U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE / May 2010VOLUME 15 / NUMBER 5

http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html
International Information Programs:
Coordinator		
Executive Editor		Director of Publications

Daniel Sreebny
Jonathan Margolis
Michael Jay Friedman

Editor-in-Chief		
Managing Editor		
Contributing Editor		Production Manager		Designer 		Richard W. Huckaby
Bruce Odessey
Nadia Shairzay
Janine Perry
Chloe D. Ellis

Photo Editor		
Cover Design		
Graphics Designer		
Reference Specialists						Maggie Johnson Sliker
Diane Woolverton
Vincent Hughes
Stephanie Joyce
Martin Manning
Nadia Shairzay

Cover: © Joseph Pobereskin/Mira.com

The Bureau of International Information Programs of the
U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly electronic
journal under the eJournal USA logo. These journals
examine major issues facing the United States and theinternational community, as well as U.S. society, values,
thought, and institutions.
Twelve journals are published annually in English,
followed by versions in French, Portuguese, Russian, andSpanish. Selected editions also appear in Arabic, Chinese,and Persian. Each journal is catalogued by volume andnumber.
The opinions expressed in the journals do not necessarilyreflect the views or policies of the U.S. government. The
U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility forthe content and continued accessibility of Internet sites
to which the journals link; such responsibility resides
solely with the publishers of those sites. Journal articles,
photographs, and illustrations may be reproduced andtranslated outside the United States unless they carry
explicit copyright restrictions, in which case permission
must be sought from the copyright holders noted in thejournal.
The Bureau of International Information Programs
maintains current and back issues in several electronic
formats, as well as a list of upcoming journals, at
http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html.
Comments are welcome at your local U.S. Embassy or at
the editorial offices:
Editor, eJournal USA
IIP/PUBJ
U.S. Department of State
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0501
USA
E-mail: eJournalUSA@state.gov

About This Issue

During a November 2009 visit to China,
President Obama issued an invitation to thosegathered for a Shanghai town hall meeting. “Ihope that many of you have the opportunity to come andtravel and visit the United States,” he said. “You will bewelcome.”Every year tens of millions of people do visit theUnited States. Some come to see the big cities or to
explore the nation’s vast natural beauty. Others come to
get an education, or to clinch a business deal.
The U.S. government and the American people areglad to receive these guests. The Department of State is
working hard to speed and simplify the visa process, andcitizens of the 36 countries in the Visa Waiver Program
need not apply for a visa at all for business or pleasurevisits of 90 days or fewer.
Of all the reasons for visiting the United States, thebest one is to meet people. They might lead you up alittle-known hiking trail for an exceptional view of Austin,
Texas. They might take you to the restaurant serving
the best lobster roll in Maine. Or they might give youa memory of some small kindness that you can share athome.

eJournal USA 1

				— The Editors

U.S. Department of State / May 2010 / Volume 15 / Number 5

http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.htm

See You in the USA
3 An Official Welcome
Janice L. Jacobs, U.S. Assistant Secretary ofState for Consular Affairs
More important than the money generated byforeign visitors is the understanding fostered amongpeople of different countries.

Information for Tourists
10

I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa

11

The Top 10 U.S. Destinations
Tanner Latham, Former Travel Editor ofSouthern Living Magazine
Overseas tourists make a few cities their top U.S.
destinations year after year for good reasons.

16

10 Other Worthy Destinations
Tanner Latham
Many foreign visitors miss out on U.S. cities loadedwith attractions.

20

Avoid Visa Scams

21

A Tourist Voice (China)
Wang Zheng

22

What If I Need Medical Care?

22

How Long Will It Take to Get My
Visa?

Information for Students
4 I Want to Apply for a Student Visa
5

A Student Voice (India)
Debarchana Basu

6 A Student Voice (Morocco)
Ali Biaz
7 The Problem with Top-Schools Lists
Burton Bollag, Former Correspondent for
The Chronicle of Higher Learning
Top-school lists never capture the immense
diversity of U.S. colleges and universities, orindicate the best fit between student and school.
8 A Student Voice (Iran)Rodin Hamidi
9 A Student Voice (Bangladesh)
Mohammad Nasim

23 10 Great American Sandwiches
Robb Walsh, Journalist and Food Writer
Unique and delicious variations of the sandwich arefound in different parts of the United States.

eJournal USA 2

An Official Welcome

Information for Business Travelers
26 I Want to Apply for a Business Visa
27 A Businessman’s Voice (Kenya)
Frederick Masinde Oyange
28 I Want to Apply for a Temporary
Work Visa
29 A Professional Voice (Nigeria)
Elizabeth Anche
What to Expect

journalist

Improving security, a sluggish economy, and theInternet all have changed, and in many ways
improved, the experience of foreigners traveling to
the United States.
32 Getting AroundJane Levere
Many foreign visitors will find that methods of travel
within the United States often differ from those withwhich they are familiar.
Some Estimated Travel Times

34

Getting Through Airport Security
Jane Levere
A first-person account.

35 Additional Resources

More important than the money generated by foreign visitors
is the understanding fostered among people of different
countries. Janice L. Jacobs is U.S. assistant secretary of state
for consular affairs.

T

30 Change in the Air
Jane Levere, Transportation and travel

33

Janice L. Jacobs

he renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow once
said, “The really crucial link in the international
communication chain is the last three feet, whichis bridged by personal contact — one person talking toanother.”
These last three feet — or about one meter — can be
the distance between two business leaders talking aboutclients at an international conference, or the distance
between two world leaders at the UN, or, quite often, thedistance between students in a classroom.
We gain invaluable knowledge about each otherwhen we sit side by side: an understanding of ourlanguages, our culture, our food, and our ideas andperceptions of one another’s countries.
America is a nation of immigrants, and we havealways welcomed visitors from all over the globe. We
must dedicate ourselves to protecting what we havealways known: that we are stronger as a nation when we
draw strength from the very best who come to our shores.
Our universities enjoy pre-eminence among
destination countries for international students and ourscientific institutions and commercial enterprises flourish
in a climate of open exchange across borders — weare determined to preserve these crucial benefits to theUnited States even as we work to strengthen security.
We are aware of the economic benefits to the UnitedStates generated by international visitors. In 2009, 54.9
million international visitors traveled to the United States
where they spent $121.1 billion. But we also understandthat more important than the money is the understanding
fostered by visits. We know that the best advertisement
for America is America. Welcome to our shores! n

eJournal USA 3

Information for Students

I Want to Apply for a Student Visa
What do I need to do before I apply?

A

fter a college or university accepts you, and before
you apply for a visa, your new school needs to send
you the form (I-20 or DS-2019) required for theeither the student or exchange visitor visa you need
and a document enrolling you in the Student andExchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS
is a Web-based information system that keeps track offoreign students. You must pay a SEVIS enrollment
fee; the fee for most students is $200 (as of May
2010). For more information on SEVIS, please see:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/.
How long before my classes start
should I apply?
You should apply early, up to 120 days before
classes start. Visa processing times vary from country
to country, but student visa and exchange visitor visa
applicants are given priority. Some visa applications
require additional processing, which could take up to
60 days.
Information about waiting times for schedulingan interview and processing your application isavailable at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
wait_4638.html.
What kind of visa should I apply for?
You should apply for an F-1 visa if you want tostudy at an accredited U.S. college or university or
to study English at a university or language institute.
You should apply for a J-1 visa if you are participating
in an educational or cultural exchange program. You
should apply for an M-1 visa if you are enrolled ina nonacademic or vocational program. For more
information on these types of visas, please see: http://
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1270.html.
What will it cost to obtain a visa?
You must pay the SEVIS fee: $200 for F-1 andM-1 visas and $180 for J-1 visas. You must also pay anonrefundable visa-processing fee of $140 (as of June2010). Also, depending on a reciprocal arrangement

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ournal USA
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between your country and the United States, you
might have to pay a visa issuing fee. Check to see
whether your country has a reciprocity fee at http://
travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.
What are the main steps in applying

for a visa?

First, you need to make an appointment for a visa
interview by consulting the Web site of the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate. See http://www.usembassy.
gov/.
For the interview you must assemble somedocuments. These include: (1) a passport valid beyond
your dates of travel; (2) the printed confirmation
page of a properly completed visa application (DS160, completed online); (3) the visa-qualifying
document supplied by your academic institution(I-20 or DS-2019); (4) the payment receipt for the
SEVIS fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm. photo, if not provided
with the DS-160 application. (Note: You must fillout the application forms and pay the application fee
before seeking an interview. Find the Web site visa
information specific to your country here: http://www.
usembassy.gov/.)
At the interview you must demonstrate that you
are a serious student who is well informed about theschool, has a well-developed plan of study, and knows
about the subject you plan to study. You also needto demonstrate that you plan to return home. Thismeans showing that you have a non-U.S. residence
and no immediate intention of abandoning it, intend
to depart from the United States upon completingyour studies, and have enough money for your firstyear of study.
See also Campus Connections [http://www.america.
gov/publications/ejournalusa/0809.html] and Collegeand University Education in the United States [http://
www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.html].

Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

A Student Voice (India)

Courtesy of Purdue Marketing and Media

Debarchana Basu

The Loeb Fountain with University Hall in the background at Purdue
University.

Debarchana Basu came to the United States from India tostudy linguistics at Purdue University in Indiana.

T

he euphoric adrenaline rush after receiving theacceptance letter from Purdue University wasquickly replaced by agonized trepidations of thedreaded last step: an early-morning appointment at the
U.S. consulate in Kolkata, India. I had to take that step
before boarding my first international flight to fulfill the
dreams of higher education in one of the most prestigious
universities in the United States.
After a month of frenzied packing and emotional
adios to family and friends, I landed in Chicago O’Hare
International Airport on a gorgeous August afternoon after
travelling 22 hours over two continents and an ocean:wide eyed, awestruck, tired, and excited.
After seven years, now I am on the verge of moving
on, stepping back into the world with impressive degrees
and the best of academic education. Beyond that I havelearned far more important lessons for life: a self-education
to be responsible, grow up, find myself, and realize who

I am. Academia in the United States has offered me not
only the best in scholarship but also an inspiration to be agenuine, honest, concerned world citizen.
In the linguistics program at Purdue, I have had theprivilege of being exposed to state-of-the-art researchfacilities and libraries, interacting with eminent scholars
in the field, practicing independence of thought andpursuing original ideas thanks to endless support andencouragement from the faculty and my peers. The
experience of teaching undergraduates, of exploring thepotentials of other young minds has been a rewarding one.
Graduate living over the years has been a myriadof experiences: sharing apartments to living alone, newfriends, course-loaded semesters, midnight birthday
celebrations, and more. There were many memorable
firsts: the first day as an undergraduate instructor, first
conference presentation, first credit card, first laptop(the bills came later!), a driver’s license, first bus trip to
Chicago, fireworks over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, myfirst own car, Chinese buffet, and sushi, the first snow
(and snowblading!), and my first visit to a Starbucks
coffeehouse deserve special mention. In making a homeaway from home, the new ways turned into habits. The
journey so far has been eventful, the experiences priceless.
To you who dream of boarding that plane, buckle up;
the adventure just begins and never really ends, making it
so beautiful and worthwhile. Good luck. Bon voyage. n•••

See also:
Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
publications/ejournalusa/0809.html]
College and University Education in the United States[http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.
html]
U.S. Department of State Student and Exchange
Visitors [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/
types_1270.html]

The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 5

A Student Voice (Morocco)
Ali Biaz© Jon Arnold Images/DanitaDelimont.com

I have to admit that I quickly forgot theseunfortunate events. Life in Berkeley is very pleasant,and everything is so easy compared to Paris or Rabat.
For instance, in only 24 hours I opened a bank account,subscribed for a cell phone, and signed the lease agreement
for an apartment.
Besides that, almost all the shops are open on Sunday,
which is very practical but quite unusual for me.
Concerning the Berkeley campus, it is just impressive!
It is huge with so many different schools, libraries,
computer labs at the cutting edge of technology, and great
sport facilities.
The first thing that astonished me is that students
may come late to class. They casually enter and leave theclassroom many times during class. In France, students
respect the teacher’s lesson so they come on time and leave
the classroom only at the end of the lecture.
Concerning Californians, they are in general very
nice, open minded, and talkative, even if I am not totallyused to their habits yet. Indeed, I was used to shaking myfriends’ hands every day in France, and even many times
a day in Morocco. During my second day at Berkeley, I
shook the hand of one of my classmates whom I had met
the day before and he told me “I think we already met!”
Another funny story occurred during the first party
I attended: A girl that I met before came to hug me.
I thought she wanted to kiss me like we usually do in
Morocco and France to say hello. So I kissed her and she
seemed a little bit embarrassed.
I live currently a great experience, and I would justencourage any student to enroll in a program in the
United States. n

The campus at the University of California, Berkeley

Ali Biaz is a Moroccan national residing in France. He isstudying for a master’s degree in financial engineering at the
University of California, Berkeley.

During my first two weeks at the Universityof California, Berkeley, I experienced some
unexpected, funny, and sometimes embarrassing
situations. Allow me to share some with you. But first, letme give advice to other prospective foreign students whoplan to study in the United States.
The first advice is to apply for the visa at least twomonths before the beginning of the program to be sure
to be on schedule. I learned this lesson at my expense.
Indeed, I applied for my student visa a little bit late, and,
unfortunately, I missed two weeks of classes.
My second advice is to check the weather before
coming! I was pretty sure that California was sunny all
year around so I left all my jackets and sweaters in Paris.
What a huge mistake! It rained almost every day during
the first week in Berkeley.

See also:• Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
publications/ejournalusa/0809.html]• College and University Education in the United States[http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.
html]
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

6

The Problem with Top-Schools Lists
Burton Bollag
Top-school lists never capture the immense diversity of U.S.
colleges and universities, or indicate the best fit between
student and school. Burton Bollag is a former correspondent
for The Chronicle of Higher Learning.

There are around 4,000 accredited universities
and other higher education institutions in the
United States. They offer an immense range ofeducational experiences, from large research universities
to small, friendly liberal arts colleges. This helps explain
why the United States attracts more international students
than any other country, says Allan E. Goodman, presidentof the Institute of International Education, a non-profit
group promoting student exchanges to and from America.
“While elite U.S. programs are among the best in theworld,” Goodman says, “the unique strength of the U.S.
higher education system is [its] diversity.”
There is no official ranking system to indicate
which institutions are better than others, though several
unofficial rankings are compiled by magazines andassociations. However, educators urge caution in using aranking table and emphasize that the best choice for one
student may be very different from the best choice foranother.
Institutions of all types are spread across the UnitedStates. Some students want a campus that will give themthe excitement and rich cultural life of a big city suchas New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Others value thetranquility and beauty of a rural setting, whether the quiet
forests and snowy winters of the Northeast, subtropical
Florida, the dry expanses of the West, or the Pacific coastwith its seashore and nearby mountains.
Some colleges have strong athletic programs in such
sports as basketball, American football, and tennis. Others
afford easy access to unspoiled nature, or are near oceansor lakes where students can swim or sail.
Many institutions have particular strengths in certain
academic areas, making them a good choice for students
interested in those fields.
In the United States, the terms college and university

are often used interchangeably, although colleges tend tobe smaller and offer mostly undergraduate degrees, while
universities also offer graduate degrees. Colleges are in noway considered inferior to universities.
Universities can be public or private. Private, nonprofit universities include some of the best-known
institutions, such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
Public universities are founded and subsidized by one ofAmerica’s 50 states, and by some cities. They are oftenvery large — with 20,000 students or more — and are
generally less expensive than private institutions, but outof-state and foreign students pay more than local students.
At universities, professors may be involved in leadingedge research. But classes, especially for first- and secondyear students, tend to be large and may be taught by
graduate students instead of professors.
At liberal arts colleges, classes are smaller andprofessors tend to have more time to spend with students.
Institutes specialize in a narrow field of professional
studies, such as technology, art and design, or health care.
Many are private.
There are hundreds of colleges and universities
affiliated with a particular religious tradition, though mostof them enroll students from all religious backgrounds.
The United States also has dozens of historically blackcolleges and universities, most of whose students are
African Americans.
Community colleges offer two-year degrees in a wide
variety of fields, and some provide intensive Englishlanguage instruction. They provide the least expensive
post-secondary education. Students who successfullycomplete a community college program can often transfer
to a four-year college to continue their undergraduate
studies. n
See also Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
publications/ejournalusa/0809.html].
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 7

A Student Voice (Iran)

Courtesy of Democracy Video Challenge

Rodin Hamidi

Rodin Hamidi receives his Democray Video Challenger award fromSecretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Rodin Hamidi is one of six 2009 winners of the Democracy
Video Challenge. An Iranian residing in Dubai, he hasapplied for admission to a number of arts schools in New
York.

