CULTURAL ORIENTATION INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL

STUDENTSSTUDENTS

www.americanonewww.americanone--esl.comesl.com

FF--11

“Teachers speak LESS students talk MORE.”

ACTIVITIES IN UTAH

ZION NATIONAL PARK is a southwest Utah nature

preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red

cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main

section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River.

The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have

waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river,

partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading

hike.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK lies north of Moab in the

state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the

southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000

natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-

hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape

Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other

geological formations include Balanced Rock,

towering over the desert landscape in the middle of

the park.the park.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, a sprawling

reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-

colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock

formations. The park’s main road leads past the

expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled

depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It

has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point,

Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Prime viewing

times are around sunup and sundown.

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK is a state park of

Utah in the United States, featuring a dramatic

overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands

National Park. The park covers 5,362 acres of high

desert at an altitude of 5,900 feet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

TEMPLE SQUARE is a 10-acre complex, owned by

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in

the center of Salt Lake City, Utah

PARK CITY lies east of Salt Lake City in the western

state of Utah. Framed by the craggy Wasatch Range,

it’s bordered by the Deer Valley Resort and the huge

Park City Mountain Resort, both known for their ski

slopes. Utah Olympic Park, to the north, hosted the

2002 Winter Olympics and is now predominantly a

training facility. In town, Main Street is lined with

buildings built during a 19th-century silver mining

boom.

Lagoon is a privately owned amusement park in

Farmington, Utah, United States, located aboutFarmington, Utah, United States, located about

seventeen miles north of Salt Lake City.

Dinosaur National Monument is a U.S. National

Monument located on the southeast flank of the

Uinta Mountains on the border between Colorado

and Utah at the confluence of the Green and Yampa

Rivers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

DRIVER LICENSE IN UTAH

BASIC STEPS ON HOW TO GET DRIVING LICENSE IN USA:

Steps in America, do not vary from other countries. You have to get a written test and then you take

the road test. Depending on state, you go a DMV office (Department of Motor vehicles) or DPS office

(Department of Public Safety). Both are same, some states called DMV others call DPS

Written Test or Instruction Permit : This is a basic test to make sure you understand the rules in USA.

Road Test for Driving license: Once you clear the written test and get your Instruction Permit (IP) or

Temps, you have certain time to practice driving license. Some states have a rule that you have to

have IP for a week or so before you can take the road test. Some states do not have the rule and they

waive it if you have international driving license. So, in any case you have to check with the DMV.waive it if you have international driving license. So, in any case you have to check with the DMV.

Requirements for Getting Drivers license on F1 Visa

The requirements do not differ much from other types of visas. You need to prove three things:

Your identity – Name, date of birth

Your current legal status in America – F1, H1B, L1 or other visa

Your residency status in a state – Proof that you live in that state

To prove these three, you will be asked for below Original documents. NO copies are accepted.

F1 Visa Driver License additional requirements for International Students:

I20 from your school in US

Enrollment verification letter from school (Not required at all DMVs)

If you have job, then you will have carry SSN. If not, you will have to get a form or letter like

“Certification of Non-eligibility for Social Security number” or something similar either from Social

Security administration office or Department of Transportation office. Check with your International

students services office or your International student advisor for details. The quick answer is to check

the DMV website in your state to see what you need.

Step by step process to get Driving license in America :

1. You get all the required paperwork ready as listed above depending on your status. You need this

stuff for getting Instruction permit or Learners permit.

2. You should take time to prepare for the written test. You can either get the book from DMV or

sometime download it online. It must be free. Read the above section on how to prepare and

answer.

3. Go to the nearest DMV or DPS office

4. Fill out required forms as instructed by information desk people. Pay the fee required and show all

the originals to the verify your status and residency.

5. When verifying papers at counter, you will have a vision test…they will ask you to look into a

binoculars kind of instrument and asked to tell if you see blinking lights or read some letter. This is to

make sure you use glasses or not. If you use glasses, they put it on your driving license saying

“Restrictions :Corrective lenses”.

6. You will be asked to take the written test either on computer or on paper depending on the state

and facilities.

7. If you pass, you will get the Instruction permit or learners permit right away or in 14 days to your

home address depending on state. If you fail the test, you can re-take the test right away sometimes

on same day, ask them. If not, go next day or next week and re-take the test and clear it.

