Resources for Families of International Students & Scholars
We would like to extend a special welcome to those of you who are wives, husbands, partners, or children of international students and scholars! As you accompany them to Georgetown, you will find that this University, and the Washington, DC area, offer a wide range of opportunities to you as well. Here is just a sampling of the many resources, services, and issues we recommend you consider as you prepare to arrive, and during your time at Georgetown.
Please contact us to ask questions or get more involved.
Resources at Georgetown University and in Washington, D.C.
Before You Arrive
Childcare
Classes: Non-Credit Classes On Campus
Events
Language Exchange Program
Schools
Recreation: Athletics, Classes, Gym
Volunteer Opportunities
Before You Arrive
We have provided detailed arrival information on our orientations web site for incoming international students. You will find information on preparing for departure to the States, arriving at local airports, getting around DC, opening a bank account, finding temporary housing, and more on the International Graduate Orientation (IGO) web site.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization. Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 100,000 members, a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations. For directions: click on "Accredited Program Search", and list the zip-code as 20057 to find the services closest to Georgetown, (or list your own zip-code in the DC area).
Hoya Kids - (Georgetown Childcare)
Poulton Hall - Room G015, 3624 P Street, NW
(202) 687- 7667 Fax: (202) 687-1192
Hoya Kids Learning Center is a child development and preschool facility caring for children of students, faculty and staff of Georgetown University, as well as Georgetown University Hospital staff. Dedicated to providing the highest quality child care in a safe, nurturing and loving environment, Hoya Kids fulfills a key component of Georgetown's educational mission to weave family needs into the fabric of the University community. Established in 1997, the Center provides crucial support for University personnel and students who seek to balance work and family responsibilities. The Hoya Kids Learning Center admits children and employs personnel without regard to race, color, creed, gender, religion or national origin. NOTE: Hoya Kids often has a long waitlist.
The individual state and district governments have many different childcare options for parents to choose from. Many of the options offered by the counties are listed below.
Washington, DC (Additional) Child Care Options
Washington Child Development Council
Maryland Child Care Options
Montgomery County Child Care Resource and Referral Center
Frederick County Child Care Choices
Arundel Child Care Connections
Prince George's Child Resource Center
Virginia Child Care Options
Arlington, VA Child and Family Services
Fairfax County Child Care Central
Prince William County Child Care
Loudoun County Child Care
Classes: Non-Credit Classes On Campus
Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies and other schools and organizations in the DC area, offer non-credit classes in the languages, social sciences, arts and humanities, and fine and performance arts, among other areas. These are great options for anyone who would like to take an individual course, or take classes without enrolling in a degree program.
Georgetown and the Washington, DC area sponsor a wide array of events for all different ages and interests. Many of them are free and open to the general public.
On Campus: http://my.georgetown.edu/pages/ | http://events.georgetown.edu/
Off Campus: The Washington Post
The Office of International Programs established the Language Exchange Program (LEP) to provide members of the Georgetown University community and metro area residents an opportunity to practice their foreign language skills. Through this program, individuals with complementary foreign language interests are paired for a language interchange. By independently scheduling meetings to talk and practice, the participants benefit from each other's knowledge.
Public Schools: In order to register your child in U.S. public school, you must show proof of a local address, and provide the following information (which varies by state):
District of Columbia: (202) 442-5599
Give your address and the age of your child(ren). The school district will then provide the location of the school that the child(ren) can attend. Then call the school and find out how to register. Be ready to present all birth certificates, vaccination records and proof of residency.
Maryland: (410) 767-0100
Call the Maryland Department of Education and give your local address including the county name, so the office can provide the location of the appropriate school. Each county has its own registration requirements.
Virginia: (703) 876-5219
Call the General Registration Center and make an appointment to appear with your child(ren). The Center will tell you what you need to bring to the appointment.
Private Schools: In order to register your child in a U.S. private school, you must contact the school and complete their application process. Many private schools have strict registration deadlines for admission. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) represents nearly 1,200 U.S. independent schools, including day, boarding, and day/boarding schools; elementary and secondary schools; boys', girls', and coeducational schools. NAIS offers a variety of products and services to member schools and associations. Independent schools are private schools with distinct missions. They are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue. The NAIS web site has a search function to research independent schools. Please keep commuting time in mind when choosing a school as traffic around the DC area is often erratic.
Recreation: Athletics, Classes, Gym
As a spouse or family member of a Georgetown student or staff/faculty member, you are also eligible for membership at Georgetown's gym/field house, Yates. Yates offers classes and private instruction, camps for children, and a full facility including a pool.
You may wish to volunteer your time and talent in the DC area. For those who are not legally eligible to work, this may be a wonderful way to keep your skills fresh, and to perform some very needed and appreciated tasks within the community.
Georgetown's Center for Social Justice | DC area's Volunteer Center
Tel: 202.687.5867 | Fax: 202.687.5944 | Web: http://oip.georgetown.edu/isss
