Nuts and Bolts Guide to Studying in the United States

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

1. Apply for your visa. You will be entering the US on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. You will receive a form called the DS-2019 from your host university.Click here for J-1 visa information.

When you apply for your visa, the consular will ask you some questions and review your documentation. Be sure to bring your passport, your DS-2019, and your OSI contract. The consular will stamp an entry visa in your passport and return parts of the visa forms to you. The entry visa indicates the dates during which you are allowed to enter the United States. An “S” on the entry visa indicates that you are allowed to enter the US once during these dates. An “M” indicates that you are allowed to enter multiple times during these dates. The dates on your DS-2019 form indicate the dates you are allowed to stay in the United States.

Be sure to get a receipt for any visa fees. Submit the receipt to your local foundation coordinator for a reimbursement.

2. Make copies of all your documents and keep them with you in case the originals are lost or misplaced. We also suggest that you make a list of document numbers, expiration dates, etc., as you may need to refer to this list if you need to replace lost documents. You should keep this information separate from your originals.

3. Visit your doctor and complete the Medical Report Form. Return the completed Medical Report form to OSI in New York.

4. If you take medication, be sure you have ample supply. Some medications are not available in the United States.

5. Talk to your university dean to find out what, if anything, will be required of you. For example, are there particular classes they expect you to take while in the US.

6. A few days before your flight, call the airline to confirm your reservation and determine the exact baggage allowance.

WHAT TO PACK

Clothes: Generally, students at US colleges and universities dress very informally. Men and women wear jeans or trousers with casual shirts, tee-shirts, sweaters, or sweatshirts. Faculty dress a slightly more formally with nice trousers, button-down shirts or blouses, and sweaters. You may want to bring one formal outfit for special occasions.

Books: It is a good idea to bring a bilingual dictionary and any other reference materials that you think will be useful.

Medication: You must declare medications on customs forms when you enter the US. Certain drugs may not be brought to the US. Check with the embassy or consulate if you have any questions. Medication can be very expensive in the United States. Your medical insurance may not cover your prescription medications, so if you take medication regularly, bring a sufficient supply and a copy of the prescription (written in English). You may prefer to bring medications you are used to for headaches, colds, upset stomachs, etc. However, aspirin and other remedies are easily available in the US. If you wear eyeglasses, it is a good idea to bring an extra pair.

Useful Items: Camera, alarm clock, calculator, portable radio. (Electrical appliances must be 110-volts, 60 cycles.)

Other: Many students decorate their rooms with personal items. It's a good idea to bring something to remind you of home. Also, bring a few photos of your family, friends, home, etc. People will be interested in seeing them. You may also want to bring small gifts from your country.

TRAVEL

Airline Tickets: You will receive a round-trip ticket for the dates of your grant period (as indicated on your grant letter). Your DS-2019 will allow you to remain in the US for 30 days after the expiration of your grant. If you decide to change the return date for some time during these 30 days, you will have to receive permission from OSI, contact the travel agent directly, and pay any fees associated with changing it. We recommend that you change the date at least one month before your original return date.

Whenever you are traveling, it is a good idea to call the airline a few days before your flight to confirm your reservation.

Do not lose your ticket!

Travel Documents: You should keep all important documents (Passport with J-1 visa, DS-2019, airline ticket, traveler’s checks, cash) on you at all times – do not pack them in your baggage.Make photocopies of your passport (the inside page with your photo and information) and your DS-2019. Keep these copies in a place separate from the originals in the event you lose the originals.

Baggage Allowance: Most airlines let you check two bags and bring one carry-on piece on the plane, but it is important that you pack light. Check with your airline carrier for exact baggage limitations. Regardless of the limit, you should be able to carry all of your bags together and for a short distance (50 meters). Try it out before you leave your home! Be sure to label each of your bags with your name, home address, and school address. It can also help to tie a distinguishing ribbon to your luggage. Do not leave your bags unattended.

