The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)—which was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) created by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB—is an extensive set of technical and operational standards that a company needs to follow to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
There are many stringent requirements, including but not limited to:
PCI DSS has six major objectives, 12 key requirements, 78 base requirements, and over 400 test procedures. Click here for more information.
When a business is PCI-compliant, it means that that the business reviews and follows the guidelines set forth by the credit card companies to help ensure your credit card information is protected and your personal information is secure.
Featuring a 400-acre campus in a suburban setting, a legacy that dates back to 1923, and a distinguished alumni list including linguist Doris Bartholomew and Chad Prather, Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, SC has much to offer international students.
A private, Christian, nonprofit university, CIU has an acceptance rate of 48% as of 2021. If you are accepted to CIU, you can expect a first-class education, an active campus life, rewarding athletics programs, and fantastic social opportunities.
CIU offers a wide range of academic and research opportunities. Associate degrees, graduate and undergraduate degrees, and even doctoral programs are available. The programs are in education, healthcare administration, divinity, business management, arts, and science.
CIU is located in Columbia, SC, which is the state’s capitol and its second-largest city. International students will find much to enjoy in this stately city in America’s South. It manages to avoid the cold temperatures that grip much of the U.S. during the winter, and is full of historical attractions, attractive greenspaces, and a revitalized downtown area. Columbia is also home to a total of 10 different colleges and universities, providing opportunities to meet students and faculty from other schools.
As for health risks, Columbia does experience a higher crime rate than much of the U.S. Though the CIU campus is quite safe, students must use their best judgement when exploring the city. Avoid walking alone through unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Also, make a habit of locking the doors of your residence and vehicle, and do not flash expensive jewelry or lots of money in public.
The other major health risk for CIU students comes in the form of weather. In the late summer and fall, South Carolina can be struck by hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1952, more than 20 hurricanes have passed within 250 miles of Columbia. Though the city is inland enough that direct effects from these storms are usually not a concern, their heavy rains and strong winds can cause flooding and power outages. This can lead to lack of access to air conditioning and clean water until utilities are restored. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the school’s hurricane preparedness plan and pay attention to local media to stay safe.
No matter how careful you are with your health, everyone gets sick or sustains an injury from time to time. If you require medical treatment while studying at CIU, you’ll want to make sure to have international student health insurance to help protect you from the high cost of this treatment.
International students at Columbia International University need to show proof of health insurance in order to be allowed to attend classes.
International student health insurance is essential to protect your finances from the exorbitant costs of medical care in the United States. Without it, a single trip to the hospital could wipe out your finances. This is why coverage is a requirement for all international students.
To find the best medical insurance for international students in the USA:
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Buy U.S. based visitors insurance and enjoy your trip.
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Purchase travel medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
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Purchase international student health insurance that meets most school requirements.
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