pre-departure orientation for taiwanese students
DESCRIPTION
This presentation is intended to help Taiwanese students who are planning to travel to the U.S. to begin a program of study. It contains Information regarding academic, cultural, immigration and logistical issues.TRANSCRIPT
Pre-Departure Orientationfor Taiwanese Students
Taipei City, May 24, 2012
By Carol Reyes
About EducationUSA Supported by U.S. Department of State Provides accurate, comprehensive, impartial
information to international students about the U.S. education system and study in the U.S.
400+ centers in 170 countries
www.educationusa.info www.educationusa.org.tw www.facebook.com/educationusatw
What are we discussing today?
Before and during travel to the U.S. Packing tips Important documents to carry with you Airport logistics
In the U.S. (You’ve arrived… now what?) First things first! Academic culture in the classroom and academic
writing Logistics (Housing, transportation, finances, etc.)
Questions and comments!
Question # 1!
You finally meet the advisor you have been emailing for the past four months. How do you greet him?
A: Hug B: Bow C: Shake hands D: Kiss on cheek
Question # 2!
Your roommate invites you to go to synagogue with her. You are not Jewish. However, you say:
A: Yes, because you don’t want to offend her
B: No, because you’re not Jewish
C: Yes, for a cultural experience
Question # 3!
A new American friend invites you to her house for dinner and KTV. She says you can come “around 6.” What time should you arrive?
A: 5:45 B: 6:00 C: 6:15 D: 6:30
Question # 4!
A classmate invites you to grab lunch with him,
who pays?
A: You pay B: He pays C: You split it
Congratulations!!!
Before Arrival:Traveling to the United
States
Packing Tips: Part I Are you going to have a roommate?
Contact him or her ASAP! If your roommate is not Taiwanese, bring
a gift from Taiwan to share your culturePineapple cake, Oolong tea, souvenirs
Packing Tips: Part II
Don’t overpack! Winter blankets, sheets, and coats are better to buy in the U.S.
Walmart, Target, TJ Max
Don’t forget medications (prescription vs. over-the-counter)
Buy used furnishings and books to save $$$ www.craigslist.com www.dealoz.com www.half.com
You’re boarding the plane!Important Documents to Bring With You Passport (and a copy of your passport)-Valid for 6 months or more-Non-immigrant visa
Certificate of eligibility-1-20 or DS-2019 (issued by school or program)
Copy of letter of acceptance from school
U.S. Cash (Suggested $50-$100)
International Student Office (ISO) Contact Information
At the Airport
1. Hand-carry passport and Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019)
2. Complete 1-94 Card(Arrival/Departure record)
3. Customs will take your biometric fingerprints and photograph.
Airplane Logistics Check airline for baggage
rules Plan arrival transportation
-Does your university pick you up? Contact ISO to find out!
Shuttle services
Super shuttle www.supershuttle.com
Primetime Shuttle www.primetimeshuttle.com
While in the United States
Upon Arrival
Academics
Logistics (Housing,
banking, transportation)
Upon Arrival (I arrived…now what?)
Contact the International Student Office!
-It is very important to tell them you arrived
-Give them updated address and phone number
-Ask about international student orientation
Get a phone number so you can be reached
Get a student ID card -Transportation, access, discounts
Set up computer account -To use for all academic matters and
assignments
Who will you be studying with?Academic
s: The top five countries comprise over 53%
U.S. Academic Culture PUNCTUALITY, punctuality, punctuality!!! Informal classroom settings (sometimes
student-led) Teacher-centered vs. student-centered
learning Example 1 Example 2
Group work and projects Exams and assignments (in-class, take-home
or online)
CourseloadDon’t overwhelm yourself !
In the Classroom:
It’s important to participate actively!
Your grades will be based on: Frequent class participation Presentations, group projects,
peer evaluations Internships or practical
experiences (practicum) Research or response papers &
exams and quizzes
U.S. Values Personal
responsibility Freedom of choice Democratic
principles Interactive learning Independent
thinking
Role of Academic Adviser
Helps students select courses and monitor academic progress
Discuss short and long-term professional plans with students
Open and frequent communication between student and adviser is strongly encouraged
Interacting with Professors
Observe how professor requests to be addressed
Seek out your professor and adviser
Relaxed dress or body language do not indicate relaxed performance standards
Be Proactive: take advantage of office hours
Academic Writing Develop your own ideas or thesis; do not copy! “Plagiarism is using or imitating another
person’s “language, thoughts, ideas or expressions” and presenting it as your own.
Consequences Suspension or expulsion
Citing resources: http://www.mla.org/ http://www.apastyle.org/
The U.S. Grading System
Grade Point Average (GPA) - Four point scale
A, B, C, D, and F (+, -)
A= 4 points, B= 3 points, C= 2 points, etc.
Pass/Fail grading system
“Auditing” courses
Opportunity to evaluate your professors!
Setting up a bank account
Find a local branch or ask for suggestions
Bring: passport, school ID, visa, I-20 and I-94 You don’t need a social security number
Benefits: Checkbooks
Rent is usually paid by check Debit card Online payments (online shopping) Save on international fees Special checking accounts for students
Living on Campus
Location! You are very close to campus so you don’t have to worry about transportation
Easier to meet other students
Utilities (Internet, air conditioning, cable, water) are included in the price
Usually include meal plan
Less privacy Usually more
expensive Sharing a bathroom Less space for storage
Usually, roommates are assigned by the school
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Living Off-CampusTo think about: Finances-Monthly rent, utilities and meals Neighborhood (safety,
convenience) Is the apartment furnished?
Washer and dryer? Other amenities?
Will you have a quiet place to study?
To search for housing:Housing listing www.craigslist.orgTransportation (distance to
school?) www.maps.google.com
Meal Plans
Convenient if you live on campus
Dining halls are common for social gatherings
When choosing a plan…Think about: -How many meals do you need?(Allow yourself the option of eating out sometimes)-Can you eat at all dining halls?-Is there a variety of food choices? (vegetarian, international, etc.)
Maintaining Status
You may enter the U.S. with student visa up to 30 days prior to the start of your program
Contact International Student Office ASAP Must be a full-time student
Working with a student visa: Only allowed to work on-campus 20 hours per week during classes 40 hours per week during vacations
Tips for Saving Money
Buy used books Rent books from the library Work on campus Use public transportation Buy groceries and cook at
home Live with friends! Use student discounts Use free Internet on campus
Transportation
Driving in the U.S. Contact your ISO or the local Department of Motor
Vehicles There are serious consequences for drinking and
driving. For general information: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign-Visitors-Driving.shtml
Transportation Local transportation:
-Bicycles are a very popular option on many campuses
-Public transport (buses or subways in large cities)
Long distances:-Plane (www.priceline.com,
www.travelocity.com, www.statravel.com, www.studentuniverse.com)
-Train (www.amtrak.com) -Rental cars (must be 25 or
older)
Student Life: Get involved!
Clubs (dance, sports, culture, hobbies)
Intramural sports Student organizations
(academic, social, volunteering) Greek life (fraternities, sororities) Cultural events Campus cafes/bars/restaurants
Review
Who is the first person you should contact when you arrive at your university?
What is the legal drinking age in the U.S.?
Who should you talk to if you are having academic problems?
What is plagiarism? Is it okay to plagiarize?
Review What is a GPA?
Is being punctual an important value in the U.S.?
How many hours a week can you work on campus during the academic year?
What are three advantages and disadvantages of living in a campus dormitory?
Questions or comments?
Clarence FuEducationUSA Adviser
Carol ReyesAdvising Intern