U.S. Preparation Guide

Table of Contents

1. Before you leave

   Clothing
   Luggage
   Visa Logistics
   Insurance
   Budget
   Accommodation
   Arrival Details
   Driving
   Electricity
   

2. When you get there

   Travel
   Communication
   Cash
   Holidays/Shopping Hours
   Studying in U.S.
   Surviving Winter
   Some notes about American culture
   

3. Culture Shock

   What is it?
   Suggestions for dealing with Culture Shock
   How to Get Used to a New Country Quickly and Comfortably
   

Clothing

Before leaving for the US make sure that you are carrying the appropriate clothing required for that particular area or city you are going to study.

For the cities where the winters are severe the following clothing is necessary:
a) Woolen overcoat
b) Woolen gloves
c) Leather jackets
d) Woolen socks
e) Woolen caps
f) Thermal wear
g) Sweaters
h) Boots


For the cities where the weather winters are not so severe carry moderate winter clothing. Even carry your casual wear like jeans, shirts and T-shirts

Luggage

Confirm with the airlines your ticket is booked with how many kilos of luggage are you officially allowed to carry so that you don't face any problem at the airport.

Visa Logistics

When you have received your official letter of acceptance and I-20 form from the American university, you should immediately begin procedures to obtain your Student Visa. These documents are available from the nearest American Embassy and at the E.C.O. office. Please refer to the US visa checklist in order to be sure you have all the documents required to obtain a student visa.

Under no circumstances should you leave for the US until you have obtained your student visa from a visa issuing office abroad. It is not possible to change from "visitor status" to "student status" once you have entered the US.

As a student in the United States you will not be able to work off campus until you have held F-1 student status for nine months. Until that time you will be eligible only to work on-campus through teaching or research assistantships or general on-campus employment in one of the university's departments.

As an individual admitted to the United States on an F-1 non-immigrant visa, you have been admitted to the U.S.for duration of status, which is defined as:
1. The time during which you are pursuing a full course of study and making normal progress toward completing that course plus

2. The time you may be working in authorized practical training after you complete studies (if you qualify and are so authorized plus 60 days to depart the country.

The INS grants duration of status to F-1 students by entering the notation "D/S" in the upper right corners of both the Certificate of Eligibility for Non immigrant (F-1) Student Status (INS Form 1-20) and the Departure Record" (INS Form 1-94).

Documentation
Be sure you carry all of the following information on your person. Do not pack it in your baggage.

• Valid passport.
• Student Visa
• Original letter of acceptance from your university
• Proof of funds available (e.g.: bank draft,transfer, letter of credit, scholarship or assistantship letter or other proof).

Insurance

Most universities requires all new and continuing international students in both F-I and J-1 status to carry

health insurance that meets certain minimum standards determined by the United States Information Agency (USIA) which are:

• A maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness
• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
• Medical evacuation benefits of $10,000 or more
• Payment of at least 75% of covered medical expenses
• Repatriation benefits of $7,500 or more

Budget

Accommodation (sharing an apartment)	$3 480
food	$2 400
clothing	$ 500
health insurance*	$ 675
bus pass ($47 per month x 12)	$ 564
textbooks, typing, supplies	$ 900
miscellaneous**	$1 560
Total***	$ 14 579

* please see section under health insurance
** miscellaneous is postage, laundry, pharmacy supplies, telephone, dental costs, recreation, entertainment, etc.)
*** total does NOT include tuition, tax, or book costs

There are single students, such as those living in shared accommodation on campus, who are able to live on less than this estimate, while others require more. If, as a single student, you do not want to share accommodation, budget an additional $2 500 per year in living expenses.

This estimate is only a guideline. It will permit an adequate but far from luxurious standard of living. Your first month will be expensive because of settling-in costs such as paying an extra month's rent as a damage deposit and purchasing warm clothing, textbooks and supplies. Do not purchase textbooks until after the first class in each course. Keep in mind that the above figure does not include any money for returning home or visiting other parts of the United States or Canada.

