University of Iowa - Karolinska Institute Exchange Program
Congratualtions on your nomination to participate in the University of Iowa - Karolinska Institute Exchange Program.
Below you will find links that will guide you through the matriculation process. Please read through the information carefully and respond with the requested information as soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your application.
| Program Information - Fall 2009 | Living in Iowa City |
| Application Procedures | Research Environment |
| Rankings | |
| Students in their own words... | |
| Housing | |
| Furnishings & Recycling | |
| Community Resources | |
| Cost of Living Calculator | |
| Contact Information | Living in Iowa City |
| Graduate Social Life |
| Step 1 | Complete the Nondegree Student Application. There is no application fee. |
| Complete sections A, B, C, D, and G. You do not need to compete sections E or F. | |
| A. Pesonal Data | |
| #14 Indicate the type of visa you expect to hold while at The University of Iowa. Select - Exchange Visitor (J-1). | |
| The requirement to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is being waived as a part of this application process. | |
| B. Admissiosn Data | |
| #1 To which college of the University you are applying? Select - Graduate College. | |
| #2 For which session are you applying? Select and Enter - Fall (August) 2009. | |
| #3 Purpose of attending. Enter - Memorandum of Understanding between The Univ of Iowa Biosciences Program and the Karolinska Institute. | |
| #4 List the courses you plan to take here. Enter – To be determined. | |
| #5 University of Iowa faculty member and/or department with whom you have discussed your plans. Enter – Biosciences Program. | |
Step 2 |
Express mail the signed and completed application form including a description of your research experience [date(s), location(s), mentor(s), and techniques acquired] directly to: |
Andrew F. Russo, PhD |
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Step 3 |
Submit via express mail an official transcript (untranslated and translated) directly to: |
| Andrew F. Russo, PhD Biosciences Program The University of Iowa 1178 Medical Laboratories Iowa City, IA 52242-1181 U.S.A |
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| Step 4 | Once the University of Iowa Biosciences Program has received your completed application form and transcripts an admission decision will be made. |
If you are admitted a DS-2019 will be issued by The University of Iowa to apply for a U.S. visa.
According to federal immigration laws, the DS-2019 will require you to prove that you have enough financial support for the duration of you stay in the U.S. (bank statements, letters of support, etc.).
The United States does not have a national health insurance program. International students attending the University are not eligible for government assistance with medical bills, nor may they freely earn money to pay medical bills.
Health insurance is required
Since it is imperative to have resources to pay for expenses related to accidents or unexpected illnesses that require hospitalization, international students at The University of Iowa are required to have health insurance.
U.S. law requires health insurance for J-2 dependents. It's wise to purchase health insurance for any dependents who accompany you to the United States. However, do not purchase a health insurance policy that does not meet the University's Exemption Guidelines.
University health insurance policies
Many UI students choose to be automatically enrolled in the basic University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) when they register for classes. The monthly premium is charged to their U-bill. You will need to make arrangements for anything other than single-student coverage under the plan.
Graduate students also have a second health insurance option known as UI GRADCare. Teaching and research assistants are eligible for a University contribution toward either medical or dental insurance.
The SHIP plan is based on the assumption that you will use the University's Student Health Service for your routine health care needs. However, you may use any provider you choose.
Under UI GRADCare, students use Student Health Service for routine care and family members use physicians at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Both policies:
- Cover medically necessary procedures and prescriptions
- Cover preexisting conditions (medical conditions that existed before you bought the coverage)
- Go into effect the first day of the month of the semester you begin classes at the University
- Are valid anywhere in the world
The most economical health insurance policy offered by the University costs about $1,020 (U.S. dollars) per year. Costs increase each year. You will get details about both policies during the International Student Orientation program.
If you already have coverage
Your current coverage may already satisfy the University’s health insurance requirement. For example, perhaps you have private insurance, or are insured by your government or a sponsoring agency (e.g., Institute of International Education, Academy for Educational Development, etc.), or you have a scholarship from (or are sponsored by) an agency that provides health insurance or assumes payment of your medical costs.
