Intensive English Program Frequently Asked Questions Spring 2022

(Last updated in January 2022)

General Questions:

I have not applied for the F1 student visa yet, can I still take Spring 2022 classes online or do I need to take Spring 2022 classes on-campus in Los Angeles?

USC International Academy will offer an on-campus Intensive English Program in Spring 2022. We will register you for your courses once you have paid the deposit for the program.

I am a new transfer student who is already in the USA, can I take my program online in Spring 2022?

Intensive English Program students need to plan to take their classes on campus. Classes may be scheduled between 8 a.m.  and 6 p.m. Los Angeles time. 

When can I apply and receive my USCard?

You will be able to pick up your USCard when you are on campus.

When can I activate my USC email account?

You will receive instructions on how to activate your USC email account via email a few weeks before your program’s start date.

 Will there be a placement test for new students?   

Yes, each IEP student will be given a placement test during the Orientation. The placement test will be conducted and proctored at the USC International Academy building (DCC).

How will I get my books/study materials?

Once your courses have started, E-books and study materials will be either emailed to your @usc.edu email address and/or available for download online. The option will depend on the specific class.

What will the academic schedule look like?

You will have two core classes and one focus course. You will also be able to participate in Conversation Groups, One-on-One Tutoring and extracurricular activities. Some of these may be held online via Zoom.

Will school offer free airport pick-up service?

Airport transportation from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to the USC University Park Campus is included in the University Service Fee. Students need to provide flight details well in advance. Students who want to be dropped off in other areas need to book their own transportation.

Do I need to bring a laptop?

Yes, students need to be prepared to bring a laptop to all their classes to access required e-books and other materials as well as online library, online individual tutoring , etc.

Health, Safety and COVID-19 vaccination:

What are USC vaccination requirements for Spring 2022?

The University of Southern California requires ALL students receive immunizations for COVID-19, including a booster shot if you are elligible; seasonal flu; measles; mumps; varicella (chicken pox); meningococcal disease (if under 21). Tuberculosis (TB) screening is required for students who are entering the U.S. from specific high TB-burden countries.

See the Student Health immunizations page for specific information.

May I get a flu vaccine at USC? Is there a cost?

You may receive the flu vaccination on campus at Student Health; it is a covered benefit under the USC Student Health Insurance Plan. If you are enrolled in the plan, there is no out-of-pocket expense to you. Flu vaccination is available at all Pop Testing sites, as well as by appointment.

Do all international students have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the USA now?

Yes, all international students seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.

If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exceptions; unvaccinated international travelers from certain countries with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability are exempt from the vaccination requirement at the Port of Entry but have to comply with other requirements, such as e.g. post arrival COVID testing, 7 day quarantine, and other.

I am an international student fully vaccinated against COVID-19, what documentation do I need to present to enter the USA in addition to my passport with a valid F-1 visa and Form I-20?

I am planning to start my program in Spring 2022 but I am not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. What are my options?

If you are not fully vaccinated and are arriving from outside the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the USA. However, there are a few exceptions.

Exceptions:

I have many questions about the updated US entry requirements; I am unsure whether I can board a flight to the United States and then attend classes on campus. Who can help me?

  • To find out whether you are eligible to board a flight to the USA, you can complete a quick anonymous travel assessment by answering a few questions; you will receive a customized response. You can also review information on your airline’s website and contact the local US consulate or embassy.
  • Campus entry requirements are listed below.

What are Spring 2022 requirements for USC campus entry?

Yes, all students need to:

  • Be up to date on vaccinations against COVID-19 and have the proof of vaccination uploaded onto MySHR at least 3 days before coming to campus for the first time
  • Be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and have the proof of vaccination uploaded onto MySHR at least 3 days before coming to campus for the first time
  • Complete Health & Safety Training for Students via TrojanLearn (you can log in with your USC NetID)
  • Schedule and take a COVID-19 test every week via USC Student Health Pop Testing program; you will not be allowed to come to campus without a proof fo negative test
  • Download TrojanCheck app on your phone and use it daily. You need to complete symptom self-checks on TrojanCheck every day before you enter campus. The web version of the TrojanCheck is available here: https://trojancheck.usc.edu/ 

Do I have to take a COVID test?

 All students test through the USC Student Health Pop Testing program. This program is available to USC students, faculty, and staff without additional cost.

Please note:

  • fully vaccinated students who also received their booster dose (when eligible) must test once every week; these students are considered “up to date on vaccinations”
  • students with approved vaccine exemption as well as students who are not up to date on their vaccinations, must test every 4 days to have access to campus facilities.

What are vaccination requirements for USC International Academy housing?

Only fully vaccinated people can live at USC Housing. Students who are unvaccinated  for medical or religious reasons, need to contact USC International Academy before arrival to discuss their options.

What Qualifies as “Vaccinated”?

  • It means that you have received vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use listing (EUL) to meet USC vaccination requirements. See the list of accepted vaccines, and information about completing vaccination with an mRNA vaccine.
  • Two weeks have passed since your final vaccine dose.
  • You have submitted proof of your vaccination through USC Student Health Portal: mySHR. Please note login instructions will be provided separately via email; a webinar will also be available.
  • All students in on-campus programs, all faculty, and all university staff are required to receive a COVID-19 booster (if in the eligible timeframe). Completion of a booster when eligible brings you to the “up to date on vaccinations” status on Trojan Check.
  • Eligibility for boosters is 5 months after completing a Pfizer, Moderna, or EUL-approved primary series; 2 months after Johnson & Johnson primary dose.
  • You have a one-month grace period to receive a booster.

My vaccination certificate is not in English, shall I have an official translation and submit along with vaccination certificate?

Yes, students should have their proof of vaccination translated to English.

What do I have to do if I am arriving from outside the USA and I am not fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and arriving from outside the U.S., you will not be able to enter the U.S. unless you come from a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability.

Students who are able to enter the USA unvaccinated must receive their first vaccine dose within 3 days of arrival to the USA; students can make appointments to receive COVID-19, influenza and other vaccines via USC Student Health Portal: MySHR .

What do I have to do if I am in the USA already, but I am not fully vaccinated?

Students who are not fully vaccinated must take COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, before joining any classes. If you are already in the USA and plan to seek an exemption from USC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, please fill out the appropriate religious or medical exemption form and submit it to MySHR before December 3rd, 2021. Please allow 14 days for your request to be reviewed.

How do I get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the U.S.?

Students , who are in the USA, can receive a COVID-19 vaccine on campus by making an appointment via MySHR.

Do I need to pay if I choose to receive my COVID-19 vaccine at USC?

No, there are no additional costs.

Do I still need to wear a mask if I’m fully vaccinated?

All USC students, faculty and staff regardless of vaccination status are now required to wear medical grade masks while indoors. These include surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks (N95, KN95 or KF94). If you do not have one, feel free to pick one up at campus entry or at our lobby front desk.

Please note that the following face-coverings are not permitted: bandanas, neck gaiters, scarves, cloth masks (unless worn in combination with a medical mask underneath, for improved fit and additional layering) or masks with a one-way valve.

Remember: We have free surgical masks available at the DCC Front Desk 

 In addition, masks are mandatory indoors off-campus in Los Angeles County, and need to be worn on public transit, in healthcare settings, and other environments outlined by the California Department of Public Health. This includes all USC shuttle buses and Keck Medicine of USC facilities.

Do I have to take a COVID test regularly?

Yes, all vaccinated students are required to test once every week; unvaccinated students must test for COVD-19 every 72  hours. All students test through the USC Student Health Pop Testing program. This program is available to USC students, faculty, and staff without cost to users. No extra fees are required; COVID-19 testing at USC is included in the University Service Fee.