International Student Resource Center

On- Campus Resources for Current Students

Educational Advising

We recommend that our students speak with their advisor at least once per quarter to discuss the classes to take for the program, and register accordingly. If you are unsure who your advisor is, you can see them listed under your account in Starfish. If you would like to change your program and meet with a new advisor, you can see the list of advisors on the program’s home page. 

Immigration Information

International students must meet certain enrollment requirements in order to maintain their visa status. In general, they must enroll full-time, must complete their courses on time, and may only work on or off-campus under certain rules. Students must stay in contact with the International Education office. Special letters are sent frequently to international students to advise them of certain requirements and/or deadlines. (See our Forms page for common forms and requests for international students.)

New students participate in an orientation that explains these requirements. Students who plan to travel outside of the US while a student, or who plan to transfer from one school to another must comply with certain procedures, and notify the International Education staff in advance. 

Working

Most often, permission to work is given for students to work off campus who have completed their program of study and who properly submit an application for “Optional Practical Training”. This is recommended to apply as early as possible (up to 90 days before graduation), and needs the assistance and recommendation of the International Education staff. Approval from immigration must be received before a student can work.

Occasionally, students may work off-campus while taking an internship class with approval from International Education as part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). It can only be done with the assistance and recommendation of the International Education staff.

International students are eligible to work on-campus, part-time. If you are interested in this you must speak with our office first, since a U.S. Social Security Number must be obtained before employment can begin.

EvCC's Writing Center, Tutoring Center and Library Media Center 

The Writing Center provides guidance for any writing assignments, while the Tutoring Center provides support in subjects such as biology, chemistry, etc. The Library Media Center is now offering Online research options for articles, books, and videos as well as research assistance. And current students could borrow a Chrome Book or Internet Hot Spot via the Library Services as well.

Planning Transfer to a University

EvCC students are also able to transfer to colleges and universities outside of Washington. Counseling & Student Success can assist you in learning about those options and planning for transfer. International Education may be aware of some scholarships offered to international students by out-of-state universities, so it’s a good idea to also ask us.

Off-Campus Resources

Additional information and locations of local banks, cell phone companies, restaurants, grocery stores and shopping malls is also available.

Banking, Credit Cards, Money Management, Taxes, Safety

Opening a Bank Account

There are many expenses when you first arrive in the US: transportation, personal purchases, tuition, books. We recommend that you carry some cash to cover your expenses during the first few days. Please do not carry a large sum of cash.  You should open a bank account immediately. Before leaving your home country you should contact your bank to assure that they can transfer money to a US bank. When you open an account you will need to show your student ID and passport. Your student ID card is available from our Welcome Center which is located in the Parks Student Union. 

Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)

There is an ATM machine on campus that recognizes most credit cards. ATMs are also available around the city. When you open an account with a bank that operates an ATM system, you’ll be issued a plastic ATM service or "debit" card. You will be assigned a personal code or "PIN number" which identifies you as a bank customer. Never give anyone your personal code. Be careful when accessing an ATM machine. Using the machine at night time or early in the morning in an isolated area is not a safe practice. Withdrawing large sums of cash from the machine is also not a safe practice. Be aware of people who are around you and what they are doing.

Credit Cards

Using credit cards is very common in the US Credit cards are convenient; but unless you are careful, you may be surprised when you get your monthly bill or statement. Credit card interest charges can be very expensive, so it is wise to charge only what you can afford to pay back in a month. Keep all of your receipts to keep track of what you spend and remember, if you purchase goods or services on "credit," you are in fact "borrowing" the money from your lender.

Money Management

Managing your finances is an important aspect of a successful and enjoyable academic career. You will have to budget your expenses carefully. For example, you may have to decide if you can afford a car, or your own apartment, or frequent trips around the country. If you have questions about the cost of living in this area, or of payment deadlines for tuition and books, talk to our International Student Advisor.

Sales Tax

In Washington State you will also pay a sales tax on most items which you purchase. This tax ranges from 8-9.5%, depending on location and the type of purchase. Grocery items (food) are not taxed. The price marked on the item or on the shelf usually does not include the sales tax; it is added onto the price of the item when you pay the cashier.

Taxation

You may be subject to file for taxes during your study. Please refer to the Tax Information page for more information.

Health and Safety

Healthcare costs in the US are very high. International students are required to have health insurance while attending EvCC. You will be required to purchase EvCC-contracted medical insurance for $432 per quarter. (*for students of some special majors, the fee could be higher).

Attending school in the US can be stressful. Students who try to carry a heavy study load may be at risk health wise. You need to balance your schedule carefully, stay healthy by eating right, exercising and getting enough rest. Counseling and Student Success can help you work out some stress and time management issues.

Normally, EvCC's campus and the Everett area are safe places. Of course, it is always wise to take precautions, such as being observant of the people around you, traveling with friends instead of alone, not carrying a lot of money, and knowing where and when to ask for help.

Important Documents

In your apartment or home, please establish a safe and secure place to keep valuable items, such as travel documents, etc. You should keep your passport and I-20 at a safe place, and apply for a state ID or a state driver’s license as your photo ID instead.

