GSPM INTERNATIONAL NETWORK (GSPM “IN”)

TIPS AND FACTS for Prospective and Current International Students

• What is the Graduate School of Political Management International Network (GSPM “IN”)?
• I have been accepted, WHAT'S NEXT?
• Accommodation
• Banking
• Employment for Foreign Students
• Entertainment and Socializing
• News and Politics
• Social Security Number
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Contacting Current International Students and Alumni

WHAT IS GSPM "IN"?

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The GSPM “IN” is a newly established network for International Students and Alumni of the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University.

The GSPM “IN” is comprised of former and current International Students who have recognized that as International students in the GSPM we share many common bonds, from the initial confusion of getting established in Washington DC to the difficult process of finding employment or figuring out how all the “tipping” is supposed to work.

We also wanted to create a network for International Students to stay in contact with each other regardless of where they may ultimately end up in the world. Our sincere hope is that we can establish a very strong network of friends, colleagues and associates across the globe that will help us develop both our careers and our social and professional networks.

The information compiled below was created by fellow International Students who want to provide prospective and current students a useful guide to avoid some of the difficulties faced by previous International Students who did not have the benefit of such a resource. We hope you find this information useful.

As an International Student we strongly encourage you to join the GSPM “IN” and become a part of the “IN” crowd. During your time as a student the GSPM will conduct numerous social events, meetings and seminars that you will be welcome to attend.

As the GSPM “IN” is sponsored by The Graduate School of Political Management, there is no fee to join. Please email Matt Zablud at mmz@post.com to join our email list.

We will shortly establish a GSPM “IN” website where you can keep up to date with the latest events and access some cool new resources for International Students and Alumni.

I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED, WHAT'S NEXT?

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BEFORE COMING TO THE UNITED STATES:

1. Apply for a Student VISA in your US Embassy

• Student Visas are denominated “F” or “J”. The “F” visa is generally for full-time students. The “J” visa is for exchange students.
• GWU will send a notification to the Embassy and a form to your house (I-20). You need this form to start the Visa application.
• Ask for a financial Statement from your bank (preferable a Bank with Branches in the US ); you need to show that you have the funds to pay for your tuition and stay in the US .
• Check that your passport will be valid for the duration of your stay.
• Book an early ticket; the sooner you buy it, the cheaper it will be. Ask your airline if they have a special promotion for students with an F visa.

2 Book a place (Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Youth Hostel, etc) to stay in DC for the first 10 days, while you look around for a definitive place to rent.

3. When to fly? Try to arrive in Washington DC at least two weeks before the first day of class, so you'll have time to find permanent accommodation.

If you are booking a “Return Trip Ticket” you can check the final day of each semester, to know when you will have time off classes. There are three semesters each year:

• Fall – First week of September to third week of December.
• Spring – Second week of January to third week of May
• Summer – Third week of May to fourth week of July

4. Subscribe to the GSPM yahoo group. Ask the GSPM staff to be added by emailing Suzanne Farrand at sfarrand@gwu.edu.
This email list provides regular updates on jobs, rental accommodation, events and parties. It is highly recommended that you join the list.

5. Subscribe to the GSPM International Network (GSPM “IN”). Please email Peter Churchill to join the GSPM “IN” email list.

6. Check the ISO web site (International Student Office –GWU) for updated information. http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso

ONCE YOU ARE IN DC:

1. International Student Office - GWU (ISO)

• You need to attend the ISO orientation. You'll be unable to register for classes if you don't participate. The orientation usually takes two days, and occurs a few days before the first day of classes.
• Once the ISO has removed the “HOLD” they have on your registration ( you can't register for classes with a HOLD ), you will need to obtain the following in order to register for classes:
• “GWORLD” card,
• “GWU GMAIL” account,
• “Student ID number”

(The ISO should explain during the orientation how to get each of the above; if they don't, make sure to ASK.)
• You can register for classes using the Gweb Info System
• Check the ISO web site for updated information.http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso

1. Accommodations. You can find available apartments and good offers in:

• The GSPM yahoo group.
• The Friday Update e-mail (also in the yahoo group).
• Craigslist.org (DC chapter) http://craigslist.org
• Every Thursday on the DC City Paper (free newspaper, look for it near any metro station or in the Marvin Center ).
• If you have problems renting an apartment (since you have no social security, no job, etc) you can use your I-20 form as a proof of “salary”.

