Fall 2023 New Student Arrivals

Fall 2023 ISI ABQ Request for Assistance
ISI Albuquerque Welcomes You!

International Students Inc. (ISI) of Albuquerque is a national Christian service organization made up of trained, culturally-sensitive, volunteers, eager for cultural exchange. We accept volunteers of all religious beliefs, however most of our volunteers self-identify as Christians. International students of all religions & beliefs are welcome to participate in any of our programs. Our desire is to build genuine friendships between local residents and International students.

ISI offers international students and scholars free airport pickup and temporary home-stay service when they first arrive in Albuquerque. However, in order to make the necessary arrangemetns, we need to receive the completed "Request for Services Form" at least one week, before the expected arrival date. If the form is received less then one week before arrival, we will do our best to help you, but it depends on how many other requests we have pending. All of our services are free and offerd by volunteers and are dependent upon thier availability.

Please do not complete this form until you have your travel arrangements finalized. If you are only requesting apartment finding information you can complete the form before your travel arrangements are finalized.

All of our services are free.

What does this ‘Welcome service’ consist of?
1) Pickup from the Albuquerque International Airport, "SunPort" or Bus/Train Station.
2) Stay of up to 5 nights with an American family.
3) Breakfast and Dinner with the host family during the home stay.
4) Transportation to and from the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus during your home stay.

How do you sign-up?

1. If you are only requesting apartment finding assistance, you may complete the form before your travel arrangements are completed.

2. If you are requesting airport pickup and/or a temporary homestay, after your travel arrangements are completed, fill out the online request form below and submit it. Each student must fill out their own request form even if you are traveling with others.

We must receive your request form at least one week before your arrival in Albuquerque in order to provide Airport Pickup and Temporary Homestay services for you. If we receive your request less than 1 week, we can often help you, but it's more difficult and not always possible. If your request is delayed because of visa problems, go ahead and submit a request form and we will do what we can to assist you. Please submit your request as soon as your travel plans are finalized so we can begin working on it.

3. You will receive a confirmation from isiabq@isionline.org when your request form is received. You will immediately receive an automatic thank you and then a followup email with more information within 48 hours .

4. You should receive an e-mail from your "American Host" at least 2 days before your arrival date. Be sure and regularly check your email and your spam folder. If you have not received a an email from your assigned host, and your departure is within 48 hours, please contact isiabq@isionline.org It is also important that YOU REPLY to your host's email letting them know that you received it.

Unexpected Delays or Missed Connecting Flights?
Please call your "American Host" and/or ISI (505) 238-6064 (voice or text) immediately to let them know the situation. Then, if necessary, call again as soon as you are given your new flight schedule.

Arrival at Albuquerque's Airport:
1) When you arrive at the Baggage Claim, look for a person holding up a sign with your name on it. This will identify your American Host.
2) If you have not located your American Host within 30 minutes you can contact ISI at 505-238-6064 (voice or text) If your flight arrives early, please wait at the Baggage Claim area at least 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.
Personal Information:
Questions marked with * are required.
Last/Family Name*
First/Given Name*
Gender*

MaleFemale
Country*
Age*
Allergies
Dietary Restrictions
Are there any pets you absolutely do not want to be around?
Keep in mind that many American homes have a friendly cat or dog as a pet.
Do you smoke?*

YesNo
Marital Status*

SingleMarried, arriving aloneMarried, arriving with spouseMarried, arriving with spouse and other family members
Arrival Information:
Date of Arrival*

MonthDayYear
Time*

Hour Minutes

AM/PM Option
Services Requested
Airport Welcome (AW) - one of our volunteers will pick you up at the airport and then take you to your desired location.

Temporary Homestay (THS) - This is a service where you can stay in an American home for up to 5 nights. After 5 nights you must be prepared to move to a hotel. Your host is not allowed to host you longer than 5 nights. During this time, your host will drive you to the University in the morning and pick you up in the late afteroon. They will provide you with a simple morning breakfast and dinner in the evening and a place to sleep.

Apartment Finding Help (AFH) -We will send you helpful information that you can use to begin your housing search before you leave your country. After you arrive, we can assist you in person during our Welcome Center hours.

Friendship Partner (FP)- This is a family or individual who will share life with you as a genuine friend. These volunteers help to answer questions about American life, share meals, help with English practice, help with practical needs, and share cultural and social events. They will get together with you at a time that is convenient for both you and them. They will provide opportunities to meet other Americans, visit their home, and go to special events or holiday celebrations.

For Lodging Needs After 5 Nights With a Host Family - ISI has a list of inexpensive hotels. After you have stayed with your host for about 3 nights, contact isiabq.org for the list of hotels. You do not need to make those reservations in advance of your arrival.
Mark Services Requested (see abbreviations above) (choose as many as you need)*

AWTHSFPAFHOther
Airline arriving into Albuquerque . ( If arriving by other transportation, write it in the space. Ex: Greyhound bus, Amtrak train, by car.*
Flight Number (Write N/A if not arriving by plane)*
What major US city are you first entering? (Where will you go through customs?)*

ChicagoLos AngelesDenverNew YorkHoustonAtlantaDallasOther
How many nights do you need a temporary homestay? You should not expect your temporary host family to be available to host you more than 5 nights. After 5 nights you will need to move to a hotel.*

0 Nights1 Night2 Nights3 Nights4 Nights5 NightsStays of longer than 5 nights are not permitted.
Special Interests or Hobbies (music, sports, reading, etc)
Mark the types of activities you are interested in doing with your Friendship Partner/Host Family.