For an exemption, submit a Proof of Coverage Form (see the link under "Plan Enrollment and Exemption") or confer with officials in the University Benefits Office for more information.
A new U.S.A immigration laws require visiting students to be enrolled “full-time”. Full-time at the graduate level is at least 9 semester hours (s.h.) which is usually three courses.
Most first year graduate students take two didactic courses and do a pass/fail lab rotation as the third course. The lab rotation serves to give you a "home" in a lab so that you can experience the research environment at The University of Iowa.
Biosciences-KI participants will be advised regarding course selections, research rotations, and registration by a designated faculty member who is most closely related to the student’s research and academic interest.
A key feature of the Biosciences-KI agreement is its flexibility. Hence a student can tailor their choice of electives based on their interests. Recommended study plans are available for students interested in a specific department or program.
To facilitate the selection of an advisor, please submit the following items to the Biosciences Program:
- Description of research interests.
- List of 5 – 7 faculty members (ranked in priority order) that you would like to perform a research rotation in their laboratory.
Search the research interests of our faculty.
The Opening Day of classes is Monday, August 24, 2009.
However, please plan on arriving in Iowa City no later than August 10th.
Biosciences Program–KI students are required to participate in International Student Orientation sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
Upon your acceptance you will receive direct correspondence from the OISS regarding International Student Orientation.
Click here for highlights regarding the OISS Fall 2009 International Student Orientations for students in F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status. A detailed calendar of events providing day, time, and location will be provided by OISS upon your acceptance.
English Proficiency Evaluation
The University of Iowa is waiving the requirement to submit results from the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) for the Iowa-KI participants.
However, you will be required to sit for an English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE). This evaluation includes a 30-minute writing sample, a multiple choice reading comprehension and vocabulary test, and a 10-minute oral interview with two English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors.
When you sign in at the Office of International Students and Scholars as part of International Student Orientation, you will be assigned a time at which you are to take the EPE. The results of this evaluation will be given to you at your academic orientation and a copy will be sent to the Biosciences Program.
Note that you will not be able to register for classes until you complete the following OISS Orientation events:
- Report to the OISS
- Attend the session on immigration regulations
- Take the English Proficiency Evaluation (required)
August 10 - 14, 2009
During the week of August 10th meet with your academic advisor that has been assigned to you by the Biosciences Program.
Biosciences-KI participants will need to contact their advisor on an individual basis to set up an appointment to discuss choosing courses and lab rotations. Please make the appointment to meet with your advisor prior to August 17th.
August 17 - 21, 2009
After you have met with your advisor and selected your coursework, please contact Jodi Graff, Program Associate, Biosciences Program, to schedule an appointment during the week of August 17 – 21th to register for your courses. You can also reach Ms. Graff by telephoning 319-335-8305.
During your appointment you will:
- Register for courses
- Receive instruction on how to obtain a University of Iowa ID
- Receive instruction on where to purchase text books
- Individual photo taken for web site and bulletin board
- Register for e-mail account
- Complete employee & student address form
- Hepatitis B vaccine form (elect or decline)
- Complete on-line blood borne pathogen training
There are many housing options in the Iowa City area. The campus offers both apartment-style living and rooms in residence halls. The surrounding community offers a variety of housing, form rooming houses to luxury apartments. Choose housing that fits your needs and budget.
To find housing that is best suited for you, start early.
On-Campus Housing
Students who choose to live on campus mention these benefits: convenient locations; lots of opportunities to make friends; affordable price; plenty of study areas; access to computer and laundry facilities
- University Apartments are owned by the University and are unfurnished. They are near the campus and on a free campus bus route.
Off-Campus Housing
Apartments are numerous in the Iowa City/Coralville area. Students are responsible for making their own arrangements. For your convenience, we encourage you to secure housing within the Iowa City/Coralville city limits that is within walking distance to the Hospital and Health Sciences Campus or is served by public and free campus transportation.
The University estimates the average cost of living off campus to be $8,000 per year, per student. The actual cost will vary depending on the type of housing you choose, distance from campus, and your style of living.
