FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Dates & Orientation

  • New Student Orientation begins on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and it is mandatory. Plan your travel dates so that you arrive in time to attend the entire orientation program.

    Orientation: Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11, 2026.

    First day of classes: Saturday, September 12, 2026.

    Official term end date: Saturday, December 19, 2026

    Please refer to ArtCenter’s Academic Calendar:
    https://www.artcenter.edu/about/get-to-know-artcenter/academic-calendar.html

  • Yes. New Student Orientation is mandatory for all Inbound Exchange Students and begins on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

    In addition to receiving information about student services and resources, you will need to confirm your F-1 visa status and SEVIS paperwork.

    Orientation will also be your opportunity to discuss your class schedule with your host department.

Visa & Immigration (F-1)

  • The Admissions Office (not the Global Programs Office) issues Exchange Students an I-20, which allows you to apply for an F-1 visa (not a J-1 visa).

    Your I-20 will be issued approximately 4-6 weeks after you have formally committed to attending the exchange program at ArtCenter via the Global Programs application portal.

  • Exchange students may enter the U.S. with their F-1 student visa no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their I-20. Do not enter the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 tourist visa; you will not be permitted to begin or attend school with this visa.

  • You may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after the program end date listed on your I-20. If you exit the U.S. during this grace period, even to travel to Mexico or Canada, you will have completed your F-1 status and will not be allowed to re-enter on that F-1 visa.

Academics & Registration

  • Most courses are worth three credits. A typical courseload is five classes, or 15 credits total, and a balanced mix of studio and academic classes. As an Exchange Student, you must take at least two studio courses in your Host Department. (Please note that three studio courses is considered a very heavy load). The remaining classes can be in Humanities & Sciences (H&S), Integrated Studies (INT) and/or Transdisciplinary Studios (TDS).

    While on exchange at ArtCenter, you must be enrolled full-time in a minimum of 12 credits. A normal load is 15 credits. The maximum is 18 credits. Be sure to comply with the academic requirements of your home institution as well.

  • Based on your application, portfolio, and your course interest list, classes will be selected for you by the host Department Chair, with consideration to your academic level and interests, as well as course availability for the term. You will receive your course schedule by the start of Orientation; you may also be able to access your schedule earlier online.

    You are guaranteed at least 12 credits of classes. If you wish to request a change for any of your classes, your first opportunity to do so will be during Orientation week, when you meet with your Host Department, and during the Add/Drop period. Refer to ArtCenter’s Academic Calendar for this important deadline. Please understand that schedule changes can be difficult and are not guaranteed, as courses are often very full at ArtCenter with waiting lists. Your first-choice courses may not be available, so be sure to consider alternates.

  • No, as an Exchange Student, studio courses from a different major are not an option. However, studio classes from Integrated Studies (INT) and Transdisciplinary Studios (TDS) are available to you.

  • No, these tests are not needed for exchange.

Costs, Insurance & Health

  • No. Exchange Students do not pay the tuition deposit and are not charged ArtCenter tuition. Please be sure to return the Acceptance of Admission Offer form so that we know you are attending on exchange.

  • No. Students are automatically enrolled in ArtCenter’s plan but can use the online Waiver process to submit proof of comparable coverage. If their policy is approved, they may opt out of ArtCenter’s insurance coverage and fee.

    Your health plan must provide adequate coverage while in the U.S. Please be aware that a travel insurance policy alone will not be accepted.

    If you do not have sufficient coverage, you will need to pay for ArtCenter’s health insurance plan. The cost of the plan is $400-$500 for the term.

  • Yes, you will need to provide results of your tuberculosis (TB) test via the Student Health Information Form in your ArtCenter applicant portal (not your Global Programs application portal). Test results may not be submitted by email. You can have the test done in your home country before you leave or when you arrive. We can provide you with a list of local clinics for testing here, if needed.

  • No. ArtCenter no longer requires proof of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, it is strongly recommended to be current on vaccines and boosters. Please note that the College reserves the right to reinstate the Covid vaccine policy as conditions warrant.

    Although proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for travel into the U.S., conditions can change. Please be sure to review latest advisories and guidance available on the U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-change-to-us-travel-policy-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-for-nonimmigrant-travel.html

Housing & Getting Around

  • No. All students must secure their own housing in the area. Please see rental resources from the Center for the Student Experience (CSE): https://www.artcenter.edu/student-life/living-in-los-angeles/housing.html

  • No. A car is not necessary for the short time you are here. Public transportation to campus is available, and ArtCenter provides a free shuttle bus between the Hillside and South campuses with several stops in Pasadena. You can obtain a free TAP card from ArtCenter for certain buses. Uber or Lyft are also widely available. Information and transit maps available through the Center for the Student Experience (CSE): https://www.artcenter.edu/student-life/living-in-los-angeles/overview.html

  • If you plan to rent a car on a short-term basis, you may legally drive if you have a valid foreign license. If you plan to purchase or lease a car on a long-term basis, obtaining a California Driver's License is recommended as the required car insurance may be more expensive without the California license. Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/

Contact

  • For questions related to admission materials including your I-20, contact Kelly Vargas, Associate Vice President of Admissions Operations: kelly.vargas@artcenter.edu.

    Questions related to F-1 status while at ArtCenter, contact International Student Services: international@artcenter.edu

    Any other questions, contact our office, Global Programs: globalprograms@artcenter.edu

These questions and answers are also available as a downloadable PDF.