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Mesa Community College International Education Office F-1 Student Handbook
1833 West Southern Avenue Mesa, Arizona 85202
(480) 461-7756 Office (480) 461-7139 Fax (480) 461-7700 Main Campus 1-866-532-4983 Toll Free
http://www.mesacc.edu/international/ Email: [email protected]
Annique Nestmann Supaluck Smith Director Coordinator of Student Services [email protected] [email protected]
Yvonne Schmidt Trini Elsworth Coordinator of Study Abroad Office Manager [email protected] [email protected]
Kathleen Lüppker Stefanie Borchert Coordinator of Student Services Office Assistant kathleen.lü[email protected] [email protected]
The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, age, or Vietnam era/disabled veteran status in employment or in the application, admission, participation, access and treatment of persons in instructional programs and activities.
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Immigration Regulations Permission was given to MCC by the International Program at Washington State University. The Immigration portion of this handbook was adopted from “Washington State University F-1 Student Handbook Fall 2003.”
I. INTRODUCTION It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the terms of your immigration status during your stay in the United States (U.S.). A violation of the immigration regulations (for example, failure to maintain a fulltime credit load or unauthorized employment) could jeopardize your F-1 status. The U.S. government does not accept ignorance of its regulations as a justifiable reason for breaking those regulations, and violations of immigration requirements can result in serious consequences up to and including removal or deportation from the U.S. Please read this information carefully and contact the International Education Office if you have questions. Role of International Student Advisors
The primary functions of the International Student Advisors are • To provide academic advising • To help with government regulations including those of the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) • To promote intercultural understanding
Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information and event notifications via the Internet, to the ICE Homeland Security Investigated (the HSI) and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor’s stay in the United States. The system will reflect international student or exchange visitor status changes, such as admission at Port of Entry (POE), change of address, change in program of study, and other details. SEVIS will also provide system alerts, event notifications, and basic reports to the end-user schools, programs, and Immigration related field offices. Each school has assigned designate school official (DSO) that must report the following in SEVIS.
• Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll. • A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address. • Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20. • Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction. • Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from International Education Office. • Termination date and reason for termination. • Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program. • Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, • Changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatement. Immigration 3
Important Documents
Make a photocopy of the following documents and keep it in a safe place from the original documents. Carry the copies with you at all times.
Passport Your passport must be valid at all times and should be current 6 months into the future. Keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place (i.e. a bank safe-deposit box, a secure location in your home). Report a lost or stolen passport to the police, as your government may require a police report before issuing a new passport. To renew or replace your passport, contact your country’s consulate in the U.S. at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm
Visa The F-1 visa gives permission to enter or re-enter the U.S. It does not determine your length of stay in the U.S. that is the purpose of the I-20 and the I-94 (see below). If your visa expires while you are studying in the U.S., you do not need to renew it unless you plan to travel outside of the U.S. You are encouraged to renew your visa in your home country.
I-20 Certificate of Eligibility The I-20 is issued by your school and allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa, to enter or re-enter the U.S., it is a contract between you and the school that you choose to attend. The I-20 must remain valid and up to date at all times throughout your study. Request a new I-20 prior to its expiration date listed in item #5. (See “I-20 Extension”.) You are required to keep every I-20 for your permanent record. Do not discard old ones. USCIS also requires schools to keep a copy of the student's I-20 as well for three years. To re-enter the U.S. to attend the same school after a temporary absence abroad during a school break, the student must have the DSO (in the International Education Office) sign page 3 of the I-20. (See “Travel”)
I-94 The I-94 is the small white card, usually stapled into your passport, by the officer at the port of entry. This card and the valid I-20 permit an F-1 student to stay temporarily in the U.S. For F-1 students, the officer will indicate Duration of Status or D/S on the I-94. This refers to the length of time an F-1 student has permission to remain temporarily in the U.S. to pursue a full course of study. If you have an expiration date on your I-94 card, then you need to contact the International Education Office immediately. Except for brief visits (30 days or less) to Canada or Mexico and adjacent islands, you will be issued a new I-94 card with a new admission number each time you enter the U.S.
Maintaining Lawful F-1 Status
F-1 students are responsible for maintaining their legal status while studying in the U.S. Consequences for an F- 1 student who fails to maintain legal status can be serious. Out-of-status students are ineligible for employment, transfer to another school, change to another status, and other benefits given to F-1 students. Out-of-status students must either apply for reinstatement or leave the US and reenter with an initial SEVIS I- 20. (See “Out-of Status”).
• Register for courses by the start date of each semester. • Be enrolled in and complete 12 credit hours at the institution you are authorized to attend on the I-20. Immigration 4
• Do not enroll for more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class (or 3 credits) per semester towards the “full-time” course load requirement. • Keep your passport valid at all times; do not let your passport expire! • Apply for a program extension PRIOR to the expiration date on the I-20. • Comply with required procedures regulating a school transfer. (See “School Transfer”) • Have appropriate authorization for any work and do not be employed for more than 20hrs/week while school is in session and for more than 20 hrs/week during school break. • Report your address change to MCC within 10 days of any move. • Notify the International Education Office if you intend to cancel your enrollment or will graduate and return home prior to completion of your program listed on the I-20. • Depart the U.S. within the 60-day period following completion of your program, or depart the U.S. within 15 days if you terminate your program in the middle of a semester or regular session or fall out of status. • Disclose fully and truthfully all information requested by USCIS. • Obey all federal and state laws that prohibit the commission of crimes of violence.
II. PROCEDURES & BENEFITS OF F-1 STATUS Period of Authorized Stay
Your admission to the U.S. is for "duration of status;" that is, for the time during which you are pursuing a full course of study and making normal progress toward your degree, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies, plus 60 days to prepare to depart the U.S. You are only eligible for the 60-day period if you complete an educational program at MCC.
If you terminate your enrollment in the middle of a semester or fall out of status (failing to maintain enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours), you must notify the Admission Office, and then you have 15 days to prepare to depart the U.S.
Full-Time Enrollment
F-1 students must be enrolled in and complete a “full course of study” each semester. A full course of study is a minimum of 12 credit hours. Being enrolled in a “full course of study” or full-time means that a student must be enrolled for that number of credits every fall and spring semester.
In addition, no more than the equivalent of one on-line class (3 credits) per session may be counted towards the “full-time” course load requirement. In other words, no more than 3 credits of the 12 credits may be taken on-line.
Reduced Course Load Students may obtain permission from the International Education Office to enroll for less than the fulltime requirement, for the following reasons: • Certain academic reasons which are exceptional and verified by your instructor and International Student Advisor. • Medical condition documented by licensed physician or psychiatrist. • Completion of your degree. (Students in their final semester.)
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Do not register for fewer than the required number of credits or withdraw from a course without first receiving permission from the International Student Advisor. Failing to maintain your F-1 status (Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours) could jeopardize your stay in the U.S. and make you ineligible for travel endorsement, practical training and other opportunities for employment, school transfer, change of level, or program extensions as you could lose your status.
Annual Vacation F-1 students who are enrolled at a college or university on the semester system such as MCC are not required by USCIS to be enrolled in school during the summer provided the student is eligible and intends to register for the fall semester. The winter intersession is part of spring semester.
I-20 Extension
An F-1 student, who is unable to complete his/her program of study prior to the completion date listed on the I-20, must apply to the International Education Office for an I-20 PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE listed in item #5 of the I-20. The Admission Office can grant a program extension to a student under two conditions:
1. The student has continually maintained status; and 2. The delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major, enrollment in remedial courses such as ESL courses, loss of credits upon transfer to another school, or documented illnesses. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons. Submit Program Of Study form filled out by International Student Advisor with a new supporting financial documentation to the International Education Office.
An F-1 student, who is unable to complete the educational program within the time period written on the I-20 and who is ineligible for program extension or fails to apply for a program extension prior to the completion date, is considered to be out of status.
School Transfer
An F-1 student must study at the school that issued the I-20 he/she presented to the immigration officer upon entry into the U.S. An F-1 student may change schools within the U.S. provided he/she is maintaining lawful F- 1 status.
Make sure to begin transfer procedures at least one semester before your desired transfer semester. Most professional programs deadlines are different from the university domestic admission deadline.
To process a school transfer 1. Contact the school you want to transfer to for the admission requirement.
2. Notify the International Education Office of your intention to transfer and indicate to what school you intend to transfer.
3. Submit an acceptance letter and SEVIS transfer request from the new school to the International Education office. MCC will report in SEVIS that you intend to “transfer-out,” indicate a release date (normally the last day of attendance), and the school to which you will transfer. The new school will create the I-20 on or after the release date. Immigration 6
4. Report to the International Education Office at your new school within 15 days of beginning attendance to be registered in SEVIS, and obtain your I-20 for continued attendance at the new school.
Change of Major
If you change your major, (for example, from Biology to History) you must have Program of Study completed by International Student Advisor and notify the International Education Office of your new major.
Change of Address
Any change of address must be reported to the International Education office within 10 days of any move during your program of study and any authorized period of practical training. MCC will then report the change of address to USCIS. It is not necessary to submit an AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card).
Employment
Definition "Employment" is any work performed or services provided (including self-employment) in exchange for money or other benefits or remuneration (i.e. free room and board in exchange for babysitting).
General Information It is essential that F-1 students understand and comply with USCIS restrictive employment regulations. Ignorance of USCIS employment regulations does not excuse a student from the serious ramifications of unauthorized employment. Unauthorized employment can result in an F-1 student having to depart the U.S. An F-1 student who needs to be employed on-campus or off-campus can obtain a detailed explanation of USCIS employment regulations from the International Education Office.
On-Campus Employment If your I-20 was issued by MCC, an F-1 student may work part-time (20 hours per week or less) on the MCC campus during the Fall and Spring semesters, and full-time (20 hours per week or more) when school is not in session or during the annual summer vacation.
Off-Campus Employment ALL off-campus employment must be authorized in advance and in accordance with specific procedures outlined in the federal regulations. Do not work off-campus without prior permission. Talk with the International Student Advisor at the International Education office.
Severe Economic Hardship USCIS can grant off-campus employment authorization to an F-1 student as a result of a “severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control.” These circumstances may include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. A student must apply for this type of employment authorization to USCIS through the International Education Office. It is difficult to obtain this type of work authorization unless Immigration 7 an F-1 student can document that the unforeseen circumstances occurred after he/she arrived in the U.S. and were beyond his/her control.
Practical Training Practical Training authorization permits an F-1 student to be employed temporarily at a job related to the student’s major field of study.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): An F-1 student is eligible for 12 months of OPT if he/she has completed a program (associate degrees) and maintained lawful status. This is an opportunity granted to eligible applicants by USCIS for work experience in the U.S. OPT must be directly related to the area of your major. It is highly recommended that you apply for OPT BEFORE completion of your course of study. You can apply up to 90 days before program completion. You CANNOT travel outside the U.S. until you have been approved for employment authorization by USCIS. All OPT must be completed within 14 months following completion of program of study. Example: if you graduate on May 16, 2011, the last day you can indicate on your application for OPT is July 15th if you want 12 months of employment, but you can begin sooner (right after graduation if you desire).
Procedure: 1. Apply for graduation http://www.mesacc.edu/graduation/steps-graduation a. Review your graduation eligibility with an academic advisor. b. Complete an exit survey online or in the Career/Re-entry Services. c. Submit a completed Graduation Application and your program check sheet to the Records and Registration Office.
2. Get a confirmation letter from International Student Advisor confirming graduation date, a program of study and degree check sheet.
3. Complete the following documents and submit to the International Education Office. a. An I-765 form, with the code “(c) (3) (B)” on item #16. USCIS form I-765 can be printed by going to the USCIS. Website: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf b. A letter requesting OPT with the start and end date.
4. Make a photocopy of all the documents for your records.
5. Mail the following material to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) once you receive your OPT documentation back from the International Education Office, a. A photocopy of i. New SEVIS I-20 ii. ALL previous I-20s iii. I-94 Departure Record card (front and back) iv. ID page of your passport v. F-1 visa page of your passport b. I-765 original form c. Check or money order for $380 made payable to “USCIS” d. Two (2) photographs http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/m-603.pdf (Copy and paste the link.) Immigration 8
USCIS PO Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036
Note: You should expect to hear from USCIS between 4-6 weeks with a receipt, Notice of Action, and form I- 797. If approved, your EAD card will be mailed to you. If you have not received a decision within 90 days of receipt, you may obtain interim work authorization by appearing in person at the local USCIS district office. You must bring proof of identity and any communication (written or otherwise) that you have received in connection with your application.
To check your status If you would like to find out about the status of your application, you can call USCIS at (949) 831-8427 between 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri. or check online by visiting www.uscis.gov, select “hot topics,” then “case status online.” You will need to refer to your case number on the receipt or Notice of Action form.
Local area immigration office location U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Phoenix District 2035 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004 (602) 379-3114/5
For driving directions and map: www.mapquest.com Crossroads: Central and Monte Vista (North of McDowell Road).
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Regulations for F-2 Dependents USCIS does not permit individuals with F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part- or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self-employment. Dependents may not study in a degree program. If an F-2 dependent would like to study, s/he must change her/his status to F-1.
Violations of Status & Reinstatement
If you violate the immigration regulations or fail to “maintain your legal status”, it may be possible to be reinstated to lawful status if you • have not been out of status more than five months, • do not have a record of repeated or willful violations of USCIS regulations, • are currently pursuing or intending to pursue a full course of study, • have not engaged in unauthorized employment, • AND establish that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond your control.
Reinstatement Procedure: 1. Submit the following documents to the International Education Office: a. A letter to USCIS explaining i. Specific reasons for the status violation ii. Ramification of failure to receive reinstatement; iii. Statement that you are currently pursuing or are intending to pursue a full course of study iv. Request that USCIS reinstate you to F-1 status. b. A new financial guarantee and Evidence of Financial Support c. Official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended. d. Original I-94 e. Copies of ALL the pages of your passport, including blank pages. f. Copies of ALL prior I-20s. g. A completed I-539 form with original signature http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis Write in Part 2, item 1 “reinstatement to F-1 status” h. A check payable to “USCIS” for $290.00
2. When your reinstatement I-20 is ready, go to the International Education Office to sign it.
**As of early 2002, denials of reinstatements have increase dramatically. Students are encouraged to maintain status to the best of their ability. Always consult with an advisor before withdrawing classes below 12 credits.
III. DEPARTURE FROM MCC
Please notify the International Education Office when permanently leaving MCC. Permanent departure includes withdrawal from MCC, transfer to another school and graduation. Departure information is needed for MCC records and to report to USCIS. Immigration 10
Cancellation of Enrollment
To withdraw from school or “cancel enrollment” (leave during an academic term without completing the term), a student must contact the International Student Office. Students then have 15 days to depart the U.S.
Graduation
F-1 students must notify the International Education Office at least one semester prior to their graduation date so the International Student Advisor may give them appropriate information concerning practical training, school transfer, travel and other procedures. Also See “School Transfer” and “Optional Practical Training.”
60-Day Grace Period
An F-1 student must take one of the following actions no later than 60 days following either the completion date of her/his course(s) of study or the expiration date of practical training, whichever is applicable. 1. Depart the U.S.; 2. Apply for change of status; or 3. Obtain a new I-20 to begin another program at a transfer institution.
The 60-day grace period applies only to students who have completed a degree or their program of study. Students, who withdraw from school in the middle of the semester and notify the International Student Advisor in advance, have 15 days to prepare to depart the U.S.
IV. TRAVEL Temporary Departure & Re-entry
To request re-entry from USCIS after a temporary departure an F-1 student must have the following documents: 1. Valid Passport 2. Valid F-1 visa 3. Valid I-20 with travel endorsement (signature of Designated School Official = DSO), or, if necessary, a new I-20. An F-1 student who is out of status must have a new “initial attendance” I-20. 4. Recommended: Enrollment verification available at Records and Registration or registration for current next semester.
