helping you make the most of your educational experience here at Johnson
County Community College.
Check out the links listed along with this video for additional information, contacts,
and helpful online resources.