Heyyy, long time no post from me :") Here's smth interesting that I found while searching for a shopping list online. Hope it's useful to some of you who are also preparing to study abroad in general + in the US in specific ~_^
____________________
GETTING READY TO GO:
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR LIVING AND STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES
Your first contact: THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISER
On almost all U.S. University campuses, the international student adviser (ISA) is the main source of assistance, advice, and other personal support you might need while you are in the United States. The ISA usually is based in an International Students Office, or department with a similar name, and is the person responsible for your orientation on arrival and for helping with visa and tax issues. If there is no official international student adviser at your chosen college or university, there will be some other person assigned to work with international students, at least on a part-time basis. When you receive your acceptance letter, you should receive the name of the international student adviser or of another person who acts in this capacity. If no name is listed, request the information from the admissions office or check your college's or university's Web site. Write to the international student adviser or other appropriate person, informing him or her of your arrival date.
PRE-DEPARTURE PLANNING: DOCUMENTS TO BRING
Plan to bring with you to the United States any important documents that relate to your legal, medical, and academic history.
While traveling to the United States and while in the country, it is important that you carry all important documents on your person. Do not put them in a suitcase. Do not loan or give them to anyone unless that person can show some form of identification stating that he or she is authorized to receive them.
Legal Documents
As a foreign national entering the United States, you must have certain documents as evidence of your legal status. These include:
· valid passport, issued by your country, with at least six months validity beyond your entry date; nonimmigrant visa placed inside your passport by a consular officer of a U.S. Embassy or consulate (see chapter 3 for detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa);
· Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019form) for students and scholars;
· Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 form), which will be issued to you, usually on the airplane before landing, filled out by you and reviewed and stamped by the immigration officer at your point of entry into the United States. You may have additional clearance procedures on arrival, in which case you will be directed to a private work station where a photograph and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken to verify your identity, and a short interview conducted and follow-up appointment scheduled to verify your plans.
These documents define your legal status. They are necessary for your entry and stay in the United States, and for any temporary departure from and reentry into the country. It is extremely important that you keep these official documents valid at all times. Failure to do so may cause problems with your stay in the United States.
It is also a good idea to bring an official copy of your birth certificate, as this may be requested when applying for various forms of identification and other documents in the United States. If you are married and your spouse will accompany you, bring a copy of your marriage certificate or other proof of marriage. Be sure to obtain notarized translations of these certificates if they are not in English.
Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination
Most universities require proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This usually is defined as two vaccinations for measles, one for mumps, and one for rubella, given on or after the first birthday. Many schools also require either a recent (within six months to a year) PPD skin test or chest x-ray to screen for or rule out tuberculosis infection. Be sure that all immunizations are recorded on the yellow card of the World Health Organization (WHO). This card should be available from your doctor or from the public health service in your country. For more information, look at the World Health Organization homepage at http://www.who.int or its page on U.S. vaccination requirements at http://www.who.int/ith/english/ame_no.htm. Also check with the international student adviser to determine your U.S. university's specific policies and regulations.
Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses
When you enter the United States, you must declare medications you are carrying on customs forms. Certain drugs may not be brought into the country. If you have questions, check with the U.S. Embassy or consulate before you leave home. If you take prescription medicine on a regular basis, bring a sufficient supply and a copy of the prescription, written in English. If you depend on eyeglasses, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair, if possible, and a copy of your eyeglass prescription, written in English.
Although you may feel more comfortable using medications from home for headaches, colds, upset stomach, or minor injuries, aspirin, ointments, and other remedies are readily available in the United States. A pharmacist can advise you.
Medical and Dental Records
If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for yourself and any dependents who are traveling with you. It is also a good idea to make sure that these records reflect recent visits to your local health care professionals for general examinations, blood tests, dental and eye checkups, x-rays, and so on. This will not only help your U.S. doctors get a better idea of recent or past diagnoses and treatments, but may also help you avoid repeating these tests in the United States at greater expense. (See "Health Insurance Plan Exclusions" in this chapter.)
Academic Documents
Bring official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities. Additionally, bring any syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials issued by the secondary school or university you have attended most recently. These records can be very helpful to the admissions office and academic departments if questions arise concerning academic credit or your placement in courses at your U.S. College or university.
Contact Information
Include with your documents the name, address, and telephone number of the individual at your U.S. University to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Also include the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at home and the name, address, and telephone number of your country's consulate in the United States or another entity, such as an educational mission or sponsoring agency.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
Travel and Settling-in Costs
Before you leave, you should determine how much money you will require within the first few weeks of your stay in the United States. As you may need several weeks to open a bank account and receive funds from your home country bank, this will be money you will need to carry with you. It is probably safest to carry it in the form of traveler's checks.
You will likely need funds to pay your first semester tuition fees and room and board, if you plan to live in a dormitory. If you plan to live off-campus, you will need money for apartment and, possibly, utility deposits, living expenses while you look for housing, and for transportation. Your international student adviser should be able to help you assess the costs of living off-campus. You also will have expenses for books, school supplies, and fees.
You may need $800 to $1,000 in traveler's checks to cover other miscellaneous initial expenses and to provide for emergencies until you receive your transfer of funds.
For personal use on your journey and after your arrival in the United States -- for taxis, meals, and telephone calls -- you should have $100 to $200 in small cash denominations: $20, $10, $5, $1. You can change U.S. paper money into smaller denominations and coins at almost any store. However, small stores and vendors may have difficulty changing bills larger than $20. Do not carry large amounts of cash -- it can be lost or stolen. Thieves may view international students as easy victims, because they often do not know or understand the local customs. Be very careful with your cash.
Using Traveler's Checks
When you travel to the United States, you should carry most of your funds in traveler's checks. If these are not available to you in your home country, buy them at the airport in the United States as soon as you arrive. Traveler's checks provide a safe way to carry money while traveling. They are insured against theft, loss, and damage. With proper identification, you can cash them easily in most places in the United States.
Traveler's checks can also be purchased in most banks. A small fee is added for each check. At the time of purchase you will be asked to sign your name on each traveler's check. Sign each check only once as you are directed. As you cash each check, you will be asked to sign it a second time to verify that you are the person to whom the check was issued. Sign you name "in English" (that is, the way you will be writing your signature in the United States) in the presence of the person to whom you are giving the check.
Be sure you keep a record of your traveler's checks. The bank clerk will give you a form on which to write the numbers of all the checks issued in your name. On this form, alongside each check number, is a space for the date and place you cash the check. Keep this list with you and record data as you use the checks. However, do not keep the list with your traveler's checks. This is for your records, and the information is important in case your checks are lost or stolen and you need to file a claim for reimbursement.
INSURANCE
No one ever intends to have an automobile accident, lose valuable possessions through theft or damage, or become seriously ill, but sometimes through no fault of our own, these things do happen. The list below gives you an idea of what kinds of insurance you should have while in the United States. Ask your international student adviser where you can find out more about the various types of insurance.
Health insurance provides coverage for medical care in the United States. A more detailed look at health insurance, including the types of insurance available, can be found below.
· Travel insurance covers you during your journey from your home country to the United States.
· Life insurance insures your life. If you should die, benefits are paid to the person you name as your beneficiary.
· Personal belongings insurance insures those items you bring to the United States with you against loss, theft, or damage. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewelry or other valuable personal belongings with you to the United States.
· Automobile insurance covers your automobile and injuries to persons in the event of an accident. If you are going to have an automobile in the United States, most states require that you carry automobile and liability insurance. If you rent a car, the fee generally includes insurance coverage.
Health Insurance
The United States does not have a government medical plan or health care service that covers the whole population. Instead, most people have private health insurance.
The U.S. Department of State requires students on J-1 exchange visitor visas to have insurance coverage that includes health and accident, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The U.S. Government has no specific health insurance requirements for students on F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas. However, most educational institutions have set their own mandatory health insurance requirements to ensure that international students do not become a "public charge" -- that is, they do not become dependent on the U.S. Government to take care of them. International students usually are required to prove they have a certain amount of health insurance (determined by the university) before they will be allowed to enroll in classes.
If a health premium seems too high for your budget or if, as a healthy young person, you think that health insurance is an unnecessary expense, consider the costs that could be incurred in the United States as outlined below.
Hospitals, doctors, and other medical costs vary throughout the country, but emergency room care averages about $200 per visit. Hospital rooms vary in price depending on the hospital and the region of the country, but currently one overnight stay in a hospital room averages $200 to $1,000 per day, not including charges for doctors and other medical services. Maternity care and delivery cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Overall, national figures indicate that the average cost for a one-week stay in a U.S. hospital is often as much as $8,000. In other words, this is about half the cost of attending some U.S. colleges or universities for an entire year.
Health Insurance Plans: Although health insurance covering your stay in the United States can be purchased in your home country, experience has shown that many of these plans do not adequately cover your health care needs during your U.S. stay. In addition, many U.S. health care providers are reluctant to bill foreign insurance companies for health care charges. They prefer to receive payment directly from the patient and to let the patient seek reimbursement from the foreign insurance company. Unless you are certain that the policy is equal to or better than the policies of U.S. Health care insurance companies, and that your home-country health insurance policy can be billed in the United States, you should probably purchase health insurance when you arrive in the United States.
If the university or college you attend does not offer a health insurance plan, it is extremely important that you obtain coverage of your own to protect yourself against potentially very high medical costs.
There are countless numbers of health insurance companies and each has numerous plans. Discuss health insurance plans with your international student adviser, either through correspondence or when you arrive on campus. The following are some of the types of health plans available:
· Sponsored foreign student: If you have an institutional sponsor or a scholarship, you may already be provided with health insurance through your sponsor. Be sure that you understand which health care services are provided for you and which are not. If your spouse or family will be with you in the United States, ask what provisions are made for their health care. Depending on the amount and type of coverage, you may wish to consider a supplemental policy that will help cover more of your potential expenses.
· University health plans: As mentioned earlier, almost all universities and colleges require that students carry health and accident insurance (the cost of which is in addition to the "health fee" generally charged at the beginning of each school term). Most educational institutions recommend a specific student health insurance plan. However, some of these plans are designed to supplement insurance already held by U.S. students or their parents. Although better than no insurance at all, such health insurance plans may not meet the needs of international students. Be certain any policy you purchase is not intended to be a supplemental policy only.
· Special plans for international students: According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, two insurance companies offer insurance specifically for university students. For further information on the policies available, you may contact these companies directly. They are:
HTH Worldwide Insurance Services
12900 Federal Systems Park Drive, Suite 2A
Fairfax, VA 22033-4421 USA
Telephone: 703-322-1515
Web site: http://www.hthworldwide.com
Student Resources
805 Executive Center Drive West, Suite 220
St. Petersburg, FL 33702 USA
Telephone: 800-237-0903
Web site: http://www.student-resources.net
· Basic health insurance plan coverage: Basic health insurance usually includes doctors' fees (or a percentage of the fee) for major illnesses, as well as hospital and surgical expenses. Minor illnesses or injuries are treated in a doctor's office, and most insurance plans do not pay for such care. If your spouse or family accompanies you to the United States, be certain they are also covered by health insurance. Dependents can be protected by purchasing a "family plan" that covers them as well as you.
