Fulbright Foreign Student Program

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Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Pre-Departure Orientation

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Welcome to Pre-Departure Orientation!

• We at AMIDEAST want to offer you our
  congratulations for being selected as Fulbright
  grantees! We are looking forward to meeting you
  and working with you in the near future to make
  your experience in the US a beneficial one. We
  hope that this orientation will help you prepare
  for traveling to and living in the United States.
  

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History of the Fulbright Program

• The Fulbright Program was established in 1946
  under legislation introduced by former Senator J.
  William Fulbright of Arkansas.
• It is administered by the Bureau of Educational
  and Cultural Affairs of the United States
  Department of State.
• The Program is administered with the assistance
  of binational commissions and foundations in 50
  countries, U.S. embassies in 100 other countries
  and a number of cooperating agencies in the
  United States.

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Fulbright Foreign Student Program Pre-Departure
Orientation

• Getting a Visa
• Preparing to Leave for the US
• Orientation and Arrival Materials
• Entry to the US
• The Search for Housing
• Adjusting to Life and Study
• Culture Shock

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Getting a Visa

• What is a J-1 visa?
• Visa Challenges
• When to Apply
• Required Forms
• Completing Forms
• Interview
• Tips for Success

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What is a J-1 visa?

• A non-immigrant visa for exchange visitors.
• Must meet eligibility criteria and be sponsored
  by a private or government program.
• Visa holders are expected to return home after
  the completion of their programs (the Two Year
  Foreign Residency Requirement).

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Visa Challenges

• Applicants from countries suffering economic
  problems or from countries where many students
  have remained in the United States as immigrants
  will have more difficulty getting visas.
• Talk to your AMIDEAST advisor if you do not have
  your visa yet and have any concerns about your
  ability to get one.

8
When to Apply

• Applicants may apply for their visa as soon as
  they are prepared to do so.
• Exchange visitor visa applicants are encouraged
  to apply for their visa early to provide ample
  time for visa processing.

9
Required Forms

• DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange
  Visitor Status
• DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan
• DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• DS-158 Contact Information and Work History
• Passport valid for travel to the United States
  With a validity date at least six months beyond
  the applicant's intended period of stay in the
  United States.
• One (1) 2x2 photograph
• Non-immigrant visa application processing fee
• Visa issuance fee

10
Completing Forms

• Be sure to verify deadlines for applications or
  for turning in specific forms.
• Some forms, like your DS-2019, will be filled out
  and sent to you by AMIDEAST other forms can be
  obtained from the AMIDEAST field office or US
  Embassy.
• Be sure to fill ALL forms out in full failure
  to do so may delay your application.

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Interview

• After you have received your DS-2019 and submit
  your application for a J-1 visa you will be
  scheduled to interview with a consular officer.
• Keep your answers to the officer's questions
  short and to the point.
• Anticipate that the interview will be conducted
  in English and not in your native language.
• Do not bring parents or family members with you
  to the interview.

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Tips for Success

• Be able to explain how studying in the U.S. will
  relate to your future professional career when
  you return home.
• Clearly articulate your plan to return home at
  the end of your program.
• Know about your academic program and be prepared
  to describe how it fits your career plans.
• If your spouse and children are remaining behind
  in your country, be prepared to address how they
  will support themselves in your absence.
• Be able to show that you have reasons for
  returning to your home country that are stronger
  than those for remaining in the United States.
• Do not engage the consular officer in an
  argument.

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Preparing to Leave for the US

• Travel Timing
• Pre-Departure Health Checks
• Carry on Documents
• Pack Smart

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Travel Timing

• Exchange Visitors are prohibited from entering
  the United States more than 30 days in advance of
  the program start date identified in Item 3 of
  the DS-2019.
• Some Exchange Visitors Program sponsors may
  restrict early entry to less than 30 days.

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Pre-Departure Health Checks

• Be sure that your AMIDEAST advisor received your
  Medical History report (which was part of your
  Fulbright application).
• It is also recommended that you
• See your optometrist and dentist before leaving
  the country.
• Bring a sufficient amount of prescription
  medication with you as well as a copy of your
  prescription.
• Bring a copy/proof of your immunizations with you
  to your university (if you did not receive all of
  the required shots, you must get them before you
  leave home).
• If you have dependents coming with you, bring
  their immunization records and be sure that they
  also receive health checks and routine care
  before departure.

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Carry-On Documents

• Your passport, valid for at least six months
  beyond the date of your expected stay.
• Your DS-2019 and related visa documents.
• In addition, it is strongly recommended that you
  hand carry the following documentation
• Evidence of financial resources
• Letter of acceptance as a participant in the
  Exchange Visitor Program
• Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797
• Name and contact information for your sponsoring
  organization, including a 24-hour emergency
  contact number

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Pack Smart

• Research the climate of the area where your
  school is located and pack clothing appropriate
  to the weather.
• Do not pack small electric devices like radios,
  hair dryers, shavers, etc. as they will not work
  with the US electrical system (which is 110v
  instead of 220v) - in most cases new items can be
  bought once you arrive.
• Do not pack sharp objects or liquids that are in
  containers larger than 4 ounces in your carry-on
  bag.
• Do not pack food of any kind doing so may delay
  you during customs procedures at your port of
  entry.
• Remember that less is more you will not be
  reimbursed for excess baggage on the way into the
  US, and most things can be obtained once you are
  settled in at your university.

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Orientation and Arrival Materials

• Available at www.amideast.org
• Health Care in the US
• Insurance Claim Form
• Insurance Requirements for J-1 Visa Holders
• Things to Do
• Off-Campus Housing
• Travel Tips
• Equipment Allowance Form
• Conference Allowance Form
• Additional Cultural Information
• Being sent separately
• University Acceptance Letter
• Terms of Appointment
• Billing Authorization Letter
• ASPE Insurance Card

• In Your Orientation Folder
• Fulbright Arrival Checklist and Forms (Due
  October 15th!)
• Academic Program Outline
• Student Contact Info Sheet
• Transcript Release Form
• Electronic Funds Transfer
• Emergency Contact Info
• Fulbright Fact Sheet
• AMIDEAST Contact Info
• Academic Advisor Letter
• Social Security Card Letter
• Insurance Brochure
• AMIDEAST Today
• W-8BEN Tax Form (if applicable)

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Entry to the US

• In the Airport
• On the Plane
• Port of Entry Procedures
• AMIDEAST Reporting Requirements
• Staying In-Status
• Pre-Academic Programs

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In the Airport

• Arrive at least 3 hours prior to your flights
  scheduled departure to allow for time to proceed
  through security.
• Keep your carry-on baggage and other belongings
  with you at all times and do not agree to watch
  anyone elses bags.

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On the Plane

• Be sure to drink plenty of water and move around
  periodically to help prevent blood clots.
• You may wish to avoid caffeine or alcohol as this
  may make jet lag easier to overcome when you
  arrive.
• Complete your entry paperwork
• Flight attendants will distribute Customs
  Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure
  Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed
  prior to landing.
• If you are arriving by land or sea, the CBP
  Officer at the port of entry will provide the
  necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and
  Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be
  filled out upon your arrival.

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Port of Entry Procedures

• Proceed to the terminal area for arriving
  passengers and join a line for non-US citizens.
• Have the following documents available for
  presentation
• Your passport
• Your DS-2019
• Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94)
• Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059)
• Once you reach an available officer, you will be
  asked your reason for wishing to enter the
  country your answer is that you are an
  exchange visitor.
• Answer any other questions asked of you, which
  may include information about your final
  destination and the address of your school or
  program.
• Once your inspection is successfully completed,
  the inspecting officer will
• Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status
  (D/S) for J visa holders with date and port of
  entry
• Stamp the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94)
  and staple it in the passport

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Port of Entry Procedures

• Secondary Inspections
• If the officer at the port of entry cannot
  initially verify your information or you do not
  have all of the required documentation, you may
  be directed to an interview area known as
  secondary inspection.
• If you are asked to go through a secondary
  inspection, please stay calm, be patient, follow
  instructions carefully, and know that this
  procedure is routine and not necessarily because
  you have done anything wrong.
• The majority of visitors who are pulled aside for
  secondary inspections eventually complete their
  entry into the US without further delay.

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Port of Entry Procedures

• US-VISIT
• All nonimmigrant visitors holding
  visas-regardless of race, national origin, or
  religion - participate in the US-VISIT, a
  comprehensive registration tracking system for
  entries to and exists from the United States. The
  program involves obtaining a scan of two index
  fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• NSEERS
• Some individuals will be asked to provide
  additional information under the National
  Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS).
  A packet of information will be available at the
  port of entry explaining the registration
  procedure.

