Arrival, Housing, and Transportation

 

Arriving in Vancouver, Washington

You are strongly advised to arrive at the Portland International Airport (PDX). You must make your own arrangements for airport pick-up. If you are staying in a homestay, a host family can pick you up if you make arrangements in advance.

Clark College Campus

Clark College's beautiful campus is located on 101-acre Vancouver Central Park. Click on the image to the right to open a gallery of campus photos.  

 Flickr album of Clark College Campus photos

 

Arranging Travel

Shuttles

Please see website(s) for current fare information.

Blue Star Airport Shuttle

www.bluestarbus.com

Telephone: +1 (360) 573-9412

Email: info@bluestarbus.com

 

White Van Airport Shuttle

www.whitevanshuttle.com

Telephone: +1 (503) 774-9755 or toll free
+1 (877) 774-9750

Email: whitevanshuttle@yahoo.com 

 

Economy Shuttle

www.economyshuttlepdx.com

Telephone: +1 (503) 888-2928

 

 Taxis

Please see website(s) for current fare information.

Broadway Cab

www.broadwaycab.com

Telephone: +1 (503) 333-3333

 

Radio Cab

www.radiocab.net

Telephone: +1 (360) 694-1234

 

Yellow Taxi Cab Company

www.yellowtaxicab-company.com

Telephone: +1 (503) 272-8765

 Rideshare

 

Uber - get.uber.com

Lyft - www.lyft.com

 

International Student Housing

The International Programs office offers assistance to international students when arranging for housing. All students are encouraged to live with a host family when they first arrive unless they already have friends or family in the area.

NOTE: Clark College does not have dormitories or on-campus housing. However, we will do our best to make sure you can find housing that is safe and comfortable for you! 

ACES Homestays (Host Families)

Our most recommended housing would be the homestay! A homestay is a unique opportunity to practice English, learn about U.S. culture and family life, and share your culture. We partner with an organization called American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES) to match international students with host families near campus.

An ACES homestay will include:

  • A homestay with a local host who is looking forward to including you in their daily life.
  • A private bedroom, access to a study area, and internet access. You might share a bathroom with other household members or guests.
  • Three meals per day. You will make your own breakfast and lunch, with ingredients provided by your host. Dinner will be together with one or more household members most evenings.
  • Public transportation will be within walking distance of the home.
  • Orientation materials with information about the Portland area and practical advice on how to get ready for your cross-cultural experience.
  • ACES staff support for you and your host throughout the application process, in your preparation, and during your homestay.
  • Local transport to and from the airport or other Portland area location at the beginning and end of your homestay.

Cost Per Term: $235 per week, including meals

Placement Fee: $415 (non-refundable)

To apply for a homestay, please contact ACES after you have been accepted to Clark College and at least 45 days prior to your arrival. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in a homestay program.

For more information about ACES homestays, email kellie@exploretheworld.org or call +1 971-387-6388

Website: https://sites.google.com/exploretheworld.org/pdx-programs/home 

House Sharing (Rooms for Rent)

 

Some people in the Vancouver community are interested in renting a room in their home to an international student. If you are interested in house sharing:

  • Contact the International Programs office at international@clark.edu to receive information about rooms for rent.
  • Check the housing board in the International Programs office after arrival at Clark College.

Apartments for Rent

 

There are many apartment buildings near campus and in the Vancouver community on the local bus line. Because of the difficulties in signing a rental agreement before ariving in the U.S., we recommend renting an apartment after arrival. Here are some ways to find an apartment:

Rental costs start at approximately $1,000 depending on location, number of bedrooms and amenities. In addition to the monthly rental fee, you must also consider other costs, which may include:

  • Electricity, water, and sewer
  • TV and internet service: https://www.inmyarea.com/ 
  • Furniture, kitchen goods, etc. (Most apartments in the U.S. are unfurnished, so you must buy furniture and household items.)

  

Transportation

C-TRAN Public Bus Service

C-Tran (Clark Country Transportation) operates public bus service in the Vancouver, Washington, area and connects with Portland, Oregon, busses. Schedules and route maps are available online at C-Tran. 

C-Tran offers a limited number of Education Opportunity Pass (EOP) bus passes to all Clark College students who are registered in the current term and have a valid Clark College student ID card.

  • You cannot get a student ID card until you register for classes, which happens after orientation and testing.
  • You are advised to buy either a day pass (valid for a whole day) or only one or two rides until buying a BackPass.

To get a Education Opportunity Pass (EOP)

  • Visit the Clark College bookstore (after registering for classes) to obtain a student ID card ($9 per student).

NOTE: Student ID cards are not required by the college, but provide free or discounted admission to college events and discounts at some local businesses, including the Marshall Center swimming pool.

Driving a Car in the U.S.

 

If you live in Washington or Oregon state, and want to drive a car, you must have a Washington or Oregon state driver's license. If you purchase a car, auto insurance is required. Below are resources to help you:

WA State Department of Motor Vehicles: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense

Driver's training schools and testing locations: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/test-locations/locations.php?county=clark

Mandatory auto insurance: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/insurance.html