8. Practice driving for few weeks and make sure you are confident with stuff like Parallel parking, up

hill down hill parking, etc.

9. Depending on state, you can either schedule for your road test ahead of time or you can directly

walk-in to the DMV in the morning for road test.

10. If you pass road test, you get license right away or in mail depending on state. If you flunk, do

not worry, prepare again and go for road test again in a week or so. You should be fine.

https://redbus2us.com/process-to-get-driving-license-in-usa-f1-visa-h1b-l1-visa-requirements/

For more information: Go to, https://dld.utah.gov/licensingid-cards/

HEALTH IN UTAH

The Division of Family Health and Preparedness consists of the Office of the Director, which supervises

Bureau and Office Directors over:

American Indian/Alaska Native Affairs

Child Development

Children with Special Health Care Needs

Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness

Health Disparities Reduction

Health Facility Licensing, Certification and Resident Assessment

Institutional Review Board

Maternal and Child Health

Patient Safety Initiatives

Primary Care

Many of these programs work in partnership with Local Health Departments and others in the

community to provide effective and efficient programs to the public. The Office of the Director assures

that all programs in the division are effectively pursuing optimal health outcomes for Utah’s most

vulnerable populations in selected areas, including programs for women, infants, children, disabled,

elderly, those needing emergency services, low income, and populations facing health disparities; and,

assuring a high level of readiness and preparedness for potential disasters (natural or human caused).

The office consists of the Director, the Administrative Secretary, and the Financial Resources program.

The Financial Resources program provides basic support services to the Division's numerous programs,

grants, and contracts. grants, and contracts.

The mission of the Division of Family Health and Preparedness is to assure basic levels of quality care for

the most vulnerable citizens of the State of Utah. This quality assurance is accomplished through the

use of regulatory standards, processes, and authorities. The division additionally works to achieve

continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making both internally to the division, and

externally through the numerous programs that we operate.

Contact:

Paul R. Patrick

Division Director

PO Box 142002

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2002

801-273-6601

HEALTH CARE AT AMERICAN ONE ENGLISH SCHOOLS

American One English Schools Has an agreement with MEDALLUS, a private health care organization

in Utah. This is not a health insurance plan.

Here are the highlight features of our program that you will need to know to maximize your benefits

of being a Medallus Member.

•We have nine urgent care and primary care clinics along the Wasatch Front to serve you. Visit

www.medallus.com and locate the Medallus clinic closest to you. This will be your ‘home clinic’ that

you should use for any urgent care and primary care needs.

•You can also access your account online via this website by choosing “Member Log-in” in the right

upper corner of the page.

•If you develop any urgent care need such as having an illness or an injury, please walk into any

Medallus clinic near you from morning until evening without hesitation. We want to stay on top of

any illness or injury early on to avoid worsening of your symptoms and any unnecessary visits to the

ER or hospitals.

•If you have a chronic medical problem such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, please call

your ‘home clinic’ and schedule your first initial appointment in order for both of us to proactively

manage your disease to stay healthy and try to minimize further costs.

•If at any time, including at night, you wonder whether you need to be attended to immediately,

please call a Medallus clinic or call our toll free number for a medical consultation. If you believe

you are suffering a true emergency, like a heart attack, stroke, etc., call 911

•You can always access us via telephone 24/7 by either calling a Medallus clinic during operation

hours or calling the toll-free number 1-877-MED-9110. Always identify yourself as a Medallus

Member needing a medical consultation via telephone. Our operator will direct you to the medical Member needing a medical consultation via telephone. Our operator will direct you to the medical

provider on call to assist you, even after our clinics are closed.

•Lastly, our customer service representatives Kim and Marisa (Spanish speaking) in our Membership

Department are ready to assist you with any account issue you may have from 9am until 4pm on the

weekdays. Please call 801-260-1919, option 2 should you need such assistance.

One of the biggest and most important concerns for students preparing to start college is the issue of

safety. This is especially true of international students, who may not be familiar with the culture and

safety issues of the country in which they are planning to study.

If you are an international student preparing to study in the US, here are some tips to keep in mind in

order to keep you as safe as possible during your studies.