Accommodation

Most universities offer a variety of on-campus residences. Accommodations may range from traditional two-person dormitory rooms to suites with private baths to apartments. The typical room is furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser for each student. Residence halls usually feature lounges for studying and socializing, recreation areas, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. In most cases, meal plans may be purchased in addition to the room for an all-inclusive plan. Most students choose to live on-campus in their first year, and later move off-campus in shared accommodation in senior years. Your university will usually keep a listing of all housing on and around campus that is available to students.

Arrival Details

If you are not able to make use of the telephone registration system from your home country, we encourage you to arrive about two weeks before class to complete registration procedures. (If you arrive early make certain you have sufficient money to cover your living costs.) This will also allow you to get to know your way around the University and the city and to find suitable housing while there is still a variety of accommodation from which to choose. Early arrival will also make it possible to have free time to participate in planned social events, make new friends and attend orientation.

The best time to arrive, if your travel arrangements permit, is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. University offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. The University is closed over the winter break (December 25, 2000 - January 1, 2001).

Be sure to inform your ECO representative and university contact about your flight arrival information.

Driving

If you intend to drive a car in the U.S., you should obtain an International Driver's License in your country before coming to the U.S. You must be at least 21 years old and have a major credit card to rent a vehicle in the U.S. In North America, traffic is on the right-hand side of the road, opposite the British system.

Electricity

The U.S. operates on 120 volts, 60 Hertz (or cycles per second) and the American electrical outlets take only the plugs with 2 straight pins (same as the US model), not the round ones. Remember to bring adapters for hair dryers, shavers, etc. if you want to bring your own from India.

Travel

Air Travel
Airlines provide the principal means of travel across the U.S, although buses and private cars dominate passenger travel over shorter distances. You have probably come to the U.S. by air and are reasonably familiar with the procedures of international travel. Schedule information, ticket reservations and all other arrangements can be made by telephone. For most Americans, economy fare provides a comfortable flight. Be certain that you understand any conditions that may be attached to the purchase of a ticket. Especially important are the conditions surrounding the granting of refunds, cancellations or "no-shows" (failure to take a reserved flight or to cancel) and luggage regulations.

Train Travel
Americans who want to reach their destinations quickly do not take the train if there is an alternative. The advantage of rail travel is that one can enjoy a better view from the train and the accommodation is much more comfortable.

Bus Travel
The least expensive way to travel is by bus. Bus travel is generally comfortable and offers express service between major cities. Information about fares, schedules and special rates are available at bus stations and through travel agents.

Pedestrians
Hitchhiking (soliciting rides from drivers by holding out your thumb) is not illegal except on major highways BUT IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED. It is not uncommon to hear of instances of assault, robbery and rape involving hitchhikers.

Communication

Telephones
Customers are usually charged a basic rate for monthly service plus a one-time charge for installation. Long distance charges are itemised separately on a monthly account. Local calls are free with payment of the flat service fee. The full amount is due upon receipt. Do not pay for any charges that are not understood. Call the phone company and ask for more information.

If the telephone is registered in your name, you are legally responsible for any charges incurred. If you are sharing accommodation with other people and a dispute should occur over phone charges, you will be held accountable. It is not unusual that a deposit be asked for to cover the cost of anticipated long distance calls. This deposit could be as much as $500 and is usually returned after a six month period provided that the telephone bills are paid in full.

Long distance calls are competitive. There are various telecommunications companies competing for your long distance dollar. Some of the most common are AT&T, Sprint, and Bell. Compare the prices offered by all these firms and choose the one most suited to your needs.

The most cost effective way to make international calls are sometimes to buy prepaid long distance cards, where the rates can sometimes be a fraction of the cost of regular phone calls. These can be obtained often in convenient stores and in various stores on campus (usually where all the international students hang out)

It is possible to direct dial long distance calls from the U.S. to most overseas cities. Instructions and information about the most favourable times and rates are usually listed in the front pages of the telephone book or you can contact the operator for help by dialing "0".

Telephone Directory
Use your telephone directory to save time and travel by calling people or businesses in advance to confirm arrangements for appointments or the availability of items.

