Center for International & English Learning

PC FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Students from partner universities will apply for a J-1 Visa, and other individual students will apply for an F-1 Visa.

Yes. You will receive a welcome letter from us, and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) at PSU will issue a DS-2019 form (for J-1) or an I-20 form (for F-1).

Our Portland Center and other PSU support teams are committed to assisting students in every way possible. We have staff members fluent in Japanese and Spanish who can help facilitate communication when needed.

Portland has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, so bringing waterproof outerwear and comfortable shoes may be a good idea. Consider bringing a small supply of familiar personal care items, though most can be purchased locally. We recommend bringing only what you can carry easily, as you will be able to buy most necessities in Portland. 

For financial convenience and security, we recommend bringing at least two credit or debit cards from different providers in case one is lost or not accepted.

If you plan to live in a dorm, you will need to purchase your own bedding items (sheets, pillow, blanket), towels, and basic toiletries, as these are not provided.

Yes, only if the following requirements are met:

  • The packages is small.
  • The package will be delivered right around when you move in (packages are only held up to 14 days).
  • The package is from the company: USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon, OnTrac, and DHL. They do not accept packages from any other carriers.
  • The package does not include perishable items, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and animals. The following will be denied and returned to the sender.


Your mailing address, along with your room number will be sent to you about one month prior to move-in. When sending a small package, use this format to address mail:
 

First  & Last Name

Street Address, Room #

Portland, Oregon, 97201

United States of America

Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS) can provide any new PSU international students with a free ride from the Portland airport when you first arrive. 

For more information about the airport pick-up service and to make a reservation, please visit the FOCUS airport pick-up web site. Reservations must be made at least one week before arrival. 

Pickups are performed by FOCUS volunteers. It may be difficult to schedule our volunteers during the following holiday times.

Yes. We'll provide instructions on how to sign up for campus wi-fi. 

Some students choose to keep an international plan from their home country so they can use their phone immediately upon arrival. Others rely on Wi-Fi only or get a local U.S. plan. 

There’s no specific carrier recommended by us, but common options include T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Mint, Visible, and Metro. Compare their plans to see what works best for you!

Prior to your departure, you will receive an email with flight preparation information from us. In this email you will get instructions on how to contact us via email, phone, and LINE app. If anything happens, message us. 

If you are from one of our partner universities, please communicate directly with your home university regarding your cancellation.

If you are not from a partner university, please notify us of your cancellation by emailing portlandcenter@pdx.edu as soon as possible.

Please note that our refund policy follows PSU’s Add/Drop deadlines for each academic term.