3. Classes, classes, and more classes

• Classes at GSPM are Monday to Thursday, usually at night. Each class is 180 minutes long. Check which classes are offered, and their schedule in the GSPM site ( http://gwu.edu/gspm ), or the GWeb Info System.
• To register for classes, use the GWeb Info System. If the class you want to take is closed, ask personally in GSPM if they can add you. Due to Visa regulations, you generally need to register for 9 credits per semester in order to maintain a full-time status ( except summer semester ).
• We recommend you take the following classes in your first semester:
• Fundamentals of Political Management (3 credits)

US Electoral history from 1946.
For this class, it would be wise to start your reading before the semester starts.
• Strategy and Message development (3 credits)
• Any other subject/s of your choice.

( For your sanity and enjoyment, unless you are a math/statistics wiz, we suggest that you do not take Quantative Methods in your first semester).
• You can buy your books in the bookstore in the Marvin Center (under PMGT label), on www.amazon.com or in big book stores. Amazon is usually cheaper.

ACCOMODATION

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AREAS TO CONSIDER

The University is situated in Foggy Bottom, near the World Bank and the State Department. As an urban campus, there are plenty of apartment buildings nearby, but they are expensive. If you want an efficiency (see below for explanation) you can expect to pay $1000 a month plus utilities, for a one bedroom, $1300+.

However, since all of your courses will be on the Foggy Bottom campus, and any job you do will almost certainly be on or near campus as well, it is worth looking at the Foggy Bottom area.

Most other places you look will require you to take the metro, so if possible, try and choose a place on either the Blue or Orange lines, since these both serve Foggy Bottom. Popular places include:

• Rosslyn/Clarendon/Ballston (Orange Line) – good value for money for apartments, but some feel it is a bit out of the city.
• Chinatown (many new apartment blocks built here, though recommend you visit the area first – it is much improved from years past, but some people still feel a bit unsafe there; but 30 min walking distance to campus)
• Pentagon City (Blue Line) – good shopping, and several good apartment blocks. Again, a bit out of the city.

SHORT TERM OPTIONS

When you first arrive, you will probably need cheap short term accomodations. Some Suggestions:

Craigs List
Hotels.com
Priceline.com

See also our section on "sublets" below.

SOME USEFUL TERMS TO UNDERSTAND...

An ‘ efficiency ' is what is often referred to a Studio apartment. They typically consist of a large main room, big enough for a bed and a couch. There is then probably a separate bathroom, closet and small, but fully functioning kitchen with a cooker/oven and a fridge. If you want to live on your own anywhere near campus, this is likely to be the most realistic option. An efficiency near Foggy Bottom campus will likely cost $1000+ a month.

‘Condo' – this is typically a 2 or 3 story house, containing two or three apartments. The apartments are probably privately owned, so any rental agreement will often be a private agreement

‘Roommates' . This is what people in the UK call flat mates, or housemates. It does NOT mean they will be sharing a bedroom with you, just the apartment! So if you are in a three bedroom apartment, you would have 2 roommates. Because of the high turnover of people in DC, finding a room in an apartment is often easier.

‘Apartment Buildings' . Most accommodation in the DC area is in large apartment buildings. The apartments may be privately held or leased by the owners of the building itself. Most apartment blocks will also offer other facilities such as a gym, secure parking, 24 hour security. One benefit is that there is always someone to receive parcels, which is very useful when you are ordering things online!

