Housing
You are strongly encouraged to live in campus housing where residence hall rooms are available. If you choose to live on campus, you should complete the Student Housing Application. You will be required to make a housing deposit of $90.00 for the residence halls. These fees are in addition to any tuition or academic fees assessed. The deposits must be submitted with your application.
Note: During certain holidays, the NEO campus will shut down, and all dorms will be closed.
Transportation
Please be aware that NEO’s International Program does not furnish transportation to our campus in Miami, Oklahoma, and will not be responsible for picking students up at the airport, bus terminal, etc. If you are a student-athlete, a coach or member of the athletic booster program may agree to transport you to campus, but this is by no means guaranteed. Please be sure to make prior arrangements for getting to Miami from your arrival point.
End of the Semester Departures — International Students should NOT purchase plane tickets with departure dates prior to the last day of their final exams; instructors will not allow students to reschedule exams for an earlier date/time in order to accommodate transportation plans that conflict with the published semester schedule. All students should plan to attend class throughout the entire semester, including final exam week.
The nearest domestic airport, Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), is 50 km from campus. The nearest international airport, Tulsa International Airport (TUL), is 140 km from campus.
Employment
You are allowed to work on-campus only, but not more than 20 hours per week. Without an EAD or special work permit, you are not allowed to work off-campus. Jobs cannot be guaranteed but can be acquired with persistence. Do not assume you will be given employment or expect to use the supplementary income for your tuition or room and board. Contact International Programs for further instructions on how to apply for a Social Security Card and obtain a Social Security Card Verification Form.
Students who wish to apply for OPT training (to work in an area directly related to their field of study) may apply with the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service.
Resources
SEVIS Check-In
You must check-in at the International Programs Office (IPO), located in the Student Center of the Student Union, during the first week of classes. Bring your passport, I-20, and housing assignment. Students who fail to register will be auto-terminated, dropped from classes, and required to return to their country of origin.
Tuberculosis (TB) Tests & Immunization Records
NEO requires tuberculosis screening for all international students. You will need to be tested by the school nurse and submit the result to the IPO within 30 days of your program start date. Contact the school nurse at +1 (918) 533-4325.
Airport Pick-up
NEO does not offer airport pick-up. Students are required to arrange pick-up. The nearest domestic airport, Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), is 50 km from campus. The nearest international airport, Tulsa International Airport (TUL), is 140 km from campus.
Placement Test
All international first-time college students are required to take the ACCUPLACER test before registering for classes their first semester. This test is given to help determine which Math, English, and Reading classes you should register for first and it has no influence on your admissions or grades. Study guides are available online.
Holidays
NEO dorms will be closed for most major holidays, semester breaks, and during the summer. International students will not be permitted to remain on campus during these times and the cafeteria will not be open. Please be sure you make arrangements for your room and board during those times.
Weather
The weather in Miami is characterized by four distinct seasons. The temperature during the winter months can drop as low as -17 C and during the summer months temperatures can reach 41 C. Peggy’s Closet, NEO’s clothing bank, has warm winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves free to NEO students. You should be aware of severe weather, such as thunderstorms and/or tornados, especially in spring.
Shopping
There is a store in town called Wal-Mart. This store has groceries, linens, clothing, etc. Wal-Mart is 4 km from campus and is where most people do their shopping. You can also shop Walmart.com and get delivery service. Other popular stores are; Walgreens pharmacy, Harp’s grocery store, and Chapter’s bookstore/coffee shop.
Prices
Items Price in US Dollars
Fast food meal $10.00
Milk (1 gallon) $5.00
Loaf of white bread $3.00
Rice (1 pound) $1.50
Eggs (12) $3.50
Apples (1 pound) $2.00
Bananas (1 pound) $0.75
Cell Phones
There are several pre-paid options in which you just purchase minutes as you need them and are available at Wal-Mart in town.
Banking
Various banks are available in town; the most commonly used account types are checking accounts and saving accounts. Arvest Bank is a popular choice for international students as they do not require a Social Security Number.
Important Numbers
USA emergency police, fire department, or ambulance 911
Campus Police +1(918) 540-6300
Integris Miami Hospital +1(918) 542-6611
ComPsych +1 (800) 272-7255
Enter “NEO” as organization ID
NEO Counselor Lori Kurtz +1 (918) 540-6229
NEO Housing Department +1 (918) 540-6301
NEO Business Office +1 (918) 540-6222
NEO Post Office +1 (918) 540-6232