Final part III

Pre-DepartureOrientation

Part III of IIIPresented by

Alliance Abroad GroupYour designated visa sponsor

Final VersionRevised 11/17/14

Your Orientation is ALMOST COMPLETE!

• Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in order to meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations found in section {62.10} Program Administration.

• This is Part III of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on your cultural exchange program in the U.S.

• Presentation Part III Overview:• Travel Smart Checklist • Sample Cost of Living Expenses• Housing Responsibilities & Guidelines• U.S. Culture• General Safety Tips• Pre-Departure Orientation Quiz & Acknowledgement Form

Travel Smart Checklist

• Tickets and Airline Boarding Passes• Your Passport With J-1Visa Approval• Travel Insurance• DS-2019 Form• International Drivers License or

Photo Identification Card License• AAG Job Offer With Arrival

Instructions

Please Note: If you are unable to present a valid passport with you J1 visa in it and your DS-2019 document, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Email a scanned copy of all your documents to yourself for safe keeping!

Documents, Documents,

Documents

As you prepare for your trip to the US, make sure you have all the necessary documents and reviewed all the important information:


• Research the climate of the area where you will be going. Please make sure you pack appropriate clothes based on the average season temperature for the area.

• Determine your time zone. There are six in the U.S.

• Get familiar with U.S. Currency – U.S. Dollars (US$) $1= 100 cents.

• Please be prepared to pay additional sales tax on items/goods (varies by state, could be up to 10%). When shopping at the store, prepare to add up to 10% to the price tag of the item.

• Figure out the conversion rate, which varies daily: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

• Determine if your mobile phone will work in the U.S. or if you will need to purchase one upon arrival.

Research! Research!

Research!

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/


• Double check your airline’s luggage policy or fees.

• Pack your essentials (passport, DS-2019, arrival instructions, job offer letter) in your carry-on luggage

• Make sure you pack a change of clothes in your carryon luggage.

• If taking medication, please carry it with you on the plane

• Pack electronic necessities, phone, laptop, camera and chargers & adapters in your carryon luggage.

• Pack your favorite toiletries.• Bring something representative of your

home country to share with your Host Company and new friends

Pack Smart


• Review your Arrival Instructions• Provide your Arrival Information to AAG: www.allianceabroad.com/arrival • Make sure your housing is reserved and confirmed. You

need to know where you will be sleeping at upon arrival in the area

• Make sure you know exactly how you will be traveling from the airport to your housing

• Check out AAG’s “Things to do in the USA” page: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/

usa_cultural_events.html

• Review “Top 10 Things to Remember” for a successful program

• Make sure you have contact information for your Host Company, your Housing and AAG (1-866-622-7623)

Create your

Itinerary

U.S. Cities Cost of living Expenses

• Ensure your financial safety; bring at least $1,000.00 in cash or credit cards.

• Please bring additional funds (aside from the recommended $1,000) to cover your housing expenses- rent, deposit, application fee (if applicable).

• Explore the cost of living in your new city as well as the average costs of restaurants, grocery stores/markets, transportation, utilities and sports and leisure offerings.

To determine average cost of living in the area where you will be completing your program, please visit: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?

country=United+States

o Meal - Inexpensive restaurant $11.00o Meal - Fast Food Combo $7.00o Cappuccino $3.25o Soda – Coke/Sprite/Diet $1.50o Bottle Water $1.25o Milk – One Gallon (3.8 L) $2.98o Eggs – One Dozen (12) $2.50o Bread – One Loaf $2.25o Bus Ticket – One Way Only $1.00o Gas – One Gallon (3.8 L) $3.25o Basic Utilities (gas, water, electricity) $164.00o Apartment – 1 Bed Room $750.00o Internet $40.00o Cinema – 1 Movie Ticket $9.00o Concert – 1 Ticket $35 –

$50

For Example – Austin, Texas

Money Matters

• Please do not carry large amount of cash with you. It is best to open a bank checking account and deposit your money. Most banks offer Free Student Checking Account and online banking.

• Please ask your Host Company if they offer a Direct Deposit Pay option. Direct Deposit offers the following:

1. Your Paycheck Deposited Directly into your Bank Account2. No waiting period to access your money3. No fees for cashing your check

• If you lose your Debit Card- You Can Replace it• If you lose your Check- There will be a long waiting period before your Host

Company can issue you another check• If you lose your Cash- there is No way to replace it

Basic Monthly Housing Expenses

• Rent• Electricity/Gas• Water/Waste• Garbage Services• Internet• Pest Control

*These expenses do not include Housing Deposit and Application Fee

(if applicable)

• You will be responsible for keeping your housing clean at all times.

• You will be responsible for buying and using necessary cleaning supplies.

AAG Housing Definitions

All AAG job offers include information about housing in the area. Please refer to the housing section of your job offer to determine if your program housing is AAG Provided, AAG Assisted, or Participant Arranged.