· Major medical insurance: This insurance is designed to take care of expenses resulting from a prolonged illness or serious injury. These policies generally involve a "deductible" clause -- that is, you pay a certain amount, and the insurance company pays any additional charges or, sometimes, only the major percentage of those charges. Typically, the deductible is $500 to $1000, depending on the policy and the type of coverage. Maximum benefits (the limit the insurance company will pay) vary greatly and generally range from a low of $5,000 (which is not enough coverage) to $1 million or more (which is usually more than most healthy international students need). You should purchase insurance that provides at least $25,000 in major medical coverage. It would be advisable, however, to purchase $50,000, $75,000, or even $100,000 worth of coverage, especially if you plan on bringing your spouse or other dependents with you.
Most basic health and medical insurance policies specify certain limits, that is, a certain maximum amount the insurance company will pay for certain services. The patient must pay charges in excess of the stated limits.
Health Insurance Plan Exclusions
It is important to read your health insurance policy carefully, especially the section that deals with "exclusions," so that you will know in advance what the insurance company will pay for and what it will not pay for. Below are some areas that are generally not covered by basic health insurance plans:
Maternity care: You must purchase insurance for maternity care separately and, generally, before pregnancy occurs. Most maternity insurance policies allow only two days' hospital stay.
Dental services: If you need dental work done, it is a good idea to have it taken care of before coming to the United States.
Eyeglasses: If you wear eyeglasses, have your eyes examined before you leave home and bring an extra pair of glasses and the prescription (written in English) with you. Except in the case of injury to the eye, eye care is generally not covered by health insurance.
Existing conditions: Most insurance companies will not reimburse you for treatment of a condition that existed prior to the effective date of your insurance policy. If you require care for an ongoing medical condition, look closely at any insurance policies you are considering. Medical care in the United States can be very expensive without insurance.
Prescription medications: Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for prescription medications, which can be very expensive in the United States. Even if they do provide some coverage, a "copayment" or standard fee (often $10 to $15) is usually required from you for each prescription on a monthly basis.
PREDEPARTURE CHECKLIST
Use this list to check that you have taken care of all essential arrangements before you depart for the United States.
> Once letters of acceptance or rejection arrive, decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, and complete and return any forms they require. Notify each university that offers you admission if you accept or decline their offer. Return any official forms that you will not use.
> If you are being sponsored by an organization, notify that organization of your plans. Maintain contact with the sponsoring organization, which can assist with predeparture arrangements. Contact the nearest U.S. Educational information or advising center for predeparture information and advice.
> Request information about health insurance from your university. Obtain suitable insurance.
> Obtain certified copies of your secondary and postsecondary transcripts, along with detailed descriptions of your courses and the books used in the courses.
> Obtain copies of important medical records, X-rays, and prescriptions. Have prescriptions written in English in generic terms.
> Reread your university's catalog.
> Check to see that your passport is up-to-date and valid.
> Apply to your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for a visa upon receipt of your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Do this well in advance of your departure date. Application packets are available from many U.S. Educational information and advising centers. See chapter 3 for further details.
> Learn how to reach the university from your point of entry in the United States.
> Make travel arrangements. See chapter 4 for more information. It is advisable to arrive on campus a few days to one week before orientation and registration begin.
> Contact the International Student Office (or similar office) at your university with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students held by the university.
> Finalize arrangements for housing with your university. Inquire about temporary housing, hotel, motel, or other arrangements that need to be made if arriving early or during the weekend.
> Organize finances: arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. Bank and make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival; consider buying traveler's checks to cover costs during your first month in the United States; consider obtaining a credit card, if possible.
More than likely you will arrive in the United States by airplane. If you do not receive travel information from your U.S. College or university, you should get in contact with your international student adviser to find out the best way to reach your final destination. He or she can tell you which airlines serve the nearest airports and if you will have to transfer airplanes or take alternate forms of transportation to reach the school. Many U.S. Colleges and universities are located away from urban centers or in small cities, so local directions will be very helpful in planning your itinerary. It is also important to find out the best days and times to arrive. Notify your international student adviser of your arrival date and time, since he or she may meet you at the airport.
Do not forget to bring at least $100 to $200 in small cash denominations with you, in case you need U.S. money before you reach a currency exchange center.
PACKING
Before you start packing, there are many things to consider. How much can you bring? What is safe to bring? Will you bring it with you to the United States or send it separately? This section will help you understand how to get your luggage safely from your home country to the United States.
Airline Baggage Allowance
There is a limit to the amount of baggage you can take with you on an airplane. The number of pieces of baggage and the size and weight of those pieces determine this limit. Confirm your airline's baggage allowance when you purchase your ticket. Be aware that allowances to North America are often more generous than allowances elsewhere in the world. Regulations are subject to change.
Since most people travel economy class, the following limitations are given as guidelines. To North America, passengers are usually allowed two pieces of baggage, plus one small piece of hand or "carry-on" baggage that can be carried onto the airplane and must be able to fit under the airplane seat. Each piece must not surpass a certain weight and size restriction, as established by the airline. If your luggage exceeds these limitations, you will be asked to pay excess baggage charges.
What to Bring With You
What you bring with you is largely a matter of personal choice. You will have to carry whatever you bring, so it is in your interest to keep it light and compact. If you need advice, write to the international student adviser at the college or university you plan to attend or talk to another student who has recently been to the United States.
Start to pack early, so that excess weight and bulk can be eliminated and essential items not overlooked. Do not worry if you cannot bring everything, since most goods are available in a wide range of prices in the United States. Small items can be sent by airfreight or through the postal system. Shipping by sea can take several months.
"I brought a lot of clothing with me. I figured that since I was leaving for two years, I should have clothes for many types of occasions. However, when I got to America I soon noticed that fashions here were quite different from the ones in my country. I ended up buying more clothes, already in the first few weeks, mostly because I liked them but also because I wanted to fit in, to look like the others. I also ended up spending a lot of money on winter clothes since I was not well prepared for cold weather. Our foreign student adviser took a few foreign students and myself on a 'field trip' to the local department store to show us what was recommended to wear in the winter. I still wear some of the clothes I brought from my country, but most of it is now just using up space in my small dormitory room!"
--Sanjay, India
Do bring:
· a good bilingual dictionary, since it might not be possible to obtain one for your language in the United States;
· all of your essential identification papers and documents, to be carried on your person or in your hand baggage. DO NOT PUT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN BAGS YOU HAVE CHECKED ONTO THE PLANE - KEEP THEM IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE (see "Documents to Bring" in chapter 2 of this booklet);
· books, manuals, or journals that you think may be useful for reference in your field of study and that definitely will not be available in the United States;
· pictures of your family, home, and country, for yourself but also to show to your new friends;
· items from your culture, such as musical instruments, recordings of traditional and contemporary music, picture books, arts and crafts, and small gifts, to share your talents and customs with people in the United States. For festive occasions you may consider bringing traditional dress and accessories from your country. This would be a great way to show and tell Americans more about your culture and traditions;a camera so you will have souvenirs of your time in the United States after you return home.
· a camera so you will have souvenirs of your time in the United States after you return home.
Things to Leave at Home
You can obtain a booklet on customs regulations at the consulate or embassy where you acquire your visa. Prohibited items include some foodstuffs, narcotics, weapons, and items for resale. The U.S. Customs Service also provides this information on their Web site at http://www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm.
Do not bring:
· things you can easily buy in the United States, such as notebooks, pens, paper (paper in the United States is of a slightly different size than in countries following the metric system), toiletries, towels, or bed sheets. These items will take up valuable space in your luggage;
· food, seeds, or plants. The United States has very strict restrictions on importing foods, perishables, and agricultural goods into the country;
· books that can easily be obtained in U.S. libraries. Some universities have their library catalog on the Internet, where you can check the availability of books. You can also contact the university library staff to verify the availability of any essential books. You can usually also obtain books through interlibrary loans;
· animals;
· medications, unless you have written prescriptions from a doctor (see "Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses" in chapter 2 of this booklet);
· expensive jewelry, treasured possessions, family heirlooms, or delicate things, since there is always a chance that these items can get lost, stolen, or damaged during travel or during your stay;
· firearms, knives, weapons, or articles that could be perceived as weapons;
· narcotics or drugs;
· any article of clothing, artifact, or medicine made from endangered animals;
· electrical appliances. Appliances in the United States work on a 115 volts and 60 cycles system. It is usually best to purchase electrical items in the United States, especially if you plan to live in university housing, as some items will not be allowed. Most items are reasonably priced. Also note that video systems, including televisions, VCRs, and DVD players (including those in laptop computers), use different systems in different parts of the world, and those you bring from home are unlikely to be compatible with the U.S. media.
Protecting Your Baggage
Be sure that you clearly label every piece of luggage with your name, U.S. Address, and a telephone number (perhaps the International Students Office of the university or college you will attend). Identification tags are available from the airline, but sturdier luggage tags or labels are recommended. For additional security, you may also want to put a label or luggage tag inside your luggage.
Baggage insurance protects you against loss, damage, or theft of your baggage (see "Baggage Insurance" in chapter 2, for more information).
You should have enough clothing and personal items packed in your carryon baggage to last for a couple days in the event your checked luggage is lost or sent to the wrong destination. Be sure to pack prescription medicine, eyeglasses, or other important items in your carryon baggage.
NOTE: Never leave your baggage unattended. You must always be alert to the possibility of theft.
REVIEW OF IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
When you receive your U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the embassy or consulate in your country, the consular officer will seal your immigration documents in an envelope attached to your passport. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE. Instead, the U.S. Immigration inspector at the U.S. Port of entry will open the documents. The following documents should be carried with you, and never packed in your checked baggage:
· passport;
· visa;
· I-20 AB form, I-20 MN form, or DS-2019 form;
· evidence of financial resources.
Some time before your arrival in the United States, the flight attendants will distribute customs declaration forms and arrival-departure forms for immigration (I-94). Fill these out on the plane. You will submit them to the appropriate U.S. customs and immigration authorities after you land. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for
assistance.
Once you have left the airplane, follow the other passengers into the terminal area reserved for incoming passengers. You will be asked to get in line in front of the immigration inspection booths. As you approach, have your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and I-94 (arrival-departure card) ready for inspection by the immigration officer. You are likely to be asked your purpose for entering the United States and your final destination. An appropriate response is "to attend [name of school] in [name of city, state]."
U.S. CUSTOMS
After passing through the immigration area, you will collect your baggage and then, with your baggage, pass through customs. A customs inspector will ask you to declare what you have brought into the country, inspect your bags, and review the customs form you filled out on the airplane. Penalties for concealing declarable items can be very severe, so be honest and make a full declaration.
Items for your personal use may be brought into the United States without paying duty. As a nonresident, you are also allowed to bring in gifts with a total value up to $100 duty free. If the total value of such items exceeds $100, you will need to pay duty.
You must declare the amount of money you have with you, but you do not have to pay duty on it. Money in any amount may be brought into and taken out of the United States, but anyone bringing more than $10,000 into the country must file a report with the customs official.
Certain articles are forbidden or restricted. These include plants, fruits, meats, vegetables, clothing made from the skins of endangered animals, ivory, lottery tickets, obscene articles or publications, and switchblade knives. Drugs without a doctor's prescription or narcotics, such as barbiturates, amphetamines, and marijuana, are strictly prohibited.
