Step 1: Application and acceptance.

Follow the application procedures on our "How to Apply" page.

Let us know if you are interested in living on campus. If you wish to live off campus,  we can assist you in finding an apartment in the area.  Please contact us for local apartment information at vsueli@valdosta.edu .

Wait for your I-20 and acceptance letter to arrive via FedEx or another carrier.

Step 2: SEVIS fee and F-1 Visa Interview

Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to schedule an F-1 visa interview appointment. You will need your I-20 and acceptance letter.

Pay the SEVIS fee here

Take your I-20, acceptance letter, SEVIS payment receipt, passport, financial documents, and any other important information to your visa interview.

Tips for the visa interview: Interviewing at an American Consulate can be stressful.  The following website gives you some helpful tips to prepare for your interview: http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/visa-interview-tips.cfm

Step 3: Confirm Your Arrival

Contact us (vsueli@valdosta.edu) to let us know you have been awarded a visa.

Tell us your arrival information so we can arrange to pick you up from the Valdosta airport.

Step 4: Arrival

Fly into Atlanta with a connecting flight to Valdosta. We will pick you up at the airport in Valdosta.

If you do not fly into Valdosta, you will need to arrange transportation to Valdosta via bus.

Step 5: Housing

You may choose to live on campus, or find an apartment off campus.   Homestay options for your study at ELI are limited, but you may find one through a private network. 

One option is the American Homestay Network.  

If you have not found housing before you arrive, you can arrange to stay in an extended stay hotel until you find appropriate housing.

Contact us for more information.