InternationalHome Page
Contact Us
|
New Student Arrival Information
|
International Night
Photo Gallery
New Students Arrival Information
Orientation
- Attention Fall 08 Quarter Students!
New International Student Orientation (required) will be held on September 2 –5, 2008. Please come to the cafeteria (upper level of Campus Center) at 8:30 a.m. on September 2. Contact us at (650) 949-7293 with any questions.Download a New Student Arrival & Orientation Packet.Fill out the Response Form
All new students at Foothill College must attend a new international student orientation which takes place several weeks before the start of the quarter.
At the orientation, you will learn about Foothill College, become acquainted with your academic and degree requirements, understand immigration and employment requirements, meet new friends and staff. Math and English placement tests will also be given during orientation. Taking these tests is essential to registering in classes. The orientation dates are below:
- Fall Quarter - Orientation begins early September. Classes begin mid-September.
- Winter Quarter - Orientation begins early December. Classes begin early January.
- Spring Quarter 2008 - Orientation begins March 7, 2008. Classes April 7, 2008.
Housing
Homestay
Foothill College works with International Student Placements (ISP), which places international students in Host Families. Homestay placements are made following a screening process of potential hosts. If you are interested in more information or an application, please go to the ISP website at: www.isphomestays.com or contact ISP, Jean Ikeda, at email: info@isphomestays.com, telephone: 650-947-8879, or fax: 650-969-9857.
Local Apartments
Students may also choose to live in a local apartment complex. Lists of these apartments are available from the International Programs Office. The list is updated prior to each new international student orientation and is given to students who are looking for a local apartment.
There are several online classified newspapers where you could also search for housing, including apartments and "rooms for rent." Here are a few links:
Palo Alto Online Look under the "For Rent" section for apartments and rooms.
The Metro Look under Real Estate for Apartment rentals, shared housing, and rooms to rent.
Los Altos Town Crier Look under Classifieds and Real Estate for apartments and rooms to rent.
Craig's List for the South Bay, See Housing section for South San Francisco Bay Area apartments and rooms for rent or Craig's List for the Peninsula for San Francisco Peninsula listings.
Temporary Housing
Below please find links to lists of short-term accomodations (hotels/motels) to use until you find a permanent place to live.
Mountain View
Palo Alto
Sunnyvale
Or check California Lodging Reservations and search for whichever California city you would like.
Insurance
To protect our international students from the high cost of medical services in the United States, the Foothill-De Anza College District (FHDA) requires health insurance coverage for all enrolled international students on the F-1 visa. To ensure this, the District has identified an excellent policy provided through Scholastic Insurance Services Inc. All Foothill F-1 students are automatically enrolled in this plan.
Here's a summary of the Blue Cross plan as of August 15, 2007:
- No co-payment if treatment is first received at the College Health Services in the Campus Center, room 2126.
- 90% of physician visits and hospitalization within Blue Cross, and 70% of out-of-network physician visits and hospitalization after $50 co-payment. (Co-payment is waived if referred by College Health Services)
- 50% prescription drug coverage up to a maximum of $1,000 per year
- $250 maximum coverage for pre-existing conditions during the first six months of enrollment at one of the colleges
- $3,000 out-of-pocket maximum per year
- $25,000 repatriation benefit
- $50,000 medical evacuation benefit
- $1,000,000 lifetime maximum benefit
- $100,000 maximum benefit per injury or sickness
Specifics regarding the policy are printed in a separate brochure or at the following website: http://www.renstudent.com/Students/SchoolDetail.aspx?SchoolGroupID=278
If you do not have the latest brochure, please stop by the International Programs Office in room 5922 to pick up the 2007-2008 insurance coverage brochures.
When you register for classes, you will automatically be enrolled in the International Student Health Plan and $390.00 will be added to your fees each quarter. Over three quarters, the annual premium is $1170.00. Your payment of $390.00 in spring quarter provides coverage during the summer until August 14th, 2008.
You will receive your insurance membership card in the mail each quarter and you must notify Blue Cross at 1.800.537.1777 of any changes in your address.
Please remember to go to the Foothill Health Services office in the Campus Center in room 2126 to get a referral to a doctor before you go to the doctor's office, unless it is an emergency and you need to see a physician immediately before you can get to the Health Office.
