Pre Departure Guide

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Pre Departure Guide

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Title: Pre Departure Guide

1
PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE for Students and Scholar
s
going to the United States of America
2
Health Insurance

Carefully assess your personal and family medical
care needs before your departure to the US.
You may require additional health insurance to
meet your needs. You will be responsible for
securing the health insurance and incurring the
cost.
Review university health insurance on your
universitys webpage and speak to the
international student adviser.

3
Health Insurance

It is recommended to see an Eye Doctor Dentist
before traveling to the U.S.
Complete Your Immunizations
Measles, Mumps and Rubella is required
Diphtheria Tetanus is recommended
Bring enough prescription medications until you
consult with a doctor in the U.S.

4
Employment
You may be eligible to engage in employment
during the academic year. J-1 and F-1 Visa regu
lations limit work authorization to a maximum of
20 hours a week (only after the second year for
F-1 visa holders) on campus during the academic
year and 40 hours a week during summer and
holidays. You must check with your International
Student Adviser / Student Services contact for
approval to pursue employment. Inquire about all
rules and regulations concerning employment.

5
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
(SEVIS)

SEVIS is a U.S. government mandated
Internet-based system to
enable U.S. institutions and the U.S. Department
of Homeland
Security to exchange information on the
immigration and
academic status of international students,
scholars and their
dependents nationwide.

6
SEVIS

Congress requires the Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), a branch of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to
maintain updated information on approximately one
million non-immigrant foreign students and
exchange visitors during the course of their stay
in the United States each year.
SEVIS allows ICE to maintain up-to-date
information on foreign students and exchange
visitors in order to ensure that they arrive in
the United States, register at the school or
exchange program, and properly maintain their
status during their stay.

7
SEVIS

The SEVIS system tracks entries to and
exits from the U.S.
The following is information required by SEVIS
Address and name changes
Extensions of study
Early completion of program
Transfer of schools
Academic training

8
J-2 Dependent Policies

A separate DS-2019 document is required for each
dependent accompanying a J-1 visa holder. Your
university/host institution should be able to
issue the DS-2019 document for J-2 dependents.
Your spouse and children under the age of 21 are
eligible to apply for J-2 dependents visas.
J-2 visa issuance is at the discretion of the US
Embassy in your home country.
Grant funds are intended for the recipient only.
You can not bring members of your family unless
you have additional resources to provide for
them.
If you have been assigned to a pre-academic
program, you cannot have dependents accompany
you.

9
J-2 Visa Particulars

J-2s can apply for work authorization after
arrival in the US There is no guarantee the
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
(BCIS) will issue work authorization.

10
J-2 Visa Particulars

Upon J-2 arrival, you must submit proof to your
Student Services officer that you have purchased
adequate health insurance for your dependents for
the duration of their stay in the U.S.
J-2s are also subject to the two year Home
Residency Requirement.
J-2 status is subject to the J-1 status. J-2s
may not remain in the U.S. beyond the time
specified on the J-1 visa

11
Pre-Departure Suggested items to budget for

Budget Your Stay
Living Costs (rent, utilities, food)
Baggage Insurance
Books Supplies, Computer Expenses
Transportation/Return Travel (commuting
expenses)
Communications (internet, mobile phone, land
line)
Meals
Incidentals (laundry, dining out, entertainment)
Recreational Travel (semester breaks
holidays)

12
Pre-Departure Information

Important documents to bring
Legal (passport, DS-2019 or I-20, copy of birth
certificate, credit cards, drivers license,
recommended to leave a copy at home as well)
Medical (immunization medical records,
prescriptions, eyeglasses)
Academic (Terms of Appointment/admission letter,
diplomas/transcripts from all secondary
institutions-with course descriptions)
Contacts (carry names, telephone numbers, and
addresses of contacts in your home country AND at
your U.S. university with you)

13
Pre-Departure Essentials before you leave

Make certain your passport is up-to-date
Make travel arrangements
Bring home country materials/gifts to share with
others

14
What to pack? What to leave at home?

Appropriate clothing for
Arrival period (Summer/Fall)
Climate at university location
Casual and formal attire
Passengers are generally
allowed two pieces of baggage,
check with your airline for
weight limits!

