[Name of your school] We know that travelling to a new country can be scary so this tour is designed to help you • be prepared • learn what to expect from school • understand life in America (US). It’s great that you’ve decided to come and study with us in Los Angeles and we’re really looking forward to meeting you! California is a very popular destination for international students from around the world. We have an excellent education system and I'm sure you will benefit from studying at our school. As well as our highly renowned programs at undergraduate and graduate degree level there are a range of interesting activities and clubs to be involved with, helping you to make friends and get the most out of your experience at school. You will find California also has a diverse culture and geography, making it an interesting place to travel and explore the American way of life. There are so many things to do here. There are world-famous attractions such as Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios to name a few, as well as excellent art galleries and museums. Why not take a trip to the beach and enjoy our stunning coastline by visiting Venice Beach, or spend the night at the Ahmanson Theatre watching a show. California offers opportunities to try many different activities so be sure to make the most of it. The weather in Los Angeles is delightful with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). It’s a good idea to be prepared and bring clothes for both seasons (long, dry summer and a mild, rainy winter). Did you know… LA has, on average, 325 days of sunshine in year. The average temperature in December is 154°F (68°C); and in July, 180°F (82°C). Spring/Summer (May – October) Autumn/Winter (Nov – April) Swimwear & Sunscreen Warm waterproof jacket Sunhat & Sunglasses Sweater/jumper Shorts, skirts Long pants/jeans T-shirts Long sleeve shirts 1 sweater Scarf, hat, gloves Light raincoat (something that will keep you dry) Good walking shoes/sneakers Good walking shoes/sneakers US currency is the dollar (USD). Use an online currency converter for a current exchange rate. It is a good idea to bring some United States currency with you to cover any emergencies when you first arrive. We recommend no more than $200 in small bills ($1, $5, $10 and $20). There are many ATM machines throughout US where you can withdraw cash from your debit or credit card. Remember to keep your card and pin number safe and secure. Find out more about using your card in US. Prices of everyday products and services vary across the US. The table on the right shows average US costs (2012). Product or Service Meal in an inexpensive restaurant $10 3-course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant Combo Meal at McDonalds $40 Cappuccino $3.50 Movie $9.50 $6 1 Pair of Levis jeans (or Equivalent) $40 1 Pair of Nike Shoes $75 Taxi Start $2.75 Taxi per 6 miles (10km) $14 Electricity is supplied throughout United States of America at 120 volts (60 hertz). There are two types of Power outlets in the US. Type A and Type B. Type A only accept two flat pin, where one pin is slightly larger than the other. Type B is a two flat pin with a grounding pin. You should purchase an adapter/converter so you can charge any electronic devices, like an iPod or your phone, while you are in USA. Compare your power outlet with those around the world. Medical care is not free for international students, so you must arrange for comprehensive travel insurance which includes health insurance from your home country. While most medications are available in US, if you need anything specific you should bring some with you to last for the first month. Remember to bring your Doctor’s prescription as you may need to prove you are allowed that medication and it should help when you need to visit a doctor for a repeat prescription. You will need to organize various documents in your home country when you apply for your visa. You will also need to show documents in the U.S. when you go through immigration and customs at the airport. when you arrive at your school and register at the International Student Office. View (and print) a list of important documents. [link to Orientation-Tour-Important-Documents] Do you have following items organised? Documents for your student visa application Why you chose the U.S. Photos I-20 form Evidence of financial support Academic transcripts TOEFL/IELTS/SAT scores and/or other Return air tickets Other Print checklist Health / Travel Insurance Plan Documents Medical Prescriptions U.S. currency Summer and winter clothing including suitable shoes Adaptor for laptop / cell phone etc. A bi-lingual dictionary Have you emailed us with your travel arrangements? If you want to obtain a degree from a U.S. university or college, you will need an F-1 Student visa. In some countries, visa processing can take several weeks or even months, so it is a good idea to start the application process as early as possible. Learn as much as you can about the application process. Below is a brief overview of the application process: Pay the application fee Make an appointment for the student visa interview Fill in the online visa application form (DS-160) Gather required documents Appear for the student visa interview For detailed information, check out the Visa Section on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate office in your country. You may also want to buy a copy of the F-1 Visa Application Guide https://www.usimmigration.com/cart/product/studentvisa.html?referrer=cse-organic-nonef%201%20visa During the interview, you will need to bring all of your application documents, and may be asked questions about: Why you chose the U.S. The U.S. college you plan to attend Previous education and work Finances Family and relatives Future plans You can view sample questions at websites such as this: http://studyusa.learnhub.com/lesson/13812-us-student-visa-interview-questions Students on F-1 visas are allowed to