Welcome Congratulations on your acceptance to Franklin College! We look forward to welcoming you to campus and are proud to offer an inclusive environment where students can exchange ideas and culture with peers from around the world. Follow this guide to learn more about your next steps with Franklin College and plan your journey.
Secure Your Spot Pay your $500 deposit to confirm your acceptance and officially enroll at Franklin College. You can pay your deposit using Flywire https://payment.flywire.com/pay/payment or directly to the College through a bank transfer. The details needed to complete a bank transfer can be obtained by speaking with one of our international admissions professionals by phone at 317.738.8075 or by email at admissions@FranklinCollege.edu.
Apply for Immigration Documents Once students have paid their deposit, the Office of Admissions will begin preparing immigration documents including the I-20 needed for your visa application. I-20s will be distributed by the Office of Admissions.
Complete the New Student Checklist After paying their deposit, students will receive a link via email to complete the New Student Checklist, which opens access to housing forms and allows students to choose their New Student Registration date. International students should sign up for the final registration date in August.
Attend Orientation, THRIVE and Welcome Week Shortly before the beginning of classes, we will host a series of mandatory events designed to help international students succeed during their time on campus. Orientation, THRIVE and Welcome Week events will walk students through the process of completing registration, finalizing class schedules, learning to navigate campus and connecting with fellow Grizzlies. Students will have the opportunity to purchase cell phones, set up bank accounts and shop for needed items. International students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours to maintain full-time status. Access the Franklin College Course Catalog to view available courses and descriptions.
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Getting to Know the Franklin Area Franklin, Indiana Franklin College is located just 25 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis, in the city of Franklin. We are centrally located to a number of Midwest cities, including Louisville, Kentucky (1.5 hour south), Cincinnati, Ohio (1 hour 45 minutes east), and Chicago, Illinois (3.5 hours north).
Johnson County Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Center and outdoor public pool are located just steps away from campus. The Franklin Parks and Recreation department also maintains several miles of walking trails through the city, connecting various parks and recreation areas.
Arriving on Campus Students should fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The airport is approximately a 40-minute drive to campus. Franklin College staff can arrange airport pickup for international students with adequate advance notification.
Transportation and Shopping in Franklin Access Johnson County offers transportation services for students who wish to travel from Johnson County Public Library to Walmart and other locations near Highway 31. In addition to Walmart, Kohl’s, Kroger and Meijer are located along Highway 31, for easy access to groceries, toiletries, clothing, school supplies and more.
Dress for the Weather Franklin experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year with distinct seasonal changes. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures that can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit/38 degrees Celsius. Winters are generally moderate, consisting of weather below freezing with rain, snow and ice. Students should have or be prepared to purchase winter appropriate outerwear as coats, hats and gloves.
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Franklin College About FC Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential, liberal arts institution with a scenic, wooded campus, spanning 207 acres, including athletic fields and a 31-acre biology woodland. In 1842, the College began admitting women, becoming the first coeducational institution in Indiana and the seventh in the nation. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with American Baptist Churches U.S.A. The College offers its approximately 1,000 students Bachelor of Arts degrees in over 50 majors across 24 academic disciplines, as well as 40 minors, 12 pre-professional programs, four cooperative programs and master's degrees in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training.
Campus Map A campus map can be viewed online at the below link: https://franklincollege.edu/about/at-a-glance/attractions-maps-and-where-to-stay/
Our Mission Franklin College empowers students through an experiential education, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, promoting impactful careers and meaningful lives.
School Spirit Franklin College colors are navy blue and gold. Our mascot is Griz, the grizzly bear.
Building on a Broad Foundation A Franklin College education begins with general education requirements that help students develop a passion for lifelong learning. Courses provide broad exposure to math, science, history, fine arts and literature. Discussions encourage critical thinking, global awareness, collaboration and creativity. Educational experiences inside and outside of the classroom involve service learning, intercultural exchange, leadership training and professional development. As students progress through their academics, they take courses specific to their major and professional interests. Graduates of Franklin College have a wealth of valuable skills and experience they can draw upon in any career they choose. We are proud to help students find their future.
Immersive Term Students at Franklin College may find they spend the month of January differently than their friends at other colleges and universities. Rather than beginning a full second-semester course load directly after the winter holiday break, students at Franklin College enroll in an Immersive Term course, lasting the month of January. There are many exciting options available for students to choose from, including non-traditional classes, internships and study away opportunities. Please see page 5 for information on immersive term accommodations for international students.
