Life in the U.S.
Health Insurance
Your health and wellness are very important components to your life at Clark. Clark provides a variety of resources to support its students, faculty, and employees.
The health care system in the United States might be very different than in your home country, so we encourage you to read through this section carefully and to reach out to the International Center with any questions or concerns.
In addition, health insurance is expensive and is especially complicated in the U.S. We encourage you to read more about health insurance requirements.
2022-23 Student Health Insurance Plan Information & Summary of Benefits
On-Campus Employment
Upon arriving at Clark, many students are eager to find an on-campus job. Please know that on-campus jobs are extremely competitive and there are not enough positions available for every student to have one. If you are interested in working on campus, please check out the Office of Student Employment. This office provides a timeline for applying for jobs, important tips for your job search, and resources. Due to the competitive nature of on-campus jobs, it is important that you ensure your resume, cover letter, and interview skills are the best they can be.
Resources to help you improve your application materials
We recommend that international students watch this video for job search strategies for international students, including what a typical resume looks like in the United States, the importance of tailoring your cover letter, and best practices for your on-campus job search. The video also includes proper etiquette for the job search — for example, do not visit offices asking for consideration for on-campus jobs.
Income Taxes
As an international student, scholar, or employee at Clark, you may have federal and state tax reporting obligations. Tax laws are complicated and the International Center is not authorized to provide any tax advice. However, we hope the information and links provided below are helpful.
- The U.S. tax system is based on a calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31). This means that the income you earn during this time period is used to calculate the amount owed in taxes for that year.
- U.S. income taxes are calculated at both the U.S. federal (national) level as well as the state and sometimes even the local (city) level. There are different tax rules and different tax rates for federal, state, and local income taxes.
- The U.S. has a “pay as you go” tax system. This means that taxes are usually taken out or “withheld” from your pay each pay period. Then, you submit a tax return by April 15 of the following year to determine whether you paid too much or too little tax during the year. If you have paid too much, you will get a refund. If you have paid too little, you will need to pay the difference between what you had withheld and what you owe in taxes.
Housing
Driving
Click here to view the slides from the Driving in the U.S. Information Session held on January 25, 2023.
Safety and Conduct
Clark is committed to providing all of its members with a safe campus. If you want to discuss a safety concern, Clark University Police Department should be your first point of contact.
Scams and Identity Theft
Click here to read some tips on how to recover from identity theft and stay safe in the future.
Know Your Rights
International students and scholars are entitled to certain U.S. constitutional rights and protections while in the United States.
You should contact the ISSO with any questions about your non-immigrant visa status and for assistance in seeking additional information regarding your legal rights while in the U.S.
Please note that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice but is intended for information purposes.
Please feel free to contact the International Center if you have any questions or concerns.
Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued for tax reasons by the U.S. Social Security Administration. Employers use Social Security Numbers to report salaries to the U.S. Government for tax purposes. Social Security Numbers are also used for a variety of other purposes, such as to check credit history.
Students, Faculty, and Staff
As an international student, scholar, or employee who is physically in the U.S., you are only eligible to apply for a Social Security Number if your immigration status is valid. You can apply for a Social Security Number only if you are a:
F-1 and J-1 students must have employment authorization from the ISSO prior to applying.
Dependents
Yes! Your Social Security Number is a personal identification number that is unique to you, and it can be used to open bank accounts and loans. This means that you should only provide your SSN for valid business, employment, or tax reasons. If you are concerned that someone is asking you for your SSN when they should not be, please contact the International Center for assistance.
Our Student Employment Verification Policy document outlines the application process for a Social Security Number (SSN). Please visit the Student Employment page and, under “Students Who Have Not Yet Worked on Campus” click on the Student Employment Verification Policy link to review the application process.
F-1 Students
J-1 Students or Scholars
New H-1B or O-1 Employees
Clark faculty, researchers, or employees should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Worcester and starting employment at the University.