Hospitality and Assistance
Assistance When You Arrive
CCFI volunteers are available to meet you at Columbia Metropolitan Airport,
bus or train station, as long as we have advance notice of your travel arrangements.
Complete the Arrival Assistance Form to notify us ten
days prior to your arrival.
Emergency Instructions: Our volunteers are extremely reliable.
If, for some reason, a volunteer is not at the airport within 30 minutes of your
arrival, and you cannot reach anyone by phone, please take a taxi cab from the airport,
and ask the driver to take you to a moderately priced hotel near the University.
Contact International Programs for Students at 777-7461 for further
assistance.
Sign Up for a Community Friend
Take advantage of our Community Friend program, which matches local families
with students like to you to offer regular assistance during your first year of
study. While you do not live with your Community Friend's family, you may be invited
to participate in activities, events and outings.
It will give you an opportunity to practice English and experience American life
outside of the classroom, and it will make Columbia feel more like home.
Sign up for a community friend here.
English Program for Internationals (EPI) Assistance
If you are planning to enroll or have enrolled in this USC program to improve your
English, we will be happy to assist you with registration and orientation, provide
you with opportunities to practice conversational English and other services.
Contact us here if you would like assistance with EPI.
Loans
Home Furnishings Loan
If you will be living off-campus, CCFI will lend you home furnishings and accessories
(if available) for use during your stay that must be returned when you
leave. Click here to apply for a home furnishings loan.
Emergency Financial Loan
If you have an extreme emergency and are desperate need of cash, CCFI may
be able to help with a short-term (30-day), small-amount cash loan.
Click here to apply for an emergency loan.
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Social Events
You are invited to CCFI's social events and activities during the school year. Click here for the calendar and other details.
Weekly International Hour Lunch
Join us for lunch each Friday at noon during the school year.
You will meet people from the community and enjoy homemade food at the ELM Center,
728 Pickens Street (near the corner of Pickens and Greene Streets). Click here for a map.
Orientation Reception
Come to a special orientation reception at the James F. Byrnes Building at the beginning
of the school year. Click here for a map.
Welcome Reception Dinner
Join us at our annual dinner at the beginning of the school year, which
welcomes all international students. The event features local entertainment and
homemade food prepared by CCFI members.
USC President's Reception
The USC President, with the assistance of CCFI, welcomes international students
with a reception in the fall. Join us for this annual event.
South Carolina Governor's Reception
Meet South Carolina's Governor and First Lady and see the Governor's Mansion at this spring reception.
Click here for a map.
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