Postal Service
Be sure to include the 5 digit zip code on all mail. This allows the US Postal service to expediently process all incoming and outgoing mail. The correct mail address should be as follows:

Mr. And Mrs. Famous Movie Star
89 Foxborough Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
90210

Email
The U.S. has fast and reliable access to the internet. There are numerous providers in the market, offering anything from 10 hours to unlimited access, cable to dial-up modems for home access. Often, the same company that provides your telephone service also provides your internet access. Universities will more than likely give you access to the internet with your tuition fees. There usually are computer labs dedicated to students to work on their projects and stay in contact. Just be sure to remember your password!

Cash

The currency in the U.S is the dollar ($). There are coins and paper bills. The coins are 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents. There is also a new one dollar coin. The paper currency (or bills) is in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000.

When you arrive, try to have at least $100 in cash. A currency exchange service is usually available at the airport from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. We also recommend that you carry enough cash, travellers cheques or bank drafts to cover at least your first month's expenses. Because of extra costs in the first month (like rental damage deposits and books) this can amount to $1,500 or more for a single student.

If you are depending upon meeting financial requirements through money you will receive in the U.S. , be certain that the money is available upon your arrival in your city of study. For example, most departments do not pay out graduate assistantships at the end of the month. This means if you start on September 1, you will receive your first pay cheque at the end of September. If you need an "advance " on your first check, contact your department before you arrive to see if this can be arranged.

Banks and Bank Machines
There are many private and chartered banks in the U.S. Most have bank machines (or automatic tellers) at each branch, and many other places as well, such as in shopping centres, corner stores or on a university campus. If you bank with one particular bank, you can use any other bank's machines (at a $1 service charge) as they are all on the same system. Bank machines in North America are on the Plus and Interact system. Using a credit card or bank card in these machines is often the best way to get money, and the best way to get a good exchange rate.

Tipping
The tip, or gratuity, is not usually included in the bill for services. It is expected in many cases that you will tip, as many people live by their tips, not their wages. The following are a few people that are often tipped:

Waiters	15%
Taxi Driver	10%-15%
Pizza Delivery	$1.00

Holidays/Shopping Hours

Official Holidays

These are national holidays that schools and businesses shut down for.

New Year's Day	January 1
Martin Luther King's Day	January 15; in memory of civil rights activist
Good Friday	Varies (usually in April)
Easter Monday	Varies (banks and civil services are losed, but shops and offices are open)
Independence Day	July 4
Labour Day	First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day	4th Thursday in November
Veteran's Day	November 11
Christmas Day	December 25

Unofficial Holidays

There are festivities that don't give you a day off from work, but they are just fun things that are deeply rooted in the culture:

Groundhog Day	February 2; superstitious tradition that determines the remaining length of winter
Valentine's Day	February 14, a day for people in love
St. Patrick's Day	March 17, the patron saint of Ireland
April Fool's Day	April 1, a day for practical jokes
Halloween	October 31, children dress up in costumes and go door to door for candy

Offices
Most offices open from 9 to 5 pm or 8:30 to 4:30 pm. Some close during lunch, but most of them have a receptionist there to take messages. Lunch hour is generally from 12 to 1 or from 1 to 2 pm.

Stores
The majority of stores are open 7 days a week, but this is still fairly new, so some of them are still closed on Sundays. Generally, the opening hours are as follows:

Monday to Wednesday	10 am to 6 pm
Thursday and Friday	10 am to 9 pm
Saturday	9 am to 5 pm
Sunday	10 am (or 12) to 5 pm

Average Prices of Commonly Purchased Goods
Note: All prices listed in the US do not include the various state taxes that may be imposed at the time of purchase.