...
____________________
GETTING READY TO GO:
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR LIVING AND STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES
Your first contact: THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISER
On almost all U.S. University campuses, the international student adviser (ISA) is the main source of assistance, advice, and other personal support you might need while you are in the United States. The ISA usually is based in an International Students Office, or department with a similar name, and is the person responsible for your orientation on arrival and for helping with visa and tax issues. If there is no official international student adviser at your chosen college or university, there will be some other person assigned to work with international students, at least on a part-time basis. When you receive your acceptance letter, you should receive the name of the international student adviser or of another person who acts in this capacity. If no name is listed, request the information from the admissions office or check your college's or university's Web site. Write to the international student adviser or other appropriate person, informing him or her of your arrival date.
PRE-DEPARTURE PLANNING: DOCUMENTS TO BRING
Plan to bring with you to the United States any important documents that relate to your legal, medical, and academic history.
While traveling to the United States and while in the country, it is important that you carry all important documents on your person. Do not put them in a suitcase. Do not loan or give them to anyone unless that person can show some form of identification stating that he or she is authorized to receive them.
Legal Documents
As a foreign national entering the United States, you must have certain documents as evidence of your legal status. These include:
· valid passport, issued by your country, with at least six months validity beyond your entry date; nonimmigrant visa placed inside your passport by a consular officer of a U.S. Embassy or consulate (see chapter 3 for detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa);
· Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019form) for students and scholars;
· Arrival-Departure Record (I-94 form), which will be issued to you, usually on the airplane before landing, filled out by you and reviewed and stamped by the immigration officer at your point of entry into the United States. You may have additional clearance procedures on arrival, in which case you will be directed to a private work station where a photograph and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken to verify your identity, and a short interview conducted and follow-up appointment scheduled to verify your plans.
These documents define your legal status. They are necessary for your entry and stay in the United States, and for any temporary departure from and reentry into the country. It is extremely important that you keep these official documents valid at all times. Failure to do so may cause problems with your stay in the United States.
It is also a good idea to bring an official copy of your birth certificate, as this may be requested when applying for various forms of identification and other documents in the United States. If you are married and your spouse will accompany you, bring a copy of your marriage certificate or other proof of marriage. Be sure to obtain notarized translations of these certificates if they are not in English.
Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination
Most universities require proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This usually is defined as two vaccinations for measles, one for mumps, and one for rubella, given on or after the first birthday. Many schools also require either a recent (within six months to a year) PPD skin test or chest x-ray to screen for or rule out tuberculosis infection. Be sure that all immunizations are recorded on the yellow card of the World Health Organization (WHO). This card should be available from your doctor or from the public health service in your country. For more information, look at the World Health Organization homepage at http://www.who.int or its page on U.S. vaccination requirements at http://www.who.int/ith/english/ame_no.htm. Also check with the international student adviser to determine your U.S. university's specific policies and regulations.
Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses
When you enter the United States, you must declare medications you are carrying on customs forms. Certain drugs may not be brought into the country. If you have questions, check with the U.S. Embassy or consulate before you leave home. If you take prescription medicine on a regular basis, bring a sufficient supply and a copy of the prescription, written in English. If you depend on eyeglasses, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair, if possible, and a copy of your eyeglass prescription, written in English.
Although you may feel more comfortable using medications from home for headaches, colds, upset stomach, or minor injuries, aspirin, ointments, and other remedies are readily available in the United States. A pharmacist can advise you.
Medical and Dental Records
If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for yourself and any dependents who are traveling with you. It is also a good idea to make sure that these records reflect recent visits to your local health care professionals for general examinations, blood tests, dental and eye checkups, x-rays, and so on. This will not only help your U.S. doctors get a better idea of recent or past diagnoses and treatments, but may also help you avoid repeating these tests in the United States at greater expense. (See "Health Insurance Plan Exclusions" in this chapter.)
Academic Documents
Bring official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities. Additionally, bring any syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials issued by the secondary school or university you have attended most recently. These records can be very helpful to the admissions office and academic departments if questions arise concerning academic credit or your placement in courses at your U.S. College or university.
Contact Information
Include with your documents the name, address, and telephone number of the individual at your U.S. University to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Also include the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at home and the name, address, and telephone number of your country's consulate in the United States or another entity, such as an educational mission or sponsoring agency.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
Travel and Settling-in Costs
Before you leave, you should determine how much money you will require within the first few weeks of your stay in the United States. As you may need several weeks to open a bank account and receive funds from your home country bank, this will be money you will need to carry with you. It is probably safest to carry it in the form of traveler's checks.
You will likely need funds to pay your first semester tuition fees and room and board, if you plan to live in a dormitory. If you plan to live off-campus, you will need money for apartment and, possibly, utility deposits, living expenses while you look for housing, and for transportation. Your international student adviser should be able to help you assess the costs of living off-campus. You also will have expenses for books, school supplies, and fees.
You may need $800 to $1,000 in traveler's checks to cover other miscellaneous initial expenses and to provide for emergencies until you receive your transfer of funds.
For personal use on your journey and after your arrival in the United States -- for taxis, meals, and telephone calls -- you should have $100 to $200 in small cash denominations: $20, $10, $5, $1. You can change U.S. paper money into smaller denominations and coins at almost any store. However, small stores and vendors may have difficulty changing bills larger than $20. Do not carry large amounts of cash -- it can be lost or stolen. Thieves may view international students as easy victims, because they often do not know or understand the local customs. Be very careful with your cash.
Using Traveler's Checks
When you travel to the United States, you should carry most of your funds in traveler's checks. If these are not available to you in your home country, buy them at the airport in the United States as soon as you arrive. Traveler's checks provide a safe way to carry money while traveling. They are insured against theft, loss, and damage. With proper identification, you can cash them easily in most places in the United States.
