When you arrive at the Mobile airport, you may be in for a few surprises:

1.  You won't find any baggage carts in the airport.
2. There won't be a line of taxis (cars) to take you to the University. There may be one or two, and they will charge you by meter. Don't be surprised if the fair ends up being $15 USD. It's best to have someone meet you if possible. Send us an e-mail to see if one of our team can assist you. We will be happy to help you if you give us fair notice.
3. Even though you speak English, you will likely not be able to understand people from Mobile. Likewise, they won't be able to understand you. Speaking slowly will help if you have difficulty.
4. There is not much public transportation in Mobile. There is a bus service which has improved in recent years. Bus stops, however, are often far from many places you are trying to go. Most residents own cars and drive themselves to work or school. If you are in Mobile for any extent of time, you will probably want to get your drivers license and buy a car or scooter.

Buying a Car

Once you have adjusted to life in Mobile, you may feel the need to buy a car. This can be a difficult task requiring assistance from a local person who has your interest in mind. New cars are too expensive for most students, and finding a good used car can be difficult. Hopefully by taking the following procasions, you can end up with a good automobile.

Finding a Car

• You will almost always pay less for a car by buying from an individual. Used car dealers generally have nothing under $3,000. Ideally you will get a car that has had only one owner who regularly maintained it (oil changes, tune-ups, etc.).
• www.kbb.com - allows you to put in any car's make and model and it will show you an average price.
• www.carfax.com - allows you to enter the Vehical Identification Number (VIN) and find out  all title related information. This may give you clues to the car's past such as wrecks or multiple past owners.

Testing a Car

Make sure to look at the engine and the tires. If the engine doesn't run smoothly, it could mean big problems later. Before you pay $2000 - $5000 for a car take it to a mechanic to have a pre-sale inspection. It may cost $60 but what he or she finds may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Drivers License

Before you are allowed to drive in the USA, you need to get a drivers license. The first step is to take the written exam which is done on a computer at the Department of Motor Vehicals Office.

What you need to bring for written test.

1. SSN Card or a Letter from Social Security office saying you are not eligiable for an SSN
2. *SS office opens at 8:30 am but get there at 8 am to get in line or you could be waiting for hours.
3. Passport
4. I-20
5. I-94
6. A "letter of good standing" from the international office to prove you are enrolled in classes at the university.

If you are going for the road test you will need in addition to the above the following:

1. Current registration of car you are going to use
2. Proof of current insurance
3. The license of the licensed driver who brought you

You will not be able to take either test if you do not have all the required documents.

Colleges

University of South Alabama - International Student Page

Bishop State Community College - A smaller college in Mobile that offers core classes at a discounted rate.

Faulkner State Community College - Another smaller college that is further away from south, but offers classes at a discounted rate.

University of Mobile - A Christian University in the Mobile area. Tuition is more expensive than USA, but it has a good academic program and smaller class sizes.

Mobile, Alabama

City of Mobile Visitors Bureau - Official site for visitors of Mobile. It contains useful information about city events, outings, etc.

Transportation

The Wave Transit - The public bus system in Mobile. Bus trips cost $1.25 each, but you can purchase a one day pass for $3.

Mobile Regional Airport - Their website is a good source of information about transportation in the city. Also, you can reserve a ride in the airport shuttle to the University for $12.

*Livery Cab & Sedan Service - Charge 1.50 per mile (no negotiation). From the airport to USA will cost about $9.00 (6 miles).

Food Handlers

*All jobs that put you in contact with food require a Alabama food handlers license. 

Alabama Food Handlers - Online course costs $30.

Mobile Health Department - $15 for the course and certification. It takes about 45 minutes. You need to arrive 15 minutes early. They will not let you in if you are late.