PreDeparture Orientation AState edu Arkansas State Arkansas State

Pre-Departure Orientation AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

How should I prepare for my trip to the United States? AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

• • • AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State Carrying important documents Making Travel Arrangements Housing information Prescriptions for Medication Medical and Dental Records Academic Documents

Carrying important documents Here is a list of the important immigration documents: Passport I-20/DS-2019 Visa SEVIS I-901 receipt Visa fee payment proof Interview appointment letter Documents supporting financial background AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Making Travel Arrangements • Confirm with International Student Services when you are expected to arrive on campus. The University provides shuttle service for airport pick up on specific dates. • Remember that you are not allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start of your I-20 or DS-2019 AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Housing information • Most university students in the U. S. live on or near campus. Students who live off-campus generally find a place less than a mile or two away. • Wherever you stay, we advise you to live close to your university. • Dormitories can be a good option because you will not have to worry about maintaining your rooms and will not have to pay utility bills for gas, water, and electricity. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Prescriptions for Medication Medical and Dental Records If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for you. This will help your U. S. doctors better understand past diagnoses and treatments, and help you avoid paying to repeat tests. Note: It is recommended for you to take MMR shots before you arrive to the US, but not your T-Spot test. T-Spots taking outside of the country will not be accepted. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Academic Documents • Bring standardized test scores required by the U. S school and official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities, in sealed envelopes, as well as syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials issued by the school you attended most recently. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

What should I do when I arrive Jonesboro, Arkansas? AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

• Report to Arkansas State University and Attend Orientations • Form I-94 • Medical insurance: • Study in the U. S. • Classroom Culture • Academic Advisor • Life in the U. S. • Living as a foreigner • Conversing with American people • Banking • Security AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Report to Arkansas State University and Attend Orientations • New students are required to attend orientation. • Upon arriving on campus, you need to report to your Designated School Official (DSO) to check in, complete your required visa information session, and learn more about the institution's international student policies and procedures. • Attending orientation is mandatory for all new international students and you will not be able to register until orientation is completed. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Form I-94 Make sure that you print your Form I-94 once you report to the university. Medical insurance • International students are required to have medical insurance. • Consult the International Student Services office to research your options. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Study in the U. S. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State Classroom Culture • You should treat your professor as an equal, but also as a respected expert in his or her field. • Often class sessions will include interactive discussions group activities, as well as handson projects and presentations. • You are expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and assigned readings by participating meaningfully in class discussions.

Academic Advisor At A-State, each student at our college will be assigned an academic advisor to • help you with picking classes • deciding or switching majors • adjusting to college life • helping to find tutors for courses you may be having trouble with. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Life in the U. S. Living as a foreigner • You will be living in the U. S. as a foreigner in a new culture. • This is very different from living in your country as a native citizen. • You will often have to make efforts to bridge the cultural gap between you and other students to avoid cultural misunderstandings. • Always stay calm and collected and be willing to listen. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Banking • To open an account you will need your passport, I 20 or DS 2019, and student ID card. • You are not recommended to carry large amounts of cash on a daily basis. • Always protect your personal information, including social security numbers and credit card numbers. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State • Be aware of scams that are often communicated via email, in which you may be asked for personal details, such as your social security number or credit card details.

Security • In case of any emergency, dial 911 on any telephone to connect yourself with the police/ambulance/fire department. • A-State will have an orientation that will tell you about the security measures they have, when and where to use extra caution, and how to alert someone if you need assistance. We also offer volunteer escort services if you need them returning home on-campus late from the library, etc. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State

Security • On the streets, pay attention your purse or backpack, keep to the more traveled and better lit streets after dark and avoid walking in parks after dark. • When using ATMs to withdraw money after dark, be sure you are in a well-lit area. • As a precaution, do not carry large amounts of cash. • If a robber threatens you at home or on the street, do not resist unless you feel that your life is in danger and that you must fight or run away. Do not fight back, as this might provoke your attacker to cause you harm. AState. edu /Arkansas. State @Arkansas. State