Books

Paperback	$ 5.00
Newspaper	$ 1.00
Magazine	$ 2.95

Clothing

Winter coat	$ 120.00
Sweater	$ 50.00
Running shoes	$ 60.00
Jeans	$ 40.00
Skirt	$ 30.00
Winter Boots	$ 60.00

Entertainment

Concerts	$ 5 - 50 (depending on the band)
Movies	$ 8 (4.00 on Tuesdays)
Bar cover charge	$ 5.00

Food and Drink

Coke (can from a machine)	$ 0.75
Coke (2L from a store)	$ 1.00
Milk (4 L)	$ 2.50
12 eggs	$ 1.25
Bread	$ 0.90
Butter	$ 2.50

Miscellaneous

Cigarettes	$ 2.50
Film (36)	$ 5.00- 7.00
Chocolate bar	$ 0.75
Haircut	$ 7 - 30
City bus one way	$ 1.00

Postage

U.S.	$0.35
Overseas	$0.75

Studying in United States

Class participation is expected in North American universities. Junior-level courses are usually larger classes (300 +) , however most senior-level courses are taught in classes of less than 30 students. In senior-level courses, it is expected that there is class discussion over the course material, and it is common for students to disagree with the professor. The ability for a student to come up with original material and personal conclusions is paramount in the North American education system. Often, students spend many hours outside the classroom researching from various sources to support their thesis. Students that can support their thesis well, even if it is not in alignment with the professor, do the best in this system. If you come from a system different than this, expect a few months to adjust to the new style of teaching and learning.

Surviving Winter

If you'll be studying in the Northern part of the U.S, you should prepare yourself to experience the cold and snow of winter. Winter usually from late November to early March in the Northeast part of the US. Temperatures during this time will often reach 0 or 10 F. It is important to take precautions to avoid the negative effects of the cold. The main precaution taken by most North Americans is to go outside as little as possible. When you do have to go outside for long or if you are finding even short periods in the cold difficult to handle keep these simple tips in mind.

Don't take chances with the winter cold. Get into the habit of listening to the weather forecast on a local radio station a the beginning of each day and dress accordingly. Warm, winter clothing should not be considered a luxury. You will need it to ensure that you stay healthy and enjoy life.

Seek advice from individuals who are familiar with the climate. North Americans like to talk about the weather, and in general are very willing to give you advice on getting through the winter. Look for comfort and simplicity in clothing. Ideally, and in order to withstand slush, snow, sleet and rain as well as the sand and salt used on icy sidewalks and roads, winter boots should be waterproof, warm, lightweight and stain repellent.

Winter clothing essentials might include a down (or polyester) coat or parka, mittens or gloves, and a wool hat or earmuffs. The layered look is not only fashionable but also an extremely effective way of insulating the body. Try wearing a woollen sweater over a cotton shirt or a pair of corduroy pants over cotton "longjohns" (long underwear) and you should feel warmer. Don't worry about how strange you may look; your main goal of keeping warm will be accomplished.

Eat breakfast! You will be warmer if your body has some fuel to burn.

If your skin and scalp become dry and flaky because of the cold and dry heat indoors, try using a moisturising cream and conditioner. As well, drinking water regularly will help prevent dehydration.

Sunlight reflecting off snow on sunny days may damage your eyes or skin. You can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and your skin by using sunscreen.

Take into consideration the wind chill factor. High winds blowing on a cold day lower the temperature even further and a temperature of 20o F with a wind of 10 miles per hour can feel like 0oF.

Be alert to frostbite. Ears, fingers, toes or cheeks that have been exposed to freezing temperatures for even a short period of time may be severely damaged. If any part of your body should lack feeling or become pale or slightly blue, seek medical help immediately.

If you do become stranded in the cold (for whatever reason), don't hesitate to seek help. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be life threatening!

Some notes about American culture

This is a very general description of the way North Americans think and behave. It does not describe the attitude of EVERYONE, but it's a very good guideline.

Importance of Time: North Americans are very concerned with time. They give an enormous importance to punctuality. If they say there's a meeting at 10 am, it will be at 10 am, not noon. They might seem to be in a hurry all the time to you, but they simply organise all their activities in a schedule.

Conversations: Generally, avoid topics of politics, sex or religion with people you don't know. They are regarded as controversial topics and put people ill at ease if they are brought up. Often people will ask "How are you?" They do not often expect much of an answer in response, so don't feel insulted if they don't wait for your answer.

Personal space: When talking to one another North Americans limit their movements and there is rarely any touching between the parties. They like a space between them and the person they are talking to. If you move too close, the personal may be uncomfortable and back up.