Before You Leave

It is important to start thinking about safety before you even arrive in the US. Make sure you do your

research before you start packing your bags.

The first step you should take is to research the safety statistics of your school. US schools are required by

federal law to disclose campus crime statistics, so you should be able to find this information on your

school’s website.

Next, you’ll want to look into any precautionary steps that your school takes. Colleges are highly

concerned with the safety of their students, and most offer services such as late-night escort services and

SAFETY ISSUES AS AN F-1 STUDENT

concerned with the safety of their students, and most offer services such as late-night escort services and

designated safe spots on campus to call for help during an emergency. Colleges also employ an on-

campus police system that are able to respond much quicker than the police can.

In addition to researching your school’s safety precautions, you’ll want to look in to the surrounding area.

Is your school located in an urban, suburban, or rural setting? Find out what kind of security the

surrounding area has. Know what your accommodations will be and how to get there before you leave.

Safety is a major factor when it comes to transportation. Before you leave, familiarize yourself with the

types of transportation available where you will be living, and learn about the safest ways to get around.

After Arrival

Your safety should be your number one priority immediately after you arrive in the US. Although your

college campus is likely to feel like the safest place in the world to you, bear in mind that most campuses

are completely open to the public, so you need to be alert and aware at all times.

Keep An Eye On Your Valuables

Remember that burglaries and petty theft are the most common crimes that students face on campus, so

you should always make sure to keep your personal items secure. If you’ve set up a place to study in the

library and have to leave for a few minutes, either take your things with you or ask someone you trust to

keep an eye on them for you. This may seem like a pain, but remember that it only takes a few seconds

for someone to make off with your laptop.

Tips

1.Be careful with your keys. If you lose them, replace them immediately, rather than relying on your

roommate to always be around to let you in.

2.Get a locking device for your laptop, whether a physical lock or some kind of electronic tracking or

locking device.

3.Don’t leave your possessions alone in public.

Stay Vigilant

This is particularly important after dark. It is generally a good idea not to walk around by yourself at

night. During orientation, your school will most likely give you information on any security services they

offer, including campus police and any kind late-night escort service or shuttle. You will want to program

those numbers into your phone immediately, so you always have them on hand if you need them. Make

sure you utilize these services, especially if you need to walk home alone after dark. Nothing is worth

jeopardizing your safety.

Tips

1.Use the campus escort service at night, or

2.Always walk with a friend at night.

3.Make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

4.Know the phone number for Campus Security.

Be Careful

Whether you live on or off campus, always stay alert. If you are walking alone, remain aware of who is

behind or ahead of you. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, and do not open the door for

strangers. It is common in American culture to speak to someone through a closed door if you do not

know who they are. Most doors come equipped with a peep hole, which will allow you to see who is on

the other side without them seeing you.

Tips

1.Make sure the main door to your building is locked at all times.

2.Don’t let anyone into your building whom you don’t know.

3.Make sure your room door is locked at all times.

4.Keep your windows locked.

Although college campuses in the US are generally extremely safe, you should always be aware of yourAlthough college campuses in the US are generally extremely safe, you should always be aware of your

surroundings and never jeopardize your safety.

https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/safety-issues/

GENERAL IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS FOR F-1 STUDENTS

Working in the United States

The U.S. government takes working illegally very seriously. This page will help you learn the basics

of the work authorization process.

There are limited work opportunities available in the United States for F-1 students. For this

reason, before coming to the United States, F-1 students must prove they have the financial ability

(e.g., present bank statements) to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying. If you decide

that you want to work, the first step is always to talk with your designated school official (DSO).

If your DSO knows you are working without permission, they must report it through SEVIS,

meaning your SEVIS record will be terminated. That means that you will have to leave the United

States immediately, and you may not be allowed to return.

Depending on your status and program of study, you may be eligible for the following type of

employment opportunities while you study in the United States:

On-Campus

On-campus employment is work that F-1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS status may apply

for. On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus

location that is affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a

university bookstore or cafeteria.

Off-Campus

Off-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of a school campus. Off-campus

employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year

of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of

Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.

Obtaining a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit Social Security numbers (SSNs) to U.S.

citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. SSA uses

SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits and for other identification

purposes. Every F and M student who U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants

employment authorization to needs an SSN.

Please note: If an F or M student (or dependent) is ineligible to receive an SSN, but receives non-

wage income while in the United States (e.g., scholarships, grants, interest on stocks,

gambling/lottery winnings), they must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

(ITIN). For more information, please visit our What is an ITIN? resource page.

Steps for Obtaining a Social Security Number

If want to receive an SSN while studying in the United States, follow these steps:

Talk with your DSO about working and training in the United States.

Your DSO will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F

and M students, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN.

Ensure you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN.

If you have a record in any other status, you will not be successful in applying for an SSN.

Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow enough time

for your arrival information to update in all government systems.

SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify your

nonimmigrant student status and determine if you are eligible for an SSN. You can use the

SAVE Case Check to follow the progress of your SAVE verification check online; visit our

Checking Your SAVE Case Status for more information.

Visit your local SSA office.

You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to

provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized

immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be

unexpired.

For more information on the types of documents you need to apply for an SSN, refer to the SSA

website.

Social Security Numbers and Driver’s Licenses

Many states require that you or your dependent have an SSN or have already applied for one

before you apply for a driver's license. In these states, if you or your dependents are not eligible

to work but want to apply for a driver's license, you must first apply for an SSN at the local SSA

office and receive a Form SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." To learn more, visit

our Driving in the States page and talk with your DSO.

Driving in the United States

F and M students, and their dependents, may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while residing in

the United States. However, those who wish to operate a vehicle must successfully apply for and

receive a driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal. To acquire a driver’s receive a driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal. To acquire a driver’s

license, you must apply for one at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can

have a different name in some states.

Driver’s License Application Process

While the application process for receiving a driver’s license may be different in each state, the

basic steps are very similar. These steps include:

Talking with your designated school official (DSO) about driving rules and regulations in your state

or territory.

Confirming with your DSO that your student record is Active in the Student and Exchange Visitor

Information System.

Waiting 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver's license so that your Form

I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” information can update in all the government systems.

Obtaining a Social Security number (SSN), if required by your state or territory.

Visiting and submitting the proper documentation to the DMV.

The DMV may need to verify your nonimmigrant student status to determine if you are eligible for

a driver’s license. To verify your status, the DMV may use the Systematic Alien Verification for

Entitlements (SAVE) Program. To find out more about this program, please visit the Checking Your

SAVE Case Status page.

Required Documentation

When you apply for a driver's license at your local DMV, make sure to bring original copies of the

following documents:

All signed versions of your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

A valid passport and your most recent student visa (Please note that you do not need a visa if you are

from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda).

Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and you should check your local DMV’s website to

ensure you understand what is needed to fulfill this requirement.

If your state requires it, an SSN card or a Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.”

If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, “Employment Authorization

Document.” The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status.

If you are an F-2, M-2 or J-2 dependent, go to the DMV with your primary F-1, M-1 or J-1 and make

sure you both have all your required documents.

After a successful application process, a DMV official will explain the next steps for attaining your

driver’s license. It is normal for some nonimmigrants to only get temporary licenses. In addition, you

may receive the license immediately or you may have to wait several weeks, depending on the state.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license applicant may also need to pass both a driving and written test. Depending on your

state, if you have a license from your home country or another state, the DMV may not require you to

take the tests. However, not all states accept driver's licenses from other countries.

If you have trouble applying for a driver's license, speak with your DSO and contact the SEVP Response

Center with case-specific questions.

As an F or M student, if you applied for a driver’s license, Social Security number or other benefit with As an F or M student, if you applied for a driver’s license, Social Security number or other benefit with

a federal, state or local government agency, they may need to verify your nonimmigrant student status

to determine if you are eligible for the benefits they issue and to further process your application. To

verify your status, some agencies use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)

Program.

SAVE Case Check is a fast and free service that allows you to follow the progress of your SAVE

verification check online. To check your SAVE Case Status, use your 15 digit U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services (USCIS) verification number and log on here:

Check Your SAVE Case Status

Remember it is the responsibility of the specific U.S. government agency to follow the SAVE verification

process to determine your eligibility. The SAVE Program does not determine your eligibility for benefits

or licenses. If the agency which issues your benefit cannot confirm your current nonimmigrant student

status after it followed all SAVE verification steps, this does not necessarily mean that you do not have

status or that you are ineligible for the benefit. However, when this happens, the agency will allow you

an opportunity to correct or update your student record.

