One of the most compelling reasons students choose Albion College is the level of assistance available on campus. At Albion, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can.

International Orientation

Traveling far from home to study in the United States can be a challenging experience for some international students. You may need help adjusting to American customs, lifestyles, academic practices, or even the food. That’s why our International Orientation is designed to ensure a smooth transition from your home to Albion College.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by international orientation leaders and the director of the Center for International Education. Your accommodation will be arranged in advance, and you will be escorted to your room the day you arrive at Albion. Your residence hall assistant will be available to help you with anything you may need.

International Orientation is organized by the Center for International Education. First-year international students may request assistance with new bank accounts if necessary, Social Security card applications, shopping trips, and other matters.

You will become familiar with both the Albion campus and the city of Albion during International Orientation. We have invited speakers who will give sessions on easing the cultural transition and getting involved on campus.

Degree-seeking international students will also participate in the fun and exciting orientation program designed for new students, entitled SOAR (Student Orientation Advising and Registration).

After orientation – and throughout your college career – you’ll always have plenty of support and assistance.

Advising and Counseling

At Albion College, each student has at least four advisers: student and faculty first-year mentors, an academic adviser, and a residence hall assistant. You will also have international faculty and peer advisers to help make Albion feel like home. Whether your concerns are academic, social, or personal, you’ll have the help you need.

The Counseling Office provides all students with confidential counseling and crisis intervention. Experienced counselors are available to help you with interpersonal relationships, dating issues, family concerns, stress management, sexuality, eating concerns, depression, loss and grief, and other issues. The Counseling Services staff can also provide you with referrals to community mental health agencies.

Health Care

Albion College's Student Health Services clinic is open to all students, international and domestic alike. Student Health Services provides complete outpatient health care, with appropriate referrals to specialists as needed. Visits to Student Health Services and the college physicians are free. Occasionally, there may be a small charge for supplies or medication. Full laboratory testing and x-rays are available in cooperation with Oaklawn Hospital. A health insurance program is required for international students to cover services not offered on campus.

Employment Opportunities

Campus employment is available to help you meet expenses. Earnings from student employment are paid directly to you by payroll check each month; the amount earned is not credited to your account. The Student Employment Office has a listing of on- and off-campus jobs available to all students. This listing includes job descriptions, qualifications required, and rate of pay. You may also seek assistance with internships and OPT jobs by contacting the director of the Center for International Education and/or staff or faculty with expertise in related fields.

The pay rate for student employment varies, depending on the type of job and the number of hours worked per week. On-campus jobs usually pay between $7.40/hour and $9.00/hour. During the academic year, full-time students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. When school is not in session, you are allowed to work full-time. Again, salaries for off-campus jobs vary. Check with your counselor regarding visa work requirements.

Transportation

Students without vehicles on campus have many options for transportation. The Campus Safety Department provides transportation to and from medical appointments and for non-emergency medical concerns; transportation for injured students to and from class and to Baldwin cafeteria; transportation to local retail outlets several times a week; and a shuttle to shopping malls, grocery, and department stores in Jackson, Michigan once a week. All transportation services are free to Albion College students. During scheduled holidays, shuttle service is available to and from Michigan airports for a minimal fee.

Religious and Multicultural Diversity

Albion College celebrates and cultivates religious devotion and spiritual development. The Office of the Chaplain supports programs that promote innovative thought on ethics, religion, and issues of justice. Ideas for collaborative programs that include spirituality are regularly encouraged. There is an interfaith prayer space on campus with religious artifacts from different faith communities.The Office of Intercultural Affairs is dedicated to the support of underrepresented students, and to promoting the awareness of multicultural issues among students, staff, and faculty. Students are encouraged to participate in a number of related organizations, activities, and programs.