If you live off campus, you probably will be required to sign a lease. This is a binding legal contract between the tenant (you) and the landlord (property owner). Read everything carefully before you sign your name to a document. Do not sign a lease unless you are satisfied with the housing and expect to remain satisfied for the duration of the agreement. Ask questions if you are not certain you understand what you have read.
Leases normally run from August through next July. Thus you will want to discuss with potential property owner the opportunity for a August – December lease agreement. Otherwise, you still will be legally bound to ay for your off-campus lodging throughout the full term of your lease.
Rentals
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The University Housing Clearinghouse provides an on-line list of privately owned apartments available off-campus.
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The Family Services Office provides an on-line list of rental property in Private Homes, In-Home Apartments, Guest Houses and Extended Stay and Interim Housing in the area.
Newspapers
A large list of apartments can be found on-line in the three local newspapers:
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The Daily Iowan: The University of Iowa campus newspaper. Free to University students. The paper is available weekdays when school is in session.
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Iowa City Press Citizen: The Iowa City local newspaper available daily.
- Cedar Rapids Gazette: A local Cedar Rapids and Johnson county newspaper available daily.
Iowa City has a number of great used furniture and household goods stores. Buying used dishes, appliances, and furniture can save you lots of money, and most secondhand stores have a wide variety of household goods in nearly new condition. You can also find bikes and clothes at some of these stores.
Check out the following stores (and remember them when it's time to move out and you want to get rid of your stuff).
Crowded Closet - 1213 S. Gilbert Court, 319-337-5924
Goodwill
Houseworks - 111 Stevens Drive, 319-338-4357
Second Act - 538 Olympic Court, 319-338-8454
Stuff Etc.
Local antique stores
Garage sales
UI Surplus Store
Recycling
Iowa City offers free curbside recycling. The City provides a blue recycling bin. If you have not received one or need information about organizing recyclables, call 356-5180. City Carton, 3 E. Benton St., takes some recyclables that the City does not accept. Curbside recycling in Coralville is also free. Yellow bins are available at City Hall.
Community Resources - Iowa City/Coralville and surrounding areas
| Community Information | Telephone |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau........................... | 800-283-6592 |
| Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.............. | 319-337-9637 |
| City of Iowa City.............................................. | 319-356-5000 |
| City of Coralville.............................................. | 319-248-1799 |
| Local Newspapers | |
| Iowa City Press-Citizen................................... | 319-337-3181 |
| The Daily Iowan.............................................. | 319-335-5850 |
| Community News Advertiser............................ | 319-339-3100 |
| Automobile Information | |
| Driver’s License Department............................. | 319-338-5520 |
· 1700 W. First Ave. |
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| Vehicle Registration........................................ | 319-356-6091 |
· 913 S. Dubuque St. |
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| Utilities & Services | |
| Water/Sewer/Refuse Connection and information:............................. |
319-356-5066 |
| MidAmerican Energy (Gas & Electric) Installation & information:................................. |
888-427-5632 |
| Qwest Telephone Service To order new land line service:.......................... |
800-244-1111 |
| MediaCom Cable Services Installation & information:................................. |
319-351-3984 |
| Financial Institutions | |
| Commercial Federal Bank................................ | 319-338-9751 |
· 301 S. Clinton St. |
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| Hills Bank & Trust........................................... | 319-351-3337 |
· 123 E. Washington St. |
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| Iowa State Bank & Trust.................................. | 319-356-5800 |
· 102 S. Clinton St. |
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| U of I Community Credit Union.......................... | 319-339-1000 |
· 500 Iowa Ave. |
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| US Bank........................................................ | 319-356-9000 |
· 204 E. Washington St. |
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| Wells Fargo Bank........................................... | 319-338-9814 |
· 112 S. Dubuque St. |
Please contact Jodi Graff if you have any questions regarding the Iowa-KI Exchange Program:
Biosciences Program
The University of Iowa
1178 Medical Laboratories
Iowa City, IA 52242-1181
Phone: 1-800-551-6787 or 319-335-8305
Fax: 319-335-7656
E-mail: biosciences@uiowa.edu
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