Household items
Linens
Towels
Cooking utensils
Study supplies
Pens, paper
Notebooks
These items can be purchased
in the U.S. at a reasonable cost.

15
U.S. Port of Entry

STUDENTS MAY NOT ENTER THE U.S. EARLIER THAN 30
DAYS
BEFORE THE START OF THEIR DS-2019 or I-20 FORM!
Upon arrival at the port of entry, you must check
in at one of the
Department of Homeland Security stations
(Immigration). You must carry your
Passport
SEVIS Form DS-2019 or I-20
Form 1-94 Arrival-Departure Record
Evidence of financial resources
J-1 or F-1 Visa
IT IS IMPORTANT YOU TELL THE CUSTOMS AND BORDER
PROTECTION OFFICER THAT YOU WILL BE AN EXCHANGE
VISITOR/STUDENT!

16
Plan your travel to your university

Organize your travel to university from airport
in advance (bus, train, car rental, etc.)
Make appropriate plans if arriving over a weekend
or on holiday
It is recommended that you arrive at your
university on a weekday!

17
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

SSN or ITIN numbers are unique personal
identification numbers used in the U.S.
If you receive funds from a U.S. source, you MUST
obtain a SSN or ITIN number
If your grant payments are issued in your
country, It is recommended that you obtain an
ITIN number for identification purposes
You must inform your Student Services Officer as
soon as possible of your U.S. SSN

18
Finding accommodations in the U.S.

University housing office
International student office
Local and campus newspapers/websites
Campus and local bulletin boards
Ask fellow students for housing advice
Always inspect accommodation before paying.
Know your rights! Learn about local tenancy laws
before signing a lease!

19
Short-term Housing Options

Hotels (expensive, full facilities)
Motels (less expensive, basic facilities)
Hostels (even less expensive, shared housing)
Room rental (pay monthly, no contract)

20
Long-term Housing Options

When deciding on housing costs, safety,
distance, privacy and noise level should be
considered.
University Dormitories
Apartments
Room rental (with an American family)
International Houses

21
Money and Expenses

Checking vs. Savings Account
Online banking (save time and stamps)
Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
Credit Cards (very popular)
Personal Checks (useful to pay monthly bills)
Money orders (obtained at the post office)
Western Union (to wire-transfer funds)

22
Graduate Degrees

Masters may be academic or professional
-Academic Masters MA/MS (30 to 60 credits)
-Professional Masters leads to particular
profession (MBA, MSW, MFS, M.Ed)
Doctoral PhD most commonly awarded at a doctoral
level after
Completion of original significant research
Write dissertation describing research
Successfully defend thesis

23
Academic Calendar

Generally lasts nine months from August/September
to May
May be divided into two, three or four terms
depending on school
Optional summer term often available to
accelerate program
It is advisable to start program in the Fall as
courses are taken in sequence

24
Grading System/Course Load

CREDIT, COURSE LOAD, AND GRADING SYSTEM
VARY
BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS. MAKE SURE YOU ARE
AWARE OF THE POLICIES OF YOUR INDIVIDUAL
PROGRAM.
Passing grade is typically on a scale of A to
D
F is failing
May also be a grade-point scale from 0 to 4.0 or
Pass/Fail
A normal full course load is 3 or 4 courses (or 9
to 12 credits per term)

25
Types of U.S. Institutions

College smaller than university do not usually
offer doctoral degrees
University offers wide range of programs
including doctoral. May also be called research
university.
Institute specializes in programs closely
related to subject areas Institute of
Technology, Institute of Fashion, etc.