Restaurants and Grocery Shopping Places

Korean Restaurants

BBQ Arirang  –  18623 Hwy 99 S Lynnwood, WA 98037
(425)678-0658
→ All you can eat, Korean BBQ

Original Sul Lung Tang  –  19400 36th Ave W Lynnwood, WA 98036 
(425) 672-2650
→ During happy hours, all you can eat, Korean BBQ. 
→ Sul Lung Tang

Chung-Sol Restaurant  –  14920 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98087
→ Korean BBQ 
→ recommended for minimum 3-4 people

Sam Oh Jung  –  17425 Hwy 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 745-3535
→ Regular Korean dishes

Ka Won Korean Restaurant  –  15004 Hwy 99 Lynnwood, WA 98087
→ Korean BBQ and dishes

Sahm Good Jih Palace – 21619 Hwy 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036
→ Koreanized Chinese food restaurant

BBQ Arirang - 18623 Hwy 99 S Lynnwood, WA 98037
→ All you can eat, Korean BBQ

African Restaurants

Bantaba African Restaurant (Sene-Gambian food)
19417 36th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 678-0202

Safari Restaurant (Somali, East African dishes)
5041 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 723-3058

Places to Buy Halal Food

Halal Way Market - 607 SE Everett Mall Way #7 Everett, WA 
(425) 319-9715

Imrans Market - 11501 Hwy 99, Everett WA 98204
(425) 610-4215

Halal Meats - 14625 NE 24th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 213-1120

Lynnwood Mediterranean Food Grocery & Deli Halal
4510 168th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
(425) 745-4710

Mexican Restaurants

Los Gavilanes - 209 E Casino Rd # H, Everett, WA 98208 
(425) 355-5160

Los Compadres - 5321 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203
(425) 903-4624

Vietnamese Restaurants

Pho Bac Soup Shop - 1240 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144 
(206) 568-0882

Evergreen Asian Market - 7815 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203 *sandwiches and lunch special at the deli*
(425) 265-7900

Pho Asian Noodle House - 607 SE Everett Mall Way # 11, Everett, WA 98208
(425) 348-3646

European Restaurants

Brat from Deutschland - 512 91st Ave NE B, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 
(425) 320-8825

Indonesian Restaurants

Waroeng Jajanan - 22315 Hwy 99 i, Edmonds, WA 98026  
(425) 412-7025

Religious Practice Venues

List of Mosques in Everett and vicinity

1. Everett Muslim Community Center
   500 SE Everett Mall Way, Unit B110, Everett, WA, 98208
2. Bilal Ibn Rabah Islamic Center
   607 SE Everett Mall Way, Unit 6D, Everett, WA, 98204
3. Masjid Al-Rahman
   5705 Evergreen Way suite 102-C, Everett, WA

List of Churches in Everett and Vicinity

1. First Presbyterian Church
   2936 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA
   (425) 259-7139
2. Bethany Christian Assembly
   2715 Everett Ave, Everett, WA
   (425) 339-3303
3. Trinity Episcopal Church
   2301 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA
   (425) 252-4129
4. Shoreline Community Church
   125 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA, 98155
   (206) 362-4790
5. The City Church
   9051 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA
   (425) 803-3233
   4740 17th Ave NE, Seattle, WA
   (800) 304-2489
   21705 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA
   (425) 803-3233

Indonesian Churches

1. IFGF Seattle
   12345 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98125
   (206) 363-4343
2. The Living Christian Church (TLC)
   125 NE 185th Street, Shoreline, WA, 98155 (next to Shoreline Community Church)
   (425) 772-8448
3. GKI Seattle
   8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98115
   (206)403-3806

Chinese Churches

1. Evangelical Chinese Church of Snohomish County
   6215 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
   (425) 773-5175
2. Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle
   651 NW 81st St, Seattle, WA, 98117
   (206) 789-6380
3. Chinese Baptist Church
   5801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98108
   (206) 725-6363
4. Seattle Chinese Alliance Church
   2803 S orcas St, Seattle, WA, 98108
   (206) 725-0771

Korean Churches

1. Seattle HANA Church
   4514 84th St SW, Mukilteo, WA 98275
   (425) 345-6123
2. Joyful Korean Church Education Center
   12199 Village Center Pl, Mukilteo, WA 98275
   (425) 404-1109
3. Joyful Korean Church of Seattle
   3223 164th St SW, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98087
   (425) 404-1109
4. Korean Community Presbyterian Church
   3727 240th St. SE, Bothell, WA 98201
   (425) 488-1004
5. United Presbyterian Church of Seattle
   8506 238th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026
   (425) 776-2711
6. Seattle First Korean Church
   11508 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98125
   (206) 365-5333
7. Community Church of Seattle 
   3727 240th St SE, Bothell, WA, 98021
   (425) 488-1004
8. Korean Emmanuel Church
   17730 36th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA, 98037
   (425)-787-4384
9. Bethany Korean Church
   15414 Ash Way, Lynnwood, WA, 98087
   (425)-745-0243

Japanese Churches

1. The Image Church
   3301 Monte Villa Pkwy, Bothell, WA 98201
   (425) 678-8605
2. Lynnwood Japanese Family Church
   7812 224th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026
   (425) 273-1224
3. Japanese Baptist Church
   160 Broadway, Seattle, WA, 98122
4. Japanese Congregational Church
   1615 South Main St, Seattle, WA 98144
   (206) 965-5653
5. Japanese Presbyterian Church
   1801 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA
   (206) 323-5990

Vietnamese Churches

1. Our Lady of Lourdes
   10240 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98168
   (206) 762-3343
2. Seattle Vietnamese Alliance Church
   137 116th St SW, Seattle, WA, 98146
   (206)-324-1865
3. Vietnamese Christian Community Church of Seattle
   4401 2nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105
   (206)-854-1512