What is the geography of the college area?
The geography of Siskiyou County is very unique and interesting.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature is beautiful Mount Shasta,
a snow-covered dormant volcano, which stands 14,162 feet high
and dominates the entire landscape. There are also many other
mountains surrounding the long valley where the small town
of Weed is located. We have many beautiful lakes and streams
that are close to the college. A number of small towns surround
the mountain. The mountains around the valley are covered
with pine and oak trees, and often have snow during the winter.
Deer and other wildlife are common sights on country roads.
Our area has been called a recreational wonderland!
Are international students qualified for financial
assistance to attend College of the Siskiyous?
No. International students are not qualified for such
assistance. Federal and state financial aid is provided to
qualified persons who are citizens or permanent residents
of the United States, or eligible non-citizens from certain
countries, such as Micronesia. International students are
in the United States temporarily on an F-1 Student
Visa, and cannot be considered permanent residents. A very
limited number of fee reduction waivers are awarded each year
for qualified students with distinct financial need attending
COS. These are for one student per country as
a diversity initiative, and the waiting list is growing! See
the front page of International Programs for details.
How much does it cost for international students to
attend College of the Siskiyous?
It is estimated that an international student enrolled in
15 units each semester for one academic year (our fall and
spring semesters) will spend approximately $21,000 per year
for his/her studies and living expenses. This includes an
actual cost of $8070 for tuition and fees (figured at 15
units per semester) and an estimated cost of $8,725 for full
(shared) room and board in our Lodges for two semesters.
Books and supplies, personal and recreation items, required
health insurance (2012-2013 year cost is $1560) and local
transportation make up the other estimated costs. Such costs
can vary widely, however, based upon the lifestyle and living
arrangements of the students. These costs do not include transportation
expenses to and from the student's country of residence, or
summer school, and holidays.
How do I open a bank account?
There are four banks in Weed. Each of the banks has slightly
different offerings, according to how much you wish to deposit,
but it is important to bring your funds in US dollars
to avoid a long turn-around time while they process your funds.
If you bring your funds in your currency, or from a foreign
bank, it can be as long as two weeks before you have access
to your money.
You will need your passport, and I-20 to open an account.
Because you will be required to pay your dorm and tuition
fees just as school starts, it would be advisable to bring
these fees in travelers' checks or US money orders. Also,
you will need readily accessible funds in US dollars to purchase
your textbooks and other school supplies. Text books can cost
an additional two hundred dollars or more per semester for
all of your classes. COS accepts major credit cards
for all these expenses as well.
When should I arrive in Weed to attend College
of the Siskiyous?
Since our residence halls open one week prior to the
beginning of the semester, we strongly encourage students
who have been accepted for the Lodges to arrive early
in that week prior to the beginning of the semester. We encourage
students who are seeking off-campus housing to arrive in Weed
a minimum of two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
Is on-campus housing readily available for international
students?
Yes, if you apply early. Our campus Lodges provide
housing for 138 students. Generally, the Lodges are
filled by mid-June for the fall semester for both men and
women. Therefore, it is important that international
students apply early for Lodge occupancy for the school year.
The Lodges generally have room for new students during
the spring semester, but still, apply early. The Lodges are not available in the summer for COS students,
since the college has special summer programs which require
use of the Lodges. They also close for the
major vacations and holidays. This can be a good time to plan
travel trips and enjoy the area.
What is the current cost for Lodge occupancy?
The 2012-2013 academic year fees are $8,725 per year, which
includes a shared double room, and a seven-day meal plan.
Meals must be purchased if one is living in the halls, and
there are two meal plan options. The halls and dining room
are right on campus, making this a good choice for busy students.
Students must commit to an entire academic year in our residence
halls.
Is off-campus housing easily available for international
students?
Yes and no. The rental housing market in our area is somewhat
limited, and we suggest that international students begin
their search for off-campus housing a minimum of two
weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. Students can
view off campus housing options at: http://mtshastanews.marketplace.totallylocal.com/.