I

found out what America’s real name is after having
spent only two days there during my first visit — theLand of Opportunity. Although I had always had
an image of America in my mind, which was mostly
influenced by blockbuster movies, I never thought I would
one day have the chance to actually travel there.
In September 2009, I finally had the opportunity tovisit the United States under the best of circumstances. I
was one of six people from around the world who won the
global Democracy Video Challenge that year, and all mytravel expenses were being paid by the U.S. Departmentof State. The trip gave me the chance to visit several major
cities and meet people from various cultural backgrounds,
and, most exciting of all, to receive my award fromSecretary of State Hillary Clinton.
As a young artist, I had always dreamt of being in thecity that is considered to be the heart of the art world, thetruly amazing Big Apple, New York City. When I arrived
in New York, I realized that it was exactly as I had always
imagined it to be. Soon, I felt that this was a place where
I would love to live and to make the best of every minuteof my time there. I therefore started researching various
universities and art schools in the city. I had always
wanted to further my studies in art and cinema and toobtain a masters degree in fine arts from a high-caliber
institution, and there are almost as many such schools in
New York as there are shopping malls in Dubai where I
currently live. The next step was to prepare documents,
portfolios, transcripts, etc. — many of them for each of
the art schools I wanted to apply to.
For an international student, the process comprises
not only applying to the schools and universities and thenwaiting impatiently for their replies, but also applying
for visas. I’m an Iranian citizen, and when one of theuniversities I had applied to requested that I come for anin-person interview, I realized that it would be impossible
for me to receive a visa to travel to the United States intime for the scheduled meeting and that I would probably
lose that opportunity.
There are many emotional ups and downs, feelings ofconfusion, desperation, of not being able to plan ahead.
Applicants invest a lot of time, energy, and hope in theapplication process, and university administrations andfaculty members spend time and effort to determine
whether you qualify as a potential candidate. In addition,
there are other major questions that you must answer: If
I am accepted, how can I finance it all? Is it really worththat much money?
The expenses are mind-blowing, especially for nonU.S. citizens who, in addition to living expenses andtuition, must also factor in travel costs. And facing these
problems, it’s you and your dreams.
Again you calm yourself down and you look in the
mirror, smile, and continue to have faith that there isa way. Regardless of what you are going through, it isimportant to keep yourself on track and to be productivein whatever you do. This was the biggest lesson I learned
during the time I was waiting for others to decide where
my future would lead. nMore information about the Democracy Video
Challenge is available at http://www.videochallenge.america.
gov/ and http://www.youtube.com/democracychallenge.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 8

A Student Voice (Bangladesh)

Courtesy of the University of Texas at Dallas

Mohammad Nasim

The School of Management building at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Mohammad Nasim of Bangladesh is studying for a master’s
degree in finance at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Traveling to the United States has always been
one of my dreams, whether for higher studies,vacation, or work. However, it is not like movingfrom one city to another in your home country. Travelingto the United States requires one to follow several steps.
The traveler must meticulously plan and prepare withadequate documents before making the final decision to
travel to the United States.
The first step involves applying for the visa at aU.S. consulate in the traveler’s home country. There aredifferent visa classifications including student (F1), visitor(B1/B2) and work visa (H1B), and the traveler must
apply for the correct visa depending on the purpose of
the trip to the United States. This process is very rigorous
and involves completing and submitting several forms in
the U.S. consulate and facing the consular officer for aninterview justifying the reason for traveling by providing
valid documents.
Some of the documents that are required and usually
requested by the consular officer include a valid passport,
bank statement, admission letter (for students), and work
authorization letter (for workers). Travelers must apply
for the visa well ahead of time as certain visa applications
require further administrative processing and security
clearances. Obtaining these can be lengthy.

I was accepted at the University of Texas at Dallas
for study beginning January 11, 2010. Once I received
the admissions letter and I-20 form from my university,
I arranged my other supporting documents and applied
for a student visa in the last week of December 2009. I
had only two weeks before my classes would start. Aftermy visa interview, my application was sent for further
administrative processing. I thought this process would
take no more than two weeks. I did not realize that thisprocess can be time consuming. It took two and a halfmonths to complete, and only then was I issued a student
visa. The embassy could not waive or expedite this process
in any way.
Fortunately, I had permission from my professors tostart late as I kept them informed about my situation.
The second step was to purchase an airline ticket.
This can be difficult during peak travel seasons. Once thetraveler arrives in America at the airport or other port ofentry, he or she has to meet an immigration and customs
officer. This officer has the final say in admitting thetraveler to the United States. Secondary inspections areoften performed, and it may take several hours before thetraveler comes out of the airport.
In my case, I was very worried as I was entering
the United States two months after my classes started.
However, I carried the authorization letters from myprofessors and presented them to the officer at the border.
At the end, I had no troubles going through immigrationand customs because I carried all valid documents.
My personal recommendations to travelers who plan
to go the United States in the near future include applying
for the visa way ahead of time, carrying all necessary andvalid documents, and being confident and honest during
the consular interview and at the port of entry. If you do
all these things, your travel experience to the United Statesshould be a pleasant and smooth one. n
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 9

Information for Tourists

I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa
Who may apply for a tourist visa?

You may apply for a tourist (B-2) visa if your travelis (1) recreational (including tourism, visits withfriends or family, unpaid participation in cultural or
sports events, or other pleasure reasons) or (2) for
medical treatment in the United States.
You must apply for a visa unless your country
participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) andyour visit will take fewer than 90 days. In that case,
you must have a passport that can be scanned by anelectronic reader. A new regulation requires that VWP
travelers apply for electronic travel authorization. Find
more information at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
without/without_1990.html#epassport.

How long before my trip should I
apply?
Apply at least two months before you plan to travel.
This allows for the time it takes to obtain a visa
interview, time for visa processing, and time for any
additional administrative processing (rarely needed).
Wait times vary by embassy and time of the year
— for example, many visa applicants want to travel
during the U.S. summer (June through August),
so the delay then may be longer. Country-specificguidance is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
wait/wait_4638.html.

What are the main steps in applying
for a B-2 visa?
The first step is to make an appointment for a visa
interview at the U.S. embassy or a U.S. consulate inyour country. You must then pay a visa-processing
fee and fill out the visa application form(s) requiredin your country: typically the DS-156 and, in somecountries, the electronic form DS-160. Forms areavailable at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/
forms_1342.html. (Note: In most countries, you must
fill out the application forms and pay the application
fee before seeking an interview. Find visa information
specific to your country at http://www.usembassy.gov/.)

For the interview, you must bring several
documents: (1) a passport valid beyond your dates oftravel; (2) the appointment confirmation sheet; (3)the completed visa application form(s); (4) a receipt
for the visa application fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm. photo.
You must also bring evidence showing why
you are taking the trip; that you intend to leave theUnited States after your visit; and that you havesufficient funds to meet your needs during the trip.
Check with the U.S. embassy in your country to see
whether other documentation is necessary.
If you are traveling to the United States for
medical treatment, you should also present (1) amedical diagnosis from a local physician explaining
why you must be treated in the United States; (2) aletter from a physician or facility in the United States
showing willingness to treat your condition anddescribing in detail the nature, expected duration, andcost of the treatment; and (3) a statement showing
who will pay for your transportation, medical, andliving expenses. This statement must include proof of
the ability to pay these expenses.

What will it cost to obtain a visa?
You must pay a nonrefundable visa processing fee of$140 (as of June 2010). Depending on a reciprocalarrangement between your country and the UnitedStates, you might also have to pay a visa issuing fee.
Check to see whether your country has a reciprocity
fee at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.
More information on visiting the United States
for tourism or medical treatment is available at http://
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html.

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10

Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

The Top 10 U.S. Destinations
Tanner Latham•Ten Top Destinations Visited By Overseas Visitors◆ And 10 Other Great Destinations◆

SeattleBoston●

New York
Philadelphia ●◆●Washington

ChicagoSan Francisco●

St. Louis●◆

Las Vegas●

Los Angeles●

Nashville

Santa Fe◆◆Atlanta◆

Honolulu●

Asheville

New Orleans

Austin◆◆◆Charleston◆

Orlando●

Miami●

Vincent Hughes

Overseas tourists make a few cities their top U.S. destinations
year after year for good reasons. Tanner Latham is the former
travel editor of Southern Living magazine.

Every year most of the millions of overseas visitors(that is, excluding those from Canada and Mexico)
coming to the United States spend most of theirtime in a few places, the top 10 listed here in order of
popularity. Some of those places are for plunging into thehustle and bustle, and some are for escaping it.
New York City
New York has Wall Street, the theater district, theEmpire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, world-classmuseums, and street vendors offering foods of the world’s

nations. It commands the world’s attention. Every chef
who opens a restaurant here, every designer who presents
a line of clothing, and every artist who hangs work in
a gallery feels the buzz of excitement that threads eachsquare block of the Big Apple. Visitors have the pleasureof absorbing that energy, whether they are bombarded by
the grandiose flashiness of Times Square or given the softsell by artists presenting their crafts in Union Square Park.
www.nycgo.com
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is best defined by two of its most famous
neighborhoods. Hollywood offers glitz, glamour, andflashes of immense fame. This is where one finds theworld’s most famous movie stars. Visitors enjoy briefeJournal USA 11

© Rene Mattes/Hemis/Corbis© Shutterstock Images© John Brown/Photolibrary/Getty Images© AP Images/Phelan M. Ebenhack© Josh Anon/Jaynes Gallery/DanitaDelimont.com

Clockwise from top left: The Statue of Liberty and

12

Lower Manhattan in New York, Universal Studio in
Los Angeles, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
near Orlando, the Golden Gate Bridge at San
Francisco, and a lifeguard station in Miami Beach.

access to celebrity when walking down Rodeo Drive andthe Sunset Strip, or even posing for pictures outside thehistoric Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Offsetting that sceneis the laid-back lifestyle found in the neighborhood of
Venice Beach. Here, Oceanfront Walk — a magnet forcharacters from every walk of life — is one of the bestplaces for people-watching one will ever find.
See also “Los Angeles French Dip” page 25.
www.discoverlosangeles.com
San Francisco
San Francisco is a city defined by the breezes blowing
in off the Pacific Ocean. The weather dictates every
decision locals and visitors make. Golden Gate Park,with its walking trails, lounging beaches, and views of theiconic Golden Gate Bridge, attracts the most attention
on a day when the sun is shining, even if there’s a hint ofcool in the air. On foggy days, one might venture inland
to catch a ride on the ever-dinging cable cars or schedulearchitectural tours, especially those including “The Painted
Ladies,” the oft-photographed and -filmed Victorian and
Edwardian houses lining the city’s steep hills.
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Miami and Miami Beach
Like an up-tempo dance song, Miami and Miami
Beach pulse with a constant beat, no matter the hour ofthe day. South Beach in the sunshine attracts some of themost beautiful people and even features a string of Art
Deco-designed lifeguard stations. Ocean Drive after dark
— lit with bright neon reds, greens, blues, and pinks —transforms into a sleek, chic scene found nowhere else on
the planet. The Hispanic culture is ever-present, reflectedin the cuisine and neighborhoods such as Little Havana,
where men speak Spanish, lightheartedly ribbing eachother while smoking cigars and playing dominoes on Calle
Ocho (8th Street).
See also “Florida Cuban Sandwich” on page 24.
www.miamiandbeaches.com
Orlando
The Greater Orlando area is the land of ultimate
escape. It is where imaginations run wild. Even the mostcreative visitors could not conjure the whole worlds
thriving here in the Universal theme parks and at DisneyWorld, or any other attraction bearing the Disney label.

But Orlando is not merely a destination of dreams,
fantasy, and costumed characters. Downtown visitors findan interesting blend of architecture, from Victorian-styled
houses to high-rises. That area also features boutique
shopping, diverse restaurants, and a burgeoning nightlife.
For those seeking a great natural space, Lake Eola Park
offers a pedestrian-friendly walking loop.
www.orlandoinfo.com
Las Vegas
All of Las Vegas is a party. Imagine a giant adult
theme park full of the brightest lights and the mostdecadent, over-the-top buildings. One needs only walk
down the Las Vegas Strip to see that vision realized.
Visitors here find everything from towering fountains tolaser light displays to high-stakes casino games to variety
shows headlined by perfectly choreographed performers.
Sleeping is the last of any visitor’s priorities. Those tourists
looking for a slightly less-flashy Vegas experience venture
to Fremont Street downtown where many of the casinos
feature a more old-fashioned vibe.
www.visitlasvegas.com
Honolulu
While the city of Honolulu bustles with business,museums, and the Foster Botanical Gardens (a terrificspot for a picnic), the city is best known as the jumpingoff point for Hawaii’s island of Oahu. Most visitors
congregate at Waikiki because of its glorious swimming
beaches, shops, restaurants, and abundance of outdoor
activities — from surfing lessons to catamaran sailing.
Speaking of surfing, most locals and visitors ride theirboards in the waters around Haleiwa, a beach town on the
North Shore. Those interested in U.S. naval history visit
the USS Arizona Memorial honoring those killed during
the December 1941 attacks on Pearl Harbor and the USS
Missouri, a battleship decommissioned in 1992.
www.gohawaii.com
Washington
Washington, D.C., encompasses the spirit of theUnited States. Visitors find here a convergence ofhistory, American pride, and the buzzing, never-stopping
machine of American politics. The city hosts some of thecountry’s greatest museums (from the National Air andSpace Museum to the National Gallery of Art). ThougheJournal USA 13

seems most apt. With more than 70
unique neighborhoods — from Andersonon the North Side to Hyde Park on theSouth Side — each embodies an identity
unto its own. This city, hugging the shoresof Lake Michigan, also features wonderful
shopping opportunities for visitors,
especially on the “Magnificent Mile” stripof boutiques and designer stores runningalong Michigan Avenue.
www.explorechicago.org

A full moon over Washington, D.C., illuminates the Lincoln Memorial (foreground), theWashington Monument (center), and the U.S. Capitol (background).

urban, the city has always preserved its green, natural
spaces. One finds surprising solitude on the trails windingaround Roosevelt Island, which sits peacefully in the
middle of the Potomac River. And, of course, one of thegreatest attractions is the National Mall, America’s front
yard. Spread a blanket on the grass and relax surroundedby monuments honoring some of the country’s mostimportant leaders.
www.washington.org
ChicagoKnown for its professional sports teams, world-classrestaurants, and fascinating architecture, Chicago stands as
the most prominent city in the Midwestern United States.
Of all of Chicago’s monikers, “A City of Neighborhoods”© AP Images/J. Scott Applewhite

BostonBoston truly is the jewel of New
England. One of the best ways for visitors
to encounter the city is via its dynamic
chain of parks, such as Boston Common,featuring the family-friendly Frog Pond.
The nearby Public Garden hosts its own
pond with swan boat tours, which havebeen in operation since the 1870s. The cityhonors its key role in American history,
but it never focuses solely on the past.
For example, Faneuil Hall, where great
orators stumped their protests before theAmerican Revolution, now anchors apedestrian-friendly market full of shops
and restaurants. Boston Harbor, the siteof the Boston Tea Party, now features the
popular HarborWalk, a trail that winds
around the waterfront.
See also “New England Lobster Roll”

on page 25.
www.bostonusa.com. n
See also:• Snapshot USA [http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/0606.html]• Outline of American Geography [http://www.america.
gov/publications/books/outline-of-american-geography.
html]• USA Map with Facts in Brief [http://www.america.gov/
publications/ejournalusa/0708.html]
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 14

Courtesy of Tim Brown© Richard Nowitz/National Geographic Stock© AP Images/Michael Dwyer© George Rose/Getty Images

Clockwise from top left: Japanese cherry trees at the Tidal Basin in
Washington, D.C., the USS Constitution (launched 1797) in Boston© AP Images/Lucy Pemoni

Harbor, the “Cloud Gate” sculpture in Chicago, Waikiki Beach in
Honolulu, and the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

15

10 Other Worthy Destinations
Tanner Latham
Many foreign visitors miss out on U.S. cities loaded withattractions. In addition to the United States’ most-visited
cities (see “The Top 10 U.S. Destinations,” page 11) here are
10 other favorites. Tanner Latham is the former travel editorof Southern Living magazine.

The United States offers a lot more attractions foroverseas visitors than the 10 cities they mostly
visit. Good food, art, and music, as well as riveting
history, can be found in all regions. Here are just a few
destinations worth a visit.
Philadelphia
Much of America’s early story is told in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, through tours of such historic sites
as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of
Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated
and the Liberty Bell was rung, according to tradition,
to summon citizens of Philadelphia to a reading of the
newly adopted Declaration of Independence. But even
within the city’s historic district, visitors find modern
cultural attractions and art galleries filled with works bylocal artists. Philadelphia’s architecture blends 18th- and19th-century styles with contemporary structures. One of
the city’s great assets is its walkability: Just about all of the
major tourist attractions stand concentrated in an area of
about 2.5 square kilometers.
www.philadelphiausa.travel
See also “Philly Cheesesteak” on page 24.
AtlantaAtlanta offers an urban experience with lots of
hospitable southern touches. The pace is steady, but not
so fast that one could not enjoy a cold glass of sweet iced
tea on a hot afternoon. The city is the crossroads of theSouth, and some might even argue it’s the crossroads of
the United States. It owns, after all, the busiest airport
in passenger traffic in the entire world. That translates
into international influences on the cuisine and culturethat a visitor might be surprised to find in the heart ofthe state of Georgia. Notable destinations include theMartin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in the Sweet

Auburn district; the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum;and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, residenceof the famed novelist who penned Gone With the Wind.
www.atlanta.net
SeattleWhen most people think Seattle, they think clean
and green. The city takes great pride in constantly being
ranked as one of the most environmentally friendly cities
in the United States. And with high annual precipitationlevels, its parks and natural spaces sport a fresh look.
Visitors gravitate to Pike’s Place Market, one of the oldest
continuously operated farmers markets in the country.
Street musicians, antique and gift shops, cafes, andthe fresh fish (famously tossed by the vendors) all help
create the market’s appealing ambience. Another popular
destination is the Space Needle, part of Seattle Center,a 30-hectare urban park developed for the 1962 World’s
Fair. Pioneer Square, 20 square blocks of Victorian
Romanesque architecture, offers a plethora of art galleries
and museums.
www.visitseattle.org
Asheville
Backdropped by the Blue Ridge Mountains andpossessing an easy-going lifestyle, Asheville, North
Carolina, stands as one of the greatest mountaintowns east of the Mississippi River. Here, visitors finda healthy dining scene driven by available produce
and meats from local farms. The cuisine seems to be
perfectly complemented by a strong craft beer industry,
whose brewers compete to offer the best ales, pilsners,
and porters. Boutique shops fill the hilly but walkable
downtown streets. Nestled amidst modest neighborhoods
lies America’s largest privately owned home, the Biltmore
Estate, a 19th-century 250-room French Renaissancestyled chateau open for tours. In July every year the city
hosts Bele Chere (“beautiful living” in an ancient Scottish
dialect), the largest music street festival in the South.
www.exploreasheville.com

eJournal USA 16

© AP Images/Elaine Thompson© AP Images/Jessica Griffin© Susan Pease/DanitaDelimont.com© Walter Bibikow/Corbis

Clockwise from top left: A kite flyer near the Space
Needle in Seattle, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hallin Philadelphia, Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, theCornell Hurd Band at Jovita’s Restaurant in Austin, andthe Biltmore House near Asheville.

© Will van Overbeek/National Geographic Stock

17

Austin

New Orleans

Austin, Texas, is a city of surprising diversity. At any
given shop, restaurant, or music club queue, you’ll findauthentic, boot-wearing cowboys mingling with tattooedrockers. Traditional politicians (Austin is the capital of
Texas) dine in the same Tex-Mex establishments as avantgarde painters. The University of Texas-Austin keeps thecity lively and energetic. And down on South Congress
Avenue, amid boutique hotels and folk art shops, a visitor
will find one of the best live music scenes in the UnitedStates. This beautiful city also features incredible natural
spaces best enjoyed via the water sports on the Town Lakewater reservoir. Perhaps the best way to appreciate Austin
is by watching the sunset from a restaurant patio on Lake
Austin.
www.austintexas.org

The vibe of New Orleans, Louisiana, stays as smoothas the live jazz played nightly down on Frenchmen Street.
Visitors here can’t help but find themselves in the French
Quarter, the cultural heart of New Orleans. The district’s
focal point is Jackson Square, a beautiful park mademore colorful by the artists and street musicians. Visitors
discover that the New Orleans cuisine — a blend ofseveral influences, including French, Cajun, and Creole —is like no other in the world. Louisiana provides a sales tax
refund for international shoppers on purchases made atnearly 900 tax-free stores across the state.
See also “New Orleans Poor Boy” on page 24.
www.neworleanscvb.com

Charleston

The stunning southwestern light and landscapes
have long attracted artists and visitors to Santa Fe, New
Mexico. Life here revolves around the Plaza, the heart ofthe city that feels more like an intimate village. Museums,
shops, restaurants, and boutique inns all lie within stepsof here. The Palace of the Governors daily hosts American
Indian artisans who sell their artwork, from jewelry topaintings. Santa Fe is the second largest art market in the
United States, and those interested in fully experiencingthat scene need only stroll Canyon Road, home to about
100 galleries.
www.santafe.org

When visitors imagine the American South, theirvisions resemble Charleston. This historic city on theSouth Carolina coast and its residents exemplify Southern
hospitality. To experience that welcoming spirit, one need
only to walk the cobblestone streets in the historic district
and encounter the longtime locals. King Street is theartery of the city, and wonderful antique shops, boutiques,
historic homes with vibrant gardens, and restaurants
orbit it on the surrounding blocks. The food scene hereis strong thanks to inventive chefs supported by a nearby
culinary school.
www.charlestoncvb.com
Nashville
The American country music industry is not the
only draw to this city, but Nashville, Tennessee, known
affectionately as “Music City,” attracts some of the world’s
best musicians. Visitors can hear them perform in famous
large venues such as the Grand Ole Opry House at the
Opryland USA theme park and Ryman Auditorium. But
they’ll also find them atop stools at any number of clubs
along Music Row, an area just southwest of Downtown.
The Country Music Hall of Fame offers a comprehensive
history of the genre. Some of the city’s other great
museums include the Cheekwood and Belle Meademansions, and President Andrew Jackson’s home, The
Hermitage.
www.visitmusiccity.com

Santa Fe

St. Louis
For an authentic introduction to St. Louis, Missouri,
begin in Forest Park. Developed for the 1904 World’s
Fair, the park now draws locals and visitors alike toits numerous attractions, including the St. Louis Art
Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History
Museum. All these attractions and many more in St. Louisare free. From there, visitors can get an expanding senseof the city by exploring the surrounding neighborhoods
such as the Italian markets and restaurants of Little Italy
and the restaurants and bars comprising The Loop. Of
course, a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch along theMississippi River is a must for any visitor.
www.explorestlouis.com n
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 18

© Franz-Marc Frei/Corbis© Jamie and Judy Wild/DanitaDelimont.com© National Geographic Stock© Thomas E. Hooper/National Geographic Stock

Clockwise from top: East Bay Street historic
district in Charleston, a storefront in SantaFe, Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French
Quarter, Garth Brooks and Little Jimmy
and the Gateway Arch along the Mississippi
River in St. Louis.

© AP Images/John Russell

Dickens at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,

19

Avoid Visa Scams
How can I be sure I’m getting correct
information about my visa?

The U.S. Department of State’s visa services officeadvises visa seekers to use only U.S. government sites.
Most U.S. embassy and consulate Web sites havethe “.gov” suffix. Pages on these sites are updated
frequently.

The best way to ensure that you receive legitimate
and up-to-date information is to use U.S. government
Web sites. Department of State Web sites http://www.
state.gov/ and http://travel.state.gov/ link directly to
all U.S. embassies and consulates. Forms on thesesites are available free of charge. Additional or related
forms are available from Department of Homeland
Security sites including www.uscis.gov, www.cbp.gov,
and www.ice.gov.

What about other sites that provide
visa information?
Many non-governmental Web sites (containing
the suffix “.com,” “.net,” and “.org”) provide
legitimate information on immigration or services.
However, some sites may not provide up-to-date
information. Additionally, some fraudulent sites —including sites that display U.S. flags or buildings— may seem to offer U.S. visas, work permits, green
cards, electronic travel authorization through theElectronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA),
or other services. These impostor sites may request
money or personal information. Never provide
personal information or send money without making
sure you are using an official U.S. government site.
There are also fraudulent sites related to theDiversity (DV) Lottery Program that may request
money to complete lottery forms (see the Federal
Trade Commission warning http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/
edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt003.shtm.) The only official
way to apply for the DV lottery is directly throughthe official U.S. Department of State Web site during
the specified and limited-time registration period.

How do I report a fraudulent site?
If you want to file a complaint about a visarelated scam, go to the multi-nation consumer
protection Web site hosted by the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission at http://www.econsumer.gov/english/.
See also U.S. Department of State Fraud Warning[http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1749.
html].

eJournal USA 20

Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

A Tourist Voice (China)
Wang Zheng© Paul Hardy/Corbis

Needless to say, I waselated when resting on MIT’s[Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology] green campus lawn in
Cambridge, when I marveled at themagnificence of the Washington
Monument in Washington, when I
tasted delicious lobsters dipped insauce at Fisherman’s Wharf in San
Francisco, and when I was exposedto the technology of Microsoft
Corporation and Boeing’s passenger
airliners in Seattle.
I became overjoyed so easily,
and, lighthearted, I spent all my
cash down to the last dollar in mypocket. Beautiful memories remain
in my mind, and perhaps many
regrets. I didn’t go on a shopping
spree to the biggest outlet mall in America, or drive a“Big Wasp” (the Chevrolet Camaro) cruising down the
East Coast along U.S. Highway 1, or go to the Kennedy
Library in Boston to study the second lost mysterious
symbol. I missed watching President Obama land on
the White House lawn in Marine One just before I left
Washington.
Fortunately, America is a place you can revisit timeand again. It’s more of a passion than any sentiment thatcan be expressed in writing over and over. nTimes Square, part of the New York City nightscape.

Wang Zheng is a teacher and blogger in China. This essay
was translated from the Chinese.

I

was nervous as I set foot in America as a traveler, but
soon my excitement vanished like what the man in themovie The Terminal experiences in JFK International
Airport. This is such a strange yet intimate world that I
grew thrilled and took a deep breath of the summer air,much less humid than the air I had left in China.
My 26-day itinerary was filled with activities ranging
from a movie tour to a big enterprises tour and even a
cuisine tour.
My perception of America, gained over 30 years byreading The Window of the World magazine, now began to
crystallize. This was a trip to witness America — enjoying
the Manhattan nightscape from the 86th floor of the
Empire State Building, partying with new acquaintances
at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, paying
homage to the statue of basketball player Michael Jordan
at the United Center in Chicago, and matching the palm
prints of movie stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in
Los Angeles.

See also U.S. Department of State Visitor Visas[http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1265.html].
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 21

What If I Need Medical Care?
Each year millions of visitors travel safely andenjoyably throughout the United States. Should
you become ill during your visit, your hosts, hotel,
employer, or consulate can direct you to the nearest
physician or health care center. If you have a lifethreatening emergency, call the emergency number,
911, for assistance.
Be aware that health care, dental care, andemergency care are relatively expensive in the UnitedStates, with physician visits averaging $155 andemergency room visits averaging $1,000 nationally,
according to the Agency for Healthcare Research andQuality.
The United States does not require proof of
health insurance for visitors. However, the State
Department recommends that visitors have a healthinsurance policy or obtain a temporary traveler’s
insurance policy before visiting the United States tooffset the potential costs of an illness or accident. You
may also wish to register with your country’s embassy
on arriving in the United States. Your embassy’s
Web site can tell you what assistance your consulatecan, and cannot, provide. If you use medications or
medical equipment for a long-term condition, be sure
to bring sufficient supplies or arrange ahead of time
for re-supply in the United States.
If you are traveling on a temporary or exchange
student visa, you may be able to arrange for healthinsurance through your employer or institution.
Travelers visiting the United States specifically for
medical treatment should obtain a B-2 tourist visa.
For information on how to apply for this visa, see thearticle “I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa” on page
6 or visit the State Department Web page at http://
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html.
Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Visa?
You should apply for a non-immigrant visa as

early as possible — between 60 and 120 days before
you plan to travel. This time includes the wait timefor (1) receiving an interview appointment, (2)visa processing, and (3) additional administrative
processing (rarely needed.) Also, if your passport andvisa will be returned to you by mail, factor in thattime as well as when you make your travel plans.
For the current wait times for interviews in yourcountry, please see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
wait_4638.html.
In addition, it is important to review thoroughly
all information on the Web site of the U.S. embassy’s
consular section in your country for local procedures
and instructions, such as how to make an interview
appointment. Consular section Web sites will also

explain any additional procedures for students,
exchange visitors, and those who need an earlier visa
interview appointment.
Most applicants will receive their visas withindays of having their interview. For a smaller numberof cases, additional “administrative processing” maybe required to determine whether the applicant isentitled to the visa. Because U.S. officials cannot
always know ahead of time whether additional
processing is required, it is very important for you toapply as early as possible in advance of your planned
trip.
Please note that in several countries, visa services
are limited or unavailable because of civil unrest, war,or other reasons; more information is available here:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1302.html.

eJournal USA 22

10 Great American Sandwiches
Robb Walsh

Courtesy of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sandwich makers pile on the Italian meats and cheeses at the White House
sub shop in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Courtesy of Emperor Anton/Flickr

Like American cities, American cuisine is extremely diverse,with substantial regional variation. Perhaps no menu item
illustrates this as fully as the humble sandwich. Below are 10
great American sandwiches, each linked to a great Americancity or region. Robb Walsh writes about food; he has twice won
a James Beard Journalism Award.

T

he casual meal we call a sandwich takes its namefrom Englishman John Montagu (1718–1792),
the Fourth Earl of Sandwich. According tolegend, the earl had his servant bring him meals consistingof meat served between two slices of bread so that thenobleman could eat at the gaming table.
During the Industrial Revolution, the sandwich
served as a practical lunch that could be prepared at homeand carried to work. In the early 1900s, the sandwich
skyrocketed in popularity with the introduction of sliced
bread.
Most of America’s beloved regional sandwich
variations first appeared in the early part of the 20th
century. Here are 10 favorites:

East Coast Sub
A submarine sandwich is made on a long roll thatis sliced lengthwise and generously stuffed. The earliest
sub sandwiches were filled with layers of Italian sliced
meats (such as salami, mortadella, and seasoned hams)
and cheeses, and then topped with lettuce, tomato, andpeppers. The bread was lightly coated with an olive oil
dressing. Later variations include hot oven-baked subs
filled with meatballs in tomato sauce or Italian sausage
and peppers.
Legend has it the name came from East Coast
shipyard workers. Similar sandwiches are called grinders
in New England, heroes in New York, and hoagies in
Philadelphia. The sandwiches originated in ItalianAmerican neighborhoods along the Eastern Seaboard but
are now available all across the United States. Other local
nicknames include rockets, torpedoes, zeppelins, and poorboys.

eJournal USA 23

Florida Cuban Sandwich

The poor boy
was named during
a streetcar strikein New Orleans in1929. Sandwiches
made on baguettes
with leftovers such as
roast beef trimmings
and gravy were given
away free to thestriking workers, whowere sympatheticallycalled “those poorboys.”
Soon restaurants
and stores all over
The world’s longest oyster po’ boy is
New Orleans
prepared for a street festival in New
began calling their
Orleans.
sandwiches “poorboys” (often pronounced po’ boys). Seafood poor boys
are the most distinctive variety. Shrimp and oysters wereabundant and cheap in New Orleans at the time, and thesandwiches were often filled with fried shrimp or friedoysters. You order a New Orleans poor boy “dressed” if
you want lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or “undressed”
if you want it plain.

The Cuban sandwich comprises Cuban bread stuffedwith ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard,
and sometimes salami. A modern Cuban sandwich isalways toasted in a sandwich press until the cheese melts.
This gives the sandwich its distinctive flat shape andwonderfully dense texture.
But the original Cuban sandwich wasn’t toasted. The
sandwich first became popular around 1900 in Ybor City,
Florida, (near Tampa) and in Cuba, where it was called amixto. It was the favorite lunch of cigar factory workers
and sugar mill employees.
After the 1960s, when Miami was flooded with
Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro’s rule, the pressed Cuban
sandwich became ubiquitous in cafeterias and coffee shops
there. It remains Miami’s favorite sandwich.

Gulf Coast Muffuletta
In the 1890s, Sicilian bakers in Gulf of Mexico port
cities sold their distinctive breads from pushcarts. The
round chewy Sicilian loaves called muffulettas were soldwhole or sliced in half lengthwise and stuffed with hamand olives.
During the early 1900s Progressive Era, new sanitary
regulations outlawed street food vendors all across theUnited States. Around 1905, Italian grocery stores in the
French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans began
to buy the round muffuletta loaves from local Sicilianbakeries and stuff them with salami, mortadella, provolone
cheese, and olive salad. The grocers sold ready-to-eat
sandwiches to go and provided tables where customers
could eat in the store.
Today, muffulettas are mainly sold in restaurants
and cafes across the Gulf States. But the French Quarter
grocery store muffuletta remains the definitive version.

Philly Cheesesteak
Invented at a Philadelphia hot dog stand in the
1930s, this hearty hot sandwich is made with thinly sliced
steak that’s cooked on a hot griddle with onions and thenserved on a split sub roll topped with cheese. Variations
include steak with mushrooms, steak with green peppers,
and steak with extra onions. Provolone cheese is placed
inside the bread roll before the hot steak is added soit melts around the meat. Alternatively, the completed
sandwich can be topped with the bright orange processed
American cheese spread called Cheez Whiz.

© AP Images/Matt Rourke

Frank Stansbury/oysterjubilee.com

New Orleans Poor Boy

Lunchtime patrons line up for Philadelphia cheesesteaks.

eJournal USA 24

© AP Images/Pat Wellenbach

Los Angeles French Dip
Like the Chicago Italian beef, the L.A.
French Dip is made with thinly sliced roast
beef served on a baguette. But the Hollywood
version of the sandwich is usually made withfreshly sliced medium to medium-rare roast
beef rather than the pre-shaved beef that’s
typically used in Chicago. The bread is spreadwith Dijon mustard and lightly dipped inmeat juice. The L.A. French dip is often
served with a bowl of roast beef juice on theside so that the diner can dunk the sandwich.
Buffalo Beef on a Weck

Around the city of Buffalo in western
New York State, the regional roast beef
sandwich is served on a kummelweck roll.
German-born bakers popularized this roundroll topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds.
Kummel is German for caraway, and weck is the word forroll in the southern German dialect. Buffalo bar owners
made sandwiches on the salty German rolls thinking it
would make their patrons thirsty. The rare roast beef isthinly sliced, and the kummelweck roll is dipped in meatjuice. Horseradish, dill pickles, and french fries are thestandard accompaniments.

Waitress Lesley Spencer displays a lobster roll with onion rings at a restaurant in Five
Islands, Maine.

New England Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls were made famous in Maine, but they
are common in all of the lobster-producing states of New
England and in the neighboring Maritime Provinces ofCanada. A lobster roll is made with chopped lobster meat
mixed with scallions or celery and mayonnaise seasoned
with salt and pepper and served on a toasted hot dog roll.
The best lobster rolls contain the meat of an entire lobster.
Lobster rolls are so popular in New England, even fastfood restaurants serve them.
Chicago Italian Beef
The Italian beef sandwich is one of several regionalvariations on the roast beef sandwich. This one was madefamous by Chicago hot dog stands. It’s made with thinly
shaved slices of garlicky wet-roasted beef mounded on along roll that has been dipped into the meat juice. The
sandwich can be ordered “sweet” (topped with sautéed
peppers) or “hot” (topped with spicy pickle mix called
giardiniera). The bread can be requested “dipped” (lightly
dunked in the meat juice), “juicy” (double-dipped), or“soaked” (dripping wet).

Texas BBQ Brisket Sandwich
Slow-smoked beef brisket is the favorite meat at Texas
barbecue establishments, and the most popular way to
eat it is on a sandwich. There are two versions. A sliced
brisket sandwich is made on a hamburger roll that has
been spread with barbecue sauce. Thin slices of brisket are
piled up on the roll. The meat is topped with onion slices
and dill pickle chips. A chopped brisket sandwich is madewith a mixture of minced brisket and barbecue sauce andalso topped with onion and pickle. The chopped brisket
variation resembles a sandwich made with minced meat ina tangy tomato sauce called a “Sloppy Joe” in other partsof the country. n
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 25

Information for Business Travelers

I Want to Apply for a Business Visa
Who may apply for a business visa?

You may apply for a business visa if you are travelingto attend a professional event or conference, toinvestigate or survey potential business sites, or tonegotiate a contract. For other examples of businesstravel, please see http://travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.
pdf.
You must apply for a visa unless your country
participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) andyou plan a visit of fewer than 90 days. Travelers from
VWP program nations must have a passport that canbe scanned by an electronic reader. A new regulation
requires that VWP travelers apply for electronic travelauthorization. Find more information on this page:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.
html#epassport.

How long before my trip should I
apply?
Apply at least two months before you plan totravel, three months if the travel is for a scientificconference. This allows for the time it takes to obtaina visa interview and processing time for the visa; ifyour visa will be mailed to you, include delivery timein your travel plans. Wait times vary by embassy andtime of the year — for example, many visa applicants
want to travel during summer, so the wait times foran appointment may be longer then. Country-specificguidance is available at http://www.usembassy.gov/.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html.

What will it cost to obtain a visa?
You must pay a nonrefundable visa-processing feeof $140 (as of June 2010). Depending on a reciprocalarrangement between your country and the UnitedStates, you might also have to pay a visa-issuing fee.

Check to see whether your country has a reciprocity
fee athttp://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.

What are the main steps in applying
for a B-1 visa?
The first step is to make an appointment for avisa interview. Consult the Web site of the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate in your country forthe right procedure. You must then pay the visaprocessing fee and fill out the visa application form(s)required in your country: the online form DS-160
is replacing the DS-156 in most countries. Forms
are available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/
forms_1342.html. (Note: In most countries, you must
fill out the application forms and pay the application
fee before seeking an interview. Find visa information
specific to your country here: http://www.usembassy.
gov/.)For the interview, you must bring several
documents: (1) a passport valid beyond your dates oftravel; (2) the appointment confirmation sheet; (3)the confirmation page of the completed DS-160; (4) areceipt for the visa application fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm.
photo, unless you already uploaded a photo with yourDS-160 application.
You must also bring evidence showing why
you are taking the trip, that you intend to leave theUnited States, and that you have sufficient funds
to meet your needs during the trip. Check with the
U.S. embassy in your country to see whether otherdocumentation is necessary.
See also U.S. Department of State Business
Visa Center [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/
types_2664.html].

Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

26
eJournal USA
26

A Businessman’s Voice (Kenya)
Frederick Masinde Oyange

Courtesy of Maggie Sliker

at every airport of transit andarrival. The security screenings at
airports are more thorough thanthe one at the embassy, and one
must have all the relevant travel
documents within easy reach forthis purpose.
I arrived in the United Statesand had my first cultural shockon getting out of the airport as I
could not easily locate a taxi cab.
It took me some time to realizethat the elegant limousines wereactually taxi cabs, unlike theTaxis line up to transport incoming passengers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport..
small old cars used at home. The
drive to the Maryland conferencesite was quite a sight to behold,Fredrick Masinde Oyange is a marketing manager forparticularly the countryside farmlands with modern
Undugu Fair Trade Limited in Kenya.
homes standing on well-kept garden lawns with U.S. flags
hoisted. On arrival at the hotel, feeling jet lagged, I went
y first trip outside Africa was to the United
straight to sleep. When I awoke at eight o’clock in theStates in 1995 to attend a Fair Tradeevening, the sun was still up prompting me to prepare
conference held in Maryland. This experience
myself for breakfast only to be informed that dinner washelped all my future travels as the conference issued
being served!
guideline information well in advance to facilitate travel
Since this was a planned conference, it gave mearrangements. I used this information as a checklist to
the experience to be able to plan for my subsequentconfirm all travel requirements prior to departure.
trips to the United States. Now I always make sure I
I was quite excited about this trip. All my friends
have all relevant travel information, including businesswere happy for me and envious. The number one
requirement that makes most travelers to the United States appointments, prior to departure. n
apprehensive is getting the entry visa. Since I had all thenecessary documents to support my visa application, I was
See also U.S. Department of State Business Visa
confident that my application would be approved, and it
Center [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_2664.
was joy when I was granted a five-year B1/B2 multiplehtml].
entry visa.
With the visa in my possession, I was now able
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
to confirm my travel itinerary, air ticket, and travel
policies of the U.S. government.
insurance. This was my first long air flight, a total of 26
hours connecting through Amsterdam and Detroit withthe final destination of Baltimore. My travel agent wasvery helpful in offering the necessary tips on how to go
through airport connections, and which signs to look forM

eJournal USA 27

I Want to Apply for a
Temporary Work Visa
Who may apply for an H-1B visa?

You may apply for an H-1B visa if you are a

professional or student being sponsored by a U.S.
employer to work as a specialist in the United States.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, you must hold at least abachelor’s degree and the U.S. position must requireat least a bachelor’s degree. Only up to 65,000 H-1B
visas are issued each year. Learn about the types of
temporary workers at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
types/types_1271.html.

How long does it take to apply for
an H-1B visa?
Because the H-1B visa requires approval fromseveral U.S. agencies, you and your employer should
begin the application process at least 120 days before
you plan to start work.

What are the steps in applying for
the H-1B visa?
First, your sponsoring employer must file apetition (the I-129) and pay the associated fees. Once
this is completed, you must make an appointment
for an interview and apply for an H-1B visa by
consulting the Web site of the nearest U.S. embassy or

consulate in your country. Information about waitingtimes for scheduling an interview and processing yourapplication is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/
temp/wait/wait_4638.html.
You will need to fill out a visa application form
(see “required documentation” on this page: http://
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html) andpay the visa-processing fee of $140 (as of June 2010)
and, in some countries, a reciprocal visa fee (checkon reciprocity fees at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/
fees_1341.html). For more information on fees, see
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html.
You must bring the following documents to yourinterview: (1) a valid passport; (2) the receipt number
printed on the approved Form I-129 petition; (3) the
confirmation page of the form DS-160 online visa
application; and (4) one 5X5 cm. photo if you did
not upload it with your form DS-160. You must also
bring a receipt for the visa-processing fee and, in somecountries, you may also need to pay a visa issuancefee. Find visa information specific to your country
here: http://www.usembassy.gov/.
See also U.S. Department of State Temporary
Workers Overview [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
types/types_1275.html].

Access this information on your mobile device at http://ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb45515fcc4079a.

eJ
eJournal
ournal USA
USA 2828

A Professional Voice (Nigeria)

Courtesy of Martha Pope/IRIS

Elizabeth Anche

Nigerian and Tanzanian students at an IRIS program.

Elizabeth Anche is a journalist with Kaduna State Media
Corporation in Nigeria.

M

y six-week stay in the United States, aka “God’s
Own Country,” motivated me into knowing I
could actually make a great change in the livesof the people in my own country, Nigeria.
As participants in the Women in Leadership program
coordinated by the nonprofit organization Iowa Resource
for International Service (IRIS), our team from Northern
Nigeria felt highly honored by the recognition given to
us by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa at the
Capitol in Des Moines.
I was really impressed by the level of community
participation, charity, and volunteer work to which mostorganizations and American families provide support.
This could be due to a tradition of an American respectfor human dignity, which I immediately imbibed.
I experienced that respect first hand, hosted byAmerican families in their homes to foster cross-cultural
relationships between them and foreigners.

I got along very well with my host family andadmired Little Bit, a puppy that became like a little
brother to me. One striking thing about Little Bit isthat it is a diaper-wearing puppy whereas diapers are
considered as luxury for babies in my country! I discovered
Americans truly love pets. In Nigeria dogs watch over ourhomes; Americans keep them as companions.
Back home I bury myself in work 24/7 with notime for leisure, but I cherish the moments I had visiting
Washington landmarks such as the White House andmuseums that captured the past with accuracy such as the
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, an African American
cultural museum, and the Washington Memorial.
As a journalist, I was excited to be interviewed on
the Voice of America (VOA) while I did my internshipat Iowa Public Television (IPTV). I was involved in
producing a television program, Love For Quilting. As ashow of friendship and appreciation for my involvementin the production of some of the program series, theorphanage at my Nigerian church got some quilting
fabrics as gifts. At IPTV, I was lucky to witness thetransition of the station from analog to digital broadcast
system, a feat Nigeria intends to achieve by 2012.
I got some ideas on how to help Nigerians from visits
to organizations such as ACCESS, a shelter for battered
women; Sisters on Target, an African-American women
mentoring group; and Carrie Chapman Catt Center for
Women and Politics.
Back in Nigeria we translated the U.S. experienceby organizing an international conference on the roleof women in Nigeria’s future and by empowering
indigent women in rural communities. This is what I callleadership transfer — American solutions exported to
Nigeria with an African flavor. n
See also U.S. Department of State Foreign Media,
Press and Radio Visas [http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
types/types_1276.html].
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 29

What to Expect

Change in the Air
Jane Levere

D

Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic ofKorea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
A traveler from a country participating in the VWP
must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA), an online travel authorization, established by
DHS. ESTA determines, before the traveler boards aflight, whether the traveler is eligible to travel to theUnited States under the VWP and whether such travel
poses any law enforcement or security risks.
When an international traveler arrives in the UnitedStates, he or she must submit one of two documents to
the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:
either a white Form I-94, if the traveler has a visa, or agreen Form I-94W, if the traveler is a VWP participant.
The CPB officer asks the traveler questions about hisor her stay, scans the traveler’s fingerprints, and takes adigital photograph. In addition, VWP travelers, who are
not required to obtain a visa, will soon need to pay a fee.
The traveler keeps a portion of the I-94 or I-94W form
after the CPB check and returns it to CPB upon departurefrom the United States.

igital fingerprinting, fluctuations in the dollar
exchange rate, and a mass of online information
are some of the ways making travel to the UnitedStates in 2010 a different experience for international
visitors than it was earlier in the 21st century.
These changes are evident even before the visitor
leaves his or her country.
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) — a department of the federal government
established by legislation in late 2002, after the September
11, 2001, terrorist attacks — established a new series ofbiometric procedures for international visitors holding
non-U.S. passports or visas.
Specifically, when these visitors apply for a visa,
the officer interviewing them reviews their applicationand supporting documents and collects both digital
fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Rcently, the waiting time for these interviews has beensignificantly reduced. According to Geoff Freeman, senior
vice president of public affairs of U.S.
Travel, the trade organization for theForeign Travel in the USA, 2000–2009
Millions of Visitors
U.S. travel industry, many prospective
60
visa applicants now wait fewer than58
30 days for an interview, compared to56
more than 100 days in the past.
54
The Visa Waiver Program
52(VWP) — which exempts citizens
from countries that meet various
50
security and other requirements
48
from obtaining a visa for visits to the46
United States of 90 days or fewer for
44
business or pleasure — applies to 36
42
countries. These countries comprise
40
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark,Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
eJournal USA 30

2006

2007

2008

2009

Vincent Hughes

Improving security, a sluggish economy, and the Internet all
have changed, and in many ways improved, the experience of
foreigners traveling to the United States. Jane Levere writes ontransportation and travel issues.

Vincent Hughes

visitors from any country
whose currency hasappreciated against the dollar.
Popular U.S. destinations
that previously were quite
expensive to visit, such as
New York and San Francisco,
are now more affordable.
The weak U.S. economy
has also created — for thetime being at least — a glutof empty hotel rooms, which
has led to deep discounts on
many room rates, anotherplus for international visitors.
Globalization has
made the United States amore attractive venue forinternational trade shows.
Rossi Ralenkotter, president
and chief executive of the Las Vegas Convention and
Visitors Authority, says the number of international
attendees is up at the National Association of Broadcasters
convention and at the Consumer Electronics Show, both
events held in Las Vegas.
The Internet, added Fred Dixon, senior vice presidentof tourism and convention development at NYC &Company, also has made the United States a moreaccessible destination for international visitors. “There’s
more information available than ever before, morebooking channels direct to consumers, who can book fromtheir home, book from their phone,” he said.
One top online tool to research travel in the UnitedStates is the Web site www.discoveramerica.org. Developedin 2009 by U.S. Travel and the U.S. Department ofCommerce, the site offers information from American
Express, Fodor’s, Travelocity, Google, Weather.com, state
tourism offices, and destinations’ convention and visitor
bureaus, among many organizations. This information
is provided in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, andFrench. n

In 2007 Congress authorized the expenditure of $40
million on a “Model Ports of Entry” program, designed
specifically to improve the arrival experience of foreign
travelers at the 20 U.S. airports with the highest numberof international visitors. The program aims to improvestaffing, queue management, signage, and infrastructure at
the top 20 U.S. international airports and to hire at least
200 new CPB officers.
Changes in the global economy have also had asignificant impact on the travel experience of international
visitors to the United States.
There is far more air service, by U.S. and non-U.S.
airlines, to more U.S. destinations than ever before,
spurred by the proliferation of airlines worldwide, andby their use of aircraft that can serve the new routes
economically and efficiently. U.S. carriers such as
American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Delta
Airlines have aggressively increased their international
service, particularly to Europe and Asia, while Europeanand Asian airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa,
and Singapore Airlines have added new U.S. routes, andincreased frequencies on routes already served. In addition,“open skies” agreements, which lift restrictions on flights,
have been signed by the United States with the European
Union and Japan, increasing air service from both to theUnited States.
While exchange rates fluctuate unpredictably, theUnited States is a far less expensive place to travel for

The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 31

Getting AroundJane Levere© AP Images

the nationwide rail network, operate high-speed
Acela trains that connect Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington withfrequent, fast service. Amtrak also operates special
sightseeing trains throughout the western UnitedStates, such as the California Zephyr and Coast
Starlight.
Companies such as Greyhound and Trailways
provide frequent, long-distance bus service acrossthe United States; regional operators such as
Megabus and BoltBus offer discounted fares oncertain popular routes.
Public transportation options vary widely in
U.S. cities. Extensive, frequent bus service andsubway systems are more prevalent in large cities
such as New York; tour-bus companies also offersightseeing tours in major U.S. cities.
Renting a car is still one of the best ways
to travel around the United States, says Wendell Cox,
principal of Demographia, a public policy consulting
company in Belleville, Illinois.
“It works marvelously well and is available anywhere,”Cox says.
Dan Kasper, managing director of LEC, aneconomic and financial consulting firm in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, adds that gasoline is much cheaper in the
United States than in many other countries. This makes
renting a car more affordable, he says.
“Given the expanse of the country and the fact thatmany places are not densely enough populated to support
public transportation, a rental car will let you get off thebeaten path,” Kasper says. “It will give you flexibility to
set your own pace and go where you want to go.”To rent an auto, U.S. rental companies generally
require foreign travelers to present a valid driver’s licenseand major credit card. n

Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains operate from Boston to Washington.

Many foreign visitors will find that methods of travel within
the United States often differ from those with which they
are familiar. Jane Levere writes on transportation and travelissues.

G

etting around the vast United States differs from
how one travels within some other countries.
While certain parts of the United States aredensely populated, other parts are not. This means thatpublic transportation options are more plentiful in certain
cities, especially those with a large central core, while
geography and economics dictate greater reliance on
automobiles in other regions. Going from one place toanother thus might mean taking an airplane, or a train,
or a bus, or driving an auto — or some combination ofthese.
Many people travel from one region of the country
to another, or even within the same region, on domestic
flights.
Although Japan, China, and many countries in
Europe have highly developed high-speed rail services,such as Japan’s bullet train and the Eurostar, high-speed
rail service is not prevalent in the United States. Onlyalong the Northeast Corridor does Amtrak, which runs

The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views orpolicies of the U.S. government.

eJournal USA 32

Vincent Hughes

Some Estimated Travel Times
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Boston: 1 hour, 5minutes

Estimated driving time New York-Los Angeles: 41 hours,
40 minutes

Estimated driving time New York-Boston: 3 hours, 56
minutes

Estimated in-air flight time Miami-Los Angeles: 6 hours

Estimated in-air flight time New York-Washington: 1hour
Estimated driving time New York-Washington: 4 hours,
3 minutes

Estimated driving time Miami-Los Angeles: 40 hours, 59
minutes
Estimated in-air flight time Miami-Chicago: 3 hours, 5
minutes

Estimated in-air flight time New York-Chicago: 3 hours

Estimated driving time Miami-Chicago: 22 hours, 14
minutes

Estimated driving time New York-Chicago: 12 hours, 45
minutes

Estimated in-air flight time Los Angeles-San Francisco: 1
hour, 10 minutes

Estimated in-air flight time New York-Miami: 3 hours

Estimated driving time Los Angeles-San Francisco: 6
hours

Estimated driving time New York-Miami: 20 hours, 31
minutes
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Los Angeles: 6hours, 10 minutes

Estimated in-air flight time Los Angeles-Honolulu: 6hours
Sources: www.oag.com, www.randmcnally.com

eJournal USA 33

Getting Through Airport Security
Jane Levere© AP Images/Jon Super

to the checkpoint, where both mycarry-on baggage and I are screened.
I take several plastic bins, in which I
place my handbag and tote bag. As
required, I also remove my shoes andcoat and place them in the bins. My
belongings go onto a conveyor belt,
where they pass through an X-ray
machine. Transportation security
officers monitor the X-ray machine
screen to insure my belongings do
not contain any prohibited items
or items that may pose a threat toaviation security.
Another transportation
security officer directs me to enteran advanced imaging technology
machine, also known as a bodyscanner. This is a new screening
device used by TSA at several airports
nationwide. Once inside the scanner,
the officer asks me to raise my arms
The passenger goes through a body scanner such as this one at an airport in the United Kingdom.
momentarily as the equipment
creates an image of my body. This
officer cannot see the image, which
Jane Levere, who writes on transportation and travel issues,
is displayed on a screen in a remote viewing location; thedescribes her experience with airport security. For more
image is reviewed by another officer who cannot see me.
information on getting through airport security, visit www.
Once my image, which is blurred for privacy reasons, istsa.gov.
reviewed for any potential anomalies, it is automaticallydeleted from the system, and I exit the scanner.
To take a flight within the United States, I must
In a matter of seconds, I am cleared to retrieve mygo through airport security, which is administered bybelongings from the conveyor belt, put my shoes and coat