26
Types of institutions based on sources of
funding

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
Private university support comes from student
tuition, investment, income research contracts
and private donations
Tuition is higher than public institutions
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
Public universities are also called state
universities
Tuition is lower than private institutions
Offers lower tuition to state residents
International students are considered
out-of-state residents

27
University Offices you will encounter

Head/Chair of Department assumes the
programmatic, managerial and fiscal
responsibilities within the department.
Academic Advisor - sets up course schedule to
complete your major on time
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants will
provide answers to your general questions
Registrar to register, add, or drop courses
Bursar - to pay tuition, fees, other expenses

28
Academic Adviser

May be a member of the faculty
Will help you select courses, plan program and
monitor your academic progress
You may discuss short-term and long-term
professional plan (during and after program
completion)
May discuss opportunities for field experience
Speak freely it is acceptable in American
culture to voice your opinion freely

29
Course Registration

Procedures are different at each institution
May be managed online, by phone or by visiting a
general registration area
Plan at least two possible class schedules to
give room for closed courses
You may complete payment arrangements,
secure ID card and submit medical forms during
registration.

30
Professor and Student Interaction

The code of social behavior between the student
and
Professor is not as precisely defined in the U.S.
as in
other countries.
Always address teachers as either Professor or
Doctor unless otherwise instructed
Do not be shocked if some students call their
teachers by first name. This is common especially
among graduate students.
Professors usually hold office hours for
consultation
take advantage of them!

31
In the Classroom

It is important to participate actively in the
following classroom activities and come
prepared everyday. Professors impression of
you will be based on your class participation
Vocal participation
Oral presentations
Group projects
Research papers
Midterms/Final exams
Interactive setting/Seminar format

32
HONOR CODE refers to academic honesty

No plagiarism or cheating
May be different from code of ethics followed at
home
Talk to your International Student Adviser if in
doubt about university code of ethics
Better to be safe than sorry!

33
University Library Services

Worldwide newspapers and periodicals
CD-ROM references
Copy machines
Computers for internet browsing
Computers for library database searching
Printers
Check for orientation and your particular
librarys features and offerings

34
Computer Access Availability

Locate the Computer Lab at school. It is
generally free but has limited hours.
Visit internet cafés. There is a wide range of
places that offer access at varying costs.
Access the internet from public libraries. Local
libraries have free facilities but may require
advanced reservations and have time limitations.
To access the internet at home you must have a
land-line phone or a wire-less connection.

35
Geography of the U.S. and more

Natural environments
Are you near the beach, mountains, deserts or
plains?
Times zones
Did you know there is a three hour time
difference between the east and west coast?
Climate
What is the weather like where you will be
living?
Localities
Will you be living in a rural, urban or
suburban location?
Map of the United States
Familiarize yourself with the U.S. before you
arrive!

36
Local Transportation

Subways/commuter trains- weekly or monthly passes
are less expensive.
Bicycles- in many states, helmets are required by
law.
Buses- may have limited hours and stops but are
an inexpensive way to get around locally.
Taxis- may cost more but generally provide fast,
safe transportation.
Do not hitchhike in the United States!

37
Long Distance Travel

Airplanes (the quickest, easiest way to travel
long distances. Prices are competitive).
Trains (slower but a more scenic way to travel.
Prices could be equal to flying).
Buses (slow but inexpensive way to travel long
distances around the U.S.).
Cars (allow for maximum flexibility but cost more
than any form of public transportation).
For discounted fares
Search online for special deals, ask for a
student
discount, check local travel agencies/websites.

38
Shopping in the United States

Shopping Malls (many stores under one roof)
Strip malls (stores side-by-side, outdoors)
Chain stores (discounts, variety, lower cost)
Department stores (reliable, higher cost)
Boutiques (personal attention, higher cost)
Local stores
Thrift shops (used/second-hand goods)

39
Buying clothes in the U.S.

Sizing (may vary from back home)
Type of store (depends on cost/quality)
New vs. Used (depends on store/price)
Garage/moving sale (inexpensive, used goods)
Sales (all year-round)/Promotions (discounted
goods)

40
Eating in the United States

You will save money and stay healthier by
cooking/eating at home and buying seasonal
goods.
Supermarkets (huge store, wide variety)
Open-air/green markets (including some organic
produce farm goods)
Food Co-ops (popular in university towns)
Food courts (dining area within shopping or
student centers)
Health food/Whole food stores
Fast food restaurants (inexpensive, reliable)
Restaurants (chain vs. independent)

