Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

When can I start school?

You may start in any of our four quarters: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. See our Costs and Dates for each quarter’s start dates.

Immigration

How do I get my student visa?

After you are accepted to PC, you will receive an immigration document (I-20) which you will need to apply for your visa. You must pay the SEVIS fee and apply for your F-1 student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Can I transfer from another school in the United States?

If you are currently in the U.S. and studying on an F-1 visa, in good status, you can transfer to Peninsula College. First you must apply to PC. After you have been accepted to PC, you will request your current school to release your SEVIS record to Peninsula College. After the SEVIS record is transferred, PC will issue a new I-20.

Arrivals and Airport pick-up

What airport should I fly in to?

Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). Airport code: SEA

When should I arrive?

You should plan to arrive on the scheduled airport pick-up day, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM if you would like to be picked up at Seattle-Tacoma (SEATAC) airport.

Orientation

Do I have to attend orientation?

Yes, orientation is mandatory, even for transfer students. You will learn important information about Peninsula College, meet your classmates, and complete testing and advising into your classes.

Testing

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS test?

There is no English proficiency requirement. You will take an English placement test when you arrive for orientation and will be placed into the appropriate Intensive English as a Second Language level.

http://pencol.edu/international-programs/international-students/intensi…

What TOEFL or IELTS test score do I need to place into college level?

You may enroll in college level if you meet the following test requirements for Academic Programs:

http://pencol.edu/international-programs/international-students/applica…

What placement tests will I take?

If you are a college level student, you will take an assessment English and Math tests.

https://www.act.org/content/act/en.html

If you are an ELA (English Language Acquisition) student, you will take the ELA assessment test.

Housing

When will I find out about my homestay host?

Homestay placements are made 2-3 weeks before your arrival date. The host profiles are then emailed to your agent for students who have received their visa, submitted copy of their flight tickets and paid the homestay placement fee.

Can I pick my homestay?

No, you may make a request for a specific host and we will make every effort to accommodate your request but there is no guarantee space will be available with the requested hosts.

How are homestay placements made?

Placements are made by our homestay coordinator based on the information you provided on the application form, student needs, and homestay availability.

Our homestay coordinator takes time and careful thought into matching you into a homestay family whose interests most closely match your own. For this reason, we ask you to please complete all the homestay questions in our application.

When can I move into my homestay?

You can usually move in with your homestay hosts about one week before the quarter starts, during orientation.

How long can I stay in homestay?

We recommend you stay in your homestay at least one quarter, but most students stay longer. If you are under 18 you are required stay in homestay.

Can I move into an apartment?

Yes, but you must be over the age of 18

Advising

When will I select my classes?

You will meet with your academic advisor or ELA (English Language Acquisition) coordinator after your placement testing is completed to select the appropriate classes for your level. After the quarter has started, you will meet with your academic advisor to create an academic plan.

Can I change my major after I arrive at PC?

Yes, you can meet with your Academic Advisor to make changes to your major and discuss any changes that need to be made to your academic plan and your I-20.

Health Insurance (Rates are adjusted August 1)

Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes, you are required to have health insurance per your I-20. You will be automatically enrolled in Lewer Student Health Insurance each quarter and charged the current rate when you register and pay for classes. Health insurance is due at the same time as tuition and fees.

Can I bring my own health insurance?

If you have your own insurance, please bring proof of coverage with explanation of benefits and coverage to the international office upon arrival and the health insurance charge will be removed from your record. Your health insurance must be valid in the US and equivalent or better than the insurance provided through the college: https://info.lewermark.com/peninsula.

How do I see a doctor?

If you are sick or injured and your life is in danger, please go to the hospital emergency room. Otherwise, please go to Clinicare for same day service. Clinicare will not bill insurances but they will give an insurance form to submit to your insurance to claim reimbursement. Please come to the international office for further information and for assistance in submitting claims. Clinicare will refer you to a specialist as needed.

How do I get my insurance card?

After you pay for your insurance, you may come to the international office and ask for a temporary insurance card or log in to your account on the LewerMark website and print your own insurance card https://info.lewermark.com/student-login.

Transcripts

How do I get my unofficial transcripts?

Contact Student Services at studentservices@pencol.edu | (360) 417-6340

How do I get my official transcripts?

You can order an official transcript for a fee from the PC website:

Student Center > Order Peninsula College Transcripts
Direct link: https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/secure_area/Transcript/to_bridge.a…
You will need a credit card, an email address

Tuition and Fees

How do I pay tuition?

Tuition and fees must be paid in full each quarter by (preferably before) the published due date. Here are several payment options:

In person at the D building (Clock Tower) (check, debit, or credit card)
If you would like to pay over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard please call (360) 417-6340
To pay by wire transfer to the college, email Nicole (ncasares@pencol.edu) for wire transfer information.
To sign up for the payment plan with divides the quarterly payment in three payments for a fee, complete the application and submit to business office cashier in the C building. Please pay by the designated due date for each payment to avoid additional fees.