Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Admissions Questions
1. Does UMaine have an application fee?
UMaine has a $50 nonrefundable international application fee. Students pay the fee at the time of submitting their application.
2. What kind of scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate international students?
Undergraduate – all first-year and transfer international undergraduate applicants are considered at the time of application for international scholarships ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000 per academic year. No need to submit a separate application.
Graduate – international graduate applicants are considered for graduate funding through assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.
3. What are the selection criteria for the International Student Scholarships?
- Academic achievement: high school transcripts, rank in class, GPA, the rigor of curriculum, standardized test scores, if available.
- Strength of English proficiency scores.
- Quality of your written essay (optional).
- Recommendation letters (optional).
- Campus diversity, the field of academic study, gender, and other socio-economic considerations.
4. Are photocopies of TOEFL and/or SAT scores and transcripts acceptable?
We may accept photocopies of test scores and/or transcripts for admission review purposes. If offered admission, official documentation will be required in order to register for courses and other important services.
Please email all supporting documents to internationaladm@maine.edu.
5. Are SAT or ACT scores required?
No, the Office of International Programs does not require SAT/ACT scores. However, SAT or ACT scores can often establish admissibility to the University when foreign academic records alone cannot.
6. Can I be admitted even if my TOEFL score is just below the required 550 PBT/79 IBT?
If you are otherwise academically admissible to the University of Maine, you can be conditionally admitted to the University. This means that you will be required to take English classes at the University’s Intensive English Institute (IEI) until your English improves. While you are attending the Intensive English Institute, you may be allowed to take a few classes at the University, depending upon your level of English proficiency.
7. Can I study English first, then apply to the University?
Yes, studying at the Intensive English Institute (IEI) at the University of Maine is an excellent way to improve your English and academic skills before applying to the University of Maine.
8. Can I submit copies of bank statements or fax them?
Please submit via email original, signed financial documentation which indicates the specific amount available. This can be an official bank statement, letter from a bank official, etc. Salary testaments are not sufficient.
Please email all supporting documents to internationaladm@maine.edu.
9. When is the application deadline?
The suggested application deadline to begin school in the Fall semester is April 1st. For Spring semester it is November 1. Please note that these deadlines are the suggested deadlines and we will accept applications all year on a space-available basis.
10. Can I attend the University of Maine for only a semester or a year?
Yes, international students may attend the University for a semester or a year as a visiting student or exchange student.
11. Can I enroll at the University of Maine as a transfer student?
Yes! If you want transfer credit considered for any university work, submit course descriptions in English and an indication of the credit or contact hours for each course. Submit official transcripts of all university work completed elsewhere.
12. Does the University of Maine accept transfer credits from universities or colleges overseas?
Generally, if credits earned at an accredited institution overseas have earned a mark/grade of “C-” or above they usually can be transferred. Credits earned at an institution overseas will not be evaluated for transfer credit until the student has been officially accepted at the University of Maine.
13. Can I be accepted as a non-degree student?
Yes. Please email us at internationaladm@maine.edu for more information.
14. How quickly will the University of Maine send me the form (e.g., I-20) I need to apply for my visa?
As soon as you have been admitted and established your ability to finance your education, we will prepare the Form I-20 and mail it to you along with information about applying for your visa and preparing to come to the U.S.
15. As an international student, will I be allowed to work?
US immigration regulations allow international students in F-1 and J-1 status to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
16. Where can I find more information on courses offered at the University of Maine?
Visit the Academic Majors web site.
17. How many countries are represented at the University of Maine and what are the top five countries represented?
Currently, there are about 500 international students from more than 70 different countries studying at the University of Maine. The top five countries represented are the Peoples’ Republic of China, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and India.
18. What is the annual estimated budget for an undergraduate international student?
The estimated current annual expenses for an undergraduate international student are approximately $48,253 USD. This amount includes tuition, university fees, health insurance, books and supplies, room and board, and personal expenses.