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Student Life The Center for Student Engagement provides resources for international students. Centrally located on the second floor of the Napolitan Student Center, our office is available for any student needing assistance. If you have questions, please contact us via phone at 888.852.8096 or via email at cse@FranklinCollege.edu.
Student Clubs and Organizations Franklin College has over 30 clubs and organizations, including our newly formed International Club. International students are encouraged to join campus groups to socialize and meet other students. More information on all clubs can be found on our website. https://franklincollege.edu/campus-life/studentorganizations/ The international Club promotes cultural understanding and global awareness within the Franklin College community through educational programs, cultural events and support for international students. The club aims to cultivate a welcoming environment that fosters learning and appreciation for international cultures and perspectives.
Get in on the Fun! There are a variety of fun activities Franklin College students enjoy throughout the year, both on- and offcampus. We encourage all students to get together with a few friends and try to complete the “Franklin College Bucket List”.
Athletics Franklin is a member of the Heartland Athletic Collegiate Conference, and a Division III powerhouse in the NCAA. 50% of our students participate in our 22 men's and women's varsity sports and 3 co-ed athletic programs. International students on exchange programs or enrolled for a full degree can participate in sports at the discretion of the coach, provided they meet eligibility requirements. More information about our athletics program can be found at franklingrizzlies.com
Residence Life The majority of Franklin College first-year students live on campus in one of four residence halls. Life in our residence halls is fun, safe, engaging and an important foundation for academic success. While we cannot guarantee availability and roommate matching for every housing arrangement, we make every effort to accommodate requests.
Connect with Us Here are a few of the Franklin College accounts you'll want to follow on social media. For a full list of campus social media accounts, visit https://franklincollege.edu/connect-with-us/ Institutional
Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Instagram: FranklinCollegeGrizzlies Tik Tok: FranklinCollegeGrizzlies Facebook: FranklinCollege
Instagram: FC_CDI Facebook: FranklinCollegeCDI
Launch, the First-Year Experience
Athletics
Instagram: LaunchFranklinCollege
Instagram: FranklinGrizzlies Facebook: FranklinCollegeAthletics
Center for Student Engagement
Instagram: GrizEngage Facebook: FranklinCollegeCSE
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Campus Meal Plans The purchase of a meal plan is required for all students residing on campus. We have developed the following meal plans to meet your dining needs: Plan A: Comprehensive Meals (19 Meals) + $75 Dining Dollars - $2,390.00 per semester Plan B: 14 Meals per week + $125 Dining Dollars - $2,335.00 per semester Plan D: 10 Meals per week + $150 Dining Dollars - $2,120.00 per semester Immersive Term: $490.00 for the Term Once a student chooses a meal plan, their ID card will be authorized for use. Students can swipe their card at The Marketplace as a debit card for meals. Dining Dollars may be used to pay for meals, snacks or beverages in the Grizzly Café. Meals for each week expire Saturday at midnight and do not carry over from week to week. Unused Dining Dollars expire at the end of each semester.
Residence Life During Campus Breaks Franklin College residence halls are closed for Thanksgiving Break, Holiday Break, Winter Break (January) and Spring Break. International students can submit a break housing request form to Residence Life through their housing selfservice to stay on campus during breaks. For Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks, there is no charge to international students for break housing if a request is submitted on time. During the summer, residence halls are only available for students who are taking summer classes, working on campus or who have an approved exemption. There is not a summer meal plan.
Dining Options During Campus Breaks International students remaining on campus over breaks are responsible for providing their own meals. Residence halls are equipped with small kitchens students can utilize during campus breaks. Restaurants Within Walking Distance of Campus: • Mi Abuelito: https://miabuelitomexicanrestaurantfranklin.com/ • 1823 Bakehouse: https://1823-bakehouse.square.site/ • Court Street Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/courtstcafe • Ann’s Restaurant: https://www.annsrestaurant.com/ • The Willard: https://thewillard.com/ • Main & Madison: https://mainandmadison.cafe/ • Coffeehouse Five: https://www.coffeehousefive.com/ Restaurants Offering Campus Delivery: McAlister’s Deli, Jimmy John’s, Panera Bread, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, Subway, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Papa Johns, Noble Romans
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What to Bring to Campus Clothing Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and jeans are common attire for students attending classes and lectures. Spirt wear including hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts and jackets can be purchased at the Franklin College Bookstore or through their website, https://franklincollegegear.com/.