ON YOUR OWN VERSUS ROOMMATES
This can be a difficult choice but some basic pros and cons:

PROS

• You probably won't need to do a credit check when you move in, just supply references to show you are a grad student. This is a big pro – if you have to do any sort of formal credit check, you will almost certainly fail it as most foreign students have no credit history in the US !
• A room in an apartment will be less than having a place to yourself.
• The main apartment will be furnished, even if your room isn't.
• You share the utilities – this can be a big saving over a few months
• Good way to meet people

• As a graduate student, you will probably be working to a different schedule to other people. It may be difficult if you are looking to work late, or coming home later than people who are working normal hours

If you have a cellphone, you may decide you don't need a landline. Two things to remember – most of the cheapest plans to call abroad are only available with landline packages.

Some apartments may need a landline if you want to be able to use the security system to let people into the building from your apartment.

‘Renters Insurance' . In the UK , this is known as Contents Insurance. Many leases require you to take this out.

FINDING A ROOM OR AN APARTMENT

SUBLETS

In order to find an apartment quickly, you may consider a sublet.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/sub/
http://www.sublet.com

These sites offer the chance to find people looking for someone to cover their rent for a short period, or take over their lease because they are moving out of town etc.

If you do go forward with such an arrangement, check the terms of the lease you are taking on, what security deposits have been agreed, and how much longer the lease has to run. Also, it is worth asking the previous tenant if they have furniture they want to sell.

FURNITURE

Craigs List

IKEA. There are two large IKEAs in the DC vicinity, though neither are really metro accessible, and the sort of things you are buying means you'll need a car anyway. As such, it is worth renting one for a day, or using the zipcars service, which GW students get a discount for.

SOME THINGS TO CHECK FOR…!

DC can be very cold in winter, and gets very hot in the summer! So make sure there is adequate heating and air conditioning (AC) in the apartment.

You will normally get to campus via Metro or Bus, so make sure that transport options are near your apartment building. Remember, many of your courses won't finish until 9.45pm , so make sure there is good transport until that time.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES

Although many newer apartments come with laundry facilities in the actual apartment, many of the older buildings will have laundry rooms with coin operated machines you have to pay to use. Check the cost, and decide if you are happy with that arrangement.

LEASES

You will be asked to sign a lease. They should be a standard lease, but may have some special clauses worth checking for:

• Termination Notice
• Rent due
• Late rent payment penalty
• Terms for getting back deposit

CREDIT CHECK

Some landlords, especially when the apartments are part of a big complex run by a management company, require a credit check to prove you can afford the rent. They normally want proof that the rent is less than a third of your income. This can cause a problem, since you have no credit worthiness in the US .

You may be able to get a letter of reference from the school confirming your financial status in order to be eligible to do the course, or possible end up paying a higher deposit. You may also be able to use your I-20 form as a proof of “salary”.

Deposits

BANKING

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Although many places accept credit cards in America , you may be surprised how many things still require you to write a check (or cheque as it is known it the UK at least!). As such, it is very useful to have a dollar denominated check book when you arrive, since any US account may take several weeks to set up, and there are several things you will need to pay for in those first few weeks:

• Deposit for an apartment
• First month's rent
• First payment of tuition fees

Having a US dollar account in your home country that you can transfer money into means you can lock into any favorable exchange rates before you arrive in the US, and if the account in your home country is a partner with the bank you choose in the US, it will probably make transferring money between home and DC much easier, and in some cases, it can be done online and immediately. Also, if you expecting to receive income at home while you are in DC, it means it can be paid in and easily transferred over.

However, be warned – there are much tighter restrictions on transferring money in and out of the US since Sept 11, 2001 .

Also, see Credit Cards - American Express (below)

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

You need to open a US bank account as soon as possible. You should make sure you get a checking account, which lets you write checks against it, and lets you have a debit card.

It is also worth opening a savings account (these often have a variety of names, such as Preferred Money Market, but they usually don't have a check book, although they do have a higher rate of interest). As well as the higher rate of interest, they are a useful budgeting tool. As a rule, foreign students have to prove they have all the funds available up front, so it makes it easy to keep the overall funds separate from the day-to-day fund!

There are plenty of banks near campus, so check out their current student deals:

Citi Bank

PNC Bank (formerly known as Riggs in DC)

Chevy Chase Bank

Bank of America

All have branches nearby. Note – if you take money out of an ATM that is not your bank's ATM, you will be charged, so when choosing your bank, make sure there are ATMs near where you work or where you live!

OPENING AN ACCOUNT

This is relatively straightforward, but takes time. Take as many forms of identification as you have with you, including passport, and if you have one, your social security number.

You won't be able to open an account online – you will need to go into a branch to do it.

One thing you may need before they will let the account be active is proof of permanent address – a bill, letter from university etc. If you have just arrived, this may be difficult to show (or you may not even have one yet) – but you should still set up the account as it takes time to process, and let them know when you have that permanent address. Until you have that, you probably won't be able to get checks printed, or access any money in the account.

CREDIT CARDS

Good luck! For most foreign students, this comes as a shock, since many of us are used to having several credit cards in our home country. But as far as America is concerned, you have no credit history, so you have no credit rating, so you don't get a card.

However, there are some things you can do.

1. Use a credit card from home. Most credit cards from your home country will be accepted in the US , so long as they have a VISA, MasterCard or America Express symbol. However, there are some drawbacks to this as a long term solution:

• You will be billed in your local currency, based on current exchange rates. Although they are usually better than tourist rates, they are still worse than if you were just paying in dollars (unless the dollar has weakened considerably since you converted your money over).
• If you are ordering goods or services online (including airlines tickets) you will need to have a card that has a US billing address.

2. Debit card from your US bank. Most debit cards the banks issue will have a VISA or Mastercard symbol on them, so are accepted where credit cards are accepted. However, they are debit cards, so you need to have the funds available in your checking account when you make the transaction.

3. American Express. If you have an American Express card in your home country, American Express may let you open an account here as well, with a lower credit limit. As such, if you don't have an account with them, might be worth opening one up now, and seeing if that helps the process.

4. Student Credit Cards. You can try and apply for a student credit card with the bank you open an account with – even if it is a small credit limit initially, it is worth having for purchases that require an American credit card.

5. Pre-Paid credit cards. For people with no credit history, some banks offer a pre-paid credit card, where you put down a deposit of up to $3000, and that is your credit limit. The idea is to build up your credit worthiness over time, so eventually you get a normal credit card and your deposit back. This is worth considering if you plan to stay a while, and need to build a credit history.

Social Security No. Requirements

Health Requirements

EMPLOYMENT FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

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Employment for foreign students is not easy as we are faced with numerous restrictions and limitations. It is therefore very important to attend an ISO employment seminar and consult the ISO website before accepting any paid work in the United States.

ISO website: http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso

On Campus Employment

• Research assistant for the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet: http://ww.ipdi.org
• Research assistant for the Graduate School of Political Management:http://www.gwu.edu/gspm
• Part time student employment at the Gelman Library: http://www.gwu.edu/gelman/library/employment/

Off Campus Employment

Depending upon your visa, off campus employment is generally not permissible. However, you should consult with ISO to make sure.

Volunteering in an unpaid capacity may be permissible and this will allow you to undertake certain types of unpaid internships. The GSPM also has a requirement that you complete 400 hours of practical training. Mention this to the ISO and they can explain how you may be able to obtain permission to take a position off campus to satisfy this course requirement.

We will attempt to update this site in the future with links to unpaid internships or volunteer positions you may be able to apply to in and around the DC area.

Social Security Number

A social security number is required for any employment in the United States . Please consult the ISO for information on obtaining a Social Security Number. http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso/

Paying US Tax

If you take a job on campus, the first person you should then speak to is:
Ray Ly, Senior Tax Account, GWU Tax Department.
Call 202 994 2549 for appointment times or email him at ray_ly@gwu.edu

Post Graduate Employment

Depending upon your visa, you may be entitled to undertake post graduate employment in your chosen field. First, check with the ISO to determine if you are eligible.

If you are eligible, you will need to undertake all the steps to complete an OPT (Optional Practical Training). It is imperative that you apply for your OPT early in your final semester as you will not be able to commence employment until you receive your employment authorization card from the Department of Homeland Security. The card can take anywhere between 1 – 4 months to be delivered to you.