Trips to Mexico & Canada: Automatic Revalidation
To facilitate entry into Canada or Mexico as a visitor, an F-1 student should have 1. Valid passport 2. Valid I-94 and 3. Valid I-20 with travel endorsement (DSO’s signature) 4. Registration for current or next semester (recommended)
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These documents are also needed to request permission to re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. F-1 visa does not need to be valid to re-enter the U.S. from a visit not exceeding 30 days except for citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba.
Automatic Revalidation does not apply when a student is denied an F-1 visa in Mexico or Canada.
F-1 students planning a trip to Mexico should contact the nearest Mexican Consulate
V. CAUTIONS Unauthorized Employment
It is important to be aware that a student who engages in unauthorized employment may have to leave the U.S. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status. USCIS cannot reinstate a student who is out of status and who has engaged in unauthorized employment.
Overstaying
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996 states that non-immigrants who have remained in the U.S. beyond the authorized duration of status authorized must apply at the U.S. Consulate in their country of nationality for a new visa to request permission to re-enter the U.S. This is applicable even if the visa is valid. They must apply for a new visa each time they plan to re-enter the U.S. An F- 1 student overstays when the non-immigrant remained in the U.S.: • As the expiration date on the I-20. • After USCIS finds a status violation while adjudicating a request for an immigration benefit. • After an immigration judge finds a status violation in proceedings against a non-immigrant regardless of whether she/he was admitted until a date certain or for duration of status.
Being Unlawfully Present
Unlawful presence is remaining in the U.S. after the period of stay authorized. Unlawful presence begins for F- 1 students when: • An Immigration judge finds a status violation. • USCIS determines status violation.
The law prevents a person who was unlawfully present for more than 180 days but less than one year from re-entering the U.S. for 3 years. If a person has been unlawfully present for one year or more, he/she is barred from re-entry for 10 years. Immigration 12
VI. TAXES Income Tax
It is the responsibility of each individual employed in the U.S. to comply with income tax regulations. The understanding of this office, based on discussions with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is that salaries and wages in payment for work performed by non-citizens come under the tax laws of the U.S. Teaching. Between January 1 and April 15 of each year, everyone who has earned U.S. income and F-1 students who received during the previous calendar year a scholarship or grant from U.S. sources, are required to prepare an income tax report, and file it with the IRS.
International Education Office will hold two tax workshops typically in March and April. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Foreign-Students-and-Scholars
ALL F-1 students are required to attend one of the workshops regardless of whether they have earned income in the U.S. Social Security Number
The Social security number (S.S.N.) is a unique, 9-digit identification number granted by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It is assigned only to people who are eligible to work in the U.S. Please be advised that a S.S.N. is not employment authorization and does not entitle a foreign person to accept a job without proper written approval. The purpose of a S.S.N. is to post wages for social security records.
Eligibility Requirements • Have an on-campus job secured. • Be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours. • Tuition must be fully paid or payment arrangements must be made.
Procedure 1. Come to the International Education Office (IE Office) with the following documents: a. Passport with an F-1 visa (or F-1 status approval notice) b. I-20 2. Obtain an Employment Verification Form from IE Office. 3. Ask your supervisor of your employment location to fill out the Employment Verification Form. 4. Bring the signed Employment Verification Form back to the International Education Office. 5. Obtain the second eligibility letter from IE Office 6. Complete a Social Security application form available at the International Education Office. 7. Go to the Social Security Office with the following documents to submit the application for a social security number
a. Social Security application form b. Valid passport c. I-94 card marked "F-1 D/S" d. Current I-20 e. MCC Student ID f. Eligibility letter from IE Office g. Employment Verification Form Immigration 13
For more information about international students and the Social Security Number: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html
VII. IMMIGRATION TERMS
USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For more information, see their website at http://uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Embassies and consulates abroad are not part of USCIS; they are under the direction of the U.S. State Department, so the State Department Foreign Service is responsible for issuing the visa stamp at the embassy or consulate.
D/S - Duration of Status: F-1 students do not have specific limitations on their period of stay in the U.S. Their I-94s are marked D/S, allowing them to remain here up to the completion of studies date on their Form I-20, as long as they are in status.
EAD: Employment Authorization Document, issued by the USCIS.
I-20: A document issued to an F-1 student from a school, showing beginning and expected completion of studies. The date for completion of studies as listed on the I-20 is the expiration date for an I-94 that notes D/S.
I-94: The I-94 Arrival/Departure record is the small white or green card usually stapled in the passport, issued by Immigration when visitors enter the U.S. Visitors to the U.S. receive this card to complete on the airplane before arriving into the U.S. and present it to an officer at immigration inspection. The immigration officer marks the immigration status and date of expiration of legal stay in the U.S. (or D/S ) on it and then attaches part of it usually to the visitor’s passport. The part attached to the passport is officially called the "Departure Record." It is removed by an official of the airlines when a visitor departs. If you lose the card, Immigration will replace it for $330 ( this has increased). If the I- 94 is light green, the visitor has entered under the Visa Waiver Program.
Immigrant = Green Card Holder = Permanent Resident = Resident Alien: Has all the rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen, except that of voting or carrying a U.S. passport. Recent legislation limits eligibility for some public benefits. May, after certain residence requirements, apply for citizenship although this is not required.
Non-Immigrant: Immigration 14
Person in the U.S. who is not a U.S. citizen, who is authorized to stay for a limited time, and who is expected to leave the U.S. Non-immigrants must meet certain reporting requirements, and there are restrictions on work and study. F-1 students are Non-Immigrants.
Practical Training: Work related to an F-1 student's field of study. There are two types of practical training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Generally, F-1 students do CPT while they are still enrolled as a full-time student and use OPT when they complete their course work for a degree. More information can be found in the section Employment Options for F-1 Students.( do we authorize LPT for any major?)
Status: Your status is the reason that you are in the U.S. If your status is F-1, then your reason is “to study.”
U.S. Citizen: Person born or naturalized in the U.S. entitled to carry a U.S. passport. A permanent resident, or green-card holder, is not a U.S. citizen, but an immigrant who still carries a passport from the home country. Immigrants may apply for citizenship after they have had a green card for 35 years. Permanent residents are not required to become U.S. citizens, and many choose to retain their foreign citizenship.
U.S. Department of State: Runs the U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide.
Visa: Your visa is the piece of paper placed into your passport by the US embassy or consulate that indicates the purpose of your entry into the U.S. or your “status.” Sometimes a non-immigrant will change his/her status while in the U.S. If this is the case, then the non-immigrant will have a different “status” from their “visa.”
Visa Types: Below are a few of the visa types that foreign visitors to MCC often have.
B-1: Temporary visitor for business. B-2: Tourist, or temporary visitor for pleasure. F-1: Student. F-2: Dependent of an F-1 student. H-1B: Temporary worker in a specialty occupation (professional). H-4: Dependent of H-1. J-1: Exchange Visitor (May be in "Student" category, or may be in "Professor, Researcher, or Scholar" category.) J-2: Dependent of J-1. Refugee: A person who cannot reside in a country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion may apply to be granted asylum into the United States. TN: Canadian or Mexican who entered under NAFTA as a professional; similar to H-1B. Immigration 15
WB: Waived Business visitor under Visa Waiver Pilot Program; equivalent to B-1. WT: Waived Tourist visitor under Visa Waiver Pilot Program; equivalent to B-2. Visa Waiver Pilot Program: Persons coming to the U.S. as visitors for business or pleasure from certain designated countries can enter the U.S. without having to get a visa stamp in the passport. They are limited to 90 days stay, and may not extend stay or change status. The I-94 should be marked WT (Waived Tourist) or WB (Waived Business).
VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. United States. Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration. Code of Federal Regulations, Aliens and Nationality 8 (8 CFR). 2. Adviser’s Manual of Federal Regulations Affecting International Students and Scholars. 2000 Edition with updates through May 2001. 3. NAFSA: Adviser’s Manual, May 2003 edition 4. Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. (1996 USCIS Act). Congressional Record-House. Washington: September 28, 1996. 5. Department of State Cables dated December 1997 and April 1998 (DOS 1997 and DOS 1998). 6. University of Washington, ISO website
Permission was given by the International Program at Washington State University and Scottsdale Community College (SCC). Portions of the Immigration part of this handbook were adopted from “Washington State University F-1 Student Handbook Fall 2003” and the SCC International Student handbook
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• BEGINNING YOUR U.S. EDUCATION • This section of the MCC International Student Handbook was adopted from “If you want to study in the United States Booklet 4 Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States” and “If you want to study in the United States Booklet 2 Undergraduate Study” retrieved from the following websites.
• The complete PDF files are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
• http://educationusa.state.gov
• http://www.educationusa.info/pages/students/publications.php
The Academic Program The undergraduate bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. At most institutions those years are known as the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years of undergraduate study.
Many students complete their first two years at a junior or community college, earning an associate degree, and then transfer to a four-year college or university to complete two or more years for a bachelor’s degree. MCC is a community college which offers accredited associate degrees that transfer easily to local and national universities.
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Did you know?
Missing the first day of class or even an
assignment due date is considered disrespectful. Sample of full- time class schedule
Time Monday (M) Tuesday (T) Wednesday (W) Thursday (R) Friday (F) 8:00 8:30 MAT 122 MAT 122 MAT 122 9:00 9:30 COM 100 COM 100 10:00 PSY 101 PSY101 PSY101 10:30 11:00 11:30 ENG 107 ENG 107 ENG 107 12:00 12:30
A credit hour is usually equivalent to one clock hour of class each week for the length of the semester. For example:
Math 122 = 3 credit hours Psychology 101 = 3 credit hours English 107 = 3 credit hours Communication 100 = 3 credit hours TOTAL = 12 credit hours = full-time enrollment
Grading System
The Maricopa County Community Colleges, including MCC, use the following grading system:
Grade Description Points Per Credit Hours A Excellent 4 B Above Average 3 C Average 2 D Passing 1 Immigration 18
F Failure 0 I Incomplete Not computed in GPA* IP In Progress Not computed in GPA N Audit Not computed in GPA P Credit Not computed in GPA W Withdrawn, Passing Not computed in GPA Y Withdrawn, Failing 0 Z No Credit Not computed in GPA *GPA = Grade Point Average
REMEMBER!
• An F-1 student cannot receive a “W” or “Y” as a final grade IF this will bring the enrollment to less than 12 credit hours.
• If you are having difficulty with a class, speak with the instructor immediately. Consider assistance from a tutor.
• You must receive permission from the International Student Advisor before you withdraw from a class.
• Be aware that an instructor can withdraw you from a class (give you a “W”) due to excessive absences, AND the instructor is not obligated to tell you that you will be withdrawn. If this happens, you will lose your status!!
• It is critical that you attend all of your classes!!
Tips for Academic Success
• American professors want students to respect their knowledge and opinions, but they generally prefer discussion and debate to respectful silence.
• Although most faculty members encourage critical thinking from students, the manner in which criticism is expressed is important. Show respect by acknowledging your professor’s point of view and then offering your own for consideration.
• Pay close attention to instructions given at the beginning of the course about how the class will be conducted and how the grades will be determined (for example, how will absences affect your grade?)
• Expect to receive a “syllabus” for each course. The syllabus outlines the course’s objectives and materials to be covered and lists the due dates for assignments, examination dates, texts Immigration 19
to be purchased or obtained from the library, and the professor’s name, office location, and office hours. Keep the course syllabus for the duration of the course.
• Some undergraduate students may seem very uninterested in their education or appear to do very little studying. They may be very casual about attending class or keeping up with their studies. Do not be deceived into thinking that such behavior is compatible with academic success. In the United States, students who do not perform as expected are asked to leave the institution.
Telecommunications Did you know? Emergency Numbers: 911 In the American Classroom, students are expected to “participate” by asking Free E-mail account: questions and giving opinions. Mesa Community College automatically provides an email address to all students. The following are instructions for creating a student E-mail address: 1. Go to the U.R.L. (webpage): https://orion.mesacc.edu/portal/public/d_CreateAccount.jsp 2. Fill in the boxes with the required information. 3. Enter your Student I.D. number. - Contact International Education Office or Admissions Office if you do not know your ID number. 4. Your birth date, choose from the pull down menu. 5. Choose a USERNAME. - select carefully, this name is permanent - cannot be changed - must be at least 4-8 characters long in lower case - can use numbers or letters or combination of both 6. Choose a PASSWORD. - must be at least 6-8 characters long - can use numbers or letters or combination of both 7. Press “Submit.” After pressing SUBMIT, it will take approximately 20-30 minutes for your account to be created.
Your new email address will be in the format: [email protected]
If you have any question regarding your email address, please visit the Information Center on the first floor of the Library.
Classroom Culture
Tips for International Students
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Classroom learning differs from country to country, as it does from classroom to classroom and instructor to instructor. Generally speaking, the classrooms in the United States are often less formal than in other countries. However, rules and expectations naturally exist.
Study time will depend on how many classes you take and your major. However, if English is not your first language, you will need to devote more time in studying. Yet, be reasonable. If you stay up all night cramming for an economics mid-term, chances are you will be fatigued and have difficulty recalling information during the exam.
Remember, you are never alone! Study groups are a great way to meet new friends and review class material. Don’t be afraid to form one yourself and study with other people!
In the classroom, it is very important to participate in discussion by offering and listening to opinions. Most likely, part of your grade will be based on class participation and you will also enjoy the class and learn more if you contribute.
Attend class!
Preparing for Classroom Learning
Compared to some classroom countries, United States’ classrooms tend to be informal. There are, however, some very important basic rules:
Before class: • Do your homework! Read critically, form your own opinions • Review your notes from the previous lecture and reading for the day • Communicate immediately with professors about any study problems • Focus on the task at hand before class: Take a moment of silence to gather your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself to the topic • Write any objectives that come to mind at the head of your notepaper: - preparing for an upcoming test - understanding a particular concept - gaining a good foundation on a topic - understanding or reviewing the readings
In class: • Arrive on time for class. Professors do not take any lateness lightly • Turn off your cell phone. This is considered disrespectful to answer phone calls or text during class. • Position yourself in the classroom to focus on the subject matter: Consider the best location for: - listening - asking questions - seeing visual materials - discussing – not only with the teacher but also your classmates Immigration 21
• Avoid distractions that may interfere with your concentration (daydreaming, looking around the room, talking to a friend, passing notes, texting, sleeping) • Evaluate as you listen: - Decide what is important and should be placed in your notes and what can be left out - Listen long enough to be sure what was said before writing - Ask clarifying questions (but also wait for “breaks” in the instructor’s stream) • Review your class objective(s) throughout the class period - Did your objective(s) mesh with the instructor’s introductory remarks? - Has the class digressed from stated objectives, yours or the instructor’s? • Write a “to do” list including: - assignments - reviewing difficult concepts - joining study groups - making appointments with a study pal, tutor, or the instructor One resource often overlooked is a classmate who seems to have a good grasp of the material. If it seems appropriate, seek the individual out for help.
Material adapted from: Gail M. Zimmerman, Tips for International Students Asst. Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Counselor Dartmouth College and Bob Nelson, et al. Learning Resource Centers, Rutgers University The keys to good note taking are the five “R’s” from the Cornell Notetaking System (Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH):
Taking Notes in Lectures A good strategy of note taking in class will pay off in terms of effectiveness and time savings.
