AssureSuccess!TheInteractiveStudent‐Centered

Pre‐DepartureOrientation

Top10DepartureTrainingShortcomings

1. Strategies for a Successful Consular Interview

2. Smooth Immigration and Customs Entry Guidelines

3. Housing and Transportation Specifics

4. Culture Shock in Depth

5. Academic Plan Development 

6. Concept of Time (Academic and Personal)

7. Familiarization with U.S. Law

8. Community Resources

9. Region Specific Guidance

10. The Right Attitude

Top10DepartureTrainingShortcomings

#1.TheConsularInterview

ConsularInterview:Atmospherics

The room

The acoustics

The language

The interviewer's comportment

ConsularInterview:Questions

Why the US?

Why the School?

Four Year or Community College?

I‐20 & Conditional Acceptance

Preparation = Honesty & Clarity

ConsularInterview:Finances&Grades

Payment and/or Loans

High School Grades 

State Department Website: Student Visa Section

#2PortofEntry&Customs

Immigration: Digital Photo and Prints

Baggage 

Digital I‐94 form 

Custom Declaration Form

US Insurance Policies

Auto  & Rental

Deposits on Rental Property & Furnishings

Location

#3HousingandTransportation

#4CultureShock

Limitations on the use of surrogates

Freedom of Religion

Rule of law = standard process = longer time

Smoking Stigma

Gender Roles

#5AcademicPlanDevelopment

Online Information

Academic Counselors

Alumni

#6AcademicTime

Classes

Assignments

Grades & Visa Eligibility

Casual Invitations

Formal Appointments

Informal Meetings

#6PersonalTime

#7UnitedStatesLaws

“Ignorantiajurisnocet.”(Notknowingthelawisharmful.)

Aristotle

#7UnitedStatesLaws

Leases

Traffic

Personal Behavior

#8CommunityResources

Department of Family and Protective Services

Day Care for Children

Police, Fire, 911 . . .

Crisis Management Protocol

#9RegionSpecificGuidance

Dialects & Vocabulary

Scarcity of Certain Resources

Safety Variances

Large City vs. Small City

#10TheRightAttitude

Goals+Strategies+Preparation=SUCCESS

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