Foreign Credential Evaluators
If you would like to have your transcripts from your home country evaluated because you would like to receive credit for classes you have taken at home, you can send your transcript to a foreign credential evaluation service. Some services are listed below but a more complete list can be provided by the Evaluation Officer in the Student Development Center on the Foothill campus. Foothill College does not endorse these companies listed below but provides their names only as a resource for you.
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: (414) 289-3400
Fax: (414) 289-3411
email: eval@ece.org
http://www.ece.org
Education Evaluators International, Inc.
P.O. Box 5397
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-5397
Phone: (401) 521-5340
Fax 401-437-6474
Email: jack@educei.com
http://www.educei.com
Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc.
601 University Ave., Suite 127
Sacramento, CA 95825-6738
Phone: (916) 921-0790
Fax: (916) 921-0793
email: edu@eres.com
http://www.eres.com
International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 66940
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (310) 390-6276
Fax: (310) 397-7686
email: info@ierf.org
http://www.ierf.org
World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
Phone: 212-966-6311
Fax: 212-966-6395
email: info@wes.org or sf@wes.org
http://www.wes.org
Travel and Transportation
Arriving by air
Foothill College is located between the San Francisco International Airport and the San Jose International Airport, slightly closer to San Jose.
Ground transportation
International Student Placements can arrange an airport pick up for students who need transportation only to an apartment, friend's home, hotel, etc. The fee for this service is $60. A personal driver is sent to the airport to pick you up. Please send page one of the application and attach a note to indicate where you need to be delivered. Please clearly write your flight information.
Commercial shuttle service is also available from the San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC) airports. Fares are between $15 - 40 depending on your destination.
For shuttles from San Francisco, contact Super Shuttle at tel (650) 558-8500 or make a reservation online.
For shuttles from San Jose, contact VIP Shuttle at tel (408) 577-1800 or South and East Bay Shuttles: (408) 225-4444.
Transportation to campus
The local bus company, Valley Transit Authority has bus lines that go to both campuses. Please check with VTA for routes, schedules, and fares. For public transit information all over the San Francisco Bay Area, please check Transit Info page.
VTA buses 23 and 52 go to the Foothill campus.
San Francisco Bay Area Local Information
The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most exciting and beautiful parts of the world! There are opportunities to do all types of outdoor activities like hiking or going to the beach. You can also play or watch sporting events, go out on the town, catch great cultural events, or feel the great entreprenurial spirit of the high-tech companies in Silicon Valley.
In your free time, on the weekends, or if you have visitors, here are some ideas on things to see and do in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Internet Resources for Bay Area Activities
SIGHTSEEING TRIPS
AMUSEMENT PARKS & ATTRACTIONS
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
RECREATION/SPORTS
Internet Resources for Bay Area Activities
For information on nightlife, events, activities, restaurants, sightseeing, and more, check the following web sites for the Bay Area:
www.bayarea.citysearch.com
Bay Area City Search Activities and things to do in SF and the North Peninsula
www.siliconvalley.citysearch.com
Silicon Valley City Search Activities and things to do in Palo Alto and the South Bay
www.sfgate.com/traveler/events/fairsfestivals.shtml
SF Gate Traveler Fairs and festivals in the Bay Area month by month
www.metroactive.com
The Metro Online Happenings in San Jose and South Bay
www.paloaltoonline.com
Palo Alto Online Online newspaper for Palo Alto and Peninsula
www.PaloAltoOnline.com/things_do
Palo Alto Online Events Events in Palo Alto region
www.cal-parks.ca.gov
California State Parks Information on California state parks
www.trailcenter.org/
Trail Center Information on hiking and biking in the Bay Area
www.volunteerinfo.org
San Francisco Bay Area Volunteer Info Volunteer opportunities
livelyarts.stanford.edu/
Stanford University Lively Arts Stanford Events and Entertainment
SIGHTSEEING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Alcatraz
The world’s most famous prison, a mile and a half off the coast of San Francisco. There are guided and self-guided tours. Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry provides transportation from Pier 41 (Fisherman’s Wharf). Call (415) 705-5555 to charge tickets by phone.
Angel Island
A small beautiful island in the San Francisco Bay. Good views, hiking, picnicking, biking trails, and overnight camping. Take ferries from San Francisco or Tiburon. Call (415) 705-5555.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Great for shopping, eating and strolling. Many restaurants, open air markets, and shops including three shopping centers: Pier 39, Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, and two museums: the National Maritime Museum and the Carousel Museum. Many street artists perform on weekends. To get there take the Powell-Manson or Powell-Hyde cable car to the end of the line.