Record * Reduce * Recite * Reflect * Review
You can develop your own system based on a few elementary strategies: • Get a good loose leaf notebook. This will enable you to add, delete, and re-sequence pages and materials. • Develop an organizational system that includes: 1. Headings and the date 2. any guest speakers’ names, including your fellow students’ contributions 3. a system of “sections” to organize your notes Leave plenty of white space for additions • Think in terms of three main sections: ⇒ A central space for identifying the main points, capturing the main ideas, not quoting the lecturer (if you want to quote someone, bring a tape recorder if it is permitted) ⇒ a marginal space for editing or annotating what you have written, linking information from the text or other sources, and adding definitions ⇒ a “condensing” or summary section
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Making your voice heard Classroom discussions & participation
At the appropriate time in classroom discussions, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, even if your opinion differs from your professor or classmates. Your opinion can and should be based on the text, other readings, class discussions, library sources, experts in the topic, as well as your own experience. • In class, listen carefully to what a professor and other students are saying • Mark or make notes of the points you wish to answer, or discuss or question Remember: a question is as valuable as an opinion in the course of discussion. It shows that you are trying to understand others, as well as be understood! • Introduce your contribution with a quick summary of the discussion or point… “As I understand it…” Restating the discussion/author’s main idea also shows that you are trying to understand and shows where you are in understanding It is very likely that if you have questions or information, others will share them • Be certain it is clear to the class and professor when you are summarizing and when you are giving your opinion • Try to keep your comments to the point and don’t hesitate to refer to your notes Logic is not a speed test… • In making an argument, begin with examples from the author or teacher but generally use your own examples to show your agreement with their point of view. This demonstrates independent thinking which should be valued in an academic setting. • After you have spoken, it is appropriate to ask for feedback if: - Others understand what you have said - If others agree/disagree with you Demonstrate openness and dialogue: you should score points with your professor!
Assumptions: • A sense of competition underlies the informality of American classrooms. • Voicing a well-informed opinion is important to your overall academic evaluation. • First listen and try to understand others’ opinions. • Respect theirs, and insist on being respected for yours. • Evaluations are made by professors throughout the semester. • Final grades are not simply determined by your score on the final exam. • Focus your contribution on your analysis of the topic, your reaction, your opinion, and your openness to understand others. • If discussion is based upon readings: o Study course lectures, articles, texts o Find the author’s thesis and restate it in your own words o Decide what your opinion or reaction is to the author’s thesis
Material adapted from: Gail M. Zimmerman, Tips for International Students, Asst. Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Counselor Dartmouth CollegePermission is granted to freely copy, adapt, print, transmit, and distribute this Study Guide in educational settings to benefit learners. On the WWW, however, please link here http://www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/instudy.htm Immigration 23
14 Suggestions on Communicating with Professors
How you communicate with your professor affects how well you do in a course. In general, professors are likely to be impressed with students who show a genuine interest in their course material and ask good questions. The best way to get on your professor’s good side is to be an “interested” student.
The following are some strategies to demonstrate your interest and curiosity:
• Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain to the teacher about his or her performance: Rather: focus on, and discuss, the material and your understanding of it • Let the teacher know what you appreciate about the course • Smile • Know and use the teacher’s name • Listen to what the teacher has to say about himself or herself • Talk in terms of what the teacher is interested in • Let the teacher know that you think he or she is important • Avoid arguing • If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically • Ask questions rather than give orders • Try honestly to see the teacher’s point of view • Let the teacher know that you sincerely want to do well in the course • Always have the course textbook in your hand whenever you see the instructor • Hand in all assignments on time throughout the semester
Adapted from How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. New York: Simon and Schuster Inc.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Academic Misconduct can be defined differently in other countries. It is important that as an international student, you understand how it is defined in the United States and more specifically, the consequences of Academic Misconduct. If you have any questions, please ask one of the International Student Advisors in the International Education Office. Information about Academic Misconduct can be found in the College Catalog and Student Handbook at AR 2.3.11:
A. Definitions 1. Academic Misconduct – includes misconduct associated with the classroom, laboratory or clinical learning process. Some examples of academic misconduct are cheating, plagiarism and excessive absences. 2. Cheating – includes but it is not limited to, (a) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, assessment test or examinations; (b) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the faculty member in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out the other assignments; or (c) the acquisitions, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the college faculty or staff. Immigration 24
3. Plagiarism – includes, but is it not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. Information gathered from the Internet and not properly identified is also considered plagiarism.
B. Sanctions Any student found by a faculty member to have committed academic misconduct may be subject to the following sanctions. (Note: Sanctions 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be imposed by a faculty member. The faculty member may recommend to the Department Chairperson and the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee that sanctions 5. 6. Or 7 may be imposed. College suspension or expulsion will be imposed only by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee. 1. Warning – A notice in writing to the student that the student has violated the academic code. 2. Grade Adjustment – Lowering of a score on a test or assignment. 3. Discretionary Sanctions – Additional academic assignments determined by the faculty member. 4. Course Failure – Failure of a student in the course where academic misconduct occurs. 5. Disciplinary Probation – Disciplinary probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe sanctions if the student commits additional acts of academic misconduct. 6. College Suspension – Separation of student from the college for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. (A suspension from one Maricopa Community College will apply to all other colleges/centers in the District.) 7. College Expulsion – Permanent separation of the student from the college. (Expulsion from one Maricopa Community College will apply to all the colleges/centers in the District.) AVOID PLAGIARISM: A good rule is to enclose in quotes any phrase of two or three words or more taken from another source and to document it. Anyone who doesn’t know how to document his or her work should consult the instructor and/or an MCC Writing Center tutor for help. Since all students at the college level, especially in ENG 101 and ENG 102 (or ENG 107 and ENG 108), are supposed to have reading and comprehension skills adequate for understanding the above definition and for fulfilling the requirements of these courses, instructors believe that plagiarism is intolerable.
Enrollment, Registration, and Transfer Issues
The Academic Advisor When you enroll at MCC, you will meet with an academic advisor at International Education. Your academic advisor will help you select your classes and plan your program, and may also monitor your progress. Immigration 25
Course Registration Your advisor will help guide you through the registration process. Ultimately, you will be able to register yourself using the online system, but initially it is wise to meet with your advisor and review the classes you plan to take. Community College to the University Increasingly, international students are looking at community colleges as their gateway to the university. Like their American classmates, they are discovering that many of these unique schools have outstanding programs, transferable credits, reasonable fees, and supportive environments. These factors are so attractive that over 40 percent of the U.S. undergraduate population can be found in the classrooms of America’s two-year colleges. MCC has very strong transfer articulation agreements with the Arizona state universities and several private universities in the United States. These contracts specify which courses transfer automatically from one institution to the other and, therefore, can be counted toward the four-year degree.
Credit Transfer When choosing colleges to which you wish to transfer, consider how many of the courses you have taken will transfer from your current to your new institution. The system of recognition for work completed at the original institution is called “credit transfer.”
Students are required to take three main types of courses in order to earn a U.S. degree: general education requirements, requirements for the major field of study, and electives. Courses that are transferred from the original institution to the transfer institution must fit into one of these three categories if they are to count toward the requirements for the degree. The College Handbook for Transfer Students offers suggestions for ways that students can maximize their transfer credits. Advice includes: F Take any required general education courses during your first two years of study. F Take any prerequisites for your major at your original institution, as these will help you get accepted into another college, particularly if your major is highly competitive. Prerequisites are preparatory courses that are required before you can start studying for the major itself. F Plan to take the majority of the courses required for your major after you arrive at the transfer institution, as these are more difficult to transfer. F If you are studying at a community college, work closely with your academic adviser in planning your course schedule and take courses designated as “transfer courses.”
In addition, to make the transfer process run as smoothly as possible, you are advised to: F Make sure all academic records provided are official and bear the original stamp or seal of the issuing institution. Do not open a sealed envelope. F Submit course descriptions in English for all postsecondary courses taken.