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Port of Entry Procedures

• Customs
• After you have passed through Immigration you
  will be allowed to collect your luggage and pass
  through the Customs Declaration point where you
  will present your Form CF-6059. ?
• Your luggage may be searched to be sure you are
  not carrying any prohibited items, which include
  fruits, vegetables, plants, meat and soil.

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AMIDEAST Reporting Requirements

• You must contact your AMIDEAST advisor within 10
  days of your arrival in the US and provide
  him/her with the address of your new residence.
• AMIDEAST tracks and reports your arrivals,
  departures, and program progress to the United
  States Citizenship and Immigration Services
  (USCIS) through the Student and Exchange Visitor
  Information System (SEVIS).
• Failure to report to AMIDEAST within the given
  time frame will invalidate your SEVIS record and
  jeopardize your ability to remain in the US for
  your program.

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Staying In-Status

• You will be asked to fill out and return several
  academic and informational forms during your
  program to keep you in-status and your SEVIS
  record current. These forms include
• Arrival Forms
• Included in your orientation packet.
• Forms and copies of immigration documents and
  social security card are due to your advisor by
  October 15.
• Academic Enrollment and Term (AET) Reports
• Fill out with your advisor and submit at the end
  of each semester.
• If you are degree-seeking you must also submit a
  university-issued transcript.
• Summer Plans forms
• Outlines plans for coursework, research, or other
  activities during the summer.
• End of Program forms and survey
• You will be contacted about your plans to return
  home approximately two months before the end of
  your program.
• Failure to submit forms and documentation on time
  may result your monthly maintenance being
  withheld.
• All of these forms as well as additional forms
  for equipment, travel, and thesis allowances can
  be found on the Fulbright Grantee section of the
  AMIDEAST website.

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Staying In-Status

• Important information must be shared with your
  AMIDEAST advisor. Examples of such information
  are
• Change of address within 10 days of moving
• Any important academic problems
• Major changes in your personal status such as
  marriage, divorce, births, and deaths
• Name change due to marriage, divorce, etc. within
  10 days of making such a change
• Health problems
• The arrival of any dependents in the United
  States
• Any international travel
• Plans for departure from the United States
• You must obtain advance approval from AMIDEAST
  for the following activities
• On-campus Employment
• Academic Training
• Transferring to a different academic institution
• Changing degree objective or field of study
• Travel outside of the United States
• See your Fulbright handbook and the AMIDEAST
  website for more information.

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Pre-Academic Programs

• For more than fifty years the U.S. Department of
  States Bureau of Educational and Cultural
  Affairs (ECA) has provided funding for
  preacademic training, an integral component of
  the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
• Three types
• English Language
• Field of Study (Business, Law, Public Health)
• Gateways
• Tuition/fees, books, room and board, and travel
  allowance are generally covered.
• Grantees are expected to remain in full
  attendance and participate in all aspects for the
  entire program.
• Travel to both the preacademic program site and
  academic institution should be ticketed before
  the grantee leaves for the US.
• Grantees who decline preacademic assignments
  should inform their AMIDEAST advisor as soon as
  possible.
• Under no circumstances are dependents allowed to
  accompany grantees to preacademic assignments.

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Health Insurance

• The Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges
  (ASPE)
• Additional Health Care Information

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The Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges
(ASPE)

• Covers only the expenses incurred by an
  unexpected illness or injury that requires
  immediate, and relatively short-term (less than
  one year) treatment.
• The policy does NOT cover the cost of
• Health care for dependents
• Any medical care that you may need while outside
  the United States during the grant period
• Dental care
• Eye exams or glasses
• Routine or preventative health care such as
  immunizations or physical exams, even if they are
  required by your university
• Medical treatment or prescriptions related to a
  condition that you had before you traveled to the
  United States, such as high blood pressure,
  diabetes, or even a broken leg

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Additional Health Care Information

• Get your teeth and eyes examined before you
  travel.
• Make sure that you have proof of your childhood
  immunizations.
• When you arrive in the US, first seek medical
  care from the University Health Center, as the
  health care will be more easily accessible and
  less expensive.
• Set aside some of your own money (500 - 1,000)
  in a U.S. savings account to be used to pay for
  medical expenses that are not covered by the
  insurance plan provided by the State Department.
• All dependents who are with you in the United
  States are required by U.S. immigration law to be
  covered with adequate health insurance. Please
  see the information sheet on the AMIDEAST website
  regarding General Health Insurance Requirements
  for J Visa Holders for additional information on
  dependent insurance requirements.

