Welcome to the Myrtle Beach International Student Online Guide for J-1 students visiting the Grand Strand area!
This site will provide you with important information about housing, employment, transportation, safety, and fun things to do around the city. Please carefully read this website and follow the information provided to ensure that you will have a safe and fun summer!
2026 Orientation Dates
Myrtle Beach
- Midtown Vineyard Church
504 27th Ave. N.
Myrtle Beach, SC - Summer Orientation Dates & Times
Wednesday orientations begin at 9 a.m.
May 13th, 20th and 27th
June 3rd, 10th, 18th and 24th
July 1st
Social Security applications completed 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
City Welcome 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Presentations include: All Nations Cafe, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Work & Travel Liaisons, Sponsors, Fire Department, AT&T Cell Service, Coast RTA, PNC Banking, and Bicycle, Scooter and Pedestrian Safety. - All Nations Cafe
Midtown Vineyard Church
504 27th Ave. N.
Every Monday & Wednesday in June & July 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Mondays Only in August 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach
- All Nations Cafe
Trinity United Methodist Church
706 14th Ave. S.
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Mondays Only in June, July & August 7 – 9 p.m.
For more information visit BridgeToTheNationsMB.com
NOTICE TO J1 STUDENTS FROM THE MYRTLE BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT:
We wanted to make you aware that it is illegal for local citizens to charge you to transport you in their private vehicles. All drivers must have certificates and chauffeur’s permits to drive students from place to place. It is our recommendation to take a taxi cab or bus. Please be cautious when looking for secondary employment advertised on websites! You need to work with your sponsors to gain your secondary employment the right way.
What To Do First
Register your United States address in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS). You must register within 10 days of arriving in the United States. Failure to register will result in the cancellation of your visa.
- Contact your employer and sponsor.
- Call your family and friends.
- Find Housing (see Housing page).
- Apply for your Social Security card.
Social Security will no longer process walk in applications at the Social Security office.
Applications for Social Security cards are by appointment only. - Get a bank account.
Sponsor Contact Information
List of Sponsors & Contact Information – Select “Summer Work Travel” in Program dropdown