You have a test on Monday, a paper due Tuesday, two quizzes on Thursday and after everything Friday seems so far away it doesn't even matter. Now do all this in a foreign country while speaking a different language. International students have to go through an elongated application process and have to get used to life in the United States.The University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College offer various services that help international students work through the application and acclimation process. "International students must first look into the regulations needed to be able to study elsewhere," said Martine J. Angrand, an international student advisor at the UF International Center. Students can apply for either an F-1 visa, a student visa, or J-1visa, an exchange visitor visa, when they wish to study overseas. International students must go through the same exact process as normal students, but they do have much earlier deadlines, Angrand said. Students must apply, show legal documentation from their home countries and provide proof of funds for their career. Once accepted, students must contact UF's International Center and ask for their I-20. With this document they can apply for their visa. Once here, international students face even more challenges. "Acclimating and facing the culture shock is probably the toughest thing," Angrand said. "The language barrier is also tough." UF offers various services and resources for international students to get comfortable in their new university. "The Reitz Union hosts the Global Coffee House," Angrand said. "This gives international and domestic students an opportunity to mingle and meet new people." She also said another way for international students to get involved is to join cultural organizations. Angrand gave some advice on dealing with the social aspect of being an international student at UF. "The best thing to do it to mingle," she said. "Don't stay in the center of your culture, try to learn new things." UF also offers leisure courses and various activities where students can meet more people. "Even though these students are here for school, it is important to know that there is more than just school to do,"Angrand said. At Santa Fe Community College the process for international students is somewhat different. James Schwartz, the coordinator of international student services, said students should look over Santa Fe's Web site before anything. "Students need to be sure they want to attend Santa Fe before even applying," he said. At Santa Fe, students must fill out an online application, have a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score or equivalent, a high school diploma, transcripts and show proof of funds. However, admission requirements for international students are more relaxed at Santa Fe than other institutions. "SAT scores are not required and entry-level scores are lower," Schwartz said. "We are also cheaper, so it's a great place to get your foot in the door if you want to be an international student." Errors in documents can cause issues since students must show all proper documentation at Santa Fe to be able to take placement exams and register for classes. The best way to prevent such mistakes is to talk to the right people. "The students must ask the questions to the people in charge of their papers and not their friends or regular advisors." Like UF, Santa Fe offers particular services and help for international students. Schwartz said the Multicultural Center works with students born outside of the United States. "They have socials and set up trips to Washington D.C. and other places," he said. Students should try to branch out from their culture and use the tools within Gainesville. "Students should use Apartment Hunters or companies like that when looking for an apartment," Schwartz said. "They should also live with someone who speaks English. That way the student can practice the language more." Ana Maria Beltran, a 19-year-old international student from Colombia, arrived at Santa Fe in January 2008. Beltran said international students should try to make friends to adjust better, find a comfortable place to live and to get involved. "Don't limit yourself to one particular place," she said. "I study at Santa Fe, but I am really involved with the Colombian Student Association at UF." | 
