Arriving in Tallahassee and at CIES
You should have a paper with the name, address, and phone number of the hotel that you are going to stay at so that you can show it to the taxi driver. The taxi will cost about $20.00 from the airport to the city. You should have at least $50.00 in American Dollars with you.
You must also bring your passport, your I-94 Card, your stamped I-20 form, and your proof of health insurance, if you have it.
TALLAHASSEE AIPORTThe Tallahassee Airport is very small so don't worry! Collect you baggage and go out the door next to the baggage claim area. You will find taxis right outside the door. You can take a taxi to CIES or to your pre-arranged motel, hotel, apartment or dormitory. CIES is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The taxi ride should cost about $20.00 to get to Florida State University and CIES.
TRANSPORTAION FROM THE AIRPOTThere are no buses that run from the airport to the city so you must take a taxi. Check out our transportation page for more information on transportation.
HOTELSBefore arriving you should make a reservation at one of the local hotels. We recommend the University Inn and Suites (850) 224-8161.
Other hotels near FSU are:
- Mariott Residence Inn (850) 329-9080,
- The Double Tree Hotel (850) 224-5000,
- Collegiate Village Inn (850) 576-6121,
- Hotel Duval (850) 224-6000,
- and Aloft (850) 513-0313
You will check in at CIES on the date and time written on your acceptance letter. You must bring your passport, your I-94 Card, your stamped I-20 form, and your proof of health insurance, if you have it. If not, you may purchase health insurance at http://studentinsure.com/fsu.
The director will give you a 1-hour orientation of CIES and your language classes. You will then take placement tests in Writing, Reading and Listening. The students will then be provided lunch at the Suwannee Dining Hall. After lunch, the students return to CIES and take a test of their speaking ability in English, and then final registration takes place.
The next day is a free day in which you can sleep in or take care of any personal business. However, CIES will be open if you need any help.
Classes begin on the third day with a breakfast at CIES at 8:30 am. At 1:00 pm there will be a campus tour for all new students and you will receive your FSU Identification Card at this time. Please click on the link for a schedule of your first few days. This Week's Schedule