Costs and Schedules

New ELI students never need to worry about how they will find their way to Eastern's campus. A smiling face will greet them and bring them to the university.

International Peer Advisors (IPAs) wait at the airport for new students, help them claim their luggage, and drive them to Eastern Washington University, only 15 minutes away.

 IPAs also help the students find their way around campus those first few days as orientation continues. In every week following, IPAs meet international students in small groups and plan social, cultural, and academic activities.

The following is a list of suggestions to do before you leave home:

1. When traveling to EWU, have about $200.00 - $250.00 cash for personal expenses. If you bring large amounts of money with you, it is safer to bring traveler's checks or bank (cashier) checks. It is not wise to carry large amounts of cash with you. Always carry your passport, money and documents with you. Do not put them in your luggage.

2. Get your prescription glasses and complete all dental work before you come. Medical/dental services are very good but also very expensive in the US.

3. The US electrical standard is 110/120 volts, AC, 60 hertz.

4. HEALTH CARE

The cost of medical care in the U.S. is very expensive, especially if you must go to the hospital. One visit to the hospital can cost thousands of dollars. The U.S. does not give free medical care, and it does not help you to pay for medical care.

Here at the English Language Institute we want all students to be safe and covered by health insurance. In order for you to receive high quality medical care, we require you to have health insurance while you are a student.

EWU and the ELI require all students to purchase basic health coverage through EWU. The cost is approximately $65.00 each quarter. EWU's Student Health Coverage provides basic coverage for minor illnesses and injuries, minor surgeries, and some laboratory tests and x-rays. This health coverage does not cover hospitalization, major surgery, or ambulance services. You are not required to make a co-payment and are not required to pay a deductible when you go to the clinic.

The ELI requires students to have major medical insurance.
Students have two choices for major medical insurance:

1. International Student Organization (ISO) offers Compass plans, which provide coverage for major illnesses, injuries, and major surgeries. Plans also cover hospital rooms, surgeons’ fees, ambulance services, prescription medication, medical evacuation and repatriation. Coverage ranges from $50,000 - $200,000 per injury or sickness. Cost is based on age and ranges from $29.00-$43.00 per month for students under the age of 24. The minimum term of coverage is 3 months. Deductibles range from $90.00-$150.00 per event. Please see www.isoa.org for information and online enrollment.
   
2. You may buy major medical insurance at home, however, these criteria must be met
   
   1. The insurance company must have a US office with a telephone, fax, and website.
   2. The insurance policy must cover at least $50,000 per incident or injury.
   3. The policy must not require more than a 25% co-pay and must include repatriation and medical evacuation.

STARTING IN FALL QUARTER OF 2008, ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE F-1 OR J-1 VISAS WILL HAVE THE COST OF MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLED TO THEIR STUDENT ACCOUNT. THE COST WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $175.00 PER QUARTER. THIS INSURANCE IS MANDATORY, AND NO OTHER MEDICAL INSURANCE WILL BE ACCEPTED IN ITS PLACE.