What is the cost for off-campus housing?
Off-campus housing is considerably less expensive in Siskiyou
County than it is in other areas of California. Although rental
costs can vary widely, students often find single-person rental
units in the range of $475 per month, and two-person rental
units in the range of $700+ per month. These rental charges
do not include food, and may not include furnishings. Utility
charges, such as gas or electricity and telephone, may or
may not be included in these costs. Heating costs can be very
high in the winter.
Do international students need transportation to attend
College of the Siskiyous?
No and yes! Students residing in our campus residence halls
and off-campus housing units close to the college are within
walking distance and do not need transportation to attend.
Students living further distances generally do need transportation
to attend. Limited bus transportation around Siskiyou County
is available with the local transit system STAGE (Siskiyou
Transit and General Express). Many students car pool to campus
or purchase automobiles, for which adequate USA-based automobile
insurance must be obtained.
How do I register for classes at College of the Siskiyous?
Contact Counseling & Support Services, (530) 938-5353 or counselingservices@siskiyous.edu, to schedule a SOAR (Siskiyous Orientation, Advising, and Registration) Session.
Are adequate health facilities available at College
of the Siskiyous?
Although COS does not employ health professionals on campus
daily, several physicians are available within one mile of
the college. In addition, Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta
City is located only eight miles from the campus. The hospital
has a 24-hour emergency room for urgent medical situations.
A physical education trainer is also available on campus to
assist with campus injuries that may occur. There is also
a Health Center available for all students every Thursday
on campus in one of our Lodges. All international
students are required to possess a medical health insurance
policy in case of accident or illness. We require that international students purchase
the International Student Health Insurance Plan through the
Community College League of California. International Students
will be required to purchase this insurance when they pay
for registration. The cost for a full year of coverage
would be $1,560.00 or in payments by semester (this rate is
for the 2012-2013 year and is subject to change for the 2010-2011
year). An optional dental insurance plan can be purchased.
What special services are there for me?
On the academic side, free tutoring and free assistance labs
for writing, mathematics and other coursework are available
to all international students. All students are also strongly
encouraged to enroll in GUID 1005, College Success Skills, their
first college semester.
What type of clothing will I need?
We experience all four seasons; therefore, you should bring
a variety of clothing. During the autumn, the weather gradually
gets cooler and rainier, with the daily temperature ranging
from about 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, snow may
cover the ground and rainstorms are frequent. Students will
need waterproof footwear, heavy coats, very warm pants, hats
and gloves. In the spring and summer, the temperatures gradually
increase and can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day,
so you will need clothing for warm weather as well.
The styles of clothes which students wear are rather casual
here. Both men and women typically wear jeans, casual shirts,
sweaters, or sweatshirts for daily wear. There may be some
occasions where you will want to dress up; for example, when
a local community group hosts a reception in honor of our
international students, or when you attend events in our theater
or go to an urban area. You may also want to bring clothes
for skiing, hiking, exploring caves, and bicycle riding as
well.
Where is shopping available?
Food and general necessities are, of course, available in
Weed and other small towns in our rural area. But many people
travel to nearby cities for larger-item shopping and entertainment.
Ashland, Oregon, is about an hour's drive north, where the
world-famous Shakespeare Festival is held. In Ashland or Medford,
shopping malls, theaters, and other "big city" attractions
are available.
To the south of us, it is about an hour's drive to the city
of Redding, California. There are larger shopping malls available
there, too. There are major air transportation services available
in both of these cities. Most students fly into San Francisco,
CA and often take a flight, or bus, or train, to Redding,
CA, then come on to Weed by bus or car. The residence halls
can provide exact directions.
For more information contact
Student Life Office
Phone: 530.938.5374
Fax: 530.938.5367
info@siskiyous.edu
Best wishes as you choose your future
educational path; we hope you join us!