Travel Expenses: When you travel in the US, you should carry most of your money in traveler’s checks. You can purchase them at banks for a small fee. When you purchase them, you will be asked to sign your name once on each check. You will be given a receipt which you should keep separate from the checks. You need this receipt in the event that your checks are lost or stolen. Keep a record of your check numbers and the dates as you cash them.

General Tips to Remember: Keep the originals of important forms in your carryon bags and photocopies in your luggage. Be well rested at the start of your trip and take care of details in advance. Eat lightly and drink plenty of water before you travel. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing several layers of clothing that can be removed or added as needed. Airplanes are generally quite cold and the blankets you are provided with sometimes aren’t enough to stay warm.

ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES

I-94 Arrival/Departure Form and Customs Form: Before your flight lands in the United States, you will receive an I-94 and Customs form from the flight attendant. Fill them out on the plane. If you do not understand the forms, ask a flight attendant for assistance. You will need to present these forms to the immigration and customs officials when you arrive.

Port of Entry: The first stop you make in the United States is called your port-of-entry. At the port-of-entry, you will go through the following process: disembark the plane, go through US immigration, collect your baggage, and go through US customs. If you have continuing flights, see “Connecting Flights” below.

Immigration: It is important that you cooperate fully with the Immigration officer; answer all questions clearly and respectfully. The officer may ask you for some general details about your visit. You are entering the USA as a “J-1” Exchange Visitor.

You will need to show the following documents to the Immigration officer:
- Passport
- DS-2019
- J-1 entry visa in your passport (from U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country)
- I-94 card (given to you on the plane by the attendant)
- Custom’s Form (given to you on the plane by the attendant)
- If you are asked for proof of financial resources, present your OSI grant letter.

When you present your documents at U.S. Immigration, the officer will stamp and return the pink copy of your DS-2019 form to you. Please keep this pink copy with your passport at all times. The Immigration officer will also collect the I-94 you completed on the plane. One copy will be stamped and stapled to your passport and the other copy will be kept by U.S. Immigration. When you leave the United States, you will be asked to surrender your I-94. Don’t lose it! If you intend to travel to another country during your stay in the US, you must have the back of your DS-2019 form signed by a representative of your host university. Speak to the international student advisor at your school for details.

Customs: Once you pass through Immigration, collect your baggage and proceed to Customs. You will be required to submit the Customs form you completed on the plane. Have the customs form ready to give to a customs inspector. The inspector may ask you what is in your bags and may even inspect them. You must declare the amount of money you have but will not have to pay a duty. The following items are forbidden or restricted: plants, fruits, meats, vegetables, clothing made from skin of endangered animals, lottery tickets, obscene articles and publications, and switchblade knives. Narcotics or drugs without a prescription (barbiturates, amphetamines and marijuana) are strictly prohibited.

Once you exit Customs, you will not be allowed to re-enter. If you are traveling with someone, stick together.

Connecting Flights: If you are continuing your journey to another city, you will need to check in at the airline counter. Follow the signs to Domestic Departures or the Transfer Desk. If you have any questions, be sure to ask an airline representative. Usually they are wearing a uniform and have some sort of identification attached to their clothes.

Transportation from the Airport to your Host University: You will receive information regarding local transportation. The $150 travel money is meant to cover any ground transportation costs you incur.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY

Banking in the US: Once you arrive in the US, you will want to open a bank account to deposit your OSI stipend checks and keep your money in a safe place. In order to do this, you will need to go to the bank personally to open your account. Consult with your international student advisor on which banks they recommend. Bring your passport, student identification, and the money you wish to deposit. If you open an account with your OSI check, the bank will not allow you to access your funds until the check “clears.” This means that the sum indicated on the check has been sent from OSI’s bank to yours.

Checking Account: A checking account will allow you to write checks, to pay bills and make purchases. Once you hand over a check to the entity you are writing it to, this entity deposits it in their account and the money is taken from yours. Most retailers and services will accept a personal check drawn on a US bank but you must provide proper identification. A passport will suffice for this purpose. Click here to see what a typical bank check looks like.

Savings Account: A savings account will earn interest on the balance of funds in the account. You cannot write checks with a savings account, but sometimes you can get a cash card which you can use to draw money from automated teller machines. Some banks have combined savings and checking accounts. Again, consult with your international students office to determine the best option for you.

ATM/Cash Cards: When you open a bank account, ask for an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card which will allow you to use bank machines for withdrawing and depositing funds.

Credit Cards: It is likely that you will be solicited by a credit card company. If you decide to get a credit card, be sure you understand the payment conditions. Up to 21 percent interest is charged on some cards. That interest can make the card a very expensive luxury.

HEALTH

Pre-Departure: Be sure to complete the Medical Report form. This should be in English and signed by your doctor. If necessary, you can receive immunizations once you arrive in the US. However, OSI medical insurance does not cover immunization. You will have to pay any associated costs, which can be very expensive, so it is best if you can get them before you leave for the US. If you are on medication, be sure to bring an ample supply and your prescription (in English). Since dental care is very expensive in the US and is not covered by your insurance, it is a good idea to go to the dentist before you leave.

On-Campus Student Health Services: Most colleges and universities have a clinic or infirmary for students. Usually, care at these facilities is limited to minor and emergency care. In the event of a serious problem, you will be referred to a nearby hospital. The clinics also provide counseling and various forms of birth control.

Major Medical and Accident Insurance: For major medical care, i.e., a broken arm, you will need to use the insurance coverage provided by OSI. You will receive a small card that verifies your insurance. Please carry this card with you at all times. A summary of the medical plan can be found by clicking on the link below.

• Medical Plan Brochure and Claim Form

If you require medical attention while you are in the United States, show this card to your care provider. One of two things will happen:

1. The care provider will make a copy of the card and send the bill to the insurance company directly. The insurance company will pay the care provider for services according to your coverage plan. There may be expenses that your insurance will not cover. In those cases, you will be required to pay the remaining amount to the care provider.

2. The care provider will ask you to pay for the service in full. If this happens, pay for the service. Make a photocopy of the bill and your proof of payment. Send the photocopies and a completed claim form to the insurance company. The address is on the claim forms. The insurance company will reimburse you for services according to your coverage plan.

Exclusions: Please not that you will not be covered for maternity care, eyeglasses, pre-existing conditions and many prescription medications.

TAXES

US tax laws require that you report any income to the United States Internal Revenue Service. OSI will make tax payments on your behalf for taxable OSI payments made to you or on your behalf. This means that you will have to file a tax return to the IRS. This is commonly referred to this process as “filing a tax return”. In order to ensure proper reporting, OSI will send you forms and instructions in early 2004.

Alien Information Packet: Before OSI can properly administer your tax payments, we need some basic information from you. During orientation you will be given US Tax Information for Nonresident Alien Students tax packet. In this packet, you will find instructions on how to complete the W8-Ben Form, Form 1001, and Statement for Reduced Withholding. Processing these forms is NOT the same as filing a tax return.

Social Security Number or Tax Payer ID Number: You are required to obtain a Social Security Number or Tax Payer ID Number. Your host institution will help you obtain the appropriate number.

ACCOMODATION

The type of accommodation will vary considerably from university to university. You may be placed in a small apartment on campus, in an apartment off campus, in graduate student housing, or in a rooming house. It is possible you will share your common living areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room) with other visiting faculty but you will most likely have your own bedroom.

US ACADEMIC SETTING

The Academic Year: The traditional academic year is nine months and is broken into semesters or trimesters. For the most part, students select the courses they are going to take and take different classes each term. The average academic load for undergraduate and graduate students is four or five classes per term.

