Meet Our Exchange Student from Germany, Robert Konen!

Hi, my name is Robert Konen and I am an exchange student from Germany. I lived there with my family in a small town called Papenburg. This is in the northwest of Germany, near Hamburg. Now I live with a host-family in Woodinville, WA for one year!

On the ferry to Bainbridge Island

Currently, I am a scholarship holder of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program for young professionals (CBYX). This is an exchange program between Germany and the United States and enables 75 young professionals to take part in an international exchange every year.

I chose CBYX because it is the best program for my personal goals. For me it was important to improve my English skills and to get to know the American life and the differences to Germany. I am also looking forward to meeting many new people here and having a great time.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA

About me:

  • In my free time I love to play soccer, cycling, and hang out with my friends.

What I like the most about Seattle so far:

  • All people are so friendly, helpful, and just great! I like the nature with the water and all the forests. And there are many big sport teams I want to watch like football, baseball, soccer, and ice hockey.

Places I have visited in the U.S.:

  • Ferry to Bainbridge Island with the International Education Department at Shoreline (photo above)
  • Road Trip to California with Other CBYX Students (photo right)

Hope to meet you at Shoreline during Fall 2022 Quarter!

Fall Quarter FAQs!

As Summer starts, we’re already looking forward to Fall quarter! We know many of you are starting to make your plans for starting or continuing your studies at Shoreline in the fall. If you’re considering arriving in the U.S., please take a look at these Frequently Asked Questions for international students:

*Please note that some of the information posted below has changed. We have an updated FAQ post available at this time. All information posted below is subject to further change, particularly if health guidelines in our area change. We are committed to providing you with updates as quickly as possible should any of the information change.

1. Can I attend Shoreline in person for Fall 2021 Quarter? 

Yes! We will have robust hybrid class offerings and activities on campus this fall. 

2. What classes can I take in person? 

There are MANY options you can take in person, including classes in Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, ESL, Film, Math, Music, Physics, and more! You can see for yourself in our class schedule for Fall. On-campus classes are listed as “hybrid,” because they will have both in-person meetings and online learning combined.

3. Can I attend Shoreline online for Fall 2021 Quarter? 

Yes! We will continue to offer fully online options this Fall if you are joining us from your home country or if Fall quarter will not be your first quarter in the U.S.

4. Do I need to get a negative COVID-19 test to fly to the U.S.? 

Yes! The CDC is still requiring a negative COVID test to fly, even if you have been fully vaccinated. See more information on the latest testing requirements, here.

5. Do I need to get a Covid-19 vaccination before entering the U.S.? 

The CDC is not currently requiring vaccines to travel to the U.S.  

6. Do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccination to study at Shoreline? 

While it’s strongly encouraged, COVID-19 vaccines are not currently required to enroll.  This information has changed since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

7. Can I get vaccinated in Seattle? 

Yes! Vaccines are readily available for international students. Many students are choosing to get vaccinated after they arrive in the U.S. There will be free vaccine clinics on campus at Shoreline as well. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

8. Which vaccinations are available? 

  • For students 16+: Pfizer is approved and available (more may become available for this group as the FDA approves their use for younger students)
  • For students 18+: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson

9. Does student health insurance cover the cost of the vaccine in the U.S.? 

Yes, and in fact, vaccines can be accessed by students free of charge, even without health insurance.

10. Does my international student insurance cover treatment for coronavirus? 

  • Treatment of the coronavirus is covered under the international student insurance plan similar to other illnesses.
  • The plan also offers a variety of free resources, including meeting with a doctor online or by phone, a 24/7 nurse line, and a student support line if you want to talk about any anxiety or stress (available in many languages).
  • For more information, see our detailed post on our international student insurance.
  • If you have questions about the international student insurance plan or any of these services, contact Yushin Wung at ywung@shoreline.edu.

11. Will I need to quarantine when I arrive in the U.S.? 

No. While the CDC recommends social distancing after travel, quarantine is not required. This information has been updated since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

12. Do I need a signature on my I-20 to enter or leave the U.S.? 

When you leave the U.S., you do not need a travel signature. The signature is required when you enter the U.S.  If you will enter the U.S. within one year of your last travel signature, you do not need a new one. We recommend you carry a copy of your class registration with you when you arrive at a port of entry in the U.S. If you do not have a travel signature or it is too old, contact Harumi Kendall at hkendall@shoreline.edu.  