Full details regarding annual estimated expenses are posted at https://umaine.edu/international/international-admissions/expenses/.
19. Is it possible to pay my tuition (bill) in installments?
You can make arrangements with the Bursar’s Office to pay your bill in installments over a semester or an academic year. The Bursar’s Office charges a fee for this service. You can find more information on payment options on the Bursar’s Office website at http://umaine.edu/bursar/payment-options/.
International Student Questions
1. Social Security Number
International students can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) after they have been hired to work; applications are available at the OIP front desk. When students apply for a bank account or a cell phone, they are often asked to provide their SSN. If you do not have one, you should simply tell the bank/company that they do not qualify for an SSN. The bank or cell phone company should work with the student to provide requested services. Many international students in the U.S. do not have an SSN and have purchased cell phones and opened bank accounts.
2. 1098 – T Tax Form
This is a tax form which UMaine issues for all students enrolled at UMaine. International students may be asked to include their Social Security Number (SSN) or International Tax Identification Number (ITIN) in MaineStreet so their 1098-T form can be generated by the university. However, most international students do not benefit from this tax form as this form can only be used by students who can claim tax residency in the U.S.
3. Canadian Visa
The OIP cannot offer advice on visiting Canada because we specialize in US immigration and we are not familiar with the immigration policies of other countries. If you are interested in traveling to Canada please visit the Canadian government’s website linked below to see what is required.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
4. Public Transportation
The Black Bear Orono Express is a free shuttle service that provides much-needed transportation for our students, staff and visitors within the University and the Town of Orono communities.
The Bangor Area Transportation (BAT) bus is a free bus that connects the UMaine campus to Bangor. Anytime you see the BAT Bus go by, you’re welcome to flag it down, even if you’re not at an official stop
5. Ideas for fun cultural activities
Leonard’s Mill Historic Settlement gives you a glimpse of what Maine looked like in 1790’s.
Treworgy Orchards in Bangor offers the quintessential Maine experiences – apple, pumpkin and berry picking and a giant corn maze.
6. Maine Driver’s License or ID Cards
To qualify for either a Maine driver’s license or ID card the Program End Date on your I-20 or DS-2019 must show that you are eligible to remain in the US for at least 120 days beyond the day that you plan to get your license or ID card. Your SEVIS record must also be in active status. If you have recently arrived at UMaine and you have not yet started attending classes, please send an email to umaineimmigration@maine.edu to confirm the status of your SEVIS record.
- CANADIANS- The rules are a little different for Canadian students. If you have a valid Canadian driver’s license you should convert it to a Maine driver’s license during your first semester. If you do not do this in the first semester then your request may be denied.
- International (non-Canadian)– If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country you may use it to drive in the United States for up to one (1) year from your date of entry. The driver’s license must be translated to English on the license itself (you cannot have a certified translation as a separate document). If the English translation is not printed on your driver’s license from your home country you must obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in your home country. The IDP must be in accordance with the International Convention relative to Motor Traffic of 24 April 1926, the Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 or the Convention on Road Traffic of 1949. Unfortunately, there is no organization which maintains a list of how to obtain an IDP in each country. We recommend that you contact your local licensing authority for more information. Keep in mind that you must get the IDP in your home country. You cannot apply for one in the US.
Paperwork needed:
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record available at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Passport (with visa, if applicable)
- Copy of Social Security card
- If you do not have a social security card the OIP will issue you a letter explaining why you do not have one. Click here for instructions.
More information can be found at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles web page at the following BMV links:
- BMV Homepage
- Getting a Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Examinations
Study Guides - List of Driver Education Programs (UMaine is located in Penobscot County)
ISA Elections
1. What are the different responsibilities of each officer?
The duties of each officer can be found here.
2. How many hours a week do officers commit to ISA?
Each week, officers are expected to attend the ISA meeting (usually 1 hour) and Friday’s Coffee Hour from 4-5. They are also expected to attend ISA’s special events (Oronoka, International Dance Festival, Culturefest, etc.). These events occur on the weekend, but do require a commitment for the entire day. Total average time commitment each week should be less than 4 hours. Team members help each other when schedules get busy so there may be times when you do more and times when you do less.
