Everything you need to know before arriving in the US about

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.

12. The American
Classroom

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

26. Thank You
adviser@fulbright.be