The ISO website lists the requirements for OPT: http://gwired.gwu.edu/iso/merlin-cgi/p/downloadFile/d/8150/n/off/other/1/name/Spring2005OPTGuidelinesFINAL04-11-2005pdf/

Federal Elections Commission Restrictions

Foreign Nationals are restricted from undertaking certain jobs on Federal election campaigns (Presidential, US Congressional, US Senate) and certain types of employment with PACs.

Please check the FEC website for information on restrictions that may apply: http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/foreign.shtml

As a general rule, foreign nationals are not allowed to donate or solicit donations for federal campaigns. They may also be restricted from managing certain types of disbursements on a federal campaign. There is an exception for foreign nationals who hold a green card. This exception is explained on the FEC website.

Resume Tips and Format

We will attempt to update this site in the future with links about resume styles and will also provide some sample resume formats and cover letters.

ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIALIZING

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Having fun in and around DC is very easy, with a wide array of tourist attractions, bars, restaurants, clubs, live music venues, coffee houses and theaters.

Some useful websites for finding information about local entertainment

General DC attractions: Things to Do
Movie Session Times: Movies.com
Restaurant reviews: Zagat
Live Music and Bars: DigitalCity.com
Cigar Bars: CigarLife.com
The Kennedy Center

Washington DC Happy Hours

The “happy hour” is a fantastic DC tradition with almost all bars offering some kind of happy hour special or hosting a certain night of the week with cheap booze and food for all. For some great happy hour locations check out http://members.aol.com/dchappy/happy.html

Tips and Important Facts

As an International student there are some important aspects you should remember whenever you head out:

1. Always carry photo ID that contains your date of birth. (Bars must check regardless of your age)
• For many bars in DC, you will be required to show a US drivers license or other US Government issued ID.
• Identity cards or drivers licenses from other countries may not be accepted.
• Either get a US drivers license or be prepared to carry your Passport around with you.
2. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21
• Some venues will allow people under 21 to enter but they won't be permitted to drink.
• In States that permit gambling, the legal age is also 21.
3. Smoking is currently allowed in most bars and many restaurants (although there are moves to ban smoking in restaurants and bars within DC)
4. Tipping is expected and is usually 15% to 20%
• At restaurants it is usually expected that patrons will tip at least 15% and sometimes more if the service is excellent.
• Remember not to “tip on the tax”. The tip should be calculated on only the cost of food and drinks, not the sales tax that is added.
• An easy way to calculate the tip is just to “double the tax”. This means if the sales tax portion of your check is 10%, by doubling that amount you will be giving a 20% tip without mistakenly “tipping on the tax” as well.
• Please note that sales tax is considerably less in Virginia and Maryland.
5. Standard tipping for the following services is indicated below:
• Waiters – 15% to 20% of the pre-tax check
• Bars - $1 per drink or 10% to 15% (better tips usually encourage free drinks or more alcohol poured the next time you go to the bar)
• Food Delivery (Chinese, Pizza, etc) - $1 to $2
• Train and Airport Porters - $1 per bag
• Hotel Bellman - $1 per bag
• Doorman - $1 for hailing a cab
• Hotel Maid - $1 per night (leave tip in the room in a marked envelope)
• Parking attendants - $1 to $2 when car is returned
• Taxis – $1 for shorter trips, $2 to $3 for longer rides
• Cloakroom Attendant – if there is no charge for the service give $1 to $2
The above are only suggestions, there are no set rules.
6. Sales Tax is included on almost all purchases in DC, Maryland and Virginia (Tax will usually be added at the register):
• Sales tax varies in every US State. For information on different sales tax rates check out http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales.html
7. The Metro is one of the best ways to get home on a night out. Metro Services run at the following times:
• Opens: 5 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. weekends
• Closes*: midnight Sunday-Thursday, 3 a.m. Friday-Saturday nights
• *When traveling at night, please check the last train departure times posted in the stations. Last trains leave many stations before midnight (between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). Holiday hours vary. See http://www.wmata.com/riding/holiday_schedule.cfm
8. Popular Entertainment Regions in DC and Surrounds
Adams Morgan Area – 18 th Street NW, Columbia Ave NW
• Lots of bars, live music clubs, coffee shops and restaurants. By day the area looks a bit seedy, but at night it truly comes alive.
• Best area for “Big Slice” pizzas (a DC must try).
• Renowned for excellent Ethiopian food.
• Difficult to get to by Metro but well worth visiting.
• GSPMer's favorite bars include Tom-Toms, Madams Organ, Reef, Peyote Lounge (Karaoke), The Angry Inch and Felix
Dupont Area – Connecticut Ave NW, Dupont Circle, 17 th Street NW, M Street NW
• Connecticut Ave near Dupont Circle is the center of the Dupont area. There are restaurants of almost every variety and plenty of great bars.
• 17 th Street NW (South of U Street) is the center of the DC gay scene and has numerous bars, restaurants and shops.
• The Dupont area extends down to M Street NW where you can drink martinis at Ozios or visit some of the cities more eye-opening bars.
• The area is easily accessed by Metro – just get off at the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line
• You must try the over 1000 different beers on offer at Brickskellar. Hopefully they will have some choices from your home country.
• GSPMer's favorite bars include The Big Hunt, Front Page, The Russia House, Brickskellar, 18 th Street Lounge, Ozio, M Street Bar & Grill and Kramer Books.
U Street NW – U Street NW , 14 th Street NW
• The home of Duke Ellington, the U Street area is still DC's epicenter for great jazz and live bands.
• Must tries include Cakelove Cakes and Ben's Chili Bowl.
• 14 th Street has been greatly improved in the last few years and now has many specialty furniture and gift stores.
• It is a great area to walk around during the day if you want to get away from the usual Georgetown , Dupont Circle crowd.
• The Metro is easily accessible at 13 th Street and U Street NW (Green Line).
• GSPMer's recommend Chi-Cha Lounge, Stetsons, Utopia, Bohemian Caverns, 9:30 Club and Black Cat
Foggy Bottom (Near GWU) – Pennsylvania Ave NW , K Street NW and Eye Street
• Not the most happening part of DC but there are some fun bars and restaurants which you can visit after you finish your evening classes (or perhaps before class).
• The main venues are on or around Pennsylvania Ave.
• The area is easily accessed by Metro at the Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro Stop on the Blue and Orange Lines.
• GSPMer's recommend Froggy Bottom, The Red Lion (AKA Lindy's), McFaddens, Marshalls and 51 st State.
• If you are desperate, TGI Fridays often has space.
Capitol Hill
• Usually bustling on weeknight evenings, especially when Congress is in session.
• Capitol Hill is divided into two sides: The Senate Side and the House Side.
• Both sides have fun venues but the area near Union Station tends to be more popular for bars.
• GSPMer's recommend Irish Times, Bullfeathers, My Brother's Place and Capitol Bar and Grill.
• Easy Metro Access: Union Station for the Senate Side (Red Line), Capitol Hill South Metro Stop on the House Side (Blue or Orange Lines)
Chinatown/Gallery Place
• This area is DC's newest hip district with a plethora of upmarket bars, lounges, clubs and restaurants.
• Formally one of the more shady parts of town, the area has had a boost since the MCI center was constructed and is now cleaner and safer.
• Must tries include visiting the Spy Museum . Also, checkout Zaytinya and Jaleo for some terrific tapas style foods.
• GSPMer's recommend Zaytinya, Zola, IndeBleu, Oya, Regional Food and Drink (RFD)
Georgetown – M Street and Wisconsin Ave NW
• Georgetown is quintessential political DC. Home to politicians, diplomats and other DC elites, Georgetown offers the best of DC shopping (if you like chain stores like Gap and Banana Republic) and has some of the better DC restaurants.
• During Summer, the Georgetown Waterfront is a great place to get a drink outdoors or taste scrumptious dumplings at Bangkok Café.
• Tony and Joes also offers one of the biggest Sunday Brunch buffets in DC complete with free flowing sparkling wine.
• Must tries include shopping down M Street or Wisconsin Ave , strolling along the canal and sharing a drink around the piano bar in Mr Smiths.
• Not easily accessible by Metro. However, you can walk from Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro Stop or take a shuttle (costs $1 per ride).
• GSPMer's recommend Smith Point, Mie N Yu, Mr Smiths, Modern, Clydes, The Guards
Arlington , Virginia – Rosslyn, Clarendon, Court House, Ballston, Pentagon City and Crystal City
• Some people say that the best parts of DC are just outside of DC. While the bars close about an hour or two earlier than in the District, Arlington has some great areas where you can wine and dine, watch sports, drink cold beer or listen to live music.
• Must tries include Wholefoods in Clarendon, happy hour $1 Sushi at Café Asia in Rosslyn and specialty beer brews at Dr Dreamo.
• Pentagon City is the biggest Mall in the DC area and has some terrific restaurant choices in the Pentagon Row precinct behind the mall.
• Easily Metro accessible by taking either the Blue or Orange Lines (depending on where you want to get off).
• GSPMer's recommend Café Asia, Jaleo, Thaiphoon, Guarapo, Dr Dreamos, Clarendon Ballroom, Tallula, Whitlow's
Bethesda, Maryland
• Bethesda is renowned for its great restaurants and is fun to visit either during the daytime or in the evenings.
• More family friendly than DC, Bethesda is still a lot of fun for singles as well and definitely better on the taste-buds than most of the food options in DC.
• Easily Metro accessible by taking the Red Line to the Bethesda Metro Station.