Traveler's checks can also be purchased in most banks. A small fee is added for each check. At the time of purchase you will be asked to sign your name on each traveler's check. Sign each check only once as you are directed. As you cash each check, you will be asked to sign it a second time to verify that you are the person to whom the check was issued. Sign you name "in English" (that is, the way you will be writing your signature in the United States) in the presence of the person to whom you are giving the check.
Be sure you keep a record of your traveler's checks. The bank clerk will give you a form on which to write the numbers of all the checks issued in your name. On this form, alongside each check number, is a space for the date and place you cash the check. Keep this list with you and record data as you use the checks. However, do not keep the list with your traveler's checks. This is for your records, and the information is important in case your checks are lost or stolen and you need to file a claim for reimbursement.
INSURANCE
No one ever intends to have an automobile accident, lose valuable possessions through theft or damage, or become seriously ill, but sometimes through no fault of our own, these things do happen. The list below gives you an idea of what kinds of insurance you should have while in the United States. Ask your international student adviser where you can find out more about the various types of insurance.
Health insurance provides coverage for medical care in the United States. A more detailed look at health insurance, including the types of insurance available, can be found below.
· Travel insurance covers you during your journey from your home country to the United States.
· Life insurance insures your life. If you should die, benefits are paid to the person you name as your beneficiary.
· Personal belongings insurance insures those items you bring to the United States with you against loss, theft, or damage. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewelry or other valuable personal belongings with you to the United States.
· Automobile insurance covers your automobile and injuries to persons in the event of an accident. If you are going to have an automobile in the United States, most states require that you carry automobile and liability insurance. If you rent a car, the fee generally includes insurance coverage.
Health Insurance
The United States does not have a government medical plan or health care service that covers the whole population. Instead, most people have private health insurance.
The U.S. Department of State requires students on J-1 exchange visitor visas to have insurance coverage that includes health and accident, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The U.S. Government has no specific health insurance requirements for students on F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas. However, most educational institutions have set their own mandatory health insurance requirements to ensure that international students do not become a "public charge" -- that is, they do not become dependent on the U.S. Government to take care of them. International students usually are required to prove they have a certain amount of health insurance (determined by the university) before they will be allowed to enroll in classes.
If a health premium seems too high for your budget or if, as a healthy young person, you think that health insurance is an unnecessary expense, consider the costs that could be incurred in the United States as outlined below.
Hospitals, doctors, and other medical costs vary throughout the country, but emergency room care averages about $200 per visit. Hospital rooms vary in price depending on the hospital and the region of the country, but currently one overnight stay in a hospital room averages $200 to $1,000 per day, not including charges for doctors and other medical services. Maternity care and delivery cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Overall, national figures indicate that the average cost for a one-week stay in a U.S. hospital is often as much as $8,000. In other words, this is about half the cost of attending some U.S. colleges or universities for an entire year.
Health Insurance Plans: Although health insurance covering your stay in the United States can be purchased in your home country, experience has shown that many of these plans do not adequately cover your health care needs during your U.S. stay. In addition, many U.S. health care providers are reluctant to bill foreign insurance companies for health care charges. They prefer to receive payment directly from the patient and to let the patient seek reimbursement from the foreign insurance company. Unless you are certain that the policy is equal to or better than the policies of U.S. Health care insurance companies, and that your home-country health insurance policy can be billed in the United States, you should probably purchase health insurance when you arrive in the United States.
If the university or college you attend does not offer a health insurance plan, it is extremely important that you obtain coverage of your own to protect yourself against potentially very high medical costs.
There are countless numbers of health insurance companies and each has numerous plans. Discuss health insurance plans with your international student adviser, either through correspondence or when you arrive on campus. The following are some of the types of health plans available:
· Sponsored foreign student: If you have an institutional sponsor or a scholarship, you may already be provided with health insurance through your sponsor. Be sure that you understand which health care services are provided for you and which are not. If your spouse or family will be with you in the United States, ask what provisions are made for their health care. Depending on the amount and type of coverage, you may wish to consider a supplemental policy that will help cover more of your potential expenses.
· University health plans: As mentioned earlier, almost all universities and colleges require that students carry health and accident insurance (the cost of which is in addition to the "health fee" generally charged at the beginning of each school term). Most educational institutions recommend a specific student health insurance plan. However, some of these plans are designed to supplement insurance already held by U.S. students or their parents. Although better than no insurance at all, such health insurance plans may not meet the needs of international students. Be certain any policy you purchase is not intended to be a supplemental policy only.
· Special plans for international students: According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, two insurance companies offer insurance specifically for university students. For further information on the policies available, you may contact these companies directly. They are:
HTH Worldwide Insurance Services
12900 Federal Systems Park Drive, Suite 2A
Fairfax, VA 22033-4421 USA
Telephone: 703-322-1515
Web site: http://www.hthworldwide.com
Student Resources
805 Executive Center Drive West, Suite 220
St. Petersburg, FL 33702 USA
Telephone: 800-237-0903
Web site: http://www.student-resources.net
· Basic health insurance plan coverage: Basic health insurance usually includes doctors' fees (or a percentage of the fee) for major illnesses, as well as hospital and surgical expenses. Minor illnesses or injuries are treated in a doctor's office, and most insurance plans do not pay for such care. If your spouse or family accompanies you to the United States, be certain they are also covered by health insurance. Dependents can be protected by purchasing a "family plan" that covers them as well as you.