work, but restrictions are strict. Your F-1 visa allows you to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during holidays. On-campus jobs include working as a research assistant, or in a bookstore, cafeteria or library. However, these jobs are limited and some schools do not allow first-year students to take up on-campus jobs. You have to apply for permission to work off campus. The International Student Office at your university will help you to understand application processes and requirements. Optional practical training (OPT) You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for 9 months, but cannot begin work until you have been enrolled for at least 12 months. Students on OPT can only work in jobs that are related to their study. Curricular practical training (CPT) CPT is work that is a required, assessed part of a course you are studying. For example, if you are studying education, you may be required to work in a teaching role at a local school. Load quiz here http://staging.neko.intuto.com/Course/Edit/287369#mode=preview&template=PA LCoursewareCalifornia%5CPreview%5Cpage.htm&page=347842 We suggest that you arrive in the U.S. a few days before school starts. We ask you not to arrive late, as the first days of orientation are vital for helping you to fit into college life. You will be given two forms to fill out on the plane before your arrival: I-94 - Arrival / Departure card Download from http://www.immihelp.com/visas/sample-i94-form.pdf 6059B - Customs form Download from http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/sample-us-customs-declaration-form-6059b.pdf We recommend that you print out a sample of each form before you travel. Make sure you read the questions carefully. You will need to print all your answers in English. If you make a mistake on the forms, you can pick up more in the Passport Control area after you leave the plane. 1. The first place you go is US Public Health Immigration & Naturalization. 2. Then proceed to Baggage Claim to collect your bags. 3. Then proceed through Customs and the exit. 4. If you need to transfer to a domestic flight make your way to the domestic terminal. 5. Finally, greet the person waiting to collect you. Remember to send us your arrival details! … you get lost! … you want to exchange money. If you get lost at the airport, don’t You might like to change some worry! You can ask for assistance from the Volunteer Hospitality Ambassadors on duty to provide assistance. Check out the Smart Traveler Tips for LAX on their website before you travel. money at the airport so that you have enough US Dollar currency for the first few days. We suggest between $100 and $200 in small denominations. Look for the Travelex sign or use an ATM machine. Once you leave the plane follow the sign to Baggage Claim. This will take you through US Immigration (US Public Health Immigration & Naturalization). When you reach Immigration you must produce your Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date). The Student and Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) Form I-20. Arrival-Departure Record for immigration, Form I-94. Additional documents you might need: Evidence of financial resources. Evidence of student status, such as your U.S. tuition fee receipt. Name and contact details of your designated campus official. After completing US Immigration, you should pick up your bags and head towards Customs and the exit. Continue to follow the Baggage Claim signs. The customs officer will ask you to produce your 6059B Customs form. There are some things that you are not allowed to bring into the USA, such as some fresh fruit and vegetables, plant material and animal products. This helps keep USA safe from pests and diseases. Not all of these are prohibited, but it’s easier for you not to bring them. Some items – such as meat, fruit and cheese – are not allowed at all. If you have any food with you, it’s best to dispose of it – or at least declare it to Customs, who will say whether you may keep it or not. If you are unsure if an item is prohibited you should declare it. If you have a restricted item that you do not declare you will be charged a fine on arrival. Fines may range up to USD$1000! A quick guide on what to do is available on the Department of Homeland Security Website. Airport pick-up Send your arrival details to Vital English when you book your flights. Someone will wait for you at the airport and drive you to your accommodation. Look for someone holding a sign with your name on it. If you can’t find us, go to the information desk and call (mobile) 1800 555 555. Airport pick-up When you exit the airport, look for signs leading the way to taxis, buses and other transportation. Airport transport options will vary depending on the city you are traveling to, but the following may give you an idea of what to expect: 1. Public buses are generally the cheapest option. 2. Some airports have free shuttle buses which will drop you at a central city location. 3. Some airports have train stations. 4. Taxis are the most expensive option, but may provide a convenient option, especially if you have heavy bags. Taxis are metered, and there is no bargaining with drivers. For a 12 mile (20km) ride from the airport expect to pay about US$35-40. Load quiz here http://staging.neko.intuto.com/Course/Edit/287369#mode=preview&template=PA LCoursewareCalifornia%5CPreview%5Cpage.htm&page=287401 The U.S. is a melting pot of different cultures and peoples. Among the student population at your school, you are likely to hear many languages and encounter a mix of cultures. ‘White Americans’ make up the dominant ethnic group in the U.S. (about 67%). In contrast, the indigenous ‘Native Americans and Alaskan Natives’ make up only a small part of the population (<1%). The two largest minority ethnicities are ‘Hispanic/Latino’, originally from Central or South America (about 16%), and ‘Black/African Americans,’ who make up about 12% of the population. More recently, there has been increased immigration from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. It is important to us that you have a good time with your homestay family so we try to carefully match you with a family that you will be happy with. To help us do this we need as much information about you as possible. Tell us about yourself. Let us know what you are hoping for and what you are interested in so we can find you the most suitable homestay family. Our process We get applications from host families in our local community. If we think they are suitable, we then visit the home and interview the family. Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about living with a homestay family. [link to Orientation-Tour-Homestay-FAQs] Type of accommodation: dormitory / residence hall Beds per room: 2 Single-sex rooms: Yes Furnishings: single bed, desk, lamp, closet, heating, TV Shared facilities: On each floor, you will find: Bathroom with showers/toilets (hot water 24 hours) Lounge area with TV Kitchen area with microwave, refrigerator Coffee and tea-making facilities Prayer room Utilities: Free Internet, local telephone calls, heating Cafeteria: Yes – 5 minutes’ walk from dormitory Available cuisine: vegetarian / international Costs: Dorm room bed $ per semester Breakfast $ / Lunch $ / Dinner $ Contact Info: to be advised Once you arrive in the U.S., you can find information about off-campus accommodation in a number of ways: Ask at the International Student Office on campus. Check local websites (ask other students for popular sites). Check local newspapers. Check university notice boards. If you want to rent an apartment, you will need to sign a lease, and agree to rent it for a fixed period of time. Read the lease carefully before signing and if necessary, ask someone to explain it to you. Some apartments are furnished; others are not. Apartment rent doesn’t often include electricity, telephone and internet, so you will need to pay more each month for these. Another option is to look at ‘Roommate Wanted’ advertisements. Sometimes a person will leave an apartment, and the people renting it need someone else to share costs. In shared apartments, it is common for roommates to share electricity, phone and internet costs. Many roommates also share groceries. We understand that there are sometimes personality clashes and we want you to feel as happy as you can in US. Living costs vary significantly in the US Apartment (1 bedroom) in the City Center Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside the City Center Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the City Center Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside the City Center Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) for a 2-bedroom apartment Internet (6 Mbps, Flat Rate, Cable/ADSL) Monthly costs below indicate the U.S. average (2012) $895 $700 $1,500 $1,200 Free Internet, local telephone calls, heating $40 Source: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States The US has 10 nation-wide public holidays a year. Each state may celebrate other holidays as well. You will find that towns and cities are pretty quiet places on big public holidays, particularly around Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, when all stores, banks, offices and schools are closed. US Slang Meaning How’s it goin’? informal greeting (How are you?) What’s up? informal greeting (What’s happening? / What are you doing?) the bathroom / the restroom / the ladies’ / the john toilet beat very tired (food) to go take-away (meal) big deal Chill out! very important / serious OR (sarcastic) not very important /serious Relax! cram study a lot in a short period of time (especially before exams) jerk be stood up 1) a mean guy who does not treat women well 2) an idiot be left waiting for someone who never shows What foods do you think of when you think of America? Many people think of hamburgers or pizza and there is an old saying, “as American as apple pie.’ However, people in the U.S. come from many cultures, and there is a huge variety of food available, from every country. In the USA, it is not polite to make a noise while you are eating; for example, you shouldn’t slurp your noodles! However, you don’t need to be silent, and people usually chat as they share food together. When you eat out with friends, everyone usually pays for their own food, or sometimes they divide the bill evenly. In the USA you should give money, or a tip, to the person who serves you. This is normally 15–20% of the total cost of the meal. You don’t need to tip in a fast food restaurant, but there is often a cup or a box beside the cash register where you can put a tip. Load quiz here http://staging.neko.intuto.com/Course/Edit/287369#mode=preview&template=PA LOrientationCalifornia%5CPreview%5Cpage.htm&page=287418 Los Angeles, nicknamed the City of Angels, L.A., Lalaland and Southland, is located in the state of California on the Pacific coast of America. L.A. is a very large city with interesting geography including mountains, deep valleys, forests, islands, lakes, rivers, and desert. L.A. is the largest city in California with a population of around 9.8 million people. L.A. has a very diverse community, with a mix of native English speakers as well as Spanish speaking people, African American and Asian people. Here’s an interesting site to have a look at: www.lacity.org Los Angeles is very fortunate to enjoy plenty of sunshine all year round, with an average of measurable precipitation of 35 days annually. The wettest months are December - March and the warmest months are May to September. You can visit Los Angeles anytime of the year which makes it a favorite destination from people around the world. Find out more about the weather in Los Angeles http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/california/los-angeles-co/ Los Angeles has an efficient public transport system. Although your homestay family may drive you around to begin with, public transport is good so you will be able to quickly become independent. There is a range of ways to get around L.A. including: Taxi Bus Train Subway Ferry You may need to use a combination of these to get to your final destination. If you travel frequently you should consider purchasing a Metro pass which can give you a cheaper fare. All passes can be added to a TAP card, which is a plastic card you can use again and again. More information on the metro passes and TAP cards can be found on this website: http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/ Walking Driving If you are walking in L.A. which many people do, it is important to remember that cars drive on the right hand side of the road here. So be careful when you cross a road, especially if you’re not crossing at traffic lights, look LEFT, look RIGHT, then look LEFT AGAIN. If you intend to drive while living in California you should bring your driver’s licence with you you’re your home country. You might consider obtaining and international drivers’ permit before you leave your home country however this is not always recognised in the US. You will still need to apply for a California Driver's License which will take about 4-6 weeks to process. In the city there are shopping malls, arcades, department stores, factory outlets, supermarkets, and even farmers markets where you can buy food and crafts You can buy designer labels such as Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, Cartier, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Escada, Gucci, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Yves Saint-Laurent and more clothes: women's and men's wear accessories souvenirs to take home to your family There are loads of things to do in Los Angeles! J. Paul Getty Museum is an art museum. The museum showcase a collection of "pre-20th-century European paintings, drawing, manuscripts, decorative arts, photographs and sculptures." The center itself very impressive with exceptional designs with beautiful gardens and panoramic views. Hollywood is a well known landmark in L.A. You can find your favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, match your hands and footprints with the stars at Grauman's Chinese Theather or see celebrity mansion by joining a tour in hollywood. Venice Beach is a sandy beach coinciding a boarwalk full with creative people to showcase their talents including jugglers, acrobats, mimes, comics, magicians and other various entertainers. If you’re keen for more adventurous things to do, you can visit Six flags theme park with a list of thrill seekers rides and massive coasters to try. Things to do in Los Angeles Shopping L.A Guide Malls and shopping centres 100 free things to do in LA Shopping guide Event Calendar City guide Getting around L.A Metro Interesting stuff Public transport 10 Things you probably didn't know Travel resources about LA Beaches Driving in the USA Drivers license for international students Our campus is located just outside of downtown Los Angeles on landscaped grounds with lots of trees and beautiful gardens. Many students make use of the green outdoor spaces to meet with friends between classes. We have extensive facilities including an assembly hall/gymnasium, library, theatre, sporting fields, science labs, computer labs, design and technology facilities. There are many options for parking, carpooling or subsidized transit passes so please ask for more information at the International office when you arrive. The style of learning in the U.S. may take you some time to get used to. There are different types of classes, including lectures, seminars and labs. Lectures Large classes where you learn about a particular topic from a professor. Seminars Small classes where students discuss course readings and often get help with assignments. Labs Small classes where you work through practical activities. One of the most popular sports at the college is a game called lacrosse. Known as the "fastest sport on two feet," lacrosse was traditionally played by Native Americans. It has become increasingly popular as a college sport since the 1970’s. The aim of lacrosse is to score as many goals as possible. It is played on a large field, with a lacrosse stick and a hard rubber ball. Players use the lacrosse stick to pass, catch or carry the ball. Each game lasts 60 minutes. The rules for men’s and women’s lacrosse are different. Men’s lacrosse involves more physical contact, and therefore players need to wear more protective clothing, including a helmet. Another difference is that men’s teams have 10 players on the field at a time, while women’s teams have 12 players. Both men’s and women’s lacrosse are played at college level in the U.S., with the season starting in spring and lasting through the summer. National championship tournaments are held at the end of each season, drawing large crowds of excited fans. During the winter months, you may find the most talked about sport is hockey – or ‘ice hockey’ as it is called outside America. Like football and lacrosse, the aim of hockey is to score as many goals as possible against the other team. It is a fast, physical game and players must wear special clothing to protect themselves from injury to the head, face and body. College hockey teams compete against each other in three divisions (Division 1, 2 and 3). At the end of the season, there is a national tournament, which draws wide media attention and is watched by spectators and TV viewers all across America. Football, known as American Football outside the U.S., is the one of the most popular sports in the country. It is played at high school, college and professional levels. Since its beginnings in the late 1800’s, college football has been popular with athletes as well as spectators. Games are widely reported in the media, and are followed by loyal fans across the country. While college football provides a lot of enjoyment, it is also a