Additional Campus Resources
IEC wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are a few we recommend:
Welcome to the Spring 2025 Semester! It has been a rainy start to the year, but we promise the warm California sunshine is on its way. We were so happy to have some of you join our Speed Friending event recently, and we hope that even more of you will come to our Beach Day event on March 7th. We are proud of the hard work that you do in your classes, and we want you to have a good balance between your classwork and your social life. Making new friends and relaxing is just as important to your academic and career success as studying hard. Consider joining a campus club (opens in new window) , and watch your SMC e-mail for information about more events planned by the IEC. We look forward to getting to know you better this semester. Have a fantastic Spring semester!
To stay up to date with current and upcoming events, please follow our Social Media Pages.
IEC Instagram (opens in new window) IEC Facebook (opens in new window) ISF Instagram (opens in new window) ISF Discord (opens in new window)
Check our Activities and Events (opens in new window) page often to see what activities are planned in the future. We hope to see you there! Some events coming up are a trip to LACMA Museum, trip to Aquarium of the Pacific, and a Pumpkin Carving Event on Campus!
If this is your first semester in the U.S. at SMC, make sure you submit the check-in form within 10 days of arrival. If you have not done it yet, do it now by logging in to your International Student Portal (opens in new window) and clicking the “Requests & Documents” tab.
To maintain your visa status and keep your SEVIS record active, it is important to enroll in at least 12 units and to follow the on-ground requirement. The on-ground requirement states that most classes (at least 9 units) should be on-ground/hybrid and only one 3-unit fully online class can count toward the 12 unit requirement.
The International Education Center (IEC) is required to have current information on F1 students. This includes address, phone number, and email address. If you have not provided the International Education Center with your current contact information, please update your information in your Corsair Connect (opens in new window) student profile. If you are unable to update your information in Corsair Connect, please contact the IEC for assistance.
Visit the Cashier’s Office page (opens in new window) to learn how to request your METRO GoPass (TAP Card) to be able to ride the public transportation. Your student benefits fee covers the cost to ride public transportation for the whole semester!
You can also request your Student ID Card (opens in new window) through the Cashier’s Office.
It’s always important to exercise caution when dealing with housing transactions. We strongly advise that you do not send any cash or make any payments before physically seeing the accommodation and verifying its legitimacy.
Scammers may attempt to take advantage of international students by requesting advance rent or security deposit payments without providing proper documentation or allowing you to visit the property. To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these guidelines:
We would suggest you start by taking a look at the SMC Housing Page (opens in new window) .
Since Santa Monica is an upscale urban area, there are many housing options around SMC. On the downside, apartment rentals tend to be a little more expensive in this immediate area.
Less expensive rentals may be found in West Los Angeles, Palms, Mar Vista, Westwood and Culver City – all within an easy commute of Santa Monica College
You can get more information by visiting How to Apply for Scholarships (opens in new window)
Your International Student Portal (opens in new window) is where you will find important documents like your Admission Letter and I-20. This is also where you can make requests from the International Education Center. You can request Verification Letters, I-20 Travel Signatures, Transfer Out, and many other requests.
If your I-20 is expiring at the end of Spring 2025 and you need an additional semester or more to finish, meet with an Academic Counselor and submit the Program Extension form in your International Student Portal.
Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Enrollment opens February 14th and closes March 28, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. Watch the CPT Presentation Video (opens in new window) for more information.
Planning on applying for OPT work permission? Don't wait, apply early, beginning 90 days before the end of the semester! Find out how to apply by watching the OPT Presentation (opens in new window)
International students are legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2024 by the 15 April 2025 deadline.
And even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the IRS.
ALL F-1 students who were in the U.S. for 30 days or more in 2024 must complete IRS tax form 8843 (opens in new window)
If you worked in the U.S. in F-1 status in 2024, you must also complete IRS tax form 1040-NR (opens in new window)
IEC cannot assist you with tax forms, as we are not tax professionals. However, there are 2 ways you can complete the required forms:
Join us for a virtual tax workshop Friday, March 7th at 11:00 am PST (opens in new window) webinar to learn how to complete the forms. Please RSVP here (opens in new window) for the workshop to reserve your spot. The Zoom link will be emailed to you one day before the webinar.
The Sprintax webinar will provide an overview of the core principles of U.S. nonresident tax for international students and scholars.
NOTE: Santa Monica College has arranged discounted access to Sprintax Tax Preparation for you. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you’re due a tax refund.
All you need to do is:
Register (opens in new window) and follow the simple instructions on the website
Complete the online questionnaire
Enter your unique discount code: 5SMC50F24 in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page (This code only works for the first 50 students to sign up!)
Sprintax will prepare your tax return
Please look for your Welcome Email from GeoBlue. This will have your Certificate number and a link to www.geobluestudents.com (opens in new window) where you will be able to download your ID card. The card is for your use only. Never lend this card to other students. Carry your ID card with you at all times! You will need your card when you visit a physician’s office, urgent care, hospital, or pharmacy.
Students enrolled in the medical plan are eligible for AcademicLiveCare (opens in new window) !
This is a TeleHealth platform for virtual doctor visits 24/7 from your smartphone, computer, or other mobile device – all with $0 cost to you!
To use this service – follow these simple steps:
For a visual guide, download the AcademicLiveCare User Guide (opens in new window)
If you have any questions about the new insurance plan or how to use AcademicLiveCare, please visit our website, mycare26.com/ (opens in new window)
For more information, please visit this webpage for useful links and guidance: Health Care Insurance (opens in new window)
If you choose not to use AcademicLiveCare, which is a completely free service for you, your insurance policy will cover services-for-pay as follows:
$500,000 annual benefit maximum
$200 annual deductible
Copays:
$25 office visit copay
$25 copay for mental health counseling services
$50 urgent care center copay
$100 Emergency Room copay
Prescription drugs – ($3,000 max per year):
$10 copay for Generic
$25 copay for Brand
$50 copay for injectables
Other Details:
Coverage for annual cervical cytology screening and mammography screening
No coverage for routine annual physicals
Immunizations are covered at the SMC Student Health Center (opens in new window) ONLY
Students enrolled in the medical plan are also eligible for Academic Vision Care (opens in new window) ! (AVC)
This service allows you to get free eyeglasses once every 12 months with no out-of-pocket costs. There are over 500 frames to choose from and many are available with no charge or a selection of designer frames available for a small copay. Even if you don't require vision correction, you can use this service to order sunglasses!
Please Note: AVC is only for the eyeglasses and does NOT cover the eye exam. Please use your GeoBlue insurance plan to obtain the eye exam. Then, you can upload the eye prescription into the AVC system.
How to get started: Please watch for a "Welcome Email" from XP Health. This will provide you with a link and instructions for setting up your account or follow these simple steps below:
View the complete Academic Vision Care Guide (opens in new window) for instructions and images on how to shop for frames and upload the prescription.
Even though the GeoBlue insurance is a medical plan, it does have extra dental coverage attached to it. This dental coverage includes basic services, such as routine exams and teeth cleanings, up to $750 per plan year. You can search for an in-network dentist by using the search tools on the GeoBlue app or website: www.geobluestudents.com (opens in new window) . For more specialized dental treatments, please call GeoBlue customer service (844-268-2686) to verify coverage ahead of time.
A good way to get involved at SMC and get to know like-minded students, is to join a club (opens in new window) that shares your interests! This is also a nice way to explore new interests.
Follow the Associated Students Instagram page (opens in new window) for the latest updates and information on club events, such as Club Row!