· Major medical insurance: This insurance is designed to take care of expenses resulting from a prolonged illness or serious injury. These policies generally involve a "deductible" clause -- that is, you pay a certain amount, and the insurance company pays any additional charges or, sometimes, only the major percentage of those charges. Typically, the deductible is $500 to $1000, depending on the policy and the type of coverage. Maximum benefits (the limit the insurance company will pay) vary greatly and generally range from a low of $5,000 (which is not enough coverage) to $1 million or more (which is usually more than most healthy international students need). You should purchase insurance that provides at least $25,000 in major medical coverage. It would be advisable, however, to purchase $50,000, $75,000, or even $100,000 worth of coverage, especially if you plan on bringing your spouse or other dependents with you.
Most basic health and medical insurance policies specify certain limits, that is, a certain maximum amount the insurance company will pay for certain services. The patient must pay charges in excess of the stated limits.
Health Insurance Plan Exclusions
It is important to read your health insurance policy carefully, especially the section that deals with "exclusions," so that you will know in advance what the insurance company will pay for and what it will not pay for. Below are some areas that are generally not covered by basic health insurance plans:
Maternity care: You must purchase insurance for maternity care separately and, generally, before pregnancy occurs. Most maternity insurance policies allow only two days' hospital stay.
Dental services: If you need dental work done, it is a good idea to have it taken care of before coming to the United States.
Eyeglasses: If you wear eyeglasses, have your eyes examined before you leave home and bring an extra pair of glasses and the prescription (written in English) with you. Except in the case of injury to the eye, eye care is generally not covered by health insurance.
Existing conditions: Most insurance companies will not reimburse you for treatment of a condition that existed prior to the effective date of your insurance policy. If you require care for an ongoing medical condition, look closely at any insurance policies you are considering. Medical care in the United States can be very expensive without insurance.
Prescription medications: Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for prescription medications, which can be very expensive in the United States. Even if they do provide some coverage, a "copayment" or standard fee (often $10 to $15) is usually required from you for each prescription on a monthly basis.
PREDEPARTURE CHECKLIST
Use this list to check that you have taken care of all essential arrangements before you depart for the United States.
> Once letters of acceptance or rejection arrive, decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, and complete and return any forms they require. Notify each university that offers you admission if you accept or decline their offer. Return any official forms that you will not use.
> If you are being sponsored by an organization, notify that organization of your plans. Maintain contact with the sponsoring organization, which can assist with predeparture arrangements. Contact the nearest U.S. Educational information or advising center for predeparture information and advice.
> Request information about health insurance from your university. Obtain suitable insurance.
> Obtain certified copies of your secondary and postsecondary transcripts, along with detailed descriptions of your courses and the books used in the courses.
> Obtain copies of important medical records, X-rays, and prescriptions. Have prescriptions written in English in generic terms.
> Reread your university's catalog.
> Check to see that your passport is up-to-date and valid.
> Apply to your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for a visa upon receipt of your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Do this well in advance of your departure date. Application packets are available from many U.S. Educational information and advising centers. See chapter 3 for further details.
> Learn how to reach the university from your point of entry in the United States.
> Make travel arrangements. See chapter 4 for more information. It is advisable to arrive on campus a few days to one week before orientation and registration begin.
> Contact the International Student Office (or similar office) at your university with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students held by the university.
> Finalize arrangements for housing with your university. Inquire about temporary housing, hotel, motel, or other arrangements that need to be made if arriving early or during the weekend.
> Organize finances: arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. Bank and make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival; consider buying traveler's checks to cover costs during your first month in the United States; consider obtaining a credit card, if possible.
More than likely you will arrive in the United States by airplane. If you do not receive travel information from your U.S. College or university, you should get in contact with your international student adviser to find out the best way to reach your final destination. He or she can tell you which airlines serve the nearest airports and if you will have to transfer airplanes or take alternate forms of transportation to reach the school. Many U.S. Colleges and universities are located away from urban centers or in small cities, so local directions will be very helpful in planning your itinerary. It is also important to find out the best days and times to arrive. Notify your international student adviser of your arrival date and time, since he or she may meet you at the airport.
Do not forget to bring at least $100 to $200 in small cash denominations with you, in case you need U.S. money before you reach a currency exchange center.
PACKING
Before you start packing, there are many things to consider. How much can you bring? What is safe to bring? Will you bring it with you to the United States or send it separately? This section will help you understand how to get your luggage safely from your home country to the United States.
Airline Baggage Allowance
There is a limit to the amount of baggage you can take with you on an airplane. The number of pieces of baggage and the size and weight of those pieces determine this limit. Confirm your airline's baggage allowance when you purchase your ticket. Be aware that allowances to North America are often more generous than allowances elsewhere in the world. Regulations are subject to change.
Since most people travel economy class, the following limitations are given as guidelines. To North America, passengers are usually allowed two pieces of baggage, plus one small piece of hand or "carry-on" baggage that can be carried onto the airplane and must be able to fit under the airplane seat. Each piece must not surpass a certain weight and size restriction, as established by the airline. If your luggage exceeds these limitations, you will be asked to pay excess baggage charges.
What to Bring With You
What you bring with you is largely a matter of personal choice. You will have to carry whatever you bring, so it is in your interest to keep it light and compact. If you need advice, write to the international student adviser at the college or university you plan to attend or talk to another student who has recently been to the United States.
Start to pack early, so that excess weight and bulk can be eliminated and essential items not overlooked. Do not worry if you cannot bring everything, since most goods are available in a wide range of prices in the United States. Small items can be sent by airfreight or through the postal system. Shipping by sea can take several months.
