Support Resources

Come join us for these upcoming Hood College international events:

• Hood International Education Week

Ms. Amani Al-Dajane, Director of International Student Services and Primary Designated School Official (PDSO). The Office of International Student Services is an important resource for international students. The office process the initial I-20 visa forms and serve as the primary point of contact on visa issues. The PDSO can also provide important information on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) options.

Ms. Amani Al-Dajane, Director of International Student Services and Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) can be reached at pdso@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3811 or Cell/WhatsApp: 240-741-2043.

This  international graduate student handbook provides information on visas, housing, banking, transportation, weather, clothing, school systems and other resources to help with the transition to Hood College and the Frederick area.

Many international (F-1) students are interested in internships (or Curricular Practical Training). There are a number of resources for securing such an opportunity after the F-1 student has successfully completed his or her first semester of coursework. Additionally, Hood College provides opportunities for Optional Practical Training for students that have fulfilled all program requirements. 

For the 2020-2021 academic year, we are proud to report a 100% OPT/CPT application approval rate with 100% of those approvals resulting in employment with an average starting salary of $71,034.

Examples of companies that have recently hired Hood international students for OPT and CPT include, but are not limited to, the following:

• American CyberSystems Inc.
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• Asta CRS, Inc.
• CloudBolt Software Inc.
• COTH Technologies
• Data Edge Inc.
• Dexter Systems
• Fisher Scientific Company
• Global Application Brands
• IBM
• icloud Solutions
• Indigo Arc LLC
• International Game Technology
• I3Globaltech Inc.
• KT Mobile Inc.
• Microsoft Corporation
• Motorola Solutions
• Nemo IT Solutions
• Icloud Solutions
• Oracle Corp.
• Peoplefluent Inc.
• Sparksoft Corp.
• STM Services Inc.
• TELMA Solutions LLC.
• V3tech Solutions
• Wise Equation Solutions

​​​​​​On-campus employment is available for domestic and F1 graduate students. Examples include jobs in the Bookstore, Dining/Catering Services, Facilities, Student Services (CAAR), and the Library.  Opportunities can be found online through the Career Center’s free Handshake platform: https://app.joinhandshake.com/login.

Indian Association of Frederick

Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA)

Nonresident Tax Preparation Assistance:

• Sprintax 
• 1040NRA
• H&R Block

* Hood College neither endorses nor opposes these businesses.  Students patronize these businesses at their own risk

Tax Preparation Resources for International Students & Scholars:

• International Students Tax Return Information
• IRS Resources for International Students and Scholars

1. Go to the Social Security Office for Frederick, MD and ask about the paper that justifies the person cannot apply for a social security card. Frederick Social Security Office Address:

SUITE N 
5340 SPECTRUM DRIVE 
FREDERICK, MD 21703
Social Security Phone (Local) : 1-866-331-7089 
Social Security Phone (Nat'l) : 1-800-772-1213 
TTY : 1-800-325-0778

2. Submit an electronic S.A.V.E. Verification Request Form online. Please click here. Once you have submitted the form, a MVA representative will contact you with the verification results and information to continue the process. If you experience any difficulties with the form, or do not receive a response within five (5) business days, please send an email to sdecal@marlandmva.com.

The documents you need:

1. Sources of proof are required for age, identity, and Maryland residency (SAVE verification of lawful status through the Department of Homeland Security may be required if applicable).


2. The knowledge (law) test and the driving skills portion of the test for a license of the equivalent class will be waived.


3. If the driver's license is expired, then the vision, knowledge & skills tests are required.
   • Exception: licenses from France and Japan may be expired less than 1 year.
   • If over 1 year, all tests are required.
4. Must pass the vision screening, submit a completed "vision screening" form (form # DL-043 or DL-043A) or have an authorized online vision certification provider electronically submit the vision results to the MVA
   • Test administered by vision provider must have been done within the previous 12 months.
5. Agreement applies to non-commercial driver (class C) licenses; no learners permits, class M or commercial licenses.


6. Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.


7. Present out-of-country license along with an international license or translation into English from the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing (if required).
   • License and any documentation pertaining to the license must be scanned into the driver’s licensing system transaction (ex: translation);
8. Applicable fees are required.

Hood College F-1 students who get an offer of on-campus or approved off-campus employment will need to apply for a Social Security Card. Only students who have an offer of employment qualify for a social security card. You must apply in person. After applying for your Social Security number, a card will be mailed to you in approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

Please make an appointment with the Primary Designated School Official, by emailing PDSO@hood.edu before going to apply for a social security number. You will need to have the following to apply for a social security number:

• A letter from the PDSO confirming your immigration status and Hood College student status.
• An offer letter from your employer on their letter head paper which should also include their EIN. (Employer Identification Number)*
  *On-campus employer – refer to this suggested language for verifying F-1 student’s employment to the Social Security Administration.
• Your immigration documents including: your passport with your I-94 card, your I-20, and your Social Security Number Application.