Hi everyone! My name is Ivy and I’m a Lasian! I was born in Ecuador (Latina) and my parents are Chinese (Asian), so I have an interesting mix there. I’m a Communication Studies major whose dream schools are USC, UCLA, or Northwestern University. Yup, I’m preparing to become a professional “yapper”. Just kidding, I’m a curious person who loves meeting new people and getting to know every unique spirit; I define myself as Pinkie Pie in My Little Pony! In my free time, I enjoy both traveling virtually and physically. Everyday, I take a tour to Instagram, Red Notes, and Douyin for the latest trends and for some inspiration about fashion, study, cooking recipes, fitness, life hacks, and basically anything! I also enjoy traveling around the world, and although I haven’t been to a lot of places, traveling always helps me to unwind and embrace and enrich myself. As for some campus involvement, I’m president of two clubs at SMC: ISF and AGS. ISF stands for International Student Forum, and we foster intercultural communication here through social events, we’re a second home for international students, and we make friends with each other! AGS, on the contrary, is an honor society that offers volunteerings, academic support, and leadership opportunities to our members; we make our community a better place! To be honest, coming to SMC has been one of the most transformative experiences in my life. I’ve met the most amazing people, been to the most creative events, and achieved the greatest goals that I had never thought of. I do love this place and I’m sure you will too! I’m Ivy, nice to meet you alllllll!
Keep in touch with our Peer Mentors through Unibuddy and their Blogs (opens in new window) !
Welcome to Spring 2025!
Counselors are available to assist and guide you in your SMC academic journey. We are available to see students in-person and online via Zoom Express. You may also email us via AskIECC; this is an excellent resource for students who are unable to use Zoom, need forms, or who prefer a written response. Please visit our International Counseling (opens in new window) page to access our services.
Enrollment Tips and Strategies (opens in new window)
Check class schedule (opens in new window) - The schedule is dynamic, with changes updated frequently.
Open Seat Notification List - If someone drops themselves from this section list, you will be notified, but you will need to move quickly, as all students on this list will also be notified.
Wait lists (opens two weeks before the start of a term) - The Open Seat Notification (opens in new window) feature will turn into a wait list and students will have an actual number on this list.
“CRASH” – Email instructors to ask for permission to get into their section (use the campus directory (opens in new window) to find e-mails). The instructor will decide based on many factors, but it is worth a try.
“Swap a Class” option (secure 12 units first) - By using this feature, you will not be dropped from the section you are using to swap, as the system will first check to see if the section you want to add is still available. If you swap after the refund deadline, you must pay for the new class.
“Request a Class” - If enough students request the same section, the department may consider opening a new course.
Refund Deadline - Don't forget to make any changes to your schedule before the refund deadline to avoid losing money and having to pay again! Check your Corsair Connect to find the refund dates.
Attend our Transfer workshops: The Transfer Center hosts many university transfer workshops. Visit the Workshops Page (opens in new window) for more information about our upcoming events and registration details.
If you can't make any of our workshops, mark your calendars for our College Fair (opens in new window) on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the main campus fountain quad.
Connect with your Instructors: Don't be shy to ask questions or seek help from your instructors. They really care about how you're doing and want to support you throughout your journey. Building a good relationship with them can be helpful, especially if you ever face any problems or conflicts.
Tutoring Services: Need some extra help with your studies? No worries! Free tutoring services are available at our Tutoring Center (opens in new window) for many different subjects. Making an appointment is easy!
Mental Health Matters: We care about your mental well-being, too. Our Center of Wellness and Wellbeing (opens in new window) offers free, confidential individual therapy sessions and referral services. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
We hope these tips and strategies help you settle in and maximize your time at our college. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way!
Monday to Thursday (Hours may change, please check the IEC page (opens in new window) )
8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
(available to all F-1 and overseas international students)
Meet with a counselor for a 10–15-minute session. If the waiting room is closed, check
again at a later time.
Monday through Thursday: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Friday 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
You can email international counselors. We will respond in 3 – 5 business days.
IEC wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are a few we recommend:
DATE | Holiday |
---|---|
Monday, April 14 |
Cesar Chavez Day |
Monday, April 14 through Friday April 20 |
Spring Break |
Monday, May 26 |
Memorial Day |