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
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
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
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!
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
By interning you get to know other people. People often get job offers from the American
You can learn about the American work environment by doing an internship.
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.