3. Can I still run for office if I cannot attend every ISA event and meeting?
Although we strongly encourage officers to attend every ISA event and meeting, we understand that busy schedules of college students may limit availability. In order to effectively lead ISA, officers must make its events a priority and only sporadically miss functions if it is unavoidable.
4. I am a graduate student. For which positions am I eligible to run?
Graduate students cannot run for any of the executive board postions, but they are eligible for a graduate student liaison position.
5. I am an undergraduate student. For which executive board positions am I eligible to run?
Undergraduate students can run for any of the positions.
6. Can first year students run for all offices?
Yes, there are no restrictions based on your undergraduate standing.
I will be graduating in December so I will only be at UMaine for the fall semester. Can I run for office?
Yes.
Pre-Departure Questions
1. What is the weather like in Maine?
Many students find the four distinct season of Maine to be a most interesting experience. Fall lasts from mid-September through November with temperatures ranging between 30° and 70°Fahrenheit (-1°to 23°C). Winter continues from December to April. Snow and icy rain are common and temperatures range from -25° to 40° F (-32° to 5° C). Winters are generally cold, but prolonged cold spells are rare. Average snowfall is 60 to 90 inches (152-228 cm) yearly. January normally has the heaviest snowfall. Spring arrives in April and lasts until mid-June. The temperatures climb to a range of 45° to 65°F (8° to 18° C). Summer begins in mid-June and last until September. Temperatures ranging from 70° to 80°(22° to 27° C) are most common. Occasionally the temperature reaches the 90° to 100° (33° to 39° C) range. Summer nights are usually cool and comfortable. Storms such as tornadoes or hurricanes are very rare but thunderstorms do occur in the summer.
2. What kind of clothing is suitable to Maine?
Most students dress informally on campus. You will need light weight clothes for summer and heavier clothing including a warm winter coat, snow boots, hat and mittens or gloves for winter. Most of these items can be purchased economically after you arrive.
3. How safe is campus?
Very. University of Maine Public Safety has 21 regular officers and 14 other officers in reserve. They patrol campus 24 hours a day with at least 2 officers at any given time. UMaine offers a program called walking companions where two students will walk you to your dorm at night. All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day.
4. Does a student need a computer?
Most majors don’t require one. In addition to the academic computer laboratories, there are public computer clusters in the Memorial Union and Fogler Library.
5. How many classes are taught by teacher’s assistants?
Not many. Professors teach most UMaine classes, with the exception of English 101 and Calculus I. TA’s lead labs and run study sessions.
6. What is the average class size?
For 100-level courses, 150 students. Math classes are all capped at 50. English and computer science courses are no larger than 25, and neither are science labs. UMaine’s 200-level courses top out around 30; 300-level courses range from 15 to 35; 400-level courses have six to 12 students. Our average student-faculty ratio is 14:1.
7. How easy is it to talk to a professor?
Very. UMaine professors are known for working closely with undergraduates. In addition, they have office hours and often are willing to meet with students outside those office hours.
8. How do I get around?
The campus is large but very easy to walk around. Most students live in the residence halls and are only minutes away from academic buildings and the dining halls. Some students live off campus and walk or bike to campus. Many students take the BAT bus, which travels to Bangor, Veazie, Orono and Old Town — UMaine students get free bus passes. Student who purchase cars may also purchase a parking permits for $50 per year.
9. What is a land-grant/sea-grant university?
Land- and sea-grant universities were created by the Morrill Act, signed into law by Abe Lincoln in 1862. It gave land to states to create public universities so “average sons of average citizens” could learn the “agricultural and mechanical arts” and military sciences. UMaine offers all that — and way more — today. Oh, and these days, we call the mechanical arts “engineering.”
Other Questions?
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