The Arrival Assistance Program is available to international students arriving in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia World Affairs Council (CWAC) volunteers meet arriving international students at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) or Columbia bus stations and transport them to their temporary or permanent living arrangements. This is a completely free, volunteer-based service aimed at making your first time arrival in Columbia comfortable, safe, and affordable. Our drivers have studied, lived, worked, volunteered, and traveled abroad, so they understand how you will feel when you first arrive.
Your CWAC volunteer driver can:
Who is eligible for arrival assistance?
International students and visitors arriving in Columbia, SC. Due to limited resources, this service isonly available the first time you arrive in Columbia.
When should I apply for assistance?
Apply as soon as your travel plans are known, and if possible, at least a week before your arrival in Columbia, SC.
CWAC cannot guarantee assistance for applications received less than a week before arrival.
Arriving outside of Columbia?
At this time, CWAC cannot provide transportation if you are arriving at an airport or bus station outside of the Columbia area, but we have provided some useful links below about how to get to Columbia by bus or car:
Taxi Service:
Taxis are available at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The pick-up area is located on the lower level of the terminal, to the left of the rental car counters. Transportation to local universities costs about $30.
Recommended Hotels:
If you arrive in Columbia after the check-in time with the university and you need a hotel, click here to view hotel recommendations.
Your CWAC volunteer driver can:
- Meet you at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) or bus station
- Take you to your housing or other local destination
- Provide you with information about Columbia
Who is eligible for arrival assistance?
International students and visitors arriving in Columbia, SC. Due to limited resources, this service isonly available the first time you arrive in Columbia.
When should I apply for assistance?
Apply as soon as your travel plans are known, and if possible, at least a week before your arrival in Columbia, SC.
CWAC cannot guarantee assistance for applications received less than a week before arrival.
Arriving outside of Columbia?
At this time, CWAC cannot provide transportation if you are arriving at an airport or bus station outside of the Columbia area, but we have provided some useful links below about how to get to Columbia by bus or car:
- BUS: Greyhound, Southeastern Stages, MegaBus
- CAR: Uber, Lyft
- Arriving at the Charlotte Airport: If you arrive at the airport in Charlotte, NC there is a shuttle from the Charlotte Airport to Columbia. Cost is approximately $60, plus tip.
Taxi Service:
Taxis are available at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The pick-up area is located on the lower level of the terminal, to the left of the rental car counters. Transportation to local universities costs about $30.
Recommended Hotels:
If you arrive in Columbia after the check-in time with the university and you need a hotel, click here to view hotel recommendations.