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

Thank You

adviser@fulbright.be