•AAG Provided Housing – this means that AAG has secured the housing for you and your rent will be deducted from your paycheck accordingly. Please confirm with your agency that you have been booked for this housing option.

•AAG Assisted Housing – this means that AAG has located and vetted the best housing option for this job and you must stay at this location in order to accept the job offer. You will pay your rent directly to your housing provider (landlord)

•Participant Arranged Housing – this means that YOU are responsible to locate and secure your own housing for the duration of program. In addition, AAG must review and approve your program housing prior to your arrival to the U.S. If your job offer states that housing is Participant Arranged, you must submit your housing details to: [email protected] at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival to the US. An AAG representative will contact you directly to confirm whether your Participant Arranged housing has been approved.

Important questions to ask when booking your

own housing (Participant Arranged Housing)

• Is the housing in a safe area?• Is there access to affordable

transportation?• Is this specific housing option affordable?• Will you have a lease to sign? How long

is your lease agreement would be? • Is there a deposit? If yes, is it refundable?• Is your housing furnished?• What is and is not included in your

monthly or weekly fee?• Will you have roommates?• What are the housing rules?

Housing Tips & Recommendations for Participant Arranged Housing

The housing leads you in your Job Offer Letter are the best options available. In some areas, you will need to secure housing and pay a deposit well in advance of your arrival to the U.S.. You will need to communicate your arrival information to your housing provider.

Important!

1.AAG strongly advises you against using Craigslist as a resource for housing.2.Never wire money to individual landlords that you have not met in person. If it is a scam, you will not get your money back! 3.We strongly advise that you work with real estate companies when looking for housing. One of the resources to locate a realtor: http://www.realtor.com/

Arrange your housing for the entire duration of your program before you

Depart for the United States!

Also keep in mind the following:•Rent for the entire month is usually due on the 1st of the month•You might need to provide a security deposit•Your are responsible to keep your housing clean• You are responsible for any damages to housing that occurred after you move in

Connecting with Your New Community

You can search by City, State to find helpful information and resources like;

• Chamber of Commerce• American Fact Finder • Community Roots, Legacies & Celebrations• Local Libraries• Post Offices• Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities

Cultural Exchange Opportunities

Your program is what you make of it! Take advantage of these cultural exchange opportunities during your program:

• AAG Organized and Promoted Activities and events

• Make New Friends at work and in your community

• Host Company Events to get to know your coworkers

• Volunteer with AAGives Back in your new community

• Community Events parades, concerts & celebrations

• Short trips with friend during your days off

• Tourist Center & Chamber of Commerce for info on your town

• Calendar of Events on your local Visitors Bureau website

Important U.S. CultureThe U.S. is considered an ethnically and racially diverse country as a result of large-scale migrations from different countries throughout its history.

US Culture Characteristics include:Diversity and Individualism

o Americans value and appreciate people of different

backgrounds.

o In the US, we treat people on the individual basis.

Please Note: When you are talking to the Host

Company/Sponsor and voicing your concerns, speak for

yourself and convey your own concerns or questions. If

your friends are in the same situation, ask them to speak

with the Host Company/Sponsor directly.

Important U.S. CultureThe U.S. is considered an ethnically and racially diverse country as a result of large-scale migrations from different countries throughout its history.

US Culture Characteristics include:

Personal SpaceAmericans tend to require more personal space. If you try to get too close to an American during your conversation, he or she will feel that you are “in their face” and will try to back away. Acceptable distance when speaking with an American is the arm length.

Important U.S. Culture

The U.S. is considered an ethnically and racially diverse country as a result of large-scale migrations from different countries throughout its history.

US Culture Characteristics include:Privacy

– Americans value our privacy and extend the same courtesy to all the visitors to the US. Please Note:

o It is not OK to take photos of people you do not know without their permissiono It is absolutely not OK to take photos of children without parent’s permissiono Your Host Company will not be able to give you information about your friend’s

work hours, pay or paycheck , unless, Host Company was given a written permission from your friend allowing you to obtain that information

o Social Security Office will not give information about SSN application to anyone besides the applicant




Being Direct and HonestAmericans are direct and appreciate honesty. Please Note: “No” means No. If you asked a question and received an answer that you did not like, it does not mean that you should continue asking and maybe the answer will change.




Treating Everyone with RespectTreating people with Respect is the most fundamental component of every day life in the US. Please Note: No matter how upset you are when talking to someone, you are still expected to be respectful

Being Friendly and Helpful Americans love to help in anyway and as much as they can. Many Americans take part in organized Volunteer events and activities. Yet many more, help others as they go about their every day life. Please Note: It is always best to ask for help rather than demand it. Don’t forget to say “Please” and “Thank you”!

American Work Culture and Expectations

• Arrive to Work on Time means to arrive 10-15min early

• Follow Company Rules & Policies. Important: Your Host Company has Social Media Use policy that you must follow

• Ask Questions

• Speak English at work. That is the only way your English will improve

• Appropriate Conversations at Work (Remember, you are surrounded by people and your conversation might be overhead)

• Maintain Dress Code & Personal Hygiene

• Give a helping hand and Focus on teamwork. There is no such thing as “It’s not my job”

• Smile and provide prompt customer service. Smile is Free!

