Welcome to America
International Student Guide
Welcome! BYU-Idaho has students from over 60 countries. You're joining a diverse, welcoming community. This guide will help you navigate the unique aspects of studying in Rexburg, Idaho.
Visa & Documentation
Understanding your visa requirements is crucial for maintaining your legal status in the United States.
F-1 Student Visa Basics
As a BYU-Idaho student, you'll enter the US on an F-1 student visa. This is the most common visa for academic students.
What You Need to Enter
- ✓Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond entry)
- ✓F-1 visa stamp in your passport
- ✓I-20 form from BYU-Idaho (signed!)
- ✓SEVIS fee payment receipt
- ✓Proof of financial support
About Your I-20
- • Your I-20 is your most important document
- • Keep it safe - you'll need it for travel, employment, and visa renewal
- • Report any changes (major, address) to International Services
- • Get it signed for travel at least 2 weeks before leaving the US
Essential Documents to Bring
- ✓Original passport and copies
- ✓Original I-20 and copies
- ✓Birth certificate (translated if not in English)
- ✓Academic transcripts and diplomas
- ✓Vaccination records
- ✓Medical records and prescriptions
- ✓Driver's license from home (for ID purposes)
International Student Services
Your first stop on campus should be the International Student Services office. They can help with:
- • Visa and immigration questions
- • I-20 updates and travel signatures
- • Cultural adjustment support
- • Employment authorization
- • Connect with other international students
Location: Kimball Building
Phone: (208) 496-9350
Important: Keep Copies!
Make multiple copies of all important documents. Store copies in separate locations - with family at home, in your email, and in a secure place in your apartment. If your passport or I-20 is lost or stolen, having copies will make replacement much easier.
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is only needed if you work in the United States. You don't need one just to study or live here.
When You Need an SSN
- ✓On-campus employment - Working at the library, cafeteria, etc.
- ✓CPT/OPT work - Authorized off-campus employment
- ✓Tax filing - Required if you earn income in the US
Note: You do NOT need an SSN to open a bank account, get a phone plan, or rent an apartment. Alternative ID options are available.
How to Apply for an SSN
- 1Get a job offer from on-campus employer
- 2Request an SSN letter from International Services
- 3Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the US
- 4Visit the Social Security office in Idaho Falls
- 5Bring passport, I-20, I-94, and SSN letter
Processing time: 2-4 weeks after application
Social Security Office
Location: 1820 E 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID
Distance: About 30 miles from Rexburg
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
You'll need transportation to Idaho Falls. Ask in your ward for a ride, use Salt Lake Express, or coordinate with other students who need to go.
Banking & Financial
Setting up a US bank account and managing international money transfers is easier than you might think.
Opening a US Bank Account
You can open a bank account without an SSN. Most banks accept your passport and I-20 as identification.
Banks in Rexburg
- America First Credit Union - Student-friendly, no fees on basic accounts
- Idaho Central Credit Union - Good rates, local presence
- Wells Fargo - National bank, useful if traveling
- Zions Bank - Regional bank with good service
What to Bring
- • Passport
- • I-20 form
- • BYU-Idaho student ID
- • Proof of US address (apartment contract)
- • Initial deposit (usually $25-100)
International Money Transfers
Sending money from home to the US? Here are the best options for low fees:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best exchange rates, low fees, highly recommended
- Western Union
Available at Walmart, fast but higher fees
- PayPal/Xoom
Convenient if family has PayPal
- Bank Wire Transfer
Direct to your account, but high fees
Financial Tips
- ✓Get a debit card - essential for everyday purchases
- ✓Consider a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card
- ✓Set up mobile banking for easy transfers
- ✓Keep some cash from home for emergencies
- ✓Notify your home bank before leaving your country
- ✓Budget in USD - helps avoid overspending
Pro Tip: Open Wise Account Before Arriving
Set up a Wise account while still in your home country. This lets you transfer money immediately upon arrival in the US, avoiding the wait time for international bank transfers. Wise also provides a multi-currency debit card that can be very useful.
Cultural Adjustment
Moving to a new country is exciting but challenging. Understanding the culture will help you thrive.
Understanding LDS Culture
Rexburg is one of the most LDS-concentrated communities in the world. BYU-Idaho is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the culture reflects LDS values.