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Academic Terms
Associate Degree: A two-year degree from a community college, equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree. Add/Drop: A process at the beginning of the term whereby students can delete or add classes with an instructor's permission. Class Number: A five (5) digit number that indicates the time and location for each class (see your class schedule) College catalog: An official publication giving information about a university's academic programs, facilities, entrance requirements, and student life. Course Number: A number that follows the course abbreviation is the subject code. For example, ENG 101 is the subject for the code English 101. Higher numbers usually indicate a more advanced course. Credit Hour: An academic unit that measures the weight or load of a class. Usually, for one hour spent in the class per week, you will receive one credit if you successfully pass the class. Generally, one needs at least 60 credits for an associate degree from a community college and 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. Course load: The number of courses or credits taken in a specific term. Degree: Diploma or title conferred by a college upon completion of a prescribed program of studies. Elective: A class that you choose to take that is not part of your major or minor. Electives usually count toward your graduation requirements. Fee: A charge of institutional services that is not part of tuition. For example, MCC charges each student a $15 registration fee every semester. Some courses require additional fees. Freshman: A first-year student who has completed less than 30 credit hours unless in a professional program. General Education: Classes that all students must take, usually in the first and second year unless in a professional program. For example, all students must take English and math. Grade Point Average: (GPA) The average grade value factored by the credit hours. Honors: All MCC students who completed at least 12 credit hours of courses numbered 100 or higher in a given semester with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Incomplete: A grade on a student’s grade report that means the student’s work in the was not complete. Usually there is a time limit on finishing the work before the grade changes to a failure (F). See “Grading System” on the following page. Immigration 27
MEID: It is your “username,” an alphabetical and numerical identification number you will use to log in to your My.maricopa.edu, Blackboard, and GoogleApps accounts. Major: The field or career you want to study. For example, business, psychology, engineering, and computer science are majors. Prerequisite: A course of proficiency that is required before you can register for a higher level course. For example, a grade of “C” or better in Math 120 is the prerequisite for Math 150. Probation: Students whose GPA falls below a certain level will be placed on probation. Students on probation may not take more than 12 credit hours per semester. Students who remain on probation cannot graduate. Developmental Class: At MCC, this is a class with a course number less than 100. These classes help students prepare for higher-level courses, but will not count toward graduation. They are credit bearing and count toward your GPA. Requirement: A class that you must take for general education or as a part of your major. Sophomore: A student who has completed 30 credit hours or more but who has not completed an associate degree. Suspension: A student on probation who fails to raise the GPA will be placed on academic suspension for one semester. Transcript: A complete record of a student’s academic work is an official university transcript. There is usually a charge for an official transcript. A student can request an unofficial transcript free of charge, but it cannot be used to transfer credits to another institution. Tuition: The amount of money charged for a credit hour. To calculate your tuition, multiply your credit hours by the tuition charged per credit as an international student. Undergraduate studies: Two-year or four-year programs at a college or university, undertaken after secondary school graduation and leading to the associate or bachelor's degree. Withdrawal: The administrative procedure of dropping a course or leaving a university. Resource: http://www.educationusa.info/pages/students/research-references-glossary.php
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Instructional Grievance Process (AR 2.3.5 & APPENDIX S6)
A student, who feels that he or she has been treated unfairly or unjustly by a faculty member with regard to an academic process such as grading, testing, or assignments, has the right to appeal according to the approved procedures. The appeal process for grades expires one year from the date the grade was issued. Steps outlining the process are available in Appendix S-6.
A student who feels that he/she has been treated unfairly or unjustly by a faculty member (full-time or part time) with regard to an academic process such as grading, testing or assignments, should discuss the issue first with the faculty member involved. This conference should be requested by the student within fifteen (15) working days from the time the student knew or reasonably should have known about the unfair or unjust treatment.
This instructional grievance process should not be utilized in a case in which a student feels he/she has experienced discrimination. If the student feels that he/she has experienced discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation, the student should refer to the Discrimination Complaint Procedures for Students as administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Steps for students to follow:
1. If, within ten (10) working days of the request for the conference with faculty member, the problem is not resolved or the faculty member has been unable to meet with the student, the student may continue the process by filing a written complaint with the Department/Division Chairperson and appropriate administrative officer at the college/center. This written complaint must be filed within ten working days following the previous deadline. The written complaint will be given to the faculty member five days before any official meetings are convened.
2. Upon receipt of a written complaint, the Department/Division Chair or appropriate college administrative officer will work with the parties in an attempt to resolve the conflict. The faculty may ask that the College Faculty Senate President be in attendance. Every attempt will be made to maintain confidentiality during this process. A faculty member will not be required to respond to a complaint which is not in writing and which, when appropriate, did not have specific documentation including dates, times, materials, etc. The written complaint will be made available to the faculty member.
3. If the grievance is not resolved at this level within ten working days, the student should forward to vice president of academic affairs or designee, a copy of the original written complaint with an explanation regarding action taken at each prior level. The dean of instruction or appropriate college/center administrative officer will meet with the student, faculty member, the College Faculty Senate President if requested by the faculty member, and Department/Division Chair and attempt to resolve the issues. This level will be the final step in any grievance process regarding grades.
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4. If the grievance, other than those concerning grades, is not resolved by the vice president of academic affairs or designee, it may be forwarded in writing by the student to the college president for final resolution. The college president or designee will issue a final written determination in the grievance process.
Note: The appeal process for grades expires one year from the date the grade was issued. The appeal process for grades expires one year from the date the grade was issued.
Student Support Services
There are several student support centers available at MCC to help students succeed in their educational endeavor. The following are Student Services departments that all students are encouraged to visit in case students need their services. These support services are free of charge and are available on a first come-first-service basis or by making appointments.
The Academic Skills Center (EF1) (480) 461-7989 This part of the Learning Enhancement Center provides tutoring and computer-assisted instruction for students taking Communication, English, English-as-a-Second-Language, and Reading courses below the 100-level.
Career Re-entry Center (building 36) (480) 461-7590 This office can help undecided students select a major. There are a variety of tests student can take that will help them identify their interests, skills, etc. to match the best jobs suited for them based on test results. Students can also do research on careers and retrieve information such as salaries, responsibilities, best cities & states for some jobs, etc. This office also has listings of jobs available on campus for students looking for a job. F-1 students can ONLY apply for “Tax BUDGET” positions.
Counseling Department (building 36) (480) 461-7588 If you are experiencing personal problems that are affecting your studies, you are encouraged to visit with a counselor in the Counseling Department for assistance.
International Education Office (building NU6) (480) 461-7756 This office offer support for all current and prospective international students who may need assistance or information in the following areas: admission, immigration, health insurance, housing, on-campus employment, academic advising, income tax filing, university transfer, and English as a second language classes. This office provides support to International Student Association (ISA). The International Education Office also fosters global understanding by providing support services and programming that enhance the international efforts o MCC. It develops academic, personal and cultural growth; supports scholars with international endeavors and faculty study abroad programs by preparing cross-cultural materials and scholarships; provides intercultural training and leadership for the campus and community, and serve as a resource for campus international initiatives.
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Learning Enhancement Center - Library (building 11) (480) 461-7678 The Learning Enhancement Center (LEC), located on the first floor of the Paul A. Elsner Library, provides free tutoring in most subjects and other academic support services to help MCC students succeed and excel in their coursework. The LEC provides one-on-one and group tutoring with professional and peer tutors, study skill workshops, computer-assisted instruction, and study groups. Tutoring is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis at several locations. On the Southern and Dobson campus, there are eight centers: the Elsner Library Center; the Biology Center (Nu146); the Math/Science/CSC Center (Building 7); the Music Center (Building 43); the Physical Sciences Center (Building 8); and the PIRC Center (Building 42). The Academic Skills Center (EF1) provides tutoring and computer-assisted instruction for students taking Communication, English, English-as-a-Second- Language, and Reading courses below the 100-level. The *Math Skills Center* (MS 115) provides tutoring for students taking mathematics courses up through MAT122. At the Red Mountain campus,
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Housing
Mesa Community College does not have on-campus housing, but Student Life and Leadership maintains a list of apartment complexes with contact numbers. Also, the bulletin boards located in the cafeteria are always covered with places for rent or sale. The boards are also a good place to find furniture for sale and it is a source for used textbooks, jobs, pets… you name it!
Another option is to contact OvECS, Overseas Educational Consulting & Services, to be placed with an American host family. This option includes two meals a day and a fantastic way to develop English skills as well as be submersed in American culture. Learn more about this option by visiting wwww.azhomestay.com or calling 480.633.8191.