• If you have completed your work, ask your supervisor what else you can do to help

General Hospitality Industry Trends

For Motels, Hotels & Resorts• Scheduling: Host Companies will schedule YOU based on business need. Weekends usually have the highest business levels, so it is likely you will work on a Saturday or Sunday or both.

• Work Breaks: Each state has different labor laws when it comes to breaks while on your shift. Make sure to ask what your company’s policy is during your orientation.

• Attendance: Each Host Company has a specific attendance policy for employees. It is very important to understand and follow the policy.

• Employment Benefits: Any benefits provided by your employer should be outlined in your job offer or host company handbook. Please be sure to review the housing and transportation section of your job offer closely.

The more you know about your employer and their policies the more successful your program will be! Ask questions!

Safeguarding your Health, Safety & Welfare

Though many Americans are friendly, open, and willing to help, be aware that there are some people who may want to take advantage of international visitors.

Be cau tious! •Remember safety first, use common sense during your stay and trust your instincts.

•If some thing or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

General Safety Tips• Always keep your property close to you or in a concealed place. • Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not expose it in crowded places. • Travel in a group or go out with a friend as much as possible. • Do not use ATM machines in the dark, especially if you are alone. • Make sure to have copies of all your important documents with you, and keep your originals in a safe place. • Be aware of your surroundings. • Do not behave in ways which may bring at tention to others or someone who might try and take advantage of you. • Avoid disclosing personal information on social media. Never post photos of your Social Security Card and/or paychecks on social media. • Never invite strangers to your housing

General Pedestrian Walking Tips

• Follow the street signs• Whenever possible, walk with a friend. • Stay on well-traveled, well-lit streets. • Avoid shortcuts through dark or wood ed areas, parking lots, or alleys. • If you think someone is following you, change direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If you are scared, yell for help. • If you have to work late, make sure there are others in the workplace with you and ask someone (a colleague or security guard) to walk you out and make sure you safely get into a car or a bus.

General Biking Safety Tips

Riding your bike can be a great deal of fun, and it's a great way to exercise and get around. Nevertheless, bike riding has its hazards, especially when you're sharing the road with motorized traffic.

•WEAR A HELMET!•Ensure your bike is working properly (Check the breaks!)•Make sure your bike has lights and reflectors•Choose bike lanes and safe roads with minimal traffic when possible•Follow the rules of the road! You must ride with the traffic• Wear appropriate clothing: wear bright reflective

clothing to ensure visibility. Absolutely no flip flops!

• Always lock up your bike.

General Swimming Safety Tips

You can greatly reduce the chances of you or your friends and family becoming drowning or near-drowning victims by following a few simple safety tips: • Learn to swim!• Never swim alone• Always follow posted instructions and

instructions of lifeguards (if present)• Never dive head first into sallow or murky

water• Remember that swimming and alcohol can

be a deadly combination.• Learn to perform CPR

General Skiing Safety Tips• Never ski alone and follow the rules of the trails• Wear a helmet and appropriate ski attire.• Use proper ski equipment and make sure your bindings are properly adjusted.• Take frequent breaks. •Respect your limits. Do not ski trails that are above your skill level. Trails will be clearly marked (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond). If you are not sure what trail to ski- ASK!

GENERAL U.S. LAWS TO FOLLOWDrugs & Alcohol

•Never drink under the U.S. legal age of 21•Never purchase alcohol for anyone under the 21•Never drink in public places•Never use or possess illegal drugs•Marijuana it is ILLEGAL under federal law•Workplace Drug Testing is common and can be conducted at random

Driving•Never drink and drive•Never drive without a valid License and car insurance•Never get into a car if the driver is intoxicated•Never text and drive•Always wear a seatbelt

Violence•Never threaten another person or touch them in an inappropriate way•Never be involved in a fight or violence of any kind (Disorderly conduct)•Never damage property•Never disturb the peace

Theft•Never shoplift or steal

You are a Visitor in the United States.

Please Be Respectful and

Follow our Laws!

Zero Tolerance Policy

Alliance Abroad Group has a “Zero Tolerance” policy in regards to certain types of behavior.

If we receive documentation that you have done any of the following, we will end your

program and request that you return home immediately.

•PHYSICAL ALTERCATION (Getting into fights with colleagues, roommates, etc.)•THREATS made public of any kind that involve harm to other people:

– Verbally– On Facebook– In Email/Text/Voicemail

•THEFT (Taking items that do not belong to you)

Please remember you are representing your country, and your behavior has serious consequences on your experience in the U.S.

Next Steps...

Complete the Orientation Quiz

And

Electronically sign the

AAG Acknowledgement Form

Final VersionRevised 11/17/2014

Final part III

Business

Transcript of Final part III