Oregon State University

Resources for Spouses and Families

There are many things to consider when you move your family to another place. We have compiled many of the common resources for your convience.
Schools for Children
English Language Opportunities
Activities and Volunteer Opportunities
Visas for Spouses
What to Bring to the United States

Schools for Children

Corvallis and Philomath School District Sites

Please go to the following links for more information:

For more information, please visit our page on Preparing Your Children for School in Corvallis

English Language Opportunities

Crossroads International programs

Crossroads International provides a link between the University and community members for students and scholars, as well as family members of international students or scholars.

Conversation School for Women

Crossroads Conversation School is for international women interested in improving their English language skills and making friends. The school is a non-religious, nonpolitical, ommunity program. Classes meet twice weekly in small groups of five to ten women. The school offers beginning to advanced instruction in conversational English at low cost. Students explore other cultures, learn English survival skills, and develop friendships. Childcare is provided at the school for an additional cost. For more information on how to apply, please click here.

English Conversation Groups

At this time we offer English Conversation Groups at no cost to students, faculty, their family members or community members. Groups meet twice weekly for one hour, at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center: 128 SW 9th Street in Corvallis: http://www.cmlcenter.org/contact.html Non-native speakers will be grouped by ability level (beginner, intermediate or advanced), and may choose one of the following days and times:

"English Tea": Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

"English Lunch hour": Fridays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Please read more about Crossroads programs for language learning and friendship.

English Language Institute (ELI)

The English Language Institute provides opportunities for local and distance language instruction. See the ELI's Web site for more information.

Activities and Volunteer Opportunities

Spouses often want to find activites and opportunites to meet other people and explore their own interests. Pleae click here for a list of activities for children and volunteer opportunities.

Please note: any international visitor and his or her family members may volunteer. Volunteering is any activity which is not paid. A volunteer may not accept payment or compensation in the form of money, supplies, food, or any other benefit.

Visas for Spouses

J-2, F-2 and H-4 Visas for Spouses

If you are planning to bring your spouse on a dependent visa, please check with ISFS.

  • For J-2 Scholars, please read about that process (pdf).
  • For F-2 and J-2 Students, please read about that process (pdf).
  • For H-4 dependents, please check with the Department administrator who is working with your case.

What to Bring to the United States

Clothing

Because of seasonal climate variations, it is important to bring both lightweight and heavyweight clothing, as well as rain wear. Summer weather is warm and pleasant in Corvallis. Temperatures usually range from 9 to 24 degrees C. In contrast, the winter season is usually cool (0 to 7 degrees C) and wet. You may wish to buy at least some basic items before you leave home. Warm clothes (such as sweaters and a coat), a rain jacket, and an umbrella are essential! There is no official or required dress code at OSU. Most students wear casual clothing, often jeans or pants. Occasionally you may need more formal clothing such as a sport coat (or suit) for men and a business suit/dress for women. Above all, informal and comfortable clothing is practical for everyday occasions

Linens, Bedding and Room Furnishings

Students must provide items such as pillows, blankets, towels and room furnishings for on or off-campus housing. Bed sizes may vary from one country to another, so it is best to postpone such purchases until you arrive in Corvallis. These items can be found in Corvallis and are fairly inexpensive.

Miscellaneous Items

The International Students of Oregon State University (ISOSU) and community organizations arrange special events that highlight the rich cultural diversity of OSU. These activities include fashion shows, international dinners, cultural exhibits, talent shows and discussion groups. You may wish to bring with you items of cultural interest (such as photos, books, slides, musical instruments, traditional clothing and taped music) if there is room in your luggage. Many spices and food items from other countries can be found in Corvallis but be sure to bring recipes with you. Most electrical outlets in the U.S. give 110-volt AC current at a frequency of 60 cycles. Appliances brought from some countries will not work on this current. They may work with a special adapter that has blade-like (not rounded) prongs.