To help SAVE and the benefit-granting agency verify your status and eligibility in a timely manner,

remember to follow these three guidelines:

Make sure your student records are up-to-date;

Present your most recently issued documents verifying your nonimmigrant student status; and

Present documents that can be used for SAVE verification.

For more information about these guidelines, including examples of what documents can be used for

SAVE verification, download USCIS’ brochure for Understanding the SAVE Process as a Benefit

Applicant.

Change of Status

If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases

your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on

the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted to

the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you have

not violated the conditions of your status and you have not committed any crimes that would

make you ineligible. Until you receive approval from USCIS, do not assume the status has been

approved and do not change your activity in the United States.

USCIS recommends that you apply as soon as you determine that you need to change to a

different nonimmigrant category. If USCIS denies your application, be prepared to leave the

United States when your current status expires.

Changing to a Nonimmigrant Student Status

You may wish to change your nonimmigrant status if you are already in the United States on a

valid nonimmigrant visa for a purpose other than attending school and want to study at a U.S.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. You are not eligible for a change of

status in the United States if you entered as a visitor through the visa waiver program.

If you meet the criteria above and want to change your status while you remain in the United

States, you must submit an application with USCIS to change your nonimmigrant status by

following these steps:

Apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-certified school.

Obtain an initial Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from the

SEVP-certified school. The DSO should give change of status in the Issue Reason section of the

Form I-20.Form I-20.

Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

File a Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” with USCIS. Not all

nonimmigrant classifications may change status. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that

your category is eligible.

Special Instructions for Changing to a Nonimmigrant Student Status from B-1/B-2 status

If you are changing status from B-1/B-2 to F or M student, refrain from enrolling in or beginning

your studies until USCIS has approved your change of status. If USCIS has not adjudicated your

change of status at least 15 days before the program start date on your Form I-20, contact the

DSO at your new school. You may need to wait to attend (have deferred attendance).

Please note that you must maintain your B-1 or B-2 status while your Form I-539 is pending.

USCIS may only approve your Form I-539 change of status request if you are maintaining your B-

1/B-2 status up to 30 days before your program’s initial start date.

This means you will need to file a second Form I-539, with a separate fee, to request an extension

of your B-1 or B-2 status if:

Your current status will expire more than 30 days before the initial F-1 or M-1 program start date. In

this case, you must file a second Form I-539 requesting to extend your B-1 or B-2 status. If you do not

file this extension request on time, USCIS will deny your Form I-539 request to change to F-1 or M-1

status. Please continue to check the USCIS processing times while your Form I-539 change of status

request is pending to determine if you need to file a request to extend your B-1/B-2 status.

Your F-1 or M-1 program start date is deferred to the following academic term or semester because

USCIS did not make a decision on your Form I-539 change of status application before your originally

intended F-1 or M-1 program start date, and your B-1/B-2 status expires more than 30 days before

that program start date. You will need to file a second Form I-539 in order to bridge the gap in time

between when your current status expires and the 30 day period before your new F-1 program start

date.

Because extending your current stay in B-1 or B-2 status or changing from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 or M-1

status are two distinct benefits, you must pay a separate filing fee for each request, per the User Fee

Statute, found at 31 U.S.C. 9701. For more information about this process, please visit USCIS Special

Instructions for B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in School.

Changing to H-1B Status

If you are an F-1 student interested in changing to H-1B status, your prospective employer must

sponsor you and file that petition. See pages on H-1B Status and cap gap for details.

Special Note for M-1 Students

If you are an M-1 student, you may not change to F or H status while you are in the United States. If

you would like to attend school as an F-1 student, you will need to leave the United States, apply to

an SEVP-certified school and receive a new Form I-20. You will also need to apply for a new visa at a

U.S. Embassy or Consulate, if applicable.

Alternative OptionAlternative Option

If you are currently in the United States for a purpose other than attending school and would like to

become a student, you may also decide to leave the United States and follow the traditional process

for becoming an F-1 or M-1 student:

Apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-certified school.

Receive a new initial Form I-20 from your designated school official (DSO).

Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

Apply for a visa to travel to the United States from a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Return to the United States to begin your studies.