Post on 25-Dec-2014
description
The US Study Experience
Pre-Departure Orientation for Students Going to the US
Friday, June 22, 2012
Session Overview:
1. Immigration Procedures2. Health + Money3. American Classroom4. Culture and Culture Shock
Pre departure checklist:
Immigration: Visa/ Passport/I-20/DS2019 Health: Immunizations /Medications/Health Care
& Insurance Coverage Finances: Tuition /Banking & Wire Transfers Housing: Housing /Cost of Living Emergency Contacts: Home & US
Port of Entry Procedures:
Before landing you need to accurately fill out a customs form.
A US Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your documents.
You will be asked to provide digital finger scans and be photographed.
You will be required to show a filled in customs declaration form when exiting with your luggage.
Port of Entry Procedures: Baggage
Carry US $5 for baggage trolley After Immigration, go through customs. Dogs may
check baggage for fruit, food, or drugs. Customs will probably search your bags thoroughly,
in case of resulting damage, ask for a receipt. If your bags are not there, file a baggage claim with
the airline immediately. If flying onward, be sure to recheck your bags after
immigration
Health and
Money Management
Health and Money Management
Pre-Departure Health Checks: Immunizations Records/Prescriptions
English translationsSupply of medications
Eye and dental care Other special needs
US Health Insurance:
You get what you pay for! Be aware of low cost plans that provide limited benefits.
Insurance usually does not cover all costs; there are often deductibles & co-pays that need to be paid by the student. When looking for a specific doctor, check to make sure the service there is covered by your insurance. If it is, you will only have to pay a relatively small co-pay. Otherwise, you risk paying a lot!
Paperwork is involved! Making an insurance plan will require claim submission and interaction with the insurance company.
US Health Care System & Insurance
The institutional health service is usually your best
source of health care. It is: Less costly More accustomed to working with internationals More aware of cultural considerations Offers a referral system for more serious care Includes a cooperative effort with the counseling services
Bottom line: Do not be afraid to use the health center on your university’s campus!
Health and Wellness: 3 Most Successful Methods!
Careful dietary practices (+ physical activity…you will find plenty of opportunities for this on any campus)
Dealing with stress
Ensuring safety/protection against substance abuse
Money Management
Plan budget Arrange to transfer funds to U.S. bank Bring traveler’s checks; bring cash for initial small expenses Open a bank account. This is generally simple, but you may need a Social
Security # for this. Consult your advisor or refer to: www.socialsecurity.gov Be careful about credit cards! DO NOT OVERDRAFT (take $ out of account with inadequate funds)!
Bank fees are huge. If you accidentally do this, however, remember that in the US, the general attitude is “the customer is always right,” so you might try to argue that you didn’t understand, you’re not used to this system, etc, and there is a chance the bank will not make you pay.
The American Classroom
The American Classroom
Likely classroom differences: Add/ Drop Period Websites, Syllabus, Books Importance of Class Participation Competition Emphasis on original thought
Plagiarism
Participate in discussions Voic
e opinions
Ask question
s
May be
counted
towards
grade
Working/Interning in the US
Why Intern?
EmploymentAccording to “US Multinationals and the Foreign
MBA”, 53% of foreign survey respondents received a job offer from an American company where they completed an internship.
Networking20% of jobs in US are advertised through
traditional means;80% are in the “hidden” job market and never
advertised
Internships: Utilize Campus Resources
Career Services & Placement Career Counseling Office
Assessment Applicability of skills/interests
Academic Adviser International Student Services
Work Opportunities
Top 10 Skills Sought by Employers:
Oral Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Analytical Skills Teamwork Flexibility
Work Opportunities
Top 10 Skills sought by Employers (contd..)
Computer Skills Proficiency in Field of Study Written Communication Skills Leadership Work Experience
Culture and
“Culture Shock”
Americans are:
Individualistic Independent
Self-reliant Frank
Informal Competitive
Achievers Friendly
Punctual Active
Americans:
Appreciate what they have
Are not necessarily informed about other cultures
Consider time to be very important
Identify themselves in terms of what they do!
Culture Shock: The Phases
Honeymoon Culture fatigue Learning/Adjustment Integration “Reentry Shock”
(Not everyone experiences all phases!)
Adjusting to a New Environment
Join student groups, clubs, organizations, etc.
Anticipate (and practice) religious tolerance
Be sensitive to gender equality: men & women can be friends
Respect others and don’t tolerate harassment
Skills for Adjustment:
Awareness of what’s happening Pacing yourself Taking care of yourself Open mind Patience, sense of humor Observation, involvement Ask questions
Acknowledgements:
Lubna S. Anwar, US Consulate, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Gray R. Weaver (Ph.D.)American University, Wash D.C.
Ms. Fanta Aw: Student Advisor, American University Heidi Gregori Gahan, University of Southern Indiana Dr. Abbass Raza, US Consulate Lahore. United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan “Getting What You Came For,” Dr. Robert L. Peters