| Money It is difficult to exchange currency in the United States, so don't bring a lot of money in foreign currencies with you. Bring U.S. dollars. The best idea
is to carry a combination of cash, traveler's checks, and bank drafts. This is an estimate of how much to bring for your first semester: $3,000 | | For tuition and fees, books and insurance | $1,000 | | For renting an apartment and setting up utilities and phone | $1,500 | | For food | $ 500 | | For miscellaneous | $6,000 | | Total |
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You should bring some of your money in cash. Try to get some $20 bills. Large bills, such as $100, are not always accepted at stores here. Also bring lots of $1 bills. These are handy to use as tips in taxis, hotels, and restaurants. Don't bring a lot of cash, however, because if you lose it, it's gone.
Bring some of your money in the form of traveler's checks. You should get some large denominations, such as $100, some $50, and some $20. When you register for classes at GCC you will have to pay your entire tuition for the semester. Normally, tuition will range from $2,000 to $2,500 for most new international students. You may want to bring a bank check issued in U.S. dollars to pay your tuition and fees. If the
amount of your check is over or under your actual tuition, you can make adjustments later. If you bring money in the form of a bank check, cashiers check, or money order, please make it payable to the order of Glendale Community College. A check for $2,500 will be adequate for most students. Don't bring a check for more than this to the college because the college will not be able to pay back the extra amount quickly. Banking
As soon as possible after your arrival you will want to open a bank account in Glendale. The International Students Program staff can help you find a bank. A checking account is the type of bank account most students have. It will allow you to deposit your money and then write checks against the balance. You can also use an ATM (automated teller machine) card to access funds in your checking account. To open a bank checking account you will need your
passport, another form of identification, an address, and some money. If you bring a cashier's check or a bank draft to use to open an account here, remember that it might take a week or more for your check to "clear". That means that you will not be able to use that money for a week. It is better to use traveler's checks or cash to open a bank account so that you can have access to your money immediately. Credit Cards
You can pay for your tuition and fees at Glendale Community College with a major credit card such as AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, MASTERCARD, or DISCOVER. You can also use these cards in the bookstore and for many other purchases in the U.S. It is very difficult for foreign citizens to open these credit card accounts in the United States. If you want to use a credit card, bring one with you from your home country. You'll probably have to make
arrangements with your family to pay the bills for you. |