13. Will you offer airport pick-up service for Fall quarter? 

Yes! We will offer airport pick-up service prior to Orientation. Admitted students will receive additional information about this via email. For specific questions about this service, contact Linda Du at ldu@shoreline.edu.

14. Are masks and social distancing still required on campus? 

Shoreline is following the State of Washington’s plan for Higher Education reopening. At this time, masks are required while indoors on campus, and social distancing is required in all areas of campus, per that plan.  This information has been updated since the original post was published. Please see our updated FAQ post for new information.

15. Will the Residence Hall be open?

Yes! The Residence Hall has been open continuously since 2019, and it will continue to be open in the Fall. You can learn more and apply at www.7000campusliving.com

16. Will Homestay options be available? 

Yes! All of our homestay partners are still offering placements for international students. You can see our housing and homestay information at https://www.shoreline.edu/international/about-us/housing.aspx 

17. Is the Greater Seattle Area safe?

We are very proud of the City of Seattle for (at the time this has been published) being the most vaccinated major city in the country. Both the city and surrounding areas have vaccinated over 70% of the population 16+ years old, reaching the U.S. standard for herd immunity. The community is making a big effort to keep all residents safe.

I have another question that wasn’t answered!

Check the Shoreline webpage for COVID-19 updates, or contact us at international@shoreline.edu or IEhelp@shoreline.edu!

3 Reasons to Stay in Seattle During Winter Break

With almost a whole month between Fall Quarter and Winter Quarter, many international students choose to travel, whether back to their home countries or around the U.S. and Canada.

But there are plenty of reasons to stay right here in the Seattle area during the winter break! Here are three of our favorites:

Go Skiing!

Even though it rarely snows in Seattle or Shoreline, and when it does it’s gone in just a day or two, in the mountains nearby, there is plenty of snow for skiing. From Shoreline, you can be on a snow-covered mountain in less than two hours.

Experience a Bavarian-Style Winter Wonderland in Leavenworth

See beautiful Bavarian architecture dressed up in lights for the holidays, walk through the snowy mountain village, or stay warm and cozy inside while enjoying traditional German foods and drinks. Or better yet, do all three!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Seattle Center

Dan Bennett from Seattle, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Ring in the new year on the dance floor at a free dance party at Seattle Center, and finish the evening off watching the fantastic fireworks display at the Space Needle!

Baby Duck and Goose Season at Green Lake

Spring is here once again, and with the sunshine and warm weather come baby ducks and baby geese!

Two geese with goslings

You can see lots of them from the walking and biking path along Green Lake in the north part of Seattle, just about a fifteen-minute drive from Shoreline’s campus. They are 100% adorable.

As a bonus, here is some fun vocabulary: young ducks are called “ducklings,” and the word for a young goose is “gosling.”

3 Things to Do on a Sunny Day in Seattle

Since we’re currently enjoying our nearly annual April/May mini summer, we thought this would be a good opportunity to share some ideas on what to do on a sunny day in Seattle. The forecast for this weekend is looking warm and mostly sunny. Whatever you do, make sure you get outside and soak up some vitamin D!

1. See the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park

Seattle From Kerry Park

Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Kerry Park is home to the most dramatic views of the Emerald City (one of Seattle’s nicknames), with the Space Needle standing tall in front of the downtown skyscrapers, and Mount Rainier huge in the distance.

2. Walk along the waterfront

Golden Gardens

Golden Gardens in Ballard is a beautiful place to walk along the Puget Sound. There are many other options as well, though. Alki Beach in West Seattle offers great views of downtown Seattle across the water, while Discovery Park in Magnolia has a whole range of hiking options, from woods to bluffs to beach, if you want a little more variety.

3. Enjoy the musicians at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market Musician

In addition to being famous for coffee, Seattle is famous for its musical culture, home to famous musicians such as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, arguably the best guitar player of all time. On the street outside of Pike Place Market, you can hear all different kinds of music. There are singing groups, guitar players, and, here, a trumpet player.