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The Search for Housing

• How and where to start looking
• Types of available housing
• Tips for searching for housing

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How and where to start looking

• University Residential Life bulletin boards
• Office of Off-Campus Housing
• Kiosks on campus
• Local newspapers Classifieds section
• University newspaper
• Websites craigslist.com apartments.com
• See the AMIDEAST website for a Off-Campus Housing
  Online Resource Guide

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Types of Available Housing

• On-campus graduate student housing
• Arranged by the Universitys Housing Programs
  Office
• Not all universities will have housing options
  for graduate students

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Types of Available Housing

• Off-campus housing options
• Apartments/Condos/Houses Usually rented empty
  (without furnishings) as an entire unit.
• Efficiency/studio (no separate bedroom, usually
  has a maximum occupancy of two people)
• Apartment or condo (1, 2, 3 bedroom, etc. can
  share with roommates)
• Single-family home or townhouse
• Rooms/Shared In a house, apartment or condo
  where other people already live.
• Single (one bedroom for one person)
• Double (one bedroom for two people)
• Space in a Double (space for one in room for two)
• May be furnished (includes bed, etc.) or
  unfurnished

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Tips for Searching for Housing

• An apartment should cost no more than one-half
  your total monthly maintenance check.
• Consider whether the housing option includes
  utilities. Ask for an approximate cost as they
  can raise housing costs substantially.
• Consider the transportation options from your
  housing to your university
• Can you easily get there by walking or using
  public transport?
• If you will need a car (and you can afford one),
  is there parking included with the apartment
  (off-street parking) or freely available on the
  street?
• Be sure to understand the full terms of the
  lease. Avoid signing a one-year lease if you will
  need to move before the year is over.
• When responding to online rental listing
  services, be aware of any fraudulent emails
  regarding rents, lease transactions, or security
  deposits ask an advisor if you are unsure.

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Adjusting to US Life and Study

• American Values
• Classroom Differences
• Cultural Differences
• Culture Shock
• Additional resources are available under the
  Fulbright Grantees section of the AMIDEAST
  website!

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American Values

• In general, Americans tend to be goal and
  achievement oriented, systematic, freedom-loving,
  work-oriented and efficient, friendly and
  informal, competitive and assertive, generous,
  future-oriented, individualistic and
  self-reliant, private, direct, open, egalitarian.
• However, diversity is also valued and you may
  encounter individuals who behave or have opinions
  contrary to overall US values.
• Things to keep in mind
• Be careful when making judgments about behavior
  that may be culturally-based.
• What may seem to you as wrong, bad, or stupid,
  may actually be based on an underlying cultural
  value that you do not understand yet.
• Remember that different means neither bad nor
  good, and that you may disagree with another
  persons ideas, religious beliefs, values, or
  lifestyle, but you should always be respectful of
  that person.
• It is best not to base your expectations of life
  and relationships in America on what you may have
  seen in American movies, television shows, music,
  and other media sources.

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Classroom Differences

• The Learning Environment
• US classrooms generally value a
  Learner-Centered approach a balance of
  lecture, discussion, and application.
• Students are expected to actively participate in
  classroom discussions.
• Faculty set the standards by which performance is
  judged information is usually included in the
  course syllabus, along with exams, due dates and
  reading assignments.
• Self-Directed Learning
• Students at US colleges and universities are
  expected to be responsible and proactive about
  their education.
• Avoid falling behind in your studies by attending
  all classes, completing all assignments, and
  working with your professors and advisors as soon
  as possible if you foresee any problems with your
  studies.
• Behavior
• Codes of behavior vary by university see your
  schools student handbook for exact policies.
• Plagiarism
• All universities have strict codes regarding
  submitting someone elses work as your own talk
  with your Academic Advisor if you have questions
  or concerns.

Source Smithee, M., Greenblatt, S.L., Eland,
A. U.S. Classroom Culture. Available from the
NAFSA.org website.
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Cultural Differences

• Time/Punctuality
• Being late to a meeting or appointment may be
  seen as a sign of disrespect.
• Physical space
• Americans usually maintain a distance of an arm's
  length during face-to-face conversation.
• Informality among peers
• Adults often address each other by their first
  names.
• Informal friendships
• Concept of friendship can be based more on
  utility and context, which may be very different
  than you are used to.

