1. Check your Invitational Travel Orders (ITO).

IMS travel orders are prepared by a United States agency in their home country. These orders provide important information about the terms and conditions of your stay in the United States, such as whether or not your families can accompany you; what your health insurance requirements are, what travel and lodging allowances, if any, are available to you, and many others. Your ITO is specific to you, and it is important that you check that your name, rank, and country service number are correct. If there is an error in your orders, have it corrected prior to leaving. Always carry orders with you and have them readily available. It is important to review and understand your orders and entitlements. Do NOT depart your country without your ITO.

2. Plan to arrive during the reporting window.

MCWAR : 17-18 June 2024

CSC/EWS: 8-9 July 2024

Please do not schedule your arrival before your respective schools reporting date. Earlier arrival will make it difficult to provide appropriate sponsorship and assistance, and government housing will not be available. Arriving after reporting dates will make it difficult to coordinate your initial orientation and settlement into housing.

3. Take the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test.

Knowledge of the English language is needed to benefit from and enjoy the educational experience at MCU. To be admitted into MCU’s 4 year-long PME programs, IMS must score 80 on the ECL test. The test is taken in your country and again when you arrive in the United States. Some IMS are sent to English Language School at DLI, located at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, before coming to Quantico. By Department of Defense policy letter published each year, IMS from some countries are exempt from having to take the test in their home country, and some IMS from other countries are exempt from having to take the test at all. With or without the test requirement or language school, IMS should begin studying English immediately. One way to learn our version of the English language is by taking every opportunity to speak with people from our country.

4. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Note: this is required for all IMS entering one of MCU's masters degree programs, unless from a country which is exempted from English testing. All IMS attending MCWAR and SAW, and those IMS attending CSC who desire to enter the optional masters program, must have a sufficient TOEFL score or be exempt by DoD policy. IMS at CSC who do not desire to pursue the masters degree, and all IMS attending EWS, are not required to take the TOEFL.

Q. WHAT IS THE TOEFL?
A. The TOEFL is a test, administered by Educational Testing Service, of an individual's ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. There are 2 forms of the test; paper based and internet based.

Q. WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE ECL AND THE TOEFL?
A. The ECL is a DoD military requirement established to ensure that IMS attending any and all U.S. military courses have strong enough language skills to participate in, and benefit from, the course. The TOEFL is an MCU academic requirement for admission into MCU’s masters degree program; it is only required for IMS masters degree candidates.

Q. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TOEFL?
A. Prior to departing your country, and early enough for the test results to arrive at MCU before classes start.

Q. MUST I TAKE THE INTERNET BASED TOEFL?
A. MCU accepts the results of a paper based or internet based TOEFL if the minimum scores are achieved.

Q. WHAT SCORES ARE REQUIRED?
A. Minimum scores are 560/83 (paper based, and internet based)

Q. MUST I TAKE THE INTERNET BASED TOEFL?
 A. MCU accepts the results of a paper based or internet based TOEFL if the minimum scores are achieved.  Q. What scores are required? A. Minimum scores are 560/83 (paper based, and internet based)

Q. HOW DOES MCU RECEIVE TOEFL SCORES?
A. MCU must receive the TOEFL score report directly from the reporting agency. When registering for the test, make sure to select the Destination (DI) Code: 1453.

Q. HOW LONG ARE TOEFL SCORES VALID?
A. Two years.

Q. IS THERE A FEE TO TAKE THE TOEFL?
A. Yes. During academic year 2017-2018, the fee was $160.00 (U.S.)

Q. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOEFL?
A. At www.ets.org/toefl.

5. Have your academic credentials evaluated by an acceptable foreign credit evaluation service.

MCU requires that all masters degree candidates have a nationally or regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, as a prerequisite for entering the masters program. Students who obtained their degree outside of the United States must have their academic credentials evaluated to determine if they are the equivalent of the required degree. Note: this is only required for IMS entering the MCU masters degree programs. It applies to all IMS attending MCWAR and SAW. It also applies to those IMS attending CSC who desire to enter the optional masters program. IMS at CSC who do not desire to pursue the masters degree, and all IMS attending EWS, are not required to have their academic credentials evaluated.