Take the above to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office at Suite N 5340 Spectrum Drive Frederick, Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed on federal holidays) phone number: 1-866- 331-7089. You will be required to fill out an application form, which you can download in advance from their website at http://www.ssa.gov.

Hood College strongly recommends that all students on nonimmigrant F-1 visas enroll in a comprehensive health insurance plan, which covers accidents, hospitalization and illness. Even if you are covered by a family medical policy at home, these policies often do not provide the coverage Hood College feels you need. Since you, not the College, are responsible for paying whatever medical costs are not covered by your insurance, look carefully at plans before making a decision. You are encouraged to purchase a health insurance policy that will cover you for accident and illness before coming to campus. Additional information regarding health plans is available from the Hood College Health Center and the office of International Student Services.

Below is a list of health insurance companies for international students. Hood College does not endorse any of the programs listed and students will need to purchase with their discretion. Our purpose is to provide you various health insurance program options which are available to you.

International Student Insurance 

Maryland Health Insurance Exchange

Edusure: Health Insurance Marketplace

ISO Insurance                                                                                

Cultural Insurance Services International                                                               

VISIT International Health Insurance         

IMG Global    

PSI Health Insurance                                                   

The local Frederick area offers a number of rental options as well. Finding the right fit for you will take some research. Local newspaper classified ads and website listings may be good places to begin your search. The following are some examples of websites which may be helpful:

• The Frederick News Post
• Apartments.com
• Apartment Guide  
• Frederick Craigslist

In addition, there are some nearby apartment complexes which may warrant consideration:

• The Park at Walnut Ridge Apartments * (2001 Wood Hollow Place) - Will waive the application fee for Hood College students and give back $150 holding fee after sign lease. No proof of income nor social security card needed
• The Fields at Rock Creek (100 Alessandra Court)
• The Grove at Alban (91 Hill Street)
• Applegate Apartments * (1404 Taney Avenue)
• Willowdale Crossing * (148 Willowdale Drive) - Hood students are on preferred leasing list - no application fee and half off administration fee

Those with an asterisk(*) indicates they accept I-20 as evidence for financial backing for international students.

 
Note that the information in this message is provided as a convenience to students strictly as an informational service. Hood College has not inspected or approved any of the listings for fire, heat, and/or safety conditions and makes no warranties or representations concerning these items. Tenants assume full responsibility for location, condition, and contractual terms of their off-campus rentals. Hood College operates under the assumption that landlords and rental agencies conduct business within the guidelines of the law. All contractual agreements are between students and the landlords or agents.

Hood College Dining Services
Hood College Dining Services offers grab-and-go items or meal plans to fit your unique needs at three locations on campus. Whether it’s a full meal or just a snack, you can enjoy options that include healthy and necessary dietary restricted choices offered throughout the day. You can pre-pay and load meals on your Hood student ID card to utilize as needed. Hood faculty and students get a discount on campus dining services.

For locations, hours and menus, click here:
https://hood.campusdish.com/LocationsAndMenus

For meal plan options, click here:
https://hood.campusdish.com/MealPlans/Category?cat=Graduate_Students_7826&lid=7826

Local Dining 
There are many diverse local dining options in downtown Frederick and surrounding area located just minutes away from campus. Below is a sample of some local dining options available to you.

A Asian Restaurant 

Brewer's Alley (American)

Cacique Restaurant (Spanish / Mexican)

Callahan's Restaurant (American)

Clay Oven (Indian)

Cucina Massi (Italian)

Firestone's (American)

Greek Aroma

Hunan Gourmet

Kittiwat Thai Kitchen

Isabella's (Spanish)

La Paz Mexican Restaurant

Lucky Corner (Vietnamese)

Manna Taqueria (Mexican)

Mayta's Peruvian Cuisine

Orchard Restaurant (American Vegan)

Sabor De Cuba

Sumittra Thai Cuisine

Tulip Grill (Pakistani)

ALDI (Grocery)

Asian Super Market (Grocery)

Francis Scott Key Mall (Shopping)

Giant Eagle (Grocery)

Indian Pak Grocery

International Market 

Kohls (Clothing)

P7 International Market of Frederick 

Target (Clothing and Grocery)

Walmart (All Goods)

Helpful Links

• Nine Actions to Help Students Navigate the Effects of Uncertainty About the Travel Ban
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• United We Dream

Current Alerts

• What do I need to know if the DACA program ends?  
• Immigration legal service provider for DACA students
• If you need referral for legal help, please contact April Boulton, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate point person listed below:

• General: April Boulton, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School and PDSO
• Religious or Spiritual: Rev. Beth O’Malley, Dean of the Chapel