Golden Gate Park
One of the world’s greatest urban parks. This treasure is covered with grassy meadows, wooded trails, secluded lakes, open groves, gardens and several museums. Bring your bike or rollerblades and explore Golden Gate Park. For information call (415) 831-2700.
Chinatown
This 24-sqare-block sector, three blocks off Union Square, settled by Chinese in 1847, constitutes the largest Chinese quarter outside of Asia. Streets and alleys are best explored on foot. Area attractions include the Chinese Historical Society Museum, Chinese Culture Center, and Pacific Heritage Museum. There are also fresh produce markets, seafood and poultry shops, and many fine restaurants.
North Beach
Centered along Columbus Avenue, North Beach is known for its Italian heritage and the bakeries, restaurants and gelato parlors which create its definite Mediterranean flavor. North Beach is also famous for its nightlife. Lots of bars, pubs, nightclubs, and discotheques are located in this area.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s landmark number one. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the longest single-span suspension bridges ever – at 4,200 feet – this landmark opened in 1937 an connects San Francisco to Marin County. Pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed to cross the bridge on pathways with terrific views of the city and the bay. It is a 50-minute walk. Put on warm clothes, it’s always windy and cool.
Muir Woods:
Located just off Highway 1 in Marin County north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Muir Woods. This National Monument is made up of over 560 acres of redwood forest, giant California redwood trees – some known to be 1,000 years old. Visitors are invited to explore Muir Woods on six miles of walking trails. Coffee shop. No picnicking or camping. For information call (415) 388-2595.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The 73,000-acre national park is showplace of secluded beaches, rock cliffs, grassy bluffs and forest. Wildlife includes deer, elk, seals, sea lions and whales. Historic lighthouse, a Miwok Indian Village replica and Bear Valley Visitor Center. Picnicking, bicycling, jogging or hiking is possible. For information call (415) 663-1092. Take Highway 1 north.
Ano Nuevo State Reserve
This state reserve is a famous breeding ground of the huge elephant seal. There are guided walking tours through the sand dunes to view the seals at close range in the spring and early summer months. Take Highway 17 south through the Santa Cruz mountains to Highway 1 north. Follow this through Davenport up to the reserve. Also in the area is Big Basin Redwoods State.
Sausalito
Sausalito is the small, beautiful city right across the Golden Gate Bridge, appreciated for its shops, restaurants, and great views of San Francisco, especially in the early evening. Many artists have been attracted to Sausalito and have depicted it in their paintings. Arrival by ferry is the best way to experience this Mediterranean-style community that is often compared to the French Riviera. Take the Golden State Ferry from the Ferry Building or a ferry from Pier 43 1/2.
Jack London Square
At the edge of Oakland’s waterfront is a world of activity, Jack London Square, named after the world famous Californian writer Jack London. Visitors will find many specialty shops and restaurants, the Jack London Village, the legendary author’s cabin and a big movie theater. Drive or take BART to Oakland 12th St. For information call (510) 814-6000.
Berkeley
Berkeley, located on the East Bay, is a crazy university-town. The main attraction is the University of California in the center of Berkeley. There are about 45,000 students at UC Berkeley. Also interesting for visitors is Telegraph Avenue with many nice shops and good restaurants. You can see a lot of young people and hippies as well as homeless people, and you sometimes get the impression you are back in the sixties. Drive or take BART to Downtown Berkeley.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers large beaches, surfing and sailing, a Boardwalk amusement park, and a rustic downtown area to wander in. To get there, take Highway 17 south over the Santa Cruz mountains (two hours from San Francisco).
Monterey/Carmel
Once the capital of California, Monterey is now a bustling tourist attraction. The Monterey Aquarium is a highlight of Monterey. There is a shopping district called Cannery Row and on the wharf you can feed noisy sea lions and pelicans. It’s not far to travel to Carmel, which boasts a beautiful old Spanish Mission and charming boutiques. Also in the area is a 17-mile drive with great scenic views of the coastline.
Stanford University
A private university where students pay in excess of $ 20,000 per year in tuition, Stanford is world known as a premiere learning institution. The wonderful campus is located in Palo Alto and is easily accessible. Free walking tours are given daily at 11 am and 3:15 starting from Memorial Auditorium.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is the most popular national park in California. Shaped by glaciers in prehistoric times, Yosemite has many unforgettable sights including vistas, waterfalls, clear alpine lakes and high meadows. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Call (209) 372-0264 for more information. Amtrak, the national railway, offers packages from San Jose or San Francisco.
