New Students

New Students


The staff of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is happy to know that you will be studying at Teachers College, Columbia University in the near future. We look forward to meeting you and working together to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

The OISS is an essential resource for international students, visiting scholars and faculty, and their dependents. We are responsible for providing immigration-related advice, assistance, and documentation services. We process applications for certificates of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) for students who need to apply for F-1 or J-1 student visas. We also conduct mandatory workshops about the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits of student immigration status. Finally, the OISS serves as TC's liaison with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on matters concerning TC's international community.

In addition to providing immigration-related services, the OISS sponsors activities of interest to international students. We encourage you to learn more and participate in these activities. At the beginning of each semester, the OISS organizes orientation sessions about academic life at Teachers College and living in New York. Our office also advises students throughout the year on personal and academic concerns, language and cultural adjustment, and related issues.

This section of our website is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions of students who are preparing to come to New York and study at Teachers College. As a new student, you may have questions about visas, financial matters, housing, weather, health, academic advising and registration, orientation, and directions to the College. We hope the information is helpful to you. Please feel free to revisit this site often, as it is updated frequently.

The OISS is located in 186 Grace Dodge HallNew F-1/J-1 international students must complete the mandatory check-in process via TC-Compass as soon as possible but no later than one week from their arrival. 

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu for the fastest response.

Sincerely,

Office of International Students and Scholars

Resources for New Students

Visa Basics

TC Building viewed from 120th Street

Before & After Arrival

Teachers College Campus

Academic Information

Money Basics

Grad looking at TC Campus

Living in New York

A view of NYC from Central Park

Health Requirements

Students With Children

Railing outside of the Teachers College library.

Useful Links

CU Campus - Low Memorial Library

Visiting Doctoral Students

Doctoral students line-up for graduation in their hoods and gowns
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