NETMAT EAP Fall 2014

Nobody Ever Told Me About That!

Berkeley International Office (BIO)2299 Piedmont Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94720

http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu

Register Full-Time &

Stay Registered Full-time

BerkeleyInternationalOffice (BIO)

Please, please, please…

Update Your Address in BearFacts


bearfacts.berkeley.edu

Employment Rules


On Campus• 20 hours per week

during the semester• Unlimited during

vacation periods• J-1 : On Campus

Payment Authorization from BIO

Off Campus• You ALWAYS need work authorization

from BIO• Check our website and come see us!

Maintain your health insurance


Things can get very expensive here

Money Matters• Don’t carry too much cash,• Use debit or credit cards, • You can write checks.

Taxes


• YES, you have to file a tax report even if you did not work

• We have tax software FREE for you to use (available in March)

• UC Employees : You should register for a Glacier account or you will be taxed 30%

When signing a contract or lease,

remember …


• They are usually enforceable by law

• Read the whole contract including the fine print

• Don’t sign if you are not clear

• Be brave, ask questions!


Download software for FREE! @ Software Central

ist.berkeley.edu/software-central/

Transportation

• Remember you get a Bus Pass!• Taxis are expensive• Use BART

Other tips …


Recycling:

Pay attention

to the different

bins

Please take fire drills seriously

Not everybody has homes

Food Matters• Skip McDonalds try In and Out• Portions are big! Take the rest to

go.• Don’t forget to tip!

Weather• Microclimates• Layer up!


1. Individualism : rely on yourself & focus on self-improvement2. Equality : less emphasis on social status3. Informality : casual dress, casual hellos, casual friendships

Top 5 American Values/Trends

4. Punctuality : rush, rush lateness = rudeness5. Directness : honesty &

openness


Let’s talk a little American…• How are you?

Hello. (Not always a question)

• What’s up?Hey!

• Let’s have lunch sometime!Just being polite.

• Let’s have a drink!They mean alcohol not Coca Cola.

• I will have to think about it.I have already thought about it and it’s NO!


Let’s talk a little American…• I will let you know…

Probably not.

• You might want to consider doing…I expect you to…

• You would want to do…DO IT NOW!

• My bad!Sorry!

• That’s interesting!I have nothing good to say about it!


Let’s talk a little American…• Sounds exciting!!!

It’s good.

• It’s not bad.It’s bad!

• That’s a great idea but…Not a great idea.


Get into the


Don’t wear RED

on Game Day!!!


Remember… Study hard

Have fun

Take advantage of this experience

Expect some culture shock & adjustment

And…


BIO is here to help!


Now, you know!!!

Education

NETMAT EAP Fall 2014