Go on a short tripGo to a movie, concert, or cultural eventGo to a sporting eventLearn about your Friendship Partner's religious beliefs and practicesTeach your Friendship Partner about your religious beliefs and practicesAttend parties togetherSight-SeeDiscuss or study the Bible togetherDiscuss or study your religious book togetherHave your FP visit you in your apt or dormHave dinner togetherLearn EnglishVisit an American churchCelebrate American holidaysGo hiking or campingCook togetherAttend special eventsOther
Education
Level of Education:*

Undergraduate Degree Seeking (1 or more years)Undergraduate Exchange - 1 semesterUndergraduate Exchange - 2 semestersGraduate Exchange - 1 semesterGraduate Exchange - 2 semestersGraduate Masters - 2 yearsGraduate Phd- 3 or more yearsVisiting ScholarCelacOther
Academic Department/Area of Study:*
Estimated finish/departure date from UNM*
Month & Year
Where will you be living in Albuquerque?*

Apartment - already rentedApartment - need to find oneOn Campus dorm (Casas Del Rio, Hokona, Laguna, Santa Clara, Redondo, etc)Off Campus dorm Dorm (Lobo Village or Lobo Rain Forest)Don't know yetOther
Do you know your move in date? If yes, please give the date.
Your local (U.S.) phone number:
If you have one...
Your Primary Email address:*
Your UNM email address:
If you have one...
Release of Liability Statement and Hold Harmless Agreement for International Students, Inc. (ISI)
In appreciation and consideration of ISI affording me the opportunity to participate in events and activities, I agree that I participate in these events/activities solely at my own risk. I waive, release and agree to hold harmless ISI, it's agents, employees and volunteers from any and all property damage, personal injury or other claims of whatever nature made by myself or others related to my participation in these events/activities.(To show agreement, please type your signature in the box below).
Please type your signature in the box. (Typing your signature indicates signing of the above release of liability agreement).*
Can ISI use pictures of you taken at ISI events?*

YesNo
Emergency Contact: Please provide name, relationship, telephone number, and language spoken:*
Is there anything else we need to know in order to help meet your needs?
Apartment Finding Help
There are several very important things you need to be aware of before you decide to secure off-campus housing at UNM:

1. It is highly recommended that all ONE-semester exchange students secure housing in residence halls on campus immediately upon admission.

2. There is a LIMITED number of suitable, affordable, available units within walking distance (1 mile) of the UNM campus.

3. For off campus rooms or apartments, you should not pay any money before you arrive and see the place. There are many scammers operating in the rental market.

4. Most off-campus housing is NOT furnished. (ISI has some free furniture available on a first-come basis. Visit our Welcome Center for furniture.)

5. Most off-campus housing requires a signed contract agreeing to pay the rent for 9-12 months (lease=legal document). One-semester (4 months or less) leases are rare.

6. Most off-campus housing also requires a non-refundable application fee: $25-$80.

7. Most units also require a deposit fee: $300-$1000 (which is not easy to get refunded)

8. Average prices per month for a variety of types and sizes of units are:

1 private room in a shared house. $550 + $50 Utilities.

1 private room with kitchenette and bath (Studio) $750 + $50 Utilities.

1 bedroom apartment (+living room, kitchen, bath) $800 + $50 Utilities

2 bedroom apartment (+living room, kitchen,1 bath) $1,000 + $100 Utilities

3 bedroom house or apartment (+living room, kitchen, 2 baths) $1400 + $150

Utilities include water, electric, & gas. Internet access is usually $25-50 extra.

9. Many units do not include laundry facilities.

10. More modern units are available if you have a car or are willing to ride the city bus (free for students).

11. All students seeking off-campus housing should plan to arrive at least two weeks before classes begin.

12. All on-campus residence hall students should try to plan to arrive no more than three days before the residence halls open.

Please fill out the information below with particulars regarding your housing needs. After your arrival, come to the ISI Welcome Center. Check www.isiabq.org for hours and location.
Do you want to share an apartment or house?*

YesNoMaybe
Are you willing to share a bedroom?*

YesNoMaybe
Do you have a specific person in mind that you want to share an apartment with? If so, please give their name.
Type of housing unit desired:*

one bedroom in a shared homestudio apartment (bedroom, living room and kitchen in one room +bathroom)one bedroom apartment with kitchen, bedroom and bathtwo bedroom apartmentthree bedroom apartment or housefour bedroom apartment or houseOther
Total amount you can afford to spend per month including utilities. Utilities average $50 per month per person. Do Not count what roommates can contribute (unless you are living with your family).*

$450 (You will have to share a bedroom for this price)$600 (You will have to share an apartment for this price)$700$800$900-$1000$1000-$1250$1250-$1500$1500-$1750$1750-$2000$2000 or more
Will you have a car?*

YesNoMaybe
Will you have a bicycle?*

YesNoMaybe
Are you willing to ride the city bus?*

NoYes for 10 minutesYes for 10-20 minutesYes for 20-30 minutesYes for 30-40 minutes
Would you like for us to share your email address with other students that are looking for shared housing?*

YesNo
Other information that may help us find the right housing unit for you. Please explain your needs/wants or circumstances not covered in our questions above.
Should be Empty:

Fall 2023 ISI ABQ Request for Assistance

Personal Information:

Arrival Information:

Services Requested

Education

Apartment Finding Help