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Cultural Differences

• Relationships
• Giving a hug or kiss to greet someone is usually
  a sign of a close family or personal
  relationship shaking hands is more common
  greeting for others. For adults, holding hands is
  usually a sign of a romantic relationship.
• Non-romantic friendships between men and women
  are common - be careful NOT to assume someone's
  friendliness to you is a sign of romantic
  interest.
• Women living in the US often go out alone in
  public and visit male friends in their homes with
  the expectation that they will be treated
  non-sexually.
• Asking someone to go on a "date" is a common way
  to express a romantic interest in another person
  - it does NOT assume any kind of sexual
  involvement.
• Although sex-related topics are sometimes
  discussed in public, many people are conservative
  in their behavior and attitudes.

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Culture Shock

• Culture Shock is the term used to describe the
  process and some of the feelings associated with
  immersion in a new culture.
• Culture shock can be characterized by periods of
  elation and excitement followed by periods of
  adjustment, frustration, and even depression .
• Culture shock is normal nearly everyone
  experiences some degree of culture shock when
  moving to a new country.
• When returning to their native culture, many
  individuals may also experience reverse culture
  shock, also termed re-entry shock.

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Culture Shock

• Consists of several stages characterized by a
  rollercoaster of highs and lows of emotion and
  happiness in the new culture
• High points characterized by feelings of
  excitement and interest
• Low points characterized by feelings of
  depression or frustration

Stages 1 through 5 Exposure to a new
culture Stage 6 Acceptance of a new
culture Stages 7 through 10 Leaving a new
culture behind
45
Culture Shock

• Why do people experience culture shock?
• Unfamiliarity with the new culture and country
• Communication issues
• Homesickness for family and friends
• It is difficult to learn all the new aspects of
  the host culture at once and will take some time
  and patience.
• Eventually things that seemed like a crisis
  before will become more routine and simple.
• Although culture adjustment takes place every
  time a person moves to another country, with each
  move the shock usually lessens.
• Again, culture shock is normal feel free to
  talk about your feelings with your advisors,
  professors, or friends.

Sources The Center for Global Education website
and Returning Home by the Canadian Bureau for
International Education, 1984, p. 7.
46
Any questions?
47
Recap/Quiz

• J-Visa holders are subject to a residency
  requirement of ___ years in their home country at
  the conclusion of their sponsored program.
• _________ is the name of the port of entry
  registration and tracking program that ALL
  non-immigrant visitors to the US must participate
  in.
• You may enter the US on your J-Visa no more than
  ____ days in advance of the program start date on
  your DS-2019.
• After arriving in the US and passing through
  immigration, you must contact your AMIDEAST
  advisor within ____ days.
• The arrival forms included in your orientation
  packet are due to your AMIDEAST advisor by
  _________.
• (answers on the next slide)

48
Answers

• There is a TWO YEAR home residency requirement.
  Failure to complete this may jeopardize future
  travel to the US.
• All non-immigrants must participate in US-VISIT
  regardless of country of origin or citizenship.
• There is a 30 DAY LIMIT on advance entrance into
  the US. You will be turned away at the port of
  entry if it is more than 30 days before the
  DS-2019 start date.
• You must contact AMIDEAST within TEN DAYS of
  arrival. Failure to do so may result in
  deportation.
• Arrival forms are generally due by OCTOBER 15TH.
  Contact your AMIDEAST advisor if you anticipate a
  delay.

49
Recap/Quiz

• True or False Dependents may not join you in the
  city where you will be having your Pre-Academic
  training or orientation.
• True or False You must obtain advance approval
  from your AMIDEAST advisor prior to accepting
  offers of employment or academic training.
• True or False Your ASPE insurance will pay for
  medicine for pre-existing conditions like
  diabetes or high blood pressure.
• True or False Culture shock is very rare and
  only experienced by individuals who are immature
  and close-minded.
• (answers on the next slide)

50
Answers

• TRUE. It has been noted that dependents distract
  the students from the Pre-Academic Program and so
  it is greatly discouraged to have them join you
  prior to your academic program.
• TRUE. Obtaining employment or academic training
  without knowledge and permission of AMIDEAST and
  the Department of State is in violation of the
  terms of your grant.
• FALSE. ASPE insurance covers urgent treatment for
  illnesses, injuries, and conditions that occur
  while you are an exchange visitor. If you have
  pre-existing conditions that you will need
  treatment for, consider purchasing additional
  insurance.
• FALSE. Culture shock is experienced by even the
  most veteran travelers and is completely normal.
  Talk to your advisor or a trusted friend if you
  think your culture shock is getting in the way of
  your studies or overall happiness.

51
Best of Luck!

• Have a safe trip to the United States!