Electric Devices The United States operates on a 120V electric system. Check your electric devices before arriving on campus to ensure compatibility. We use the two- and three-prong plug ends pictured here.
If your devices are not compatible with a 120V system, you will need to bring a power adapter.
Technology Most students bring their own computers to campus. If you plan to bring a computer, it should have Windows 10 or Mac with OS X 10.11 or higher installed. Students can work with the IT Department to have required software installed. Bringing a personal computer to campus is not a requirement, as there are many computer labs on campus, the largest of which is open 24 hours. Students can access Franklin College Wi-Fi with their issued username and password.
Cell Phones The residence halls on campus do not have landline phones installed. Students should bring a cell phone for personal communication. We recommend that students connect with their cell phone carrier to review available options for phone plans during their stay in the United States. Franklin College staff will provide transportation during Welcome Week for any student who wishes to purchase a cell phone and set up service.
Document Copies Students are responsible for keeping copies of their passports and immigration documents with them while at Franklin College. We strongly encourage students to make copies of these documents and leave them at home, in case the originals are misplaced or lost while in the U.S.
Something From Home We recommend students to bring tokens of their culture to campus. Many of our international students like to bring flags, pictures or other memorabilia to remind them of home and share their pride for their country.
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Preparing for Residence Life The following list contains the items most students want to have available in the residence halls. Please review the following items before your travel and choose what to bring and/or purchase. During New Student Registration, Franklin College staff will provide transportation for students to buy needed items.
Bring with You • • • • • • • •
Passport with boarding pass, IDs and immigration paperwork Prescription medications and any vitamins you may need Headphones, chargers and adaptors Translating device Travel toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash An extra set of clothes, in case you and your luggage get separated Entertainment: books, journal, a pen, iPad Comfort items: snacks, sweater/sweatshirt, neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs
Purchase in Franklin • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Band-aids, over-the-counter medications and basic first aid supplies Health and beauty items: soap, shampoo, tissues, hair products, toiletries Bath linens: towels, hand towels, washcloths Extra-long twin bed linens (36 x 80): mattress pad/cover, sheets, blankets, comforter, pillows Laundry supplies: detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket/bag, clothes hangers, sewing kit Shower supplies: bathrobe, shower caddy, shower shoes or flip-flops School supplies: paper, pens, scissors, 3-ring notebook, stapler Cooking supplies: silverware, can opener, microwave-safe dishes, cups, dish towel, dish soap Floor lamp Memo board for room door Decorative items: plants, rugs, posters, pictures Fan Flashlight Raincoat/umbrella Surge protector/power strip (should be UL rated and grounded) Sports equipment and games: Frisbee, bike, playing cards, etc.
These are a few other useful items you may want. Talk to your roommate to determine who will bring or purchase the following: • Television • Roku/Amazon Firestick • Microwave (One per room, 700 watt or smaller) • Refrigerator (One per room – 4.3 cubic feet in size or smaller)
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Banking We recommend that students bring $500 in U.S. cash to sustain them until they get settled on campus. Most students will use their ATM card while in the U.S. and make withdrawals from their home country bank account. Check with your bank for any fees that may apply. During orientation, Franklin College staff will provide transportation to a local bank for students who wish to set up a bank account. Students should bring their passport to verify their identification and a must have a U.S. phone number for account setup. Once the account is activated, students must add funds within 90 days. Students may set up an account at any bank they choose, but should be aware that many U.S. banks require a social security card to verify identification. Student accounts are often free at local banks.
Credit Cards Credit cards are used widely in the United States. Common credit cards include MasterCard and Visa. Students who plan to use credit cards during their travels are advised to contact their credit card companies before leaving home to add a travel notice to their accounts.
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ADDITIONAL COSTS Books Students are required to rent or buy textbooks for each course they take. All incoming students are opted-in for automatic textbook delivery before the first day of classes through our partner, Slingshot. Students may opt-out of automatic delivery if they wish to purchase books independently. Popular websites used by students to buy or rent books include: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookfinder.com, CampusBooks, and Valore.