What to Expect
- • Most businesses close on Sundays (Sabbath day)
- • No alcohol, coffee, or tobacco in town
- • Conservative dress standards (Honor Code)
- • Clean language - profanity is rare
- • Strong focus on family and marriage
- • Weekly church attendance is common
Ward Community
- • You'll be assigned to a local ward (congregation)
- • Ward activities are great for making friends
- • FHE (Family Home Evening) every Monday
- • Ward members will be welcoming and helpful
- • Great support system during your adjustment
Community Integration
- ✓Join the International Student Association
- ✓Attend ward activities - best way to make friends
- ✓Join clubs related to your interests
- ✓Connect with students from your country
- ✓BUT also make friends outside your nationality
- ✓Share your culture - people are curious!
Dealing with Homesickness
Homesickness is normal and expected. Here's how to cope:
- • Schedule regular video calls with family
- • Cook food from home - grocery stores have some options
- • Connect with other students from your country
- • Stay busy with activities and friends
- • Give yourself time - it gets better!
- • Visit the Counseling Center if you're struggling
Counseling Center: (208) 496-9370 - Free for students
Culture Shock Stages
🌟
Honeymoon
Everything is exciting and new
😞
Frustration
Differences become challenging
😄
Adjustment
You start to adapt
🏠
Acceptance
Rexburg feels like home
This process typically takes 3-6 months. Be patient with yourself!
Climate & Winter Survival
If you're from a tropical or warm climate, Rexburg's winters will be a shock. Temperatures often drop below -20°C (-4°F). Preparation is essential.
Warning: Take Winter Seriously
Many international students underestimate how cold Rexburg gets. Frostbite can occur in minutes at extreme temperatures. If you're from a warm country, you need to invest in proper winter gear BEFORE winter arrives - not after!
Essential Winter Gear
Don't skimp on winter gear. Quality items are worth the investment for your safety and comfort.
Must-Have Items
- ✓Heavy winter coat (rated for -20°F)
- ✓Insulated waterproof boots
- ✓Warm winter hat (covers ears)
- ✓Insulated gloves or mittens
- ✓Warm scarf or neck gaiter
Highly Recommended
- ✓Thermal underwear (base layers)
- ✓Wool socks (not cotton!)
- ✓Hand warmers (disposable or rechargeable)
- ✓Light therapy lamp (for dark winter days)
- ✓Humidifier (for dry apartment air)
Winter Months (Nov-Mar)
- • Average temperature: -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F)
- • Heavy snowfall - can be several feet
- • Ice on sidewalks and roads
- • Short daylight hours (dark by 5 PM)
- • Very dry air - use moisturizer
Summer Months (Jun-Aug)
- • Average temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- • Low humidity - very pleasant
- • Long daylight hours (light until 9 PM)
- • Perfect for outdoor activities
- • Occasional thunderstorms
F-1 Employment Rules
Understanding work authorization is crucial. Unauthorized employment can jeopardize your visa status.
On-Campus Employment
As an F-1 student, you can work on-campus without special authorization.
Rules
- ✓Maximum 20 hours/week during school
- ✓Can work full-time during breaks
- ✓Must maintain full-time enrollment
- ✓Need SSN before starting work
Common On-Campus Jobs
- • Library assistant
- • Cafeteria worker
- • Testing center proctor
- • Research assistant
- • IT support
- • Tutoring center
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
CPT allows off-campus work that's part of your curriculum (internships, practicums).
- • Must be related to your major
- • Requires approval from International Services
- • Can be part-time or full-time
- • Must be completed before graduation
- • 12+ months of full-time CPT affects OPT eligibility
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
OPT allows work after graduation in your field of study.
- • 12 months of work authorization
- • STEM majors may get 24-month extension
- • Must apply before graduation
- • Work must relate to your degree
- • Requires EAD card from USCIS
Warning: Unauthorized Work
Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of your F-1 status. This includes working more than 20 hours/week during school, working off-campus without CPT/OPT, or working for cash "under the table." Violations can result in deportation and future visa denials. Always check with International Services before accepting any job.
Maintaining Your Visa Status
Keeping your F-1 status valid requires attention to several requirements.
Status Requirements
You Must:
- ✓Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits)
- ✓Keep valid passport (renew 6 months before expiry)
- ✓Report address changes within 10 days
- ✓Report major changes to International Services
- ✓Make satisfactory academic progress
Exceptions to Full-Time:
- • Final semester before graduation
- • Medical reasons (with documentation)
- • Academic difficulty (first semester only)
- • On approved internship/CPT
Always get approval from International Services before dropping below full-time!