NEWS AND POLITICS

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Online Politics News

GSPM Library

The GSPM library has an extensive collection of political books and magazines that you are free to access anytime during normal business hours. You will need to consult the GSPM about their borrowing policies.

GWU Library Resources

GWU's libraries are extensive and have relationships with most of the University Libraries around DC. Connect to their online portal and as a GWU student you will be able to access resources including Lexis Nexis: http://www.gwu.edu/gelman/

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

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TRANSPORTATION

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Do you need a car?

If you are living in the Washington DC zone the metro will be the most easy and efficient way of traveling.

The university campus is located on Foggy Bottom, where you will find the orange line and the blue line. If you want to get acquainted with the metro map visit: www.wmata.com

Rules on International Licenses

Having a driver's license will be useful as identification other than your passport. Also if you decide to buy a car or rent it you must have a driver license. Visit: www.dmv.org to apply for a driver's license.

Purchasing Cars

If you are interested in buying a car, the first step is to visit: www.kbb.com or www.cars.com . Just enter the characteristics of the car you are looking for and they will give you an estimate price.

The second step is to find a dealer. Always negotiate the price and the interest rate. Do not take any price as firm.

Rent Cars

Airports

1. The Reagan National Airport
• Located in Arlington County , Virginia just 4 miles from downtown Washington DC .
• You can get to this airport by metro on the blue line. The stop is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport . Visit: http://www.metwashairports.com/National/ and you will get all the information regarding transportation and flight schedules.
• Washington , DC , Virginia and Maryland taxicabs are available at the exits of each terminal. A chart of approximate taxi rates from national airport is available on: http://www.metwashairports.com/National/taxirates.htm
2. Washington Dulles International Airport
• Located in Dulles , Virginia , approximately 26 miles from downtown Washington , D.C. Visit: http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/ and you will have all the information regarding transportation, airlines and flight schedules.
3. Baltimore Washington International Airport
• Located near Baltimore , Maryland . This airport often offers the cheapest flights around the US but you may need to factor in the cost of travel to the airport either by train or car.
  Visit: www.bwiairport.com

Buying Airline Tickets

Train Information

UTILITIES

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• Energy service
• Phone service
• DSL service (Internet)
• Cable service

Phone, DSL and cell phone service

CONTACTING CURRENT INT'L STUDENTS/ALUMNI

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