Lake Tahoe/Reno
Situated at 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Range, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, deep and cold mountain lake. It’s a great place for camping, hiking and water sports such as sailing, boating, and water skiing. Located on the California and Nevada boarder, you can spend a day gambling at the south shore or north shore, or in nearby Reno.
Napa Valley
Famous for its national and international award winning wines, Napa Valley is situated approximately 60 miles northeast of San Francisco. It sports winery tours, winetasting, glider rides, balloon rides over the beautiful rolling hills and acres of grapes, fine restaurants, hot mineral-water spas, a petrified forest and two state parks. Take Highway 80 toward Sacramento, the Highway 29 to Napa.
Paramount’s Great America
Northern California’s largest amusement park with lots of rides and attractions and an IMAX Pictorium Theater. Located in Santa Clara, take the Great America Parkway exit off Highway 101. Entrance fee is $34.99 per person. Watch for discount coupons on supermarket receipts and in newspapers. For information call (408) 988-1776. Open only on weekends in September and October. Call ahead to check open dates.
Six Flags Marine World USA
Marine World is a fascination wildlife park and oceanarium which covers 160 acres with unique shows and attractions featuring animals from the land, sea and air. Bengal tigers, Shark Experience, friendly killer whales, and seals. Marine World also has rides. Located 30 miles northeast of San Francisco at the junction of Highways 80 and 37, Marine World Pkwy exit, Vallejo. For information call (707) 643-6722. Check for season opening date.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A state historical landmark and California’s only remaining beachside amusement park, has a classic 1911 carousel and a 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, both of which are National Historic Landmarks. Additional attractions include rides, games, arcades, restaurants, an indoor miniature golf course and a mile-long beach. Take Highway 85 south to Highway 17 south to Santa Cruz. For information call (831) 423-5590.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
It’s the undersea world of Monterey Bay, showcased in stunning detail at the newest and largest aquarium in the nation. The Monterey Bay Aquarium explores all the facts, myths, and mysteries of this spectacular marine region through innovative galleries and exhibits. See more then 5,000 creatures, from massive sharks to playful sea otters, from giant octopuses to fierce wolf-eels. Advance tickets suggested, call (800) 756-3737.
Exploratorium
A world-famous interactive museum. Over 650 “hands-on” exhibits including “Shadow Box” and “Tornado”. This museum is fun for all ages. 3601 Lyon St. at Marina Blvd. Tel: (415) 561-0360.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
20th Century art in a variety of media by modern-day masters and renowned Bay Area artists. 151 3rd St. at Mission St. Tel: (415) 357-4000.
California Palace of the Legion of Honor
The Fine Art Museum of San Francisco. Collections span 4000 years. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave. at Clement. Tel: (415) 863-3330.
Ansel Adams Center
This five gallery center supports the advancement of creative photography and features a permanent Ansel Adams exhibit. 250 4th Ave. at Howard. Tel: (415) 495-7000.
Cable Car Barn & Museum
Displays the history of San Francisco’s cable cars and the underground cables that pull the cars along the tracks. 1201 Mason at Washington. Tel: (415) 474-1887.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Hands-on interactive learning center for families, offering activities and displays in science, arts and crafts, media and computers. Located in downtown San Jose. Tel: (408) 298-5437.
San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation
An exciting museum focusing on technology and the growth of Silicon Valley.
201 S Market St. at Park Ave in downtown San Jose. Tel: 408-795-6100. $8 admission.
NASA/AMES Research Center
Visitor center and tour focusing on development of NASA’s space program.
Moffett Field, Mountain View. Tel: 650-604-5000.
Lawrence Hall of Science
This museum features interactive experimentation in geology, animal behavior and plant life. UC Berkeley, Tel: (510) 642-5134.
San Francisco Giants (Pac Bell Park), Tel: (510) 762-BALL or www.sfgiants.com
Oakland Athletics (Oakland Coliseum), Tel: (510) 568-5600.
Soccer: San Jose Earthquakes (Spartan Stadium) Tel: (408) 985-GOAL
Tickets for many concerts, plays and other events can be found through BASS Ticket Master at 415-478-2277 or www.ticketmaster.com or through Tickets.com at www.tickets.com.
Check the newpaper, www.siliconvalley.citysearch.com or call the theater to see what’s playing.
Films with larger releases are shown at larger theaters including the following:
Century Park 12 Redwood City (Rt. 101 North)
557 E Bayshore Road, Redwood City (650) 365-9000
Century Cinema 16 Mountain View
1500 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View (650) 960-0970
Palo Alto and Menlo Park have several smaller movie theaters that show artistic, alternative, or foreign films. They are:
Aquarius
430 Emerson St, Palo Alto (650) 326-6843
Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 326-6843
Stanford Theatre (Classic movies)
221 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 324-3700
Guild
949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 326-6843
Park
1275 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 326-6843
There are many excellent hiking areas throughout the Bay Area.
On the San Francisco Peninsula, along Highway 35 (Skyline Drive) you will find several trailheads and hikes that have wonderful views of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Contact the Open Space Mid Peninsula District office for trail maps and descriptions. Tel: 650-691-1200.
Excellent hiking also can be found in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Big Basin Redwoods Park is fabulous), in Point Reyes National Seashore, in the Muir Woods/Mt. Tamalpais area in Marin County, and in many other areas. Consult a hiking guidebook or check the internet.
The following local golf courses are public:
Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course
1875 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, on east side of Rt. 101. Tel: 650-856-0881. 18 holes: $25 on weekdays, $30 on weekends. Twilight rates in the late afternoon. Golf club rentals $16.
Shoreline Golf Course
2940 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. Tel: 650-969-2041.. 18 holes. $30 on weekdays, $42 on weekends. Golf club rentals available.
Crystal Springs Golf Club
6650 Golf Course Drive, Burlingame. Tel: 650-342-0603.
Call for rates.
Deep Cliff Golf Course
10700 Clubhouse Lane, Cupertino, Tel: 408-253-5357. 18 holes - $25 on weekdays, $33 on weekends. Twilight rates in the late afternoon. Golf club rentals available.
Emerald Hills Golf Course
1059 Wilmington Way, Redwood City. Tel: 650-368-7820. A 9 hole, par 3 course. $8 on weekdays, $12 on weekends.
Sailing lessons at the following school in Redwood City. You can also rent saillboats here.
Spinnaker Sailing
451 Seaport Court
Redwood City, CA 94063
www.spinnakersailing.com
Phone: 650 363 1390
There are also many locations to rent sailboats or take lessons in San Francisco or Berkeley. Check the internet.
For Tallship Sailing, check the Hawaiian Chieftain, which sails in the San Francisco Bay Area and does Saturday adventure cruises, sunset cruises, and Sunday brunch cruises. You can get involved in the sailing or just relax. www.hawaiianchieftain.com or 415-331-3214.
These malls have many different stores, including large department stores:
Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
Union Square, San Francisco (city blocks surrounding the corner of Powell St. and Geary Blvd)
Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara (Stevens Creek Blvd at I-880)
Gilroy Outlet Stores, Gilroy (Highway 101 South past San Jose) No department stores.
BIG 5 Sports, 700 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-323-8520
All types of sporting goods and athletic clothing.
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), 1119 Industrial Rd., San Carlos, 650-508-2330
Mostly focuses on supplies and clothing for hiking, camping, fishing, biking.
Sportmart, 121 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale (408) 732-6400
All types of sporting goods and athletic clothing.
Lombardi Sports, 1600 Jackson (at Polk) inn San Francisco (415) 771-0600
All types of sportinng goods and athletic clothing.
Play It Again Sports, 4926 El Camino Real, Los Altos, 650-988-6800
Sells used sporting goods, including golf clubs, tennis rackets, rollerblades, balls.
Golf and Tennis Solutions, 2675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-326-3330
Golf and tennis equipment and clothing.
Peninsula Diving Center, 1015 El Camino Real (between Castro and Shoreline), Mountain View, 650-965-2241. Diving and scuba equipment sales and rentals.
Upstream, 552 Waverley St., Palo Alto, 650-462-1603
Specialty outdoor clothing, backpacking and flyfishing equipment.
Fry’s Electronics, 340 Portage Ave, Palo Alto, 650-496-6000
All types of electronics including computer hardware, software, televisions, VCRs, stereos, etc.
Circuit City, 1250 Grant Rd, Mountain View, 650-965-3500
Micro Center, 3255 Mission College Blvd., Mercado Shopping Center, Santa Clara, 408-919-5400
Sell all brands of computers, printers, etc. Large service department, software training.