 

Holiday Festivities in Seattle This Weekend

Take a break from homework and studying this weekend and check out these great and FREE holiday events around downtown Seattle!

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Sheraton Gingerbread Village – Tuesday, November 21 through January 1
The Downtown Sheraton Hotel is celebrating their 25th year of exceptional gingerbread creations. This year the theme is honoring Seattle. They have viewing hours every day, so stop by when you have the chance.

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Macy’s Holiday Parade – Friday, November 24
If you’re an early riser, head downtown to see watch the Macy’s Holiday Parade! The parade route is along Fifth Avenue and University, ending at Macy’s. The parade starts at 9:00am and will last for around an hour.

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Magic in the Market – Saturday, November 25
If you don’t want to fight against Friday’s crowds, you can still kick off holiday celebrations in Pike Place Market on Saturday! Starting at 11:00am, there will be live music performances, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting at 5:00pm.

– Meg Humphrey

Short Run Comix & Arts Festival

The Short Run Comix & Arts Festival is taking place on Saturday, November 4 at Seattle Center, from 11:00am – 6:00pm. This free event is all about showcasing independent artists, writers, and creators.

11-2-17 Short Run

The Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center will be where the Book Expo is held, and the Vera Project will house all of the programming. There will be spotlights on featured creators, an Animation Tent, a bake sale, screen printing demonstrations, and a life size coloring book mural. There’s also an all-ages after party at the Vera Project from 8:00pm – 11:00pm.

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If you are interested in art or publishing, make sure you check out Short Run! There is a full list of exhibitors and programming on the Short Run website. For more information on events on campus and around Seattle, follow the International Education Facebook page.

– Meg Humphrey

Free Concerts at Seattle Center

Come get a taste of Seattle’s independent music scene at Seattle Center! Every Friday during August, KEXP 90.3FM and Seattle Center sponsor free concerts.  They take place on the Mural Amphitheatre Lawn starting at 5:30 pm.

08-03-17 Concerts at the Mural

These concerts are completely free and welcome all ages. Seating is limited, so you want to get there a little early. You can bring your own picnic food or head to the Armory and buy a delicious dinner to enjoy while you watch.

Below is the 2017 line up:

Friday, August 4
The Helio Sequence
Summer Cannibals
COSMOS

Friday, August 11
Telekinesis
SISTERS
Haley Heynderickx

Friday, August 18
Thunderpussy
Surprise Guest
The Courtneys

Friday, August 25
The Maldives
Industrial Revelation
Emma Lee Toyoda

Make sure you follow the International Education Facebook page for more events and announcements!

Seafair Torchlight Parade

One of the main events of Seattle Seafair is the Torchlight Parade! The Torchlight Parade is an evening event where more than 100 parade units march, illuminating a path through downtown Seattle. This year’s parade is Saturday, July 29, starting at 7:30pm.

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The parade route is along 4th Avenue, and most of the seating is free. There are some reserved seating areas, which people can purchase tickets for on the Torchlight Parade website.

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Before the parade starts, there is a Torchlight Fanfest at Seattle Center. There you can get a sneak peek at some of the floats, look around exhibitor’s booths, and get something to eat from the food stalls.

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Come celebrate the 68th year of the Seafair Torchlight Parade!

– Meg Humphrey
Photos by Seattle City Council, Pir8teSteve, and Marian Jürgen Regel

Seafair Seattle Pow-Wow

The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is hosing their 30th annual Seafair Pow Wow this weekend, July 14-16! A Pow Wow is a Native American gathering of singing, dancing, and celebration. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to learn about the culture and history of Washington State.

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All people are welcome to the Pow Wow. Come take lots of pictures, learn about Native American and Indigenous traditions and cultures, eat delicious food, and even participate in their Intertribal dance! For more information, check out their website.

07-13-17 Pow Wow 3

When:

  • Friday, July 14: 4pm – 10pm
  • Saturday, July 15: 10am – 10pm
  • Sunday, July 16: 10am – 8pm

Where:

Admission

  • Friday, July 14: FREE!

Saturday and Sunday, July 15-16: $5 for people 12 and older

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– Meg Humphrey
Photos by Joe Mabel (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons