Interexchange | Inside the USA Handbook
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Table of Contents Chapter 1 Welcome to InterExchange 1.1 Inside the USA – A Resource for Participants 1 1.2 About InterExchange 1 1.3 InterExchange Programs 1 Chapter 2 Pre-Departure Information 2.1 Improve Your English Language Skills 3 2.2 Airline Baggage Allowance 3 2.3 What to Bring With You 3 2.4 What to Leave at Home 3 Chapter 3 U.S. Culture & Culture Shock 3.1 U.S. Culture 4 3.2 Characteristics of U.S. Culture 4 3.3 Signs of Culture Shock 5 3.4 How to Cope with Culture Shock 5 3.5 Take Care of Yourself 5 3.6 Important Note for Non-Native English Speakers 6 Chapter 4 Money in the U.S. 4.1 U.S. Money 7 4.2 Traveler’s Checks 7 4.3 Banks 8 4.4 Credit Cards 8 4.5 Sending Money Home 8 Chapter 5 The U.S. Postal Service 5.1 U.S. Mail 10 Chapter 6 The Telephone System in the United States 6.1 How to Make a Call 11 Chapter 7 Other Helpful Information 7.1 Laws & the Drinking Age in the U.S. 13 7.2 Personal Safety 13 7.3 Temperatures in the United States 14 7.4 Metric Equivalents 14 7.5 Tipping 14 7.6 Sales Tax 14 Chapter 8 Driving in the United States 8.1 Driving in the United States 15 8.2 Local Departments of Motor Vehicles 15 8.3 International Driver’s License 15 8.4 Foreign Driver’s License 15 (Your Home Country Driver’s License) 8.5 Obtaining a Driver’s License in the U.S. 15 8.6 What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident 16 Chapter 9 Travel Information 9.1 Directions to the InterExchange Office in New York City 17 9.2 Traveling to and From New York Area Airports 17 9.3 Traveling After Your Work Commitment 19 9.4 Traveling by Plane 20 9.5 Traveling by Bus 20 9.6 Traveling by Train 20 9.7 Traveling by Car 21 9.8 Hitchhiking 22 9.9 Budget Tours and Transport 22 Chapter 10 Accommodations 10.1 Finding Accommodations During Your Travel Period 23 10.2 Hostelling International (AYH) 23 10.3 Budget Accommodations In New York City 23 10.4 Budget Accommodations Outside New York City 24 Chapter 11 Exiting and Returning to the United States 11.1 Traveling Outside of the U.S. 27 11.2 Visiting Canada 27 11.3 Visiting Mexico 28 11.4 Visiting Countries Other Than Canada and Mexico 28 11.5 Consulates and Embassies in the United States 28 Chapter 12 While in New York City 12.1 Exploring New York City 29 12.2 Big Apple Bargains 30 12.3 Free Events and Attractions in New York City 30 12.4 Attractions Under $20 in New York City 32 12.5 Nightlife in New York City 34 12.6 New York City Internet Access 35 Please note that all information in this booklet is subject to change without notice. If you have questions about any of the subjects covered, please contact the InterExchange office for guidance. s Keep in touch! InterExchange 161 6th Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10013 1.212.924.0446 www.InterExchange.org Like us on Facebook ``InterExchange Work & Travel USA ``InterExchange Camp USA ``InterExchange Career Training USA Join our Linkedin groups ``InterExchange Work & Travel USA Alumni Group ``InterExchange U.S. Internships and Training Programs for International Candidates Follow us on Twitter ``InterExchangeUS ``worktravel Chapter 1 - Welcome and Introduction 1.1 Inside the USA – A Resource for Participants Inside the USA will help to support, help, and protect you during your stay in the United States. Much of the information, such as recognizing culture shock, will help you during the early days of your program, while other information, such as budget accommodations in the U.S., may be more useful at later stages during your program. Keep this handbook throughout your program for helpful tips and contact information, and always refer to the InterExchange website www. InterExchange.org for the most up-to-date information. 1.2 About InterExchange InterExchange is your J-1 Visa sponsor. Our company is a non-profit organization with more than 40 years of experience dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of affordable and exciting work & travel, professional training, internship, au pair, camp, language learning and volunteer programs within the U.S. and abroad. InterExchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor a variety of J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor programs. As a proud J-1 Visa sponsor and cultural exchange organization, we encourage our participants and professional colleagues to learn about The Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961 also known as the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. This important act enables the Government of the United States to: ``increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange; ``strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world; ``promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement and thus assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world. 1.3 InterExchange Programs Au Pair USA is a 12-month program that gives young people, ages 18-26, the opportunity to experience the U.S. by living with an American host family and providing child care. In return for their services, au pairs receive room, board, a weekly stipend, accident and sickness insurance, airfare and up to $500 to use toward college-level educational courses. This program can be extended for an additional 6, 9 or 12 months after successfully completing the original 12-month program. Camp USA places international participants, ages 19-28, in U.S. summer camps in counselor or support staff positions. InterExchange also sponsors visas for returning staff or for participants who have found their own camp jobs. The IEX-PH01-0212 1 Inside the USA Camp Counselor J-1 Visa is a 4-month visa that generally lasts from May until September. Career Training USA assists international students and young professionals, ages 18-38, with J-1 Visa sponsorship for internships and practical training programs in the U.S. Candidates may apply for the J-1 Visa internship option if they have already secured a position in the U.S., or they may apply to be placed with an employer through the Internship Placement Program. International students and recent graduates may work as Interns and pursue an internship for up to 12 months in a field related to their academic field of study. International working professionals may apply as Trainees and pursue training programs for up to 18 months in a field related to their occupational background. To be eligible, participants’ education and work experience must have been earned outside of the U.S. Work & Travel USA offers international university students, ages 18-28, the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. for up to 4 months during their summer vacation. Students work in hotels, inns, amusement parks, national parks, retail stores and ski resorts. They receive a wage, assistance with housing, accident and sickness insurance, program support and an optional month for travel to explore the United States. Work & Travel USA also offers a 12-month program for citizens of Australia and New Zealand. Working Abroad enables U.S. citizens, ages 18-30, to experience diverse work experiences overseas. Opportunities include Au Pair, English language instruction, work and volunteer abroad placements. We offer programs in Australia, Africa, Asia, South America and various European countries. The InterExchange Foundation was established in 2007 to provide grants to motivated young Americans who want to contribute to worthy work or volunteer abroad opportunities. The Working Abroad Grant supports participants of select InterExchange Working Abroad programs, and the Christianson Grant supports individuals who have sought out and arranged their own work abroad programs. Many students study abroad every year, but far fewer take advantage of the opportunity to work, intern, or volunteer overseas. By providing financial assistance to talented candidates, we hope to encourage young Americans to discover the world and benefit from the unique and enriching insights one can only gain from living and working abroad. Inside the USA 2 IEX-PH01-0212 Chapter 2 - Pre-Departure Information 2.1 Improve Your English Language Skills Part of your cultural exchange experience is being able to interact and talk to people in the U.S. Speaking English will be the most important tool for you to be able to fully engage and learn about American customs and practices. It is a good idea to practice English as much as possible before you arrive in the U.S., as it will help you adapt more quickly. ``Take an English language course before the start of your program. ``Watch English language television or movies; listen to English language radio broadcasts; read English language newspapers, books or magazines. ``Practice, practice, practice! Speak English as often as possible and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Most native English speakers will be happy to help you choose the right words. 2.2 Airline Baggage Allowance Be sure to check with your airline on how many pieces of luggage you may bring, the size, and weight of those pieces and cost per bag.