41
The Media in the U.S.

The United States has a prolific media industry.
There is a large number of sources available for
you to receive international/local news.
National TV (basic service or unlimited channels)
Cable TV (paid TV service, at various costs)
Newspapers (International, national and local
newsprints)
Radio
Internet (easy access to international news
medias)
Public TV and Radio (accessible nation-wide)

42
Communicating in the U.S.

Cell/Mobile phones (cost varies by plan)
Pay phones (public outdoor phones)
Landline/home phones (for internet access)
Phone cards (sold in a variety of stores)
Bulletin boards (in local shops, university)
Email
Letters

43
Socializing in the U.S.

Making friends/Fulbright connections
Participatory sports (surfing, skiing, etc.)
Volunteering/School presentations
Dating
Explore a wealth of religions, cultures
Develop a hobby
Take a class in the arts, fitness, cooking
Take the initiative and start your own club!

44
Dos and Donts in the U.S.

Dont assume Americans know something about your
home country.
Dont smoke in public places unless otherwise
stated.
Always place your trash in a garbage basket or
dumpster. Dont litter.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

45
Adjusting to a New Environment

Symptoms of culture shock
Challenges of adjusting to a new environment
Stages of culture shock
Adjusting to culture shock

46
Symptoms of Culture Shock

Homesickness you miss your family and friends
maybe even cry a lot
Dependence you become dependent on fellow
nationals and your International Student Adviser
Loss of Self Confidence you feel nobody
understands you
Hostility minor irritations make you feel
angry

47
Challenges of adjusting to a new environment

Speaking English on a daily basis can be
challenging
U.S. regional accents vary, give yourself time to
adjust to the local accent
Speak slowly at first for others to understand
your accent do not be shy ask others to speak
slowly
Take American humor, wit and sarcasm as a mark of
friendliness rather than disrespect
Simply ask the meaning of a word or abbreviation
that you do not understand, like Poli Sci for
political science or TA for teaching assistant

48
Challenges of adjusting to a new environment and
how to cope

Jet lag is the bodys physical shock of adjusting
to a
new time zone.
Follow normal eating and sleeping patterns of the
new time zone
Resist taking naps in mid-day
Take a walk and exercise, or plan activities
during the day
Plan to travel to the U.S. at least a few days
before classes start

49
Culture Shock is the anxiety produced when a
person moves to a completely new environment

The Four Stages of Culture Shock
Honeymoon stage - everything is new and exciting
you are likely to be busy during this time
Irritability and hostility you will start to
realize you are not on vacation you might feel
hostile towards Americans
Understanding, accepting and adjusting you will
begin to understand your new environment you
might experience less hostility
Integration and acceptance you will start to
consider the university your new town, your
home.

50
Challenges of adjusting to a new environment

Cultural Values Shock - you may face situations
that are not acceptable in your culture
Look for things that surprise you
Try to remain flexible, respectful and
open-minded
Try to enjoy the new cultural diversity
Talk to someone from your cultural background or
religion who has been living in the U.S. to
discuss how to deal with values shock

51
Coping with the Stress of Culture Shock

Make sure you know what to expect before you
arrive. Read books and magazines about the U.S.
Eat well, sleep well, and take good care of
yourself.
Exercise to relieve stress and tension. Do
outdoor activities.
Keep in touch with family and friends and share
your new experiences
Take some time to relax listen to music, read a
book
Do not lose your sense of humor laugh at your
mistakes

52
Entertainment in the U.S.

Check local newspapers/websites for weekly
events
Theatre/Movies
Live music/concerts
Bars and night clubs
Museums (certain days/hours are free)
Spectator sports (buy your tickets in advance)
When attending a party, always bring the
host/hostess a
small gift, as a token of your appreciation.

53
Gender Issues, Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of gender
discrimination that involves unacceptable sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature,
that is not welcomed by the recipient
Sexual harassment violates acceptable standards
and can occur anywhere

54
Forms of Sexual Harassment

Verbal
Profanity- obscene or degrading terms for men or
woman and inappropriate use of terms of
endearment
Obscene jokes, cat calls, or sexual overtones
Spreading rumors about a persons sex life
Sexually oriented remarks about a persons
clothing or body
Persistent requests for dates

55
Forms of Sexual Harassment