Credentials

Q. HOW DO I HAVE MY ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS EVALUATED?
A. MCU does not conduct foreign credential evaluations (FCE). Instead, it relies on the expert analysis of recognized FCE services. Students must submit their academic credentials directly to an FCE service to determine if the records are equivalent to a US four-year bachelor’s degree, and request that the FCE service submit a report to MCU.

Q. TO WHICH FCE SERVICES CAN I SEND MY CREDENTIALS FOR EVALUATION?
A. Any service that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE); or the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) International Education Services.

Q. WHAT DOES AN FCE COST?
A. Costs may vary from FCE service to service. You are responsible for the cost of obtaining the FCE service.

Q. HOW DOES MCU RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF THE FCE?
A. MCU must receive an official report directly from the FCE service. When submitting your credentials, request that an official report be sent to the MCU Registrar at:
    President, Marine Corps University
    Attn: Registrar
    2076 South Street
    Quantico, VA 22134-5067

Q. I HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE FROM A U.S. COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN FCE?
A. No, but you must provide an official transcript of your academic record, if you are entering any of the masters degree granting programs. Request that the school send an official transcript directly to the MCU Registrar at the address shown above.

6. Make sure that you and all your family members’ passports and visas do not expire until after the end of the school year.

7. Make sure that you have the appropriate medical insurance for your family members.

8. Complete the biographical data and housing preference form.

9. Contact the Regional IMS Officer by email (preferred), phone or mail.

Email: MCU_IMSO@usmcu.edu
Phone: (703) 784-3157/3156
By mail: Marine Corps University Attn: Student Services 2076 South Street Quantico, VA 22134-5067 U.S.A.

Include the following information:

Biographical data and housing preference form
Arrival information – date, airport, flight number, number and ages of family members accompanying you.
Housing preference (on-base or off-base).
Whether you intend to ship household goods and/or furniture.
This information will assist us in planning for your arrival.

• General. You will need all of their uniforms at Quantico, from field/utility to full dress uniform. The normal rule regarding uniform attire is that you should wear your service’s equivalent to whatever the prescribed Marine Corps uniform is for that day or event.

• Uniform of the day (UOD). Normally, Monday – Friday the Marine Corps UOD is the seasonal Service Uniform.

  • During daylight savings time (March – November), the uniform is Service “C” - short sleeve khaki shirt, NO TIE, and green trousers (usually referred to as “Charlies”)

  • Before and after daylight savings time (November – March), the uniform is Service “B” - long sleeve khaki shirt and tie, green trousers (usually referred to as “Bravos”)

  • On occasions when a business suit is considered appropriate, the Service “A” uniform (usually referred to as “Alphas”) may be prescribed. Alphas consist of the Service B uniform plus coat

  • Each of these are worn with the small cloth garrison cap

• Dress uniforms. Certain formal occasions, such as the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and the MCU Graduation Ceremony, require dress uniform.

• Civilian clothes may be worn when not on duty. The average temperature at Quantico is 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Winters are fairly cold, but the coldest days rarely go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius). It is not uncommon to have more than a foot (30 cm) of snow on the ground. Summers are hot and humid (damp); most summer days are in the nineties (32-37 degrees Celsius).

Sample Expenses

The following is an example of expenses you should be prepared to pay during the first month at Quantico. These figures are based on a family of two adults and three children living off-base.

