Students
In an effort to create a warm and safe environment while
you are living in Rock Hill, UIM offers the following:
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Transportation to and from the Airport when arriving to or departing from the USA
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Meals in an American home
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Opportunities to experience traditional American Holidays with a family
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Game nights and cultural events
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Transportation to Walmart or the grocery stores via UIM friendship partners
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American friends who enjoy engaging with internationals and assisting with culture and language
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Cross-cultural orientation
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Small group support (whether it be answering “how to” questions concerning your stay or bible study or coffee club or connecting you to adults from your culture)
student testimonials
Ivan, France
​Never in my stay here did I feel as if I was alone. I was surrounded by families who exhibited happiness, joy, consideration, and inner peace. They taught me teamwork, fellowship, determination, and many other values. My stay here was like heaven.
John, Africa
Thanks to the friendship dinners I was able to discover American families. Their generosity and hospitality is as good as gold. I am a better person as a result. My mom slept better at night during my stay in America knowing I had families looking after me.
Z, China
I am entrusted by 26 classmates to express our gratitude to you and friends who are enthusiastic about helping us. We are very grateful to you for spending your personal time and energy to help us in such a special period. We feel very lucky and warm because we met you. Everyone’s interactions and eyes are always full of love and friendliness. Although there are certain cultural differences between China and the US, we are comfortable with you because everyone has a sincere heart.
living in america
America does NOT use the metric system. Click HERE for conversion sheets.
Public transportation is often not accessible and/or reliable in small cities. Rock Hill has a bus system that is minimal, but it's free! Go to www.myriderockhill.com for routes and schedules.​
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In addition to paying sales tax on your vehicle, you also pay property taxes annually.
The American power grid operates on 110 volts.
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If you plan to get a US Driver's License, study for the Driver's test. The US has different driving rules than many countries
We drive on the right side of the road in the US. Obey the traffic rules; traffic tickets are very expensive.
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Don't drive under the influence. You will be arrested. You could lose your visa.
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After opening a bank account, you can start building a "credit history". Having a good credit score is important in the US for taking out loans, purchasing a home, getting a good interest rate, and being accepted into some apartment complexes.
Get set up with a Dentist BEFORE you need one.
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A Social Security card is used for identity purposes in the US. WIthout one you cannot work or open a bank account.
Cost of living in Rock Hill is not as high as the Pacific Coast or the Northeast, but it is not as low as living in central America. You need to learn to budget well.
Healthcare is expensive. Get set up with a Doctor BEFORE you need one. Going to the emergency room is NOT worth it unless you have a broken bone, are bleeding out, or having a heart attack.
Tipping is important. Wait staff does not get the same hourly wage as others in hospitality. They rely on customer tips for their income
Trains are inefficient and are typically expensive modes of transportation.
Faith is a significant part of life, especially in the South of the US.
Sales tax is added to every purchase, except for unprepared food in the grocery store.
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College sports are very important in the US.
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No two states in the US are the same.
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Patriotism is a big deal in the US.
Americans are work-a-holics.
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Food portions are massive in the US.
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National Parks are spectacular! Visit one if you can.
Guns are popular for hunting, sport, and self-defense.
Thanksgiving is celebrated by ALL in the US.
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student organizations at Winthrop
partner churches with UIM
1 / Hope Fellowship
https://www.hopefellowshiprh.org/
95 Bird Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730
2 / Remedy Church
1905 W Main St Rock Hill, SC 29732
3 / Rock Hill Bible Fellowship
1366 Amelia Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29732
4 / Westminster Presbyterian Church
1320 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
5 / First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
201 East White Street Rock Hill, SC 29730
6 / First Baptist Church of Rock Hill
481 Hood Center Drive Rock Hill, SC 29730
7 / Park Baptist Church
717 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730
8 / Mt. Zion Baptist
5376 McConnells Hwy, McConnells, SC 29726
9 / His Heart Sunday School Class from Catawba Baptist
1450 S. Anderson Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29730
10 / Good Samaritan Circle from Catawba Baptist
1450 S. Anderson Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29730
11 / Lakewood Baptist Church
https://www.lakewoodfamily.com/
3520 Mt Gallant Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732
12 / Mt. Gallant Church of God
1107 Mt Gallant Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732