Handshakes: Handshakes are extremely important in North America. If you meet someone and they offer you their right hand, you do the same. Shake the hand firmly. This is the standard greeting in North America. Usually only close friends kiss each other in greeting, or hug each other. When going to business meetings, use the handshake.

Visiting North Americans: In North America, you knock on the door to ask permission to come in. If you are invited to dinner, it is always nice to bring a little something (ex. a bottle of wine, chocolates, flowers), however it is not expected of you. If your host offers you something to drink and you prefer to drink something without alcohol that wasn't offered to you, it is perfectly polite to ask for it. The reverse is not true.

Food and Drink American Cuisine
A common American meal is meat, potatoes and vegetables. Eggs, cheese and fish are common meat substitutes, while spaghetti, noodles, rice and beans are a few of the common substitutes for potatoes. Fish is more common in the Eastern regions of the U.S. Salads and fruit are included in most meals. There are also many vegetarian meals in the U.S.A. Supper is the main meal of the day and is served early in the evening (around 5-7 pm). 'Fast food' such as McDonalds is very popular in the U.S. Other popular foods include pizza, Chinese food, salad bars, Mexican food, muffins and croissants. In general, Americans do not spice their food heavily although there has been an increase in the popularity of food from other countries in recent years.

The diet of students is often quite different from 'real food.' During first year when students are in university dormitories, they eat in a cafeteria. When they are living in houses with friends, popular meals are Kraft Dinner (a cheap type of cheese covered pasta), spaghetti, and take-out pizza (delivered right to your door). Pitas and gyros are also popular with students.

What is it?

The Adjustment Process in a New Culture

Cross Cultural Adjustment Cycle

Each stage in this process is characterised by "symptoms" or outward and inward signs representing certain kinds of behaviour.

Honeymoon Period
Initially, you will probably be fascinated and excited by everything new. Visitors are at first elated to be in a new culture.

Culture Shock
The visitor is immersed in new problems: housing, transportation, food, language, and new friends. Fatigue may result from continuously trying to comprehend and use the second language. You may wonder, "Why did I come here?"

Initial Adjustment
Everyday activities such as housing and going to school are no longer major problems. Although the visitor may not yet be perfectly fluent in the language spoken, basic ideas and feelings in the second language can be expressed.

Mental Isolation
Individuals have been away from their families and good friends for a long period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express themselves was well as they can in their native language. Frustrations and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some individuals remain at this stage.

Acceptance and Integration
A routine (eg. Work, school, social life) has been established. The visitor has accepted the habits, customs, food and characteristics of the friends, associates, and the language of the country.

Return Anxiety, Reentry Shock, Reintegration
These stages should be mentioned, even at orientation, because of the very important part they play in a visitor's stay in a new culture. It is interesting to note that Reentry Shock can be more difficult than the initial Culture Shock.

Suggestions for dealing with Culture Shock

• Keep in touch with friends and family at home
• Try to look for logical reasons why things happen. This may help you view your host culture in a more positive light.
• Try not to dwell on the negative things about your host culture and don't hang around people who do.
• Make an effort to restore communication by making friends in your host culture.
• Keep your sense of humour!
• Set small goals for yourself as high expectations may be difficult to meet.
• Speak the language of the country you are in and don't worry if you sometimes make a fool of yourself doing it!
• Take care of yourself by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating properly, and doing things you enjoy.
• Try to fit into the rhythm of life in your host culture. Adjust to their time schedule for meals and work.
• Find out where people meet and socialise. Make an effort to go to those places and observe.
• Draw on your own personal resources for handling stress. You've done it many times before and you can do it again!

How to Get Used to a New Country Quickly and Comfortably

Get a sense for the physical environment:

• Go on a tour of your locale.
• Find a colleague to show you around.
• Find a friend and do your own walking tour
• Take a walk around your neighborhood.
• Note locations of shops and post offices and when they are open.
• Look for recreational areas such as parks or sports facilities where you could relax or rejuvenate yourself.

• Observe people's behaviour
• How do they greet each other?
• How do they line up for a bus or train? How do they seat themselves in it?
• How do people behave in shops?
• How do people behave walking on the street?