The following is an example of expenses you should be prepared to pay during the first month at Quantico. These figures are based on a family of two adults and three children living off-base.
Motel for 3 days, while waiting quarters.
$400 to $600

• Deposit with landlord to cover any damages to the house while it is occupied by the student. If the student leaves the house undamaged, this money will usually be returned to them. (The deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent.)
  $1,500 to $3,000

• Deposit with utility companies for gas, electricity, and telephone. This money will usually be returned to when the student leaves. (For officers living in on base housing, no deposits or payments for water and electricity are required.)
  $200 to $300

• Cost of gas, water, electricity, cable and telephone. These utilities may cost as much as $200 during the cold winter season and much less during the summer. Average monthly cost is:
  $250 to $400

• Rent for a 3-bedroom unfurnished house.
  $3,000 to $4,000

• Furniture rental, including a TV set and washing machine
  $800 to $1,200

• Used automobile (average 5 years old)
  $5,000 to $8,000

• Reserve for automobile repair
  $500 to $700

• Automobile insurance (6 months)
  $400 to $600

• Food
  $600 to $800

• Miscellaneous: kitchen utensils, school supplies, small items for home, laundry, recreation, postage
  $150 to $200

• First month total (approximately):
  $13,000 to 17,800

Your passport will be your primary form of official identification; however, you will need a second ID in English for some administrative requirements.

1. AN ESCORT TO MEET YOU AT THE TAKE OUT AIRPORT.

MCU’s practice is to have an escort meet you when your flight arrives in order to bring them to Quantico or, if you arrive after duty hours, to temporary lodging.

If you cannot find your escort at the airport, proceed to the USO office, and then call for assistance.
    During working hours (0700 – 1600):
    MCU Student Services, (703) 784-3157/3156
    After working hours:
    Command Duty Officer – (703) 784-2707

2. TEMPORARY LODGING.

The Regional IMSO will make advance arrangements for you, if you have provided your arrival details or specifically asked that temporary lodging be reserved. This lodging will be for you and your authorized dependents in a guesthouse or motel at your expense until permanent lodging is obtained. The escort will have the reservation information.

3. REPORT TO THE REGIONAL IMSO.

The day you arrive in Quantico, or the next duty day if you arrive after duty hours, you will report to the Regional IMSO in the MCU Student Services Office (Warner Center, Room 1182, Building 2044) for in-processing. Make sure to bring:

Passport and visa (IMS and all family members)
Travel and lodging receipts (IMET only)
A second form of identification in English
The Regional IMSO and Student Services office will assist you with:

a. Identification Cards. IMS, and authorized family members 14 years and older, are eligible for Next Gen ID card. The ID will serve as your identification card, prove eligibility for shopping at the Marine Corps Exchange (retail store) and the Commissary (grocery store), and allow the IMS to access the MCU computer network. Student Services will provide you with the necessary paperwork, which you will take to the RAPIDS Center to have your ID created. Every family member receiving a ID must go the RAPIDS Center to receive it. NOTE: CACs must be turned into the Student Services office after the course is over and before you return to your home country.

b. Travel and Lodging Allowance (TLA) Vouchers (IMET IMS). IMET IMS rate a U.S. living allowance, referred to as TLA, per the terms in their ITOs. IMS who rate TLA will complete the necessary paperwork to submit the initial claim for payment. MCU practice is to submit claims so that payment is made as close to the 15th of each month. During the course year, those IMS claiming TLA must submit receipts for each period claimed. The TLA amount varies according to whether or not you have dependents with you and the amount authorized by your government. Once again, ensure you understand your entitlements prior to arrival at Quantico.

4. INITIAL CHECK-IN AND GETTING SETTLED.

During your first few days at Quantico, until you are able to purchase a car or arrange your own transportation, MCU will provide escorts to take you where you need to go and assist you with getting settled. Note: Escorts and vehicles will be assigned to assist multiple IMS and families arriving at the same time you are. They will not be available to you at all times each of these first days.

5. SCHEDULED ORIENTATION CLASSES.

From 15 - 26 July 2024, IMS will participate in a scheduled orientation program. The first week will consist of MCU administrative requirements, briefs on Marine Corps Base Quantico facilities, and coordinating final housing and living arrangements. The second week will be devoted to school specific administrative and curriculum preparation. Detailed schedules will be developed closer to the beginning of the school year.

6. READ THE MCU STUDENT HANDBOOK.

It has information about the University policies and procedures that will affect you as a student, and resources available to you and your family to help you while assigned to Marine Corps University.