Grading System in the US: The quality of work is measured by grades which are then converted into a grade-point average. Grades measure individual achievement and are used to rank and compare students' academic work. Different professors have different methods of determining final course grades. At the beginning of the course, the professor will explain how your final grade will be determined. Often, your grade will depend on papers, exams and class participation. There are two common grading methods used in college and universities:
- Fixed Grading System
Each assignment and exam can receive up to a certain number of points (usually 100). At the end of the semester, the total points earned are added up and a letter grade is given according to a fixed scale. If the scale is based on 100, the break-down is often based on groups of 10. That is, 90-100 points = A, 80-89 = B, etc.
- Curve Grading Method
Grades are sometimes determined by the performance of the class as a whole. The professor will determine what percentage of the class will get an A, B, C, etc. regardless of the actual number of points. Therefore, if the best score is 78 points, that student will get an A and the remaining grades are determined based on the 78 points.

Transcripts: At the end of each term students receive an official transcript that lists their grades.

Cheating an Plagiarism: American students tend to be more competitive than cooperative. That is, they do not help each other out with exams and papers as much as you are used to. During an exam, you could get in trouble for asking a fellow student for the proper spelling of an answer, even when you know the answer. Cribnotes (cheat sheets) and wandering eyes are enough for a teacher or student to accuse you of cheating. If you are caught, or even suspected of cheating, you can be thrown out of the class, fail an exam or paper, and even fail the course entirely.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own. This can range from copying a friend's paper to taking the ideas of well-known scholar. If you quote someone word for word you must enclose the words in quotation marks. Additionally, you must indicate the author and source. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, you will receive a failing grade for the assignment, may receive a failing grade for the course, and may even be expelled from school.

The International Student and Scholars' Office: The international student office may go by a different name on your campus, such as Foreign Student Services or International Education and Programs. Regardless of its name or size, it will be a very important source of information and services that you are encouraged to use and contact on a regular basis.

The advisers at the international students office will be able to provide you with answers to most of the questions you will have throughout the year. The services they provide range from social event planning to tax advising. Advisers in this office will help you find fellow students from your home country or recommend clubs that you might want to join. If you have any questions about your university, you are encouraged to consult with the staff in this office.

DAY TO DAY LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES

Meals: Generally, Americans eat three meals a day. Breakfast can range from just a cup of coffee to eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, bagels, cereal, yogurt, or fruit. Lunch is often a sandwich, soup, or salad. On weekends it is popular to go out for "brunch." This meal combines breakfast and lunch and is served in the late morning. Dinner (or supper, depending on where you live in the US) is traditionally the big meal of the day. It often consists of a salad, a hot vegetable, and meat, fish, chicken or pasta.

Telephones: Almost all dorms have "hall" phones from which you will be able to make and receive calls. In some cases, you and your roommate may decide to get a private phone installed in your room. You are responsible for any associated costs. Telephone numbers in the US have seven digits and are represented like this: 555-1212. A number in parenthesis (212) preceding the seven digits is the area code. To place a phone call, you will have to dial 1+area code+the telephone number. The local operator can help you with making local calls and can connect you to a long-distance or international operator. Public phones are found at many locations in commercial areas. Depending on where you are, a local call will cost .25c (a quarter) or .30c. It is a good idea to have phone numbers of your local police station, fire station and hospital posted near your phone. However, you can always dial 911 in case of an emergency. You also do not have to pay for any number that starts with 800 or 888. Stores, airlines and many businesses have these "toll-free" lines for the convenience of their customers.

Phone books are readily available and a great source of information. White pages list residential and business numbers in alphabetical order. The yellow pages list businesses, restaurants, and services according to category. For example, if you want to find a Chinese restaurant in your town, you look under "restaurants" and "Chinese". You will then see a list of Chinese restaurants. Directory assistance can give you phone numbers when you don't have a phone book or can't find the number in the book. Simply dial 411 for local numbers. For long-distance numbers, dial the area code of the city you are
calling plus 555-1212. For example, to get a phone number in Boston, dial 1-617-555-1212. You will be charged for directory assistance calls.

Receiving mail: For the first week or so, your family and friends may send your mail to your international student advisor. You will probably be assigned a mailbox on campus. Once you have the box number, all mail should be addressed to you at that box number. The box number and the five-digit zip code for your city are very important for efficient mail-delivery.

Postal Rates
First Class Letter within US 37c
Postcard within US 23c
Airmail Letter (14 grams) 80c
Airmail Postcard 50c

National Holidays: There are ten national holidays. However, not every state observes all ten and some states have additional holidays. Banks and schools are closed and mail is not delivered on legal holidays.

New Year's Day, January 1
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January
President's Day, Third Monday in February
Memorial Day, Last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, First Monday in September
Columbus Day, Second Monday in October
Veteran's Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas, December 25

Restaurants: Restaurants in the US range from inexpensive fast food (McDonalds) to very expensive, elegant restaurants. College students in the US tend to eat a lot of pizza and Chinese food. If someone asks you to join him/her for a meal, it does not necessarily mean that person is going to pay for your meal. If they are going to pay for the meal, they will probably say, "I would like to take you to dinner (lunch, or breakfast)," "Please be my guest for ...," or "My treat." If you are not sure, assume that you will pay your share. The person who initiates a date often pays for it. However, it is becoming more common for people to "go Dutch" (each person pays his/her own share).

Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants. Fifteen to 20 percent of the bill (before tax) is the norm. If you feel that service was very bad, you may tip less. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect 10 to 15 percent of the total cost. You should also tip $1.00 to hotel and airport porters per bag and to valet services. It is illegal to tip government employees (police officers, public officials, etc). Hotel desk clerks, bus drivers, salespeople, flight attendants, and gas station attendants are not tipped.

Smoking: It is illegal to smoke in almost all public buildings in the United States. Observe "No Smoking" signs, and ask in restaurants if there is a smoking section. If you want to smoke in a restaurant, ask for "smoking." Do not smoke in a private home without asking first.

Alcohol: The legal age for drinking in the United States is 21 years. Drinking in public places is illegal in many states.

SHOPPING

What's the Exact Price? The price on the item you want to buy is not always the final price you will pay. Some states and cities have a sales tax on certain items and you may have to pay an additional 5-8% of the cost of the item. Ask your international student advisor about taxes in your community.

Campus Bookstore: Depending on the size of your college or university, the bookstore may be the only place you need to shop. Even the smallest colleges have a bookstore that sells books, newspapers, clothes, food and toiletries. Most textbooks are available both "new" and "used." Used books are considerably cheaper. If you buy a used book, be sure it is the proper edition and look for the cleanest copy. You can also sell your books back to the bookstore when you are finished with them. Be sure to keep your sales slip (receipt) in case you need to return a purchase. However, many items may be more expensive at the bookstore than they are at other shops.

Supermarkets: Supermarkets sell all kinds of food as well as toiletries, kitchen appliances, houseplants, and detergents. Prices at supermarkets are usually cheaper than those at small convenience stores. Some stores carry foreign food items.

Convenience Stores: Often open 24 hours a day, these stores are a great resource when you are desperate for a basic food item. Prices are usually high.

Drugstores: Pharmacies are often called drugstores. The pharmaceutical section is only a small part of the store. You may purchase nonprescription medication such as aspirin or cold remedies at these stores. These items are called "over-the-counter" drugs. A licensed pharmacist (in the pharmaceutical section of the store) must supply prescription drugs. You can also buy deodorant, soap, shampoo, razors, hair dye, greeting cards, candy, and paper supplies at large drugstores.

Department Stores: Department stores have many departments where you can buy clothes, shoes, appliances, jewelry, kitchen items, gifts, etc. They tend to differ in price and quality of goods.

Discount Stores: Similar to department stores but with lower prices. Some big ones are K-Mart, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Filene's Basement.