Money Matters and Banking Transferring Money You will need a large amount of money to cover your annual expenses. When transferring money, use a bank check drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars or a “wire transfer from your bank at home to your local U.S. bank.” Banks can also provide debit cards, which allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using an automated teller machine (ATM) and to make purchases. It is important NOT to carry large amounts of money with you.
Opening a Checking Account One of the first things you should do after you arrive in the United States is establish a bank account. Most local banks want you to come into a branch to set up your U.S. banking account. International students will be required to present a passport as identification. To prevent problems, always mail checks, never mail cash. The check is proof of the transaction.
Checking accounts (called “current accounts” in many countries) are a way to keep your money safe and still allow easy access to it. Checks are an easy way to pay bills, especially by mail. Never send cash through the mail.
Almost all American banks now offer banking privileges 24 hours a day through “automatic teller machines” or ATMs.
Having a bankcard is very convenient, since it can be used all over the United States and even in other countries connected to the same banking system. Bankcards from other countries can also be used in the United States as long as they function on one of the banking networks used in the United States.
Tipping
In the United States, tips (gratuities) are not automatically added to bills, as is customary in some other countries. Even if tipping remains a personal choice, it is usually expected when certain services are provided. You should be aware that the people who commonly receive tips are paid a wage that is lower than those who do not receive tips. They depend upon tips for a significant part, sometimes the majority, of their income. The average tip is usually 15 percent, but it can vary depending on the extent and the quality of the service provided. Immigration 32
Eating Out: The expected tip in a restaurant is 15 or 20 percent in a good restaurant with excellent service. You should leave your tip on the table for the waiter or waitress as you leave. If you pay with a credit card, you can add the tip to the credit card charges before you total the bill. In a fast-food restaurant no tip is expected. In a cafeteria or a self-service restaurant no tip is expected. Restaurants in the United States range from inexpensive “fast-food” to very expensive restaurants.
Taxi Drivers: It is customary to give 10 to 15 percent of the total fare.
Airport and Hotel Porters: It is customary to give $1.00 for each bag.
Barbers, Hairdressers, and Beauticians: They usually are tipped 10 to 15 percent of the bill.
Valet Parking: The attendant should usually receive $1.00 to $2.00.
Never offer a tip to public officials, police officers, or government employees. This is against the law in the United States.
Mailing Address Before you leave home, give your correct mailing address in the United States to family and friends who will be writing to you. Be sure to include the “zip code.” A zip code is a five-digit number identifying the postal zone in which the address lies.
For more information on the postal service in the United States, consult the U.S. Postal Service’s Web site at http://www.usps.gov.
Transportation
Bus- Get a copy of the Busbook at the MCC Bookstore or the Kirk Center. The Busbook contains information about bus routes, schedules, and fares. Finding bus routes near your home is usually pretty easy, but the times may not always be convenient. Also find information about the transit system at www.valleymetro.org.
Car and Driver License- You can drive a car with an International Driver License and your home country driver license, but it may be difficult to get car insurance without an Arizona license. To obtain an Arizona license, go to the nearest office of the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicles Division (MVD), Driver License Information, 602-255-0072. Make sure you carry your passport and your I-20 to satisfy the requirement for two forms of identification (For the complete information, see http://www.azdot.gov). Also, bring at least $25 to cover the fee. You can use check or cash. A vision test is required, so bring your glasses. Along with the vision test, you will be asked to take a written test and possibly a driving test based on information found in the Arizona Driver License Manual.
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Remember; NEVER drive a car in the United States without a valid driver license or current car insurance. It is against the LAW!
Traffic Laws- Know and obey traffic laws. When you apply for a driver’s license, you will be given a book with all the traffic laws of the state in it. Learn these laws and obey them
Automobile Insurance: Automobile insurance is mandatory, but the amount of coverage required varies from state to state.
Bicycles- Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, even for a few minutes.
Personal Safety
Unfortunately, as everywhere else in the world, there is crime in the United States. You should be especially careful until you know the campus and are familiar with the community.
• In some areas it is not safe to walk alone at night. Always ask someone to accompany you if you are unsure about going somewhere on your own. • Be sure that all doors and windows in your home and/or car are locked when you leave. Never leave valuables, especially cash or credit cards, sitting in the open, even if the door is locked. • Do not carry large amounts of cash with you or wear jewelry of great value. • Never accept a ride from a stranger. Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers. • Be careful with your purse or wallet, especially in crowded metropolitan areas where there are purse-snatchers and pickpockets. • If a robber threatens you at home or on the street, try not to resist unless you feel that your life is in danger and you must fight or run away. Report this crime to the police right away and give your best description of the attacker.
School Activities
Become a part of the campus by participating in activities.
Clubs are an excellent way to meet people who share your interests, to make friends, to learn new things, and to have fun. There are student organizations for almost every interest and purpose, from the academic to the purely social. If you are interested in the activities of a certain club, attend a meeting. The International Student Association is a wonderful club that many F-1s join.
Cultural Activities: Events such as plays, concerts, films, lectures, and art exhibitions are advertised online, in the school newspaper, and on bulletin boards on campus.
Sports: MCC has several sports teams including football, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, and much more. The spirit and excitement of the games are a large part of campus life. Immigration 34
Language
Speaking a foreign language in a classroom is one thing, but living in a society where you have to use this language on a daily basis is completely different. Here are some language problems you may encounter while in the United States:
Ø You might not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the United States. Fortunately, the Accent in AZ tends to be neutral.
Ø Americans might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent and you might use a different vocabulary. Try to speak slowly at first to make sure you are understood.
Ø Americans use a lot of slang jargon and acronyms in their speech. Humor, wit, and sarcasm are an integral part of American English.
Give yourself time to adapt to the language and do not hesitate to ask people to repeat what they have said, speak slowly, or explain what they mean.
Culture Shock
Culture shock is the process of adjusting to a new country and a new culture, which may be dramatically different from your own. You no longer see the familiar signs and faces of home. Climate, food, and landscapes, as well as people and their ways all seem strange to you. Your English may not be as good as you expected. You may suffer, to an unexpected degree, from the pressures of U.S. academic life and the fast pace of life. If you feel this way, do not panic. Culture shock is a normal reaction. As you become adjusted to U.S. culture and attitudes and begin to know your way around, you will start to adapt to and understand your new surroundings and way of life. International students experience culture shock in varying degrees; some hardly notice it at all, while others find it very difficult to adapt. There are usually four stages of culture shock that you will experience.
The “Honeymoon” Stage: The first few weeks in your new home will be very exciting. Everything will be new and interesting, and you will likely be so busy getting settled and starting classes that you may hardly notice that you miss home.
Irritability and Hostility: As you begin to realize that you are not on vacation and that this is where you live, you might experience anger and hostility. Sometimes you may feel hostile toward Americans and their way of doing things, and even trivial irritations may cause hostility to flare.
Understanding and Adjustment: In time you will come to better understand your new environment and will find, maybe even unconsciously, that you are adjusting to your new home. You will experience less frequent feelings of hostility and irritability.
Integration and Acceptance: Finally, you will find that you have come to feel that, at least on some level, you consider your university and your new town, your home. You will have made friends and will feel that your community accepts you just as you have accepted it. Immigration 35
The length and intensity of each stage depends upon the individual, but no one escapes it completely. The important thing to remember is that you are not the only one experiencing these feelings. Many others before you have gone through it, and there are others all around you who are dealing with culture shock. Below are some of the common symptoms of culture shock and some suggestions to help you get over these hurdles.
Homesickness: You miss your homeland, your family, and your friends. You frequently think of home, call or write letters to your family and friends often, and maybe even cry a lot. It is good to keep in contact with home, but do not let this get in the way of meeting new friends and enjoying your new home. Make an effort to meet new people, in your residence hall, in class, and through the international student center. You might also want to join a committee, interest group, or sports team on campus or in your city. Find one thing with which you are comfortable —for example, music, food, or an activity—and make this the starting point toward making yourself feel at home in America.
Hostility: Minor irritations make you unusually angry, and you feel life in the United States is the cause of your problem. You feel your expectations have not been met. It takes time to get used to life in a foreign country and many things need to be relearned. Be patient and ask questions when you feel you do not understand. Maybe your expectations were too high or too low, and you need to readjust your perception of what it means to live and study in the United States. Talk to your international student adviser and try to find ways around the problems that are angering you.
Dependence: You become dependent on fellow nationals, friends, or your international student adviser and feel you cannot achieve anything by yourself. You are scared of doing things by yourself without somebody else’s help or approval. It is good to have people you can depend on for the first few days. However, at the same time, you should gradually take on the challenges and “do it yourself.” It is all right to make mistakes and to learn from them. You should also try to make various types of friends, not just your fellow nationals, to fully take advantage of your American educational experience.
Loss of self-confidence: You feel everything you do is wrong, that nobody understands you, that you have trouble making friends. You start to question the way you dress and think because you are afraid you won’t fit in.
If you feel everything you do is wrong, ask for feedback from someone you can trust, such as a friend or your international student adviser. What may be wrong is not how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. You should not be worried about the way you look, act, or think. The United States is a very diverse country and Americans are used to people with different looks or ways of behaving. Most important, do not lose your sense of humor.
Values shock: You might find yourself facing situations that are not accepted in your culture and have trouble getting accustomed to them. For example, relationships between men and women, the informality of American life, political or religious attitudes, or the social behavior of Americans may seem amoral or unacceptable to you.
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Look for information on the things that surprise you or make you feel uncomfortable, and try to remain flexible, respectful, and open-minded. This can be a great occasion to learn more about topics that might be less popular or taboo in your country. Try to enjoy the new cultural diversity and the various cultural points of view. It might be helpful to talk to someone from the same culture or religion who has been living in the United States for a while to discuss how this person has dealt with values shock.
Other strategies to cope with the stress of culture shock include: Ø Make sure you know what to expect before you arrive. Carefully read this guide and other books and magazines on the United States to find out more about American life and customs. It would be a good idea also to read up a bit on U.S. history to find out more about American people, their government, their national heroes, their holidays, and so on. This will help you orient yourself physically and mentally when you arrive in the United States.
Ø Eat well, sleep well, and take good care of yourself.
Ø Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and tension. Join a sports club or pursue some outdoor activities.
Ø Find some time to walk around your new neighborhood. This might help you develop a sense of home as you find the local stores, parks, activity centers, and so on. Try to carry a small map of the city with you so you will not get needlessly lost very often.
Ø Keep in touch with family and friends to tell them about your experiences.
Ø Take some time to relax. Listen to music, read a book not related to your studies, and go to bed early once in a while.
Ø Do not lose your sense of humor. Laugh at your mistakes rather than getting depressed about them.
“I had a lot of trouble at first getting adapted to living in the USA. What frustrated me most was that I did not know how even the simplest things worked! For example, I had never used an American-style washing machine before and ended up ruining some of my best clothing. It took me a long time also to get used to the American bank system, since I had never used automated teller machines or personal checks. Other simple things like temperatures and measurements, for example, were difficult to understand because Americans do not use the metric system like in my country. Sometimes I felt like a real idiot, and that made me quite depressed. But after a while, I could do all these things without even thinking about it. I guess I just had to give myself a bit of time to learn.” — Diana, Bulgaria
Health and Wellness
Arizona is known for its hot, daytime temperatures, low humidity, intense sunlight, interesting desert creatures, and unique vegetation. You might have an upset stomach or other digestive problems in Immigration 37 the first few days as your body adapts to the climate and the food. Here are a few tips to help you adjust. Ø Take it easy for the first few days or a week. Your body will need to rest if it is to adapt to local conditions. Ø Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Ø Wear a hat on sunny days to avoid sunstroke and use sunscreen to protect your skin against sunburn. Ø Get enough sleep. Ø Wash your hands often and do not rub your eyes to avoid coming in contact and being infected with various viruses. Ø Medication for headaches, colds, upset stomach, minor injuries, and other ailments is readily available. Ø Contact your international student advisor to find the location of the nearest medical clinic. Ø Do not touch or step on a scorpion.
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LIVING IN ARIZONA
10 Ways to help Cultural Adjustment
1. Stay in touch with your family and friends at home. Write letters, make telephone calls (keeping in mind the expense of an overseas call), and remember anniversaries and holidays.
2. Keep up with what is going on at home. Have your family send local newspapers from time to time, or buy them here if they are available.
3. Make friends with people who are from your home country. There are several ways you could do this: Talk to your International Student Advisor about locating students from your country. Join International Student Association on campus or attend activities organized by the group.
4. Participate in sports or other activities on campus which you participated in at home or that interest you. Talk to the staff members in the Student Activities Office or the Athletics Office.
5. Find restaurants that serve food you are accustomed to having at home, or buy ingredients from a local food store which will enable you to make dishes you had at home.
6. Get involved in activities at your college or university and the surrounding community like ISA. Get to know Americans and try to understand and appreciate their culture while sharing your own.
7. Do not expect too much of yourself to start with. It is unlikely that you will do as well in your studies, as you did at home, in your first few months here. You are dealing with another language, a different academic method, and many other new situations. Make allowances for yourself.
8. If you do not like your new surroundings and find a lot to criticize, try and think of one thing each day which you can find to like about this new environment.
9. Talk to those who understand about cultural adjustment and culture shock: friends who have already experienced the same thing, your International Student Advisor, or the College Counselor. These people want to help you through this experience and see you succeed.
10. Keep your self-respect and concentrate on the long term advantages of studying in the U.S. Keep your sense of humor. Culture shock will pass.
Stephens, J. (1992) NAFSA Region XI
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Holidays January 1st New Year’s Day: Usually celebrated December 31 at midnight. Family and friends get together and celebrate. 3rd Monday Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (Campus closed): Observed in honor of the 1960’s civil rights leader. It is usually celebrated with parades and marches. February 14th Valentine’s Day: Friends, sweethearts and family exchange cards of affection. 3rd Monday Presidents’ Day (Campus closed): Observed in honor of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the most famous presidents of the U.S. March 17th St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrating Irish traditions.
March or April Easter Sunday: The first Sunday following the first ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or after the day of the vernal equinox (March 21st). A holy day for Christians celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families also celebrate with children by hiding decorated eggs, on behalf of the “Easter Bunny,” for them to hunt. May 2nd Sunday Mother’s Day: In appreciation of all mothers. Last Monday Memorial Day (Campus closed): In recognition of those who have died in wars or others who have passed away. Family and friends often place flowers on graves. June 2nd Sunday Father’s Day: In appreciation of all fathers.
July 4th Independence Day (Campus closed): Celebrating the day the U.S. declared independence from Britain. Celebrated with parades, picnics and fireworks displays. September 1st Monday Labor Day (Campus closed): Honoring all working people.
October 31st Halloween: a day for children to dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for treats. November 11th Veterans’ Day (Campus closed): Honoring war veterans. 4th Thursday Thanksgiving Day (Campus closed): A day of remembering the first successful fall harvest of immigrants and Native Americans in 1621. Families and friends unite to give thanks and celebrate by having a feast with roast turkey as the main course. December 25th Christmas: During this holiday Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time for family and relatives to get together and exchange gifts. Many children are encouraged to believe that “Santa Claus” brings the gifts. Immigration 40
Useful Websites Mesa Community College: www.mesacc.edu www.mesacc.edu/international-education
ICE SEVIS information http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm
Social Security Number information: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html
Foreign Consular Offices in the United States: www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco
State of Arizona (weather, community, activities, etc.): www.arizonaguide.com http://phoenix.cox.net/
Arizona Republic (state newspaper): www.arizonarepublic.com
Department of Transportation in Arizona: http://www.azdot.gov/
U.S. Telephone Directory: www.qwest.com
Arizona State University: www.asu.edu
Shopping site that allows you to name your own price for many products and services: www.priceline.com
The World Clock www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/difference.html
Time Zone Converter www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc
Currency Converter / Exchange Rates www.oanda.com/convert/classic