"I brought a lot of clothing with me. I figured that since I was leaving for two years, I should have clothes for many types of occasions. However, when I got to America I soon noticed that fashions here were quite different from the ones in my country. I ended up buying more clothes, already in the first few weeks, mostly because I liked them but also because I wanted to fit in, to look like the others. I also ended up spending a lot of money on winter clothes since I was not well prepared for cold weather. Our foreign student adviser took a few foreign students and myself on a 'field trip' to the local department store to show us what was recommended to wear in the winter. I still wear some of the clothes I brought from my country, but most of it is now just using up space in my small dormitory room!"
--Sanjay, India
Do bring:
· a good bilingual dictionary, since it might not be possible to obtain one for your language in the United States;
· all of your essential identification papers and documents, to be carried on your person or in your hand baggage. DO NOT PUT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN BAGS YOU HAVE CHECKED ONTO THE PLANE - KEEP THEM IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE (see "Documents to Bring" in chapter 2 of this booklet);
· books, manuals, or journals that you think may be useful for reference in your field of study and that definitely will not be available in the United States;
· pictures of your family, home, and country, for yourself but also to show to your new friends;
· items from your culture, such as musical instruments, recordings of traditional and contemporary music, picture books, arts and crafts, and small gifts, to share your talents and customs with people in the United States. For festive occasions you may consider bringing traditional dress and accessories from your country. This would be a great way to show and tell Americans more about your culture and traditions;a camera so you will have souvenirs of your time in the United States after you return home.
· a camera so you will have souvenirs of your time in the United States after you return home.
Things to Leave at Home
You can obtain a booklet on customs regulations at the consulate or embassy where you acquire your visa. Prohibited items include some foodstuffs, narcotics, weapons, and items for resale. The U.S. Customs Service also provides this information on their Web site at http://www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm.
Do not bring:
· things you can easily buy in the United States, such as notebooks, pens, paper (paper in the United States is of a slightly different size than in countries following the metric system), toiletries, towels, or bed sheets. These items will take up valuable space in your luggage;
· food, seeds, or plants. The United States has very strict restrictions on importing foods, perishables, and agricultural goods into the country;
· books that can easily be obtained in U.S. libraries. Some universities have their library catalog on the Internet, where you can check the availability of books. You can also contact the university library staff to verify the availability of any essential books. You can usually also obtain books through interlibrary loans;
· animals;
· medications, unless you have written prescriptions from a doctor (see "Prescriptions for Medication and Eyeglasses" in chapter 2 of this booklet);
· expensive jewelry, treasured possessions, family heirlooms, or delicate things, since there is always a chance that these items can get lost, stolen, or damaged during travel or during your stay;
· firearms, knives, weapons, or articles that could be perceived as weapons;
· narcotics or drugs;
· any article of clothing, artifact, or medicine made from endangered animals;
· electrical appliances. Appliances in the United States work on a 115 volts and 60 cycles system. It is usually best to purchase electrical items in the United States, especially if you plan to live in university housing, as some items will not be allowed. Most items are reasonably priced. Also note that video systems, including televisions, VCRs, and DVD players (including those in laptop computers), use different systems in different parts of the world, and those you bring from home are unlikely to be compatible with the U.S. media.
Protecting Your Baggage
Be sure that you clearly label every piece of luggage with your name, U.S. Address, and a telephone number (perhaps the International Students Office of the university or college you will attend). Identification tags are available from the airline, but sturdier luggage tags or labels are recommended. For additional security, you may also want to put a label or luggage tag inside your luggage.
Baggage insurance protects you against loss, damage, or theft of your baggage (see "Baggage Insurance" in chapter 2, for more information).
You should have enough clothing and personal items packed in your carryon baggage to last for a couple days in the event your checked luggage is lost or sent to the wrong destination. Be sure to pack prescription medicine, eyeglasses, or other important items in your carryon baggage.
NOTE: Never leave your baggage unattended. You must always be alert to the possibility of theft.
REVIEW OF IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
When you receive your U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the embassy or consulate in your country, the consular officer will seal your immigration documents in an envelope attached to your passport. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE. Instead, the U.S. Immigration inspector at the U.S. Port of entry will open the documents. The following documents should be carried with you, and never packed in your checked baggage:
· passport;
· visa;
· I-20 AB form, I-20 MN form, or DS-2019 form;
· evidence of financial resources.
Some time before your arrival in the United States, the flight attendants will distribute customs declaration forms and arrival-departure forms for immigration (I-94). Fill these out on the plane. You will submit them to the appropriate U.S. customs and immigration authorities after you land. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for
assistance.
Once you have left the airplane, follow the other passengers into the terminal area reserved for incoming passengers. You will be asked to get in line in front of the immigration inspection booths. As you approach, have your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and I-94 (arrival-departure card) ready for inspection by the immigration officer. You are likely to be asked your purpose for entering the United States and your final destination. An appropriate response is "to attend [name of school] in [name of city, state]."
U.S. CUSTOMS
After passing through the immigration area, you will collect your baggage and then, with your baggage, pass through customs. A customs inspector will ask you to declare what you have brought into the country, inspect your bags, and review the customs form you filled out on the airplane. Penalties for concealing declarable items can be very severe, so be honest and make a full declaration.
Items for your personal use may be brought into the United States without paying duty. As a nonresident, you are also allowed to bring in gifts with a total value up to $100 duty free. If the total value of such items exceeds $100, you will need to pay duty.
You must declare the amount of money you have with you, but you do not have to pay duty on it. Money in any amount may be brought into and taken out of the United States, but anyone bringing more than $10,000 into the country must file a report with the customs official.
Certain articles are forbidden or restricted. These include plants, fruits, meats, vegetables, clothing made from the skins of endangered animals, ivory, lottery tickets, obscene articles or publications, and switchblade knives. Drugs without a doctor's prescription or narcotics, such as barbiturates, amphetamines, and marijuana, are strictly prohibited.
...