Shopping Centers: Shopping centers, or "malls," are large buildings in outlying districts. Malls have a variety of stores (e.g., department, drug, specialty, discount) under one roof. Large movie theaters are often located at or near malls.

Don't sign up for "free" things. There is usually some sort of commitment (written in small print) to purchase something later down the line. Also, don't buy anything over the phone if the sales person has called you. It is ok to buy tickets, clothes, and mail order items if you have initiated the phone call.

TRANSPORTATION

The United States is a car society. However, there are plenty of ways to get around without one. Major cities and most towns have a public transportation system. Bus, train and airline services are readily available for long-distance travel. You will find that the train system in the US is not nearly as extensive, convenient and inexpensive as it is in Europe. Sometimes it is even cheaper to fly. Watch for airline specials. Some companies offer special touring fares for travel within the US. Since many of them must be purchased before you arrive in the US, contact a travel agent in your country for more information. Buses are generally the cheapest way to go. If you want to rent a car, check with the rental agency about rules, requirements (usually you have to be at least 25 years old), and rates. The final cost is likely to be more once insurance, tax and gasoline charges are added. To drive in the US you should have an International Driver's license. In some states you may also need to have a state license.

Traffic Laws: OSI discourages grantees from driving in the United States. If you do drive a car, you should be aware of the following laws:
- Pedestrian Right-of-way: Most states require that cars, motorcycles and bicycles yield to pedestrians. However, you should know that this rule is not as strictly followed as it is in Europe. Be careful when you are crossing the street on foot. The drivers of cars do not always stop.
- Speed Zones: Highways and local streets are posted with speed limits. People tend to drive about 5 miles per hour faster than the posted limit.
- Drunk Driving: DO NOT DRIVE IF YOU HAVE BEEN DRINKING ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. The laws against drinking and driving in the U.S. are VERY strict.
- Parking: Curbs painted red or yellow indicate no parking zones. Signs also indicate parking rules. Parking meters in busy areas are small coin-operated machines that give you a certain amount of time to park in the space.

Traffic and driving infractions, like those mentioned above, can result in a very expensive ticket/fine. Drinking and driving can result in criminal charges and imprisonment. If you decide to drive, be sure to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a complete copy of the state’s driving rules and regulations. Know the laws.

TRAVELING IN THE US

If you are going to travel for more than a few days at a time, please let your OSI coordinator know where you are going. We are not trying to check up on you. We just want to know where we can reach you in case of an emergency. Email your coordinator.

To make arrangements to travel within the United States, try Council Travel (1-800-2COUNCIL, www.counciltravel.com) or STA Travel (1-800-781-4040, www.sta-travel.com). Both specialize in student travel and can help you with reduced price rail or air tickets and information about cheap places to stay (youth hostels). As a student you are also eligible for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which can be purchased at Council Travel or STA Travel, and allows for further reductions in travel prices.

PERSONAL SAFETY

There is crime in the US. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your community and the types of precautions you should take. Be alert when you first arrive in the US. You will be tired and disoriented and therefore vulnerable to crime. Generally, it is best to follow these guidelines:

- In some areas it is not safe to walk alone at night. Ask someone to accompany you if you are unsure about going somewhere alone.
- When you are walking, look like you know where you are going.
- When you leave your dormitory, be sure that the windows and doors are locked.
- Don't leave valuables sitting out in the open.
- Do not carry too much cash or wear valuable jewelry.
- Do not accept a ride from a stranger. Likewise, do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers. Not only is it dangerous, it is against the law.
- Keep your hand and eyes on your personal property (wallets, portable stereos, cameras, purses), especially in crowded places and in big cities.
- If you are threatened by a mugger or robber, try not to resist. Give up your valuables calmly and immediately report the crime to the police. If your life is in danger, run away.

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH HOME

OSI encourages you to stay in touch with friends and events at home. The United States has a well-developed network of communications. Postal service is relatively cheap, but slow. It can take one week and in some cases three weeks to send a letter from the US to many of your home countries. Telephone is an easy way to stay in touch, but it’s extremely expensive. Try not to rely on it too much before you get your first phone bill so you can see exactly what you are spending. You will also be assigned an e-mail account at your host university which you can use to stay connected to home. This mode of communication is definitely the cheapest AND most convenient option. Consider the pros and cons of your options when communicating with your friends and family.

Another way to stay in touch with news in your country can be found on the Internet. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a free news service which publishes daily reports on politics and social events in countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. They can be found at www.rferl.org and are a great resource for daily synopses on what is happening back home. You are encouraged to stay in touch with friends, family and events as this will make your return home even more pleasant and enjoyable.

CULTURE SHOCK

For almost everyone, adjusting to a new society is an exciting, and sometimes challenging process. Most people experience some degree of “culture shock” after leaving the familiarity of home for the strangeness of a new country. While everyone responds differently, you will likely go through stages in adjusting to the new culture around you.

Your first reaction may be one of excitement and enjoyment of your new and different environment. As you get into the daily routine of living in the U.S., this sense of adventure and excitement may start to wear off. You may find that life in the U.S. can also be quite ordinary, stressful, and even boring at times (just like back home!). Climate, food, landscapes, people, and their habits will all be different from what you are used to. Your English may not be as good as you expected, the courses may be more difficult (or easier) than you thought, and the fast pace of life in the US may all bother you. You may start missing your friends and family at home and feel overwhelmed by the differences around you. People experience culture shock in varying degrees, some not at all.

Common symptoms are:
- isolation and frustration
- sleeping a lot
- nervousness
- homesickness
- crying
- hostility towards the US
- questioning why you came to the US

To cope with culture shock, remember that it is a natural process that most people go through when traveling to or living in a new country. Try to determine if your expectations were reasonable and how you can adjust your expectations to the reality. Keep an open mind. People in the US may say or do things that people at home would never do. Try to understand that they are acting according to their own set of values. Also, it is important not to withdraw. Try to face the problem and become involved with the community. You do not have to accept and adopt the culture and the values. However, you will be able to enjoy yourself more if you understand them.

Once the values and characteristics of people in the U.S. become more familiar to you, day to day life will become easier. You have the opportunity to actively immerse yourself in another way of life and experience a different culture in a way that would never be possible if you were only visiting as a tourist. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Remember that culture shock is a normal reaction. As you become adjusted to your environment and learn your way around, you will feel normal again. If you are having a difficult time adjusting to your new surroundings, please call us at OSI for advice and assistance – we are here to help.

Reverse Culture Shock: Although it seems far away, it’s not too early to be aware of the possible changes you will encounter upon your return home. Although few people anticipate it, many experience culture shock upon re-entry to their home countries. Reverse culture shock occurs most commonly with those students who expect to find that little has changed at home. It manifests itself in many different ways. You may experience subtle forms of rejection if your family and friends show less interest in hearing about your experiences and adventures. Or you may feel frustrated in trying to capture your experiences in words and relating them to friends and family who stayed home. In the United States, we sometimes say “You just had to be there” when we feel one can not appropriately express in words a meaningful or particular event. Keep in mind that the year ahead of you will be one of tremendous personal growth. At the same time, your friends and family will grow too.

The key here is to be AWARE that such experiences may occur. It does not mean that you will definitely experience reverse culture shock, not everybody does. However, if you do, you will be able to better identify it and deal with the emotions you are experiencing if you are aware they can happen. Listed below are a few suggestions to help ease the transition you will eventually make back home:

- take lots of photos
- keep a journal
- stay up to date on news at home
- maintain ties with other fellows upon your return home - they have proven to be a helpful support network during re-entry!

Here is the Culture Shock W-curve that reflects the stages of initial culture shock and reverse culture shock: