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Pre-Departure Orientation
Part III of III
Presented by Alliance Abroad Group
Your designated visa sponsor
FinalVersionRevised11/17/14
Your Orientation is ALMOST COMPLETE!
• Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in order to meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations found in section {62.10} Program Administration.
• This is Part III of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on your cultural
exchange program in the U.S. • Presentation Part III Overview:
• Travel Smart Checklist
• Sample Cost of Living Expenses
• Housing Responsibilities & Guidelines
• U.S. Culture
• General Safety Tips
• Pre-Departure Orientation Quiz & Acknowledgement Form
Travel Smart Checklist
• Tickets and Airline Boarding Passes • Your Passport With J-1Visa Approval • Travel Insurance • DS-2019 Form • International Drivers License or Photo
Identification Card License • AAG Job Offer With Arrival Instructions Please Note: If you are unable to present a valid passport with you J1 visa in it and your DS-2019 document, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S.
Email a scanned copy of all your documents to yourself for safe keeping!
Documents, Documents, Documents
As you prepare for your trip to the US, make sure you have all the necessary documents and reviewed all the important information:
Travel Smart Checklist
• Research the climate of the area where you will be going. Please make sure you pack appropriate clothes based on the average season temperature for the area.
• Determine your time zone. There are six in the U.S.
• Get familiar with U.S. Currency – U.S. Dollars (US$) $1= 100 cents.
• Please be prepared to pay additional sales tax on items/goods (varies by state, could be up to 10%). When shopping at the store, prepare to add up to 10% to the price tag of the item.
• Figure out the conversion rate, which varies daily: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
• Determine if your mobile phone will work in the U.S. or if you will need to purchase one upon arrival.
Research! Research!
Research!
Travel Smart Checklist
• Double check your airline’s luggage policy or fees.
• Pack your essentials (passport, DS-2019, arrival instructions, job offer letter) in your carry-on luggage
• Make sure you pack a change of clothes in your carryon luggage.
• If taking medication, please carry it with you on the plane
• Pack electronic necessities, phone, laptop, camera and chargers & adapters in your carryon luggage.
• Pack your favorite toiletries. • Bring something representative of your
home country to share with your Host Company and new friends
Pack Smart
Travel Smart Checklist
• Review your Arrival Instructions • Provide your Arrival Information to AAG: www.allianceabroad.com/arrival • Make sure your housing is reserved and confirmed. You need
to know where you will be sleeping at upon arrival in the area • Make sure you know exactly how you will be traveling from
the airport to your housing • Check out AAG’s “Things to do in the USA” page: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/usa_cultural_events.html • Review “Top 10 Things to Remember” for a successful program • Make sure you have contact information for your Host
Company, your Housing and AAG (1-866-622-7623) Create your
Itinerary
U.S. Cities Cost of living Expenses
• Ensure your financial safety; bring at least $1,000.00 in cash or credit cards.
• Please bring additional funds (aside from
the recommended $1,000) to cover your housing expenses- rent, deposit, application fee (if applicable).
• Explore the cost of living in your new city as
well as the average costs of restaurants, grocery stores/markets, transportation, utilities and sports and leisure offerings.
To determine average cost of living in the area where you will be completing your program, please visit: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States
o Meal-Inexpensiverestaurant $11.00 o Meal-FastFoodCombo $7.00 o Cappuccino $3.25 o Soda–Coke/Sprite/Diet $1.50 o Bo>leWater $1.25 o Milk–OneGallon(3.8L) $2.98 o Eggs–OneDozen(12) $2.50 o Bread–OneLoaf $2.25 o BusTicket–OneWayOnly $1.00 o Gas–OneGallon(3.8L) $3.25 o BasicUQliQes(gas,water,electricity) $164.00 o Apartment–1BedRoom $750.00 o Internet $40.00 o Cinema–1MovieTicket $9.00 o Concert–1Ticket $35 – $50
For Example – Austin, Texas
Money Matters
• Please do not carry large amount of cash with you. It is best to open a bank checking account and deposit your money. Most banks offer Free Student Checking Account and online banking.
• Please ask your Host Company if they offer a Direct Deposit Pay option. Direct Deposit offers the following:
1. Your Paycheck Deposited Directly into your Bank Account 2. No waiting period to access your money 3. No fees for cashing your check
• If you lose your Debit Card- You Can Replace it • If you lose your Check- There will be a long waiting period before your Host
Company can issue you another check • If you lose your Cash- there is No way to replace it
Basic Monthly Housing Expenses
• Rent • Electricity/Gas • Water/Waste • Garbage Services • Internet • Pest Control *These expenses do not include Housing
Deposit and Application Fee (if applicable)
• You will be responsible for keeping your housing clean at all times.
• You will be responsible for buying and using necessary cleaning supplies.
AAG Housing Definitions
All AAG job offers include information about housing in the area. Please refer to the housing section of your job offer to determine if your program housing is AAG Provided, AAG Assisted, or Participant Arranged. • AAG Provided Housing – this means that AAG has secured the housing for you and your rent will be deducted from your paycheck accordingly. Please confirm with your agency that you have been booked for this housing option.
• AAG Assisted Housing – this means that AAG has located and vetted the best housing option for this job and you must stay at this location in order to accept the job offer. You will pay your rent directly to your housing provider (landlord)
• Participant Arranged Housing – this means that YOU are responsible to locate and secure your own housing for the duration of program. In addition, AAG must review and approve your program housing prior to your arrival to the U.S. If your job offer states that housing is Participant Arranged, you must submit your housing details to: [email protected] at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival to the US. An AAG representative will contact you directly to confirm whether your Participant Arranged housing has been approved.
Important questions to ask when booking your own housing (Participant Arranged Housing)
• Is the housing in a safe area? • Is there access to affordable
transportation? • Is this specific housing option affordable? • Will you have a lease to sign? How long is
your lease agreement would be? • Is there a deposit? If yes, is it refundable? • Is your housing furnished? • What is and is not included in your monthly
or weekly fee? • Will you have roommates? • What are the housing rules?
Housing Tips & Recommendations for Participant Arranged Housing
The housing leads you in your Job Offer Letter are the best
options available. In some areas, you will need to secure
housing and pay a deposit well in advance of your arrival
to the U.S.. You will need to communicate your arrival
information to your housing provider.
Important!
1. AAG strongly advises you against using Craigslist as a
resource for housing.
2. Never wire money to individual landlords that you have
not met in person. If it is a scam, you will not get your
money back!
3. We strongly advise that you work with real estate
companies when looking for housing. One of the resources
to locate a realtor: http://www.realtor.com/
Arrange your housing for the entire duration of your program before you Depart for the
United States!
Also keep in mind the following:
• Rent for the entire month is
usually due on the 1st of the
month
• You might need to provide a
security deposit
• Your are responsible to keep your
housing clean
• You are responsible for any
damages to housing that
occurred after you move in
Connecting with Your New Community
You can search by City, State to find helpful information and resources like;
• Chamber of Commerce • American Fact Finder • Community Roots, Legacies & Celebrations • Local Libraries • Post Offices • Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities
Cultural Exchange Opportunities
Your program is what you make of it! Take advantage of these cultural exchange opportunities during your program:
• AAG Organized and Promoted Activities andevents
• Make New Friends atworkandinyourcommunity
• Host Company Eventstogettoknowyourcoworkers
• Volunteer with AAGives Back inyournewcommunity
• Community Events parades,concerts&celebraQons
• Short trips withfriendduringyourdaysoff
• Tourist Center & Chamber of Commerce forinfoonyourtown
• Calendar of Events onyourlocalVisitorsBureauwebsite
Important U.S. Culture
TheU.S.isconsideredanethnicallyandraciallydiversecountryasaresultoflarge-scalemigraQonsfromdifferentcountriesthroughoutitshistory.USCultureCharacteris/csinclude:DiversityandIndividualism
o Americansvalueandappreciatepeopleofdifferent
backgrounds.
o IntheUS,wetreatpeopleontheindividualbasis.
PleaseNote:WhenyouaretalkingtotheHostCompany/
Sponsorandvoicingyourconcerns,speakforyourselfand
conveyyourownconcernsorquesJons.Ifyourfriendsarein
thesamesituaJon,askthemtospeakwiththeHostCompany/
Sponsordirectly.
Important U.S. Culture
TheU.S.isconsideredanethnicallyandraciallydiversecountryasaresultoflarge-scalemigraQonsfromdifferentcountriesthroughoutitshistory.USCultureCharacteris/csinclude:
PersonalSpaceAmericanstendtorequiremorepersonalspace.IfyoutrytogettooclosetoanAmericanduringyourconversaJon,heorshewillfeelthatyouare“intheirface”andwilltrytobackaway.AcceptabledistancewhenspeakingwithanAmericanisthearmlength.
Important U.S. Culture
TheU.S.isconsideredanethnicallyandraciallydiversecountryasaresultoflarge-scalemigraQonsfromdifferentcountriesthroughoutitshistory.USCultureCharacteris/csinclude:Privacy
– AmericansvalueourprivacyandextendthesamecourtesytoallthevisitorstotheUS.PleaseNote:
o ItisnotOKtotakephotosofpeopleyoudonotknowwithouttheirpermissiono ItisabsolutelynotOKtotakephotosofchildrenwithoutparent’spermissiono YourHostCompanywillnotbeabletogiveyouinformaJonaboutyourfriend’s
workhours,payorpaycheck,unless,HostCompanywasgivenawriRenpermissionfromyourfriendallowingyoutoobtainthatinformaJon
o SocialSecurityOfficewillnotgiveinformaJonaboutSSNapplicaJontoanyonebesidestheapplicant
Important U.S. Culture
TheU.S.isconsideredanethnicallyandraciallydiversecountryasaresultoflarge-scalemigraQonsfromdifferentcountriesthroughoutitshistory.USCultureCharacteris/csinclude:BeingDirectandHonest
Americansaredirectandappreciatehonesty.PleaseNote:“No”meansNo.IfyouaskedaquesJonandreceivedananswerthatyoudidnotlike,itdoesnotmeanthatyoushouldconJnueaskingandmaybetheanswerwillchange.
Important U.S. Culture
TheU.S.isconsideredanethnicallyandraciallydiversecountryasaresultoflarge-scalemigraQonsfromdifferentcountriesthroughoutitshistory.USCultureCharacteris/csinclude:
TreaQngEveryonewithRespect
TreaJngpeoplewithRespectisthemostfundamentalcomponentofeverydaylifeintheUS.PleaseNote:NomaRerhowupsetyouarewhentalkingtosomeone,youaresJllexpectedtoberespecVul
BeingFriendlyandHelpfulAmericanslovetohelpinanywayandasmuchastheycan.ManyAmericanstakepartinorganizedVolunteereventsandacJviJes.Yetmanymore,helpothersastheygoabouttheireverydaylife.PleaseNote:Itisalwaysbesttoaskforhelpratherthandemandit.Don’tforgettosay“Please”and“Thankyou”!
American Work Culture and Expectations
• Arrive to Work on Time means to arrive 10-15min early
• Follow Company Rules & Policies. Important: Your Host Company has Social Media Use policy that you must follow • Ask Questions
• Speak English at work. That is the only way your English will improve • Appropriate Conversations at Work (Remember, you are surrounded by people and your conversation might be overhead) • Maintain Dress Code & Personal Hygiene
• Give a helping hand and Focus on teamwork. There is no such thing as “It’s not my job”
• Smile and provide prompt customer service. Smile is Free! J
• If you have completed your work, ask your supervisor what else you can do to help
General Hospitality Industry Trends
For Motels, Hotels & Resorts
• Scheduling: Host Companies will schedule YOU based on business need. Weekends usually have the highest business levels, so it is likely you will work on a Saturday or Sunday or both.
• Work Breaks: Each state has different labor laws when it comes to breaks while on your shift. Make sure to ask what your company’s policy is during your orientation.
• Attendance: Each Host Company has a specific attendance policy for employees. It is very important to understand and follow the policy. • Employment Benefits: Any benefits provided by your employer should be outlined in your job offer or host company handbook. Please be sure to review the housing and transportation section of your job offer closely.
The more you know about your employer and their policies the more successful your program will be! Ask questions!
Safeguarding your Health, Safety & Welfare
Though many Americans are friendly, open, and willing to help, be aware that there are some people who may want to take advantage of international visitors.
Be cau-tious! • Remember safety first, use common sense during your stay and trust your instincts. • If some-thing or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
General Safety Tips • Always keep your property close to you or in a concealed place. • Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not expose it in crowded places. • Travel in a group or go out with a friend as much as possible. • Do not use ATM machines in the dark, especially if you are alone. • Make sure to have copies of all your important documents with you, and keep your originals in a safe place. • Be aware of your surroundings. • Do not behave in ways which may bring at-tention to others or someone who might try and take advantage of you. • Avoid disclosing personal information on social media. Never post photos of your Social Security Card and/or paychecks on social media. • Never invite strangers to your housing
General Pedestrian Walking Tips
• Follow the street signs • Whenever possible, walk with a friend. • Stay on well-traveled, well-lit streets. • Avoid shortcuts through dark or wood-ed areas, parking lots, or alleys. • If you think someone is following you, change direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If you are scared, yell for help. • If you have to work late, make sure there are others in the workplace with you and ask someone (a colleague or security guard) to walk you out and make sure you safely get into a car or a bus.
General Biking Safety Tips
Riding your bike can be a great deal of fun, and it's a great way to exercise and get around. Nevertheless, bike riding has its hazards, especially when you're sharing the road with motorized traffic. • WEAR A HELMET! • Ensure your bike is working properly (Check the
breaks!) • Make sure your bike has lights and reflectors • Choose bike lanes and safe roads with minimal
traffic when possible • Follow the rules of the road! You must ride with the
traffic • Wear appropriate clothing: wear bright reflective
clothing to ensure visibility. Absolutely no flip flops! • Always lock up your bike.
General Swimming Safety Tips
You can greatly reduce the chances of you or your friends and family becoming drowning or near-drowning victims by following a few simple safety tips:
• Learn to swim!
• Never swim alone
• Always follow posted instructions and
instructions of lifeguards (if present)
• Never dive head first into sallow or murky
water
• Remember that swimming and alcohol can
be a deadly combination.
• Learn to perform CPR
General Skiing Safety Tips
• Never ski alone and follow the rules of the trails
• Wear a helmet and appropriate ski attire.
• Use proper ski equipment and make sure your bindings are properly adjusted.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Respect your limits. Do not ski trails that are above your skill level. Trails will be clearly
marked (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond). If you are not sure what trail to ski-
ASK!
• Your insurance does not cover snowboarding. If you plan to snowboard, you must
purchase separate insurance for snowboarding.
GENERAL U.S. LAWS TO FOLLOW Drugs&Alcohol• NeverdrinkundertheU.S.legalageof21• Neverpurchasealcoholforanyoneunderthe21• Neverdrinkinpublicplaces• Neveruseorpossessillegaldrugs• MarijuanaitisILLEGALunderfederallaw• WorkplaceDrugTesJngiscommonandcanbeconductedatrandom
Driving• Neverdrinkanddrive• NeverdrivewithoutavalidLicenseandcarinsurance• Nevergetintoacarifthedriverisintoxicated• Nevertextanddrive• Alwayswearaseatbelt
Violence• Neverthreatenanotherpersonortouchtheminaninappropriateway• Neverbeinvolvedinafightorviolenceofanykind(Disorderlyconduct)• Neverdamageproperty• Neverdisturbthepeace
The\• Nevershoplidorsteal
YouareaVisitorintheUnitedStates.
PleaseBeRespec^ulandFollowour
Laws!
Zero Tolerance Policy
AllianceAbroadGrouphasa“ZeroTolerance”policyinregardstocertaintypesofbehavior.
IfwereceivedocumentaJonthatyouhavedoneanyofthefollowing,wewillendyour
programandrequestthatyoureturnhomeimmediately.• PHYSICALALTERCATION(Geengintofightswithcolleagues,roommates,etc.)• BULLYING(InJmidaJngsomeoneineffortstogetthemtodowhatyouwant)• THREATSmadepublicofanykindthatinvolveharmtootherpeople:
– Verbally– OnFacebook– InEmail/Text/Voicemail
• THEFT(Takingitemsthatdonotbelongtoyou)PleaserememberyouarerepresenQngyourcountry,andyourbehaviorhasseriousconsequencesonyourexperienceintheU.S.
Next Steps...
Complete the Orientation Quiz
And
Electronically sign the
AAG Acknowledgement Form
FinalVersionRevised11/17/2014
