INTRODUCTION TO
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE ISO

Upon arrival at TEDS/TGS, an international student is faced with many new and seemingly strange customs, complex procedures and unfamiliar rules and regulations. The International Students Office is a source of information and assistance for each and every foreign student. This office attempts in every way possible to make the international students’ experience at TEDS/TGS a successful one. We encourage international students to address their questions to the International Students Office (ISO). Time and again international students have found themselves in needlessly complicated situations because they did not discuss the matter with an experienced person. The personnel in this office have years of experience with students from all over the world and they are an important resource from which each international student may benefit.

While we attempt to provide you with as much information as possible, we cannot cover all of the details pertinent to each student. For instance, the housing, social and recreational needs of an unmarried student obviously differ greatly from those of a married student. The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service requirements also vary according to the type of visa a student holds.

Each year we have been privileged to have on campus students who come to us from all parts of the world. In this way we have been able to make some contribution to the work of the Lord beyond the borders of the United States.

Our students from other countries have also consistently made a very significant contribution to our campus life. This is why we are delighted to welcome you to the fellowship of TEDS/TGS. It is our hope that we may contribute to your growth as a Christian during your Trinity experience. In a very tangible way, our fellowship here at TEDS/TGS illustrates the reality of a oneness in Christ that transcends national and cultural barriers. May you find this practically true during your time here on campus.

Writing Your Name:  As you have occasion to correspond with us in the next several months, it is very important that you always write your name the same way. Whenever you write your name on an official document, write it exactly as it appears on your passport. Whenever you sign and print your name, sign it the same way and as legible as possible. American Application Forms, Certificate of Finances (COF) (for I-20), etc. will ask for your:

First Name - this would be the name you are called by - such as Joseph, Eun Young, Maria, Igor, etc.

Middle Name - this would be your second name, if you have one.

Last Name - this would be your Family Name or some countries refer to it as Surname - such as Park, Santos, Johnson, Petrovich, etc.

Most American files and records are filed alphabetically A-Z under the first letter of your Family Name (for instance, Eun Young Park would be filed alphabetically under P. On the different forms you are filling out be careful to observe where the form requests your First Name and Last Name.

For further information, please contact:

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
International Students Office
2065 Half Day Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015 U.S.A.
Phone: (847)317-4063
Email: evangeme@tiu.edu

Updated 09/05/2003