Pre-Departure Information
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This document summarizes a pre-departure orientation for students going to study in the US. It covers key topics like immigration procedures, health insurance, money management, the American classroom, work and internship opportunities, and adjusting to American culture. Students are provided checklists and guidance on port of entry procedures, maintaining health and wellness, budgeting, utilizing campus resources, developing skills sought by employers, and managing culture shock. The presentation aims to prepare international students for a successful experience studying in the United States.
Pre-Departure Information
- 1. The US Study Experience Pre-Departure Orientation for Students Going to the US Friday, June 22, 2012
- 2. Session Overview: 1. Immigration Procedures 2. Health + Money 3. American Classroom 4. Culture and Culture Shock
- 3. 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
- 4. 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.
- 5. 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
- 6. Health and Money Management
- 7. Health and Money Management Pre-Departure Health Checks: Immunizations Records/Prescriptions English translations Supply of medications Eye and dental care Other special needs
- 8. 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.
- 9. 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!
- 10. 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
- 11. 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.
- 13. The American Classroom Likely classroom differences: Add/ Drop Period Websites, Syllabus, Books Participate in Importance of Class Participation discussions May be Competition counted Voice towards opinions Emphasis on original thought grade Plagiarism Ask questions
- 14. Working/Interning in the US
- 15. Why Intern? Employment According 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. Networking 20% of jobs in US are advertised through traditional means; 80% are in the “hidden” job market and never advertised
- 16. Internships: Utilize Campus Resources Career Services & Placement Career Counseling Office Assessment Applicability of skills/interests Academic Adviser International Student Services
- 17. Work Opportunities Top 10 Skills Sought by Employers: Oral Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Analytical Skills Teamwork Flexibility
- 18. Work Opportunities Top 10 Skills sought by Employers (contd..) Computer Skills Proficiency in Field of Study Written Communication Skills Leadership Work Experience
- 19. Culture and “Culture Shock”
- 20. Americans are: Individualistic Independent Self-reliant Frank Informal Competitive Achievers Friendly Punctual Active
- 21. 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!
- 22. Culture Shock: The Phases Honeymoon Culture fatigue Learning/Adjustment Integration “Reentry Shock” (Not everyone experiences all phases!)
- 23. 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
- 24. Skills for Adjustment: Awareness of what’s happening Pacing yourself Taking care of yourself Open mind Patience, sense of humor Observation, involvement Ask questions
- 25. 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
Editor's Notes
- #16: By interning you get to know other people. People often get job offers from the American
- #19: You can learn about the American work environment by doing an internship.
- #24: People in the US tend to be more religiousthanthey do here. It’squite normal to beinvited to come to churchevents… itsanotherway people come together as a community.