Changes to Report
- • Change of address
- • Change of major
- • Name change
- • Change in funding source
- • Extension of program
- • Early completion
- • Transfer to another school
- • Withdrawal or leave of absence
International Travel
Traveling outside the US requires proper documentation for re-entry.
Before You Travel
Required Documents for Re-Entry
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Valid F-1 visa stamp
- ✓I-20 with recent travel signature
- ✓Proof of enrollment (class schedule)
- ✓Financial support documentation
Travel Signature
Your I-20 needs a travel signature from International Services to re-enter the US.
- • Valid for 1 year (6 months if on OPT)
- • Get it signed 2+ weeks before travel
- • Visit International Services office
- • Bring your passport and I-20
If Your Visa Expires
If your visa stamp has expired, you can still stay in the US as long as your I-20 is valid. However, you'll need to renew your visa at a US consulate before you can re-enter.
- • Apply for new visa in your home country
- • Or third country (Mexico, Canada with restrictions)
- • Allow extra time for visa processing
Travel Warnings
- • Don't travel without valid documents
- • Check visa wait times before booking flights
- • Be prepared for secondary inspection
- • Don't travel during pending visa renewal
- • Consider risks of traveling to certain countries
Automatic Visa Revalidation
Trips less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands may allow re-entry even with an expired visa stamp (automatic visa revalidation). However, this has restrictions and doesn't apply if you're from certain countries. Check with International Services before relying on this.
Food & Groceries
Finding food from home can be challenging in Rexburg, but there are options.
Grocery Shopping
Main Grocery Stores
- WinCo Foods - Best prices, limited international options
- Walmart - Has small international section
- Broulim's - Closest to campus, convenient
- Costco (Idaho Falls) - Bulk buying, membership required
International Ingredients
- • Very limited in Rexburg stores
- • Asian markets in Idaho Falls
- • Order online from Amazon or specialty sites
- • Ask family to ship non-perishables
Cooking at Home
Learning to cook is essential for international students. Eating out is expensive!
- • Bring recipes from home
- • Learn basic American recipes
- • Share cooking with roommates
- • YouTube has cooking tutorials in many languages
- • International student potlucks are fun!
Dining Out Options
- Cafe Rio - Mexican food, popular with students
- Panda Express - American-Chinese food
- Freddy's - American burgers and frozen custard
- Thai Kitchen - Thai cuisine
- Pizza places - Several options downtown
Note: Authentic cuisine from your home country is rare in Rexburg. Idaho Falls has more variety.
Pro Tips for International Students
- • Bring spices from home - Many are unavailable or expensive here
- • Learn to substitute - You may need to adapt recipes to available ingredients
- • Connect with students from your country - They know where to find familiar foods
- • Idaho Falls shopping trips - Plan monthly trips for specialty items
- • Amazon Prime - Many international foods available with free shipping
Getting Around
Rexburg is a small, walkable town. Many students get by without a car.
Walkable Town
Most of Rexburg is within walking distance:
- • Campus to downtown: 10-15 minutes
- • Most apartments: 10-20 minutes to campus
- • Grocery stores: 15-30 minutes
- • Get a folding shopping cart for groceries
Warning: Walking in winter requires proper gear - see Winter Survival section!
Without a Car
- • Walking - Primary transportation for students
- • Biking - Great April-October
- • Rideshares - Ask in ward/Facebook groups
- • TART bus - Limited public transit
- • Salt Lake Express - Shuttle to airports
Uber/Lyft have limited availability in Rexburg.
Getting a US Driver's License
If you plan to drive, you'll need an Idaho driver's license. International licenses are valid for a limited time only.
Requirements
- • Passport and I-20
- • Proof of Idaho residence
- • SSN or ineligibility letter
- • Pass written knowledge test
- • Pass driving skills test
Process
- 1. Study the Idaho Driver's Manual
- 2. Visit Idaho Transportation Dept in Rexburg
- 3. Take written test
- 4. Schedule driving test
- 5. Practice with a licensed driver
Quick Reference
International Services
Kimball Building
(208) 496-9350
Work Limit
20 hrs/week during school
Full-time during breaks
Winter Temps
-20°C to -30°C common
Buy quality gear!
Key Reminder
Keep I-20 safe
Report all changes
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