Vaccination requirements The vaccines below are required to study at Franklin College. Students should try to receive them prior to arriving in the U.S. and will need to submit vaccination records. If it is not possible to obtain required vaccines prior to U.S. arrival, they must be received within the first two weeks of residing on campus. There is a nurse on campus who can help students navigate vaccination options. The Johnson County Health Department offers the required vaccines, and can be reached at 317.346.4368, option 2. They can bill through a students’ insurance provider, and also offer vaccines at a reduced rate for selfpay students. The TravelWell clinic in nearby Greenwood, Indiana also offers vaccinations. Cost estimates for the TravelWell clinic are listed below. Vaccination DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) Menquadsi (Meningitis) Varicella Hepatitis B
Cost Estimate $80 $60 $110 $40 $120 $175 $80 for students over the age of 19, $48 for 19 and under
A Negative TB test is required of international students from countries recognized by the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory to have incidence rates of greater than or equal to 20 cases per 100,000 population. Students can check with the Franklin College Health Center to determine if this applies to them. The TB test should take place no sooner than six months prior to the start of the first term and should be completed before second term registration. TST (Tuberculin Skin Test) Quantiferon T-SPOT
$27 $93 $71
Travel Medical Insurance International students must have travel medical insurance coverage for their time in the United States. Students should purchase coverage before arriving on campus. Many students opt to use the insurance company Seven Corners for competitively priced travel medical insurance. Annual coverage may be purchased through their website or by calling 800.335.0611
Employment International students must have a social security card in order to begin working in the United States. Once a student is offered a preliminary place of employment, they can apply for a social security card. It may take up to 8 weeks to receive a social security card. During their first year in the U.S., students may only choose to work on campus. After their first year, students may seek permission to work off-campus. Work is limited to 20 hours per week during academic semesters. Students may work up to 40 hours per week over the summer. International students may participate in internships with Franklin College approval.
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IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS Designated Student Official (DSO) Our DSO for immigration issues Lisa Mahan, Franklin College Registrar. Any questions for the DSO should be directed to your admissions counselor.
Passport International students must hold a valid passport for their entire stay in the United States. The passport expiration date should be 6 months or more after your date of return to your home country.
Immigration Documents Before arriving in the United States, international students must have both an I-20 and an F-1 student visa. I20s are distributed by the Office of Admissions. Your I-20 document verifies your F-1 student visa status and must be accurate and up-to-date throughout your stay in the United States. To apply for an F-1 student visa, schedule an appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy in your home country.
Changes to Immigration Status Students must notify the DSO with any immigration status changes, including: Drop below full-time student status (12 credit hours) Change of address Selecting a new field of study Employment authorizations Transferring to another college or university Disciplinary action Planned travel outside the United States Passport or visa expiration
Maintaining Immigration Status It is extremely important for F-1 students to comply with all conditions of their visa during their entire stay in the United States, by maintaining full-time student status and being in good academic standing. Failure to maintain F-1 student visa status will result in 1-20 termination and deportation.
Filing Taxes International students who receive payment for a job or internship are required to file annual taxes in the United States. We encourage students to connect with a tax professional regarding their requirement to file taxes. Tax returns are filed by April 15 for the previous calendar year.
Requesting a Transcript Following your time at Franklin College, you can request an official transcript from National Student Clearinghouse.
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PREPARE TO ATTEND FRANKLIN COLLEGE 3-6 Months Before Departure
Share the great news with family and friends! Research visa requirements and apply for your F-1 student visa. Check your passport status. Apply for a passport if you don’t have one. Verify your passport will be valid for your stay in the U.S. plus an additional six months. Make any necessary appointments – doctor, dentist, dermatologist, etc. Request copies of vaccination records from your doctor. Submit financial proof documents to Franklin College. Pay your $500 enrollment deposit (not applicable for exchange students). 1-2 Months Before Departure
Book your flight to arrive on the date provided by the Franklin College Office of Admissions. Send flight details to your admissions counselor at least 20 days prior to arrival in Indiana. Purchase travel medical insurance. Check the power supply on your electronics (120V in the U.S.) Buy a universal power adapter if needed. Contact your cell phone provider to arrange service during your travel. Complete the New Student Checklist. 1 Week before Departure
Make copies to leave at home of all travel documents, IDs and banking/credit cards. Withdraw $500 in cash for travel expenses and initial purchases. Review the packing suggestions on page 7. Contact your banks and credit card companies to: Let them know the dates you will be in the U.S. Ask about fees associated with using your card overseas. Prepare a folder to keep in your carry-on with the following documents: Your acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions Immigration documents Emergency contact phone numbers The Day before Departure
Double-check your flight details and share travel information with your family. Confirm transportation plans. Set an alarm, allowing time to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Updated 9-3-26
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