competitive business. Colleges in the top division (Division 1) spend millions of dollars a year on their football programs. They recruit top players by offering scholarships which cover college tuition fees. Upgrading facilities and hiring coaching teams are other priorities. Colleges in lower divisions (Divisions 2 and 3) tend to be smaller, with smaller budgets, and offer fewer or no scholarships. College football can benefit players, the college and college towns. Star players have the chance to go on to well-paid careers in professional football. Top teams can earn millions of dollars a year for their colleges by attending important games. And with tickets to big games averaging $150-200 per ticket, towns and cities hosting tournaments also enjoy a share of the profit. Experience “In my country, it’s very difficult to get into a good university, but when you are there, it’s easy to pass. In the US, just getting into university isn’t enough. You have to work hard to pass each course, and it’s much harder when English isn’t your first language.” What I have learned Doing well at university is a challenge! Experience “When I write an essay, I often forget to write the names of writers whose ideas I have used, and then I get low grades. In the U.S., it’s a kind of cheating. You have to be really careful about that.” What I have learned It is expected that students share their ideas and opinions in class. Experience “American students are always sharing their ideas. Sometimes it even sounds like they’re arguing. I don’t want to be like that, so I stay quiet and don’t say anything. But now, no one asks my opinion and I feel like I’m not part of the class. I don’t enjoy it.” What I have learned Copying other’s ideas and work has serious consequences. Experience “I was having trouble finishing my essays on time. 3,000 words was just too long! One of my professors suggested I write 400 words each week. She didn’t tell me what to write, but she took 15 minutes to meet me every Thursday to discuss what I had written. It helped a lot.” What I have learned There is help available if you are having trouble with your studies. As with any big organisation there are rules about how you behave. Our campus has a long and proud history, and we all have a part to play in maintaining that. Are you allowed to bring weapons in the campus? No you aren’t! Are you allowed to smoke inside the premises? No you aren’t! Do we expect you to be courteous to your homestay family, school staff and other students? Yes we do! Are you allowed to drink alcohol or use drug in the campus? No you aren’t! Do we think you’ll have a great time while you’re with us? Yes we do! The smoking age in America varies in some states but in California you must be 18 years or over. It is illegal to smoke in all public buildings (including restaurants, bars and casinos) and enclosed spaces throughout California. The legal drinking age is 21. 1 2 3 4 • School tour and orientation, meet staff, stage co-ordinator, first day teachers and school buddy. • Collect text books, timetable and other stationery. • Continue orientation with school buddy and staff assistance. • Meet with School Registrar for feedback and pastoral care. International Student Liaison Mrs …. Phone: +64 4 654 3201 School Registrar Mr … Phone: +64 4 654 3201 Departmental Administrator Mrs …. Phone: +64 4 654 3210 Stage Coordinators Ms …. Phone: +64 4 654 3210 Mr …. Phone: +64 4 654 3210 In Los Angeles, the emergency telephone number to reach the Fire Brigade, Police or Ambulance is 911. You can also call 311 for Non-emergency services such as car broken into while you're not around or animal control problems. If you wish to speak to someone for Social Service Assistance, the number to call is 211. It will get you connected to social service providers including international consulate in LA area. In general the medical care in Los Angeles County is world class in both private and public hospitals. If you need to visit the doctor you may need to pay for the service and then claim it back on your insurance. Which health care provider should I visit? For Accidents, serious injury, emergency call 911. - LA County Department of Health Services Urgent Care Center Locations Cold virus, minor infection, general health issues - Local Doctor Surgery - Medical Centre General Doctors in Los Angeles Guide to free and low-cost health care services - regardless of age, race or immigration status. Here is some important information regarding the law! In California, Los Angeles it is illegal to smoke or buy cigarettes under the age of 18 years. It is also illegal to smoke in buildings, work places, certain beaches so always look for the signs. It is also illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 21 years. Photo ID is required for 21 year olds to go into licensed premises. Other drugs are also illegal – if in doubt, ask first! To help you with your first few weeks of living with a homestay family, you might like to try this Homestay Course. It is also called English for Living Abroad - USA. It will help you to understand conversations with your homestay family and help you settle into life in America. So even if you find it a little difficult to begin with – it’s worthwhile working through! After you have finished this orientation, from your Courses page click Start Course under Homestay Course. You also have an English course available at a level that’s just right for you. You don’t have to wait until you get to America to improve your English – why not start now? Spend some time doing the exercises in this course, it will really help you. From your Courses page click Start Course under the English course at your level. Well done! You have reached the end of our tour. We hope you have learned some interesting things and are looking forward to meeting us as much as we’re looking forward to meeting you! Travel safely – and don’t forget to let us know when you’re coming so we can meet you!