International Pre-Orientation Program [IPOP]

This section offers the step-by-step process for non-immigrants who will attend Grinnell on a visa. As you process immigration documents, please always present your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.

1. Complete the I-20 Request Form

Your enrollment deposit will trigger an invitation to the I-20 Request Form in your Applicant Status Portal. Most students will seek an F-1 student visa, and you must secure an I-20 from your intended U.S. institution before you can secure a student visa appointment at a U.S. consulate. The I-20 Request Form will ask for biographic data, a scan of your passport, and financial information to document your ability to cover your financial needs at Grinnell.

• If you already hold F-1 status through a U.S. high school, please complete the I-20 Request Form and ask your current school to release your SEVIS record to Grinnell College [OMA214F00159000] on your graduation.
• If you already hold a different visa status, you can use the I-20 Request Form to confirm your status and let us know that you will not need an I-20. Feel free to contact the Office of International Student Affairs with related questions!
• Canadian citizens don't need a visa, but you do need to secure an I-20 and you must pay the SEVIS fee.

Complete your I-20 Request Form as early as possible. Your request will be reviewed by the Office of Admission and Financial Aid and passed on to the OISA. This review can take 3-5 weeks.

The OISA will issue I-20s for new students on a rolling basis, starting in January. We will send the document to you via an encrypted email from oisa@grinnell.edu, with additional instructions about next steps. You need to print all three pages, single-sided, and sign and date Page 1 in blue ink.

2. Pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee

Visit this site to submit the SEVIS fee. You will input data from your passport and I-20 (your SEVIS ID is located on the top left corner). Please print and retain a paper copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt to present during your visa interview and at the U.S. Port of Entry.

• Your U.S. address will be: 1115 8th Avenue, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112.
• You may list your Grinnell contact as: Karen Edwards, International Student Affairs, 1226 Park Street, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa 50112; edwardsk@grinnell.edu; 641-269-3705.
• If you have questions about the SEVIS fee, please reference the FAQ or contact OISA.

3. Schedule an F-1 visa appointment

Visit this site to complete Form DS-160 and schedule your F-1 visa appointment at a U.S. consulate. Most students apply from their home country, but some apply from a different location. The visa application fee is $185, and the specific process and timeline can vary by country or consulate. 

4. Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Prepare by reviewing EducationUSA guidance or visiting an in-country advising centers for tips or pre-departure information sessions. Consular officers conduct a high number of interviews, and many decisions are based on first impressions. Here are some tips:

• Prepare to explain why you chose Grinnell College.
• Remember that F-1 status requires “nonimmigrant intent” — the consular officer must see:
  • that your stay in the U.S. will be temporary
  • that you have strong ties to your home country
  • and that you plan to return home to pursue your long term career goals
• The consular officer might seek confirmation that you can finance your studies, so it is wise to carry the financial documents that you submitted to Grinnell via the I-20 Request Form.
• Bring the required documents! You must present your:
  • Passport (valid for 6+ months into the future) 
  • DS-160 Visa Application Confirmation
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation
  • Form I-20 (print all 3 pages and sign in blue ink)
• It is also wise to bring:
  • Financial documents (as submitted for your I-20 Request Form)
  • Grinnell College admission letter
  • OISA’s letter to the embassy
  • Secondary school completion documents

Officers may also review your social media. Please contact the OISA to update us on your progress securing a visa!

5. Arriving at the U.S. Port of Entry

Carry your immigration documents on your person (not in your luggage). Before boarding the plane, upon entering the U.S. and on arrival at Grinnell, you must present your:

• Passport
• F-1 visa
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Form I-20 (all 3 pages and singed in blue)

When you land in the U.S., you will claim your luggage and pass through Customs and Border Protection. The inspecting officer will take your photo, fingerprints, and inspect your documents. If the officer has concerns or you forget required documents, you may be directed to Secondary Inspection for additional questioning. 

Assuming successful entry of the U.S. the officer will stamp your passport to reflect your admission: F-1, D/S (Duration of Status). You will be able to access your I-94 Arrival/Departure record and it will be updated each time you exit and re-enter the U.S.  Visit Study in the States to learn more!

International travel can be stressful. Be prepared and approach your trip with a positive attitude. A few extra tips for your travel include:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers guidance here about traveling with medication.
• Carry contact information for:
  • Facilities Management (if you are using the IPOP airport shuttle)
  • Office of International Student Affairs (641-269-3703)
  • Grinnell College Campus Safety (641-269-4600)
• Your electronic devices are subject to search by visa and border officials. 

A new F-1 student is allowed to enter the U.S. within the 30-day window immediately prior to the start date on your new I-20, but Grinnell's IPOP arrival and move-in day is on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Late arrivals (after Aug. 17) are not allowed. A late entry can result in a denial at the U.S. Port of Entry. All new F-1 students are required to attend the full week of IPOP.

Booking Your Flight

We recommend that new students fly through to the Des Moines International Airport. Des Moines is located 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Grinnell — a one-hour drive from campus. Grinnell College offers pre-scheduled transportation between campus and the Des Moines Airport.

If your flight ends in Cedar Rapids or Chicago, you will need to arrange your own transportation to campus.

• The Cedar Rapids airport is one hour away or more  by car, with limited taxi options.
• Chicago is five hours away by car and seven or more hours away by bus.

If you are booking a round-trip ticket, the Five-Year Academic (Planning) Calendar offers helpful information regarding the academic calendar and college housing dates.

• Note that international students are also eligible to register with Residence Life to access winter break housing, if needed.

Airport Transportation

Public transportation is nearly non-existent in rural Iowa, but Grinnell’s Office of Facilities Management (FM) offers cost-effective airport shuttles to and from the Des Moines Airport. 

On IPOP Arrival Day (Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025), FM will offer shuttles from Des Moines at:

• 10 a.m.
• 2 p.m.
• 6 p.m.
• 10 p.m.

Click here to reserve a seat on the shuttle in advance, using the Transportation website.

Note:

• If your flight lands in Des Moines after 10 p.m. on Aug. 17, please register for the last shuttle of the day but indicate your anticipated arrival time and flight number. FM staff will try to assist you!

Lodging

Registered IPOP participants automatically get special permission to move into your residence hall on Sunday for IPOP arrival day. The OISA staff will hand out room keys at check-in. If you arrive in Iowa before Aug. 17, you need to make arrangements for alternate lodging and/or transportation. One option is to book a hotel room in Des Moines and use the College Airport Shuttle on Aug. 17. Students often stay at the Ramada Inn, but other airport hotels can also be found online. 

Please encourage your family and guests to visit the webpage for families of admitted students as their go-to source for next steps, updates, and timelines for Grinnell. They are also welcome to attend the June virtual IPOP Planning Meeting via Zoom, mentioned above.

Most international students travel to Iowa on their own, and the College is prepared to support their arrival. That said, international family or friends who travel with you to campus are invited to join you at IPOP check-in. The OISA staff would enjoy the chance to meet them!

IPOP family members are also invited to the following activities on Sunday, Aug. 17 and Monday, Aug. 18:

• campus tours
• the IPOP welcome event
• a Family Q&A with OISA staff
• an evening social in downtown Grinnell

Please make arrangements for family's lodging and transportation in advance of your arrival in the U.S. There are no taxi or Uber services in Grinnell, nor is there a local car rental service. Family members should pre-reserve a rental car via Des Moines Airport ground transportation.

If your guests will not have a car in Grinnell, you should book their lodging within walking distance of campus. If your family cannot drive in the U.S., you can request assistance for their airport transportation to/from the Des Moines airport via the Aug. 17 IPOP airport shuttle link. This service is only available for international family members, and it must be arranged in advance. It is possible to hire a taxi, Lyft, or Uber from the airport in Des Moines — but some drivers will not travel this far, and these services are not available here in Grinnell.

Packing for College, and for an international journey, is an adventure! It is also wise to pack light -- you will need to haul your belongings through the airport, load them onto the shuttle, and carry them up the stairs to your residence hall room. You can also shop more (locally or online) after you get here.

Your address will be: [Name & Campus Box #] Grinnell College, 1115 8th Avenue, Grinnell, IA  50112 U.S.A.

The Mail Room does not offer pre-arrival storage, but you may ship items to campus (mailed to yourself) as of August 10.

IPOP participants can click here to order linens via DormCo. If you order before July 15 the order will be delivered to your residence hall room prior to your arrival. If you order after July 15, or purchase items through a different vendor, they will only be available for pick up during College Mail Room hours, Monday – Friday, between 12:00 noon and 4:30p.m.

IPOP Mentors will host a Souvenir Gift Exchange, so please bring 15 inexpensive items to share with your IPOP Amigos - a favorite snack, craft, or souvenir from home.

Additional Tips:

• Your room will have a desk, chair, dresser (chest of drawers), and a bed (sized 36 inches by 81 inches - extra-long twin size).
• Iowa is very hot in August, and the daily dress code on campus is informal. You might appreciate having a small umbrella and a light sweater for meetings in air-conditioned buildings. You will not need winter clothing until well into the fall semester.
• Bring one or two dressy outfits for special events. There will also be opportunities to feature traditional attire from your home country or culture. 
• Secure U.S. currency before you travel, or at the first U.S. airport that you land in.
• Communicate with your airline about luggage limitations. Most airlines forbid items like pocketknives, nail clippers, or fluids of over 3oz. in your carry-on luggage.
• Dress for comfort. A light sweater and a neck pillow are wise carry-on items. If you have any Grinnell gear, wear it -- you might meet a fellow Grinnellian in the airport!

Please check back this summer for the updated and more detailed schedule!

Sunday, Aug. 17

IPOP Arrival and Move-In Day

Check in at the Global Living Room (Humanities and Social Science Center, Room N1170) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pick up your Pioneer One-Card, room key, and IPOP packet. Grinnell’s airport shuttles disembark at the Rosenfield Center (JRC), and an IPOP mentor will meet the shuttle to help you find the HSSC. If your shuttle arrives after 7 p.m., an IPOP mentor will meet you to help you access your residence hall room and you can complete your SEVIS Registration on Monday morning.

F-1 students must present your passport and I-20. We will help you print your I-94 record and we will register your arrival in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must complete this task on Sunday between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or on Monday between 9 a.m. to noon. Your documents will be processed and returned to you in a grey passport sleeve.

Campus tours and local shopping shuttles will be available for IPOP students and family members on Sunday and Monday.

The downtown shopping district is within walking distance. Grinnell College also runs a regular local shuttle and a Saturday metro shuttle to Des Moines or Iowa City.

Monday, Aug. 18

Sessions run from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. The day will include: 

• the IPOP Welcome for Students & Family
• a group photo
• get-to-know-you activities with your IPOP Mentor and amigos

You will complete:

• SEVIS registration
• required tax and employment documents
• U.S. social security number application
• required Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) forms

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. The day will include: 

• YOU.S.A session about life in Grinnell, Iowa, U.S.A.
• in person visits to campus resources
• an educational session about F-1 visa regulations (and a Global Nomad breakout for those who don't hold an F-1 visa)
• a visit to the Museum of Art and World Music Room

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. The day will include: 

• a session about academic success
• a session about cultural transition, in theory and practice
• a scavenger hunt in downtown Grinnell
• a social event with the Friends of International Students hosts (for students who choose to participate)

Thursday, Aug. 21

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by dinner and social activities. The day will include:

• a session about meeting medical needs
• the IPOP gift exchange
• an IPOP Mentor open floor session
• an evening social at the Grinnell Golf Course with peers from the Grinnell Science Project (GSP) and the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program (PCPOP)

New Student Orientation (NSO) starts on Friday, Aug. 22 and fall semester classes begin on Aug. 28, 2025.

Students who cross borders to pursue higher education are wise to anticipate a learning curve — culture, language, visa status, and distance from home will impact your journey. We’ve included a few initial examples below in the form of Frequently Asked Questions. We look forward to helping to support you in this exciting journey. 

Academics

When and how will I choose my classes?

In June, you will need to submit your First-Year Tutorial preferences via the New Student Checklist.
 

Please read Academic Planning for New Students to learn about Grinnell’s educational philosophy, the role that your academic advisor will play, how you will choose your classes, and your agency as an undergraduate student scholar. 

Questions? Contact the Academic Advising office.
 

How much will my books cost?

The Academic Planning site provides valuable information about textbooks and course materials!
 

The Pioneer Bookshop in downtown Grinnell sells new and used textbooks and e-books. All students can access an optional Textbook Advance to spread payments throughout the semester.
 

The Center for Religious Spirituality and Social Justice (CRSSJ) coordinates a Lending Library for students with need-based eligibility.

Billing and Payments

What is the billing schedule and payment process?

Visit the Office of Student Accounts website to learn about the billing schedule, your student self-service portal, and/or how to submit international payments using Flywire or TransferMate.
 

You must clear your unpaid balance before you are allowed to register for classes. You should not travel to the U.S. without submitting your due balance for fall semester.
 

Questions or unique challenges in this regard? Contact the Office of Student Accounts.
 

Is it possible to increase my financial aid award?

International student tuition grants are offered on the basis of financial need at the point of initial admission to the College, only.
 

The Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing a consistent aid package that is renewed annually, with moderate increases to grant assistance as costs rise.
 

The maximum timeframe to receive aid is eight semesters.
 

Grinnell will not increase (or decrease) your award for changes to your family’s circumstances such as fluctuations in exchange rates or additional family members in college. No changes are made for loss of sponsorship. (U.S. citizens apply for financial aid based on CSS Profile and FAFSA guidelines.)

Questions? Contact Mary Phipps.

Cell Phones and Computers

Do I need a U.S. phone number?

Student rooms do not have landline telephones.

Most students secure a U.S. cell phone number. There are local stores for U.S. Cellular, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
 

Many phone plans require a U.S. Social Security Number, and you will apply for this during IPOP.
 

Upper-level students sometimes advise against using a phone from home with a U.S. SIM card due to poor service and higher fees.
 

Feel free to consult your IPOP mentor, too!
 

Do I need my own laptop computer?

There are public computer stations and public printers on campus, but most students do have their own laptop and this is definitely preferable to support your academic success.
 

There is free wireless on campus, and you will get free network storage space that is accessible from any campus computer.
 

Questions? Contact Information Technology Services (ITS).
 

Some students with very high financial need can access a “loaner laptop” from the College. Contact Financial Aid to confirm eligibility.

Disability Accommodations

How do I seek accommodations for a disability?

Student Disability Resources works with all students who may need support for access to academics, housing, dining, and facilities.

 

Questions? Contact Student Disability Resources.
 

Who at the College will know about my disability, and does reporting a disability impact my academic standing?

Students who disclose their disabilities to Student Disability Resources will receive reasonable accommodations to help make the educational environment accessible.
 

Students who disclose their disability will not have their academic standing impacted by disclosing. Information is kept private and only the needed information is disclosed to help coordinate accommodations. 

Health Care and Insurance

How will I access medical care as a student at Grinnell?

All students have on-campus access to Student Health and Wellness (SHAW).
 

SHAW staff include registered nurses and qualified counselors that provide on-campus health and counseling services to students. 
 

Most services are free, and all new students receive instructions to submit required health and immunization records to the College.
 

SHAW also assists students who need to seek care in the local community.
 

Questions? Please use your SHAW portal or email the SHAW office. 
 

Do international students have to purchase health insurance?

Yes. All students must carry an ACA-compliant health insurance plan.
 

As part of the billing process, you will be prompted to either enroll in or request a formal waiver of the Student Health Insurance plan that is available through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. The deadline to enroll is Aug. 14 but it is best to pre-enroll to ensure coverage prior to your arrival. The charge will be included in your fall bill. 
 

Should I also purchase dental and/or vision insurance?

Health insurance in the U.S. does not include care for your teeth or eyes (with limited exceptions in a medical situation or students under 19).
 

Grinnell students all have the option to purchase Delta Dental insurance and/or Delta Vision insurance. This can be a wise decision, since even simple procedures like a dental cleaning and/or a basic eye examination can be very expensive. This additional coverage is also applicable for dental and vision providers in Grinnell.

Immigration Regulations

How will my visa status impact my experience in the U.S.?

Your compliance with your visa status is essential. Your visa type will impact your options, and you do need to understand the benefits and limitations of your status. The OISA is your primary resource in this regard.
 

We will teach you a lot during IPOP and throughout your undergraduate experience. We offer regular information sessions, individual advising appointments, and robust advising handouts and forms that are available to students via the OISA's GrinnellShare page (login required). 
 

Who at the College can advise me regarding my visa limitations and benefits?

Three professional staff in the OISA are certified Designated School Officials (DSOs).
 

We are fluent in F and J visa regulations, we are engaged with relevant professional networks, and we have access to expert legal advice.
 

If your needs exceed our purview or expertise, we can offer legal referrals.   

Parents and FERPA

When, why, and how does the College communicate with my parents?

Click here for parent and family resources, including information about parent and/or guardian notification.
 

The Office of International Student Affairs welcomes outreach from parents but we don’t typically initiate contact with them, and our priority is to support students directly.
 

FERPA regulations prevent us from sharing personal information about your educational record without your written consent, with the rare exception of concern for your personal welfare or the safety of others.
 

What if my parent or alternate emergency contact does not have English fluency?

The OISA has an account with Language Line Solutions, to assist with verbal and written translation services if they are needed in emergency situations.

Residence Hall Life

When will I learn more about my room and my roommate(s)?

The Office of Residence Life shares room assignments in mid-June.
 

Students are required to live on-campus with limited exceptions.
 

As an IPOP participant, you can move directly into your fall housing assignment, and you will meet your residence life coordinator (RLC) and community adviser (CA) soon after. RLCs are professional staff who live in the halls and support community life, and CAs are trained peer leaders.
 

Can I stay in campus residence halls over College break periods?

Residence hall open and closing dates apply to all students, but you can consult the Office of Residence Life if you are having a difficult time booking an affordable flight while abiding by residence hall exit and entry dates. They may be able to offer some flexibility if you plan ahead. Please visit Residence Life's page on break housing for more information about winter and summer breaks.
 

Fall Break: Residence halls and dining are open for no extra fee.
 

Winter Break: Halls close, but international students can register to stay. There is a mandatory meal plan fee, and need-based aid is automatically applied.
 

Spring Break: Residence halls and dining are open for no extra fee.

 

Summer Break: Residence halls do close for the summer, but some students stay to participate in summer research or to work on campus (F-1 students are automatically allowed to work on campus). Limited campus housing is available for a fee, and some students choose to rent or sublet an off-campus apartment.

Sports and Fitness

Can I join a varsity athletics team?

Grinnell Athletics offers 20 varsity sports (NCAA Division III). If you are interested in participating as a varsity athlete, you are invited to initiate contact with a coach via email. It is wise to reach out as soon as possible.

As an alternative to varsity sports, there are several competitive club sports, including Ultimate Frisbee and water polo. Additionally, the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) provides opportunities to be active through off campus adventure trips and an indoor climbing wall. 

Grinnell’s outstanding athletic and fitness facilities are a great place to work out on your own or with friends.

Thank you for reading the IPOP planning packet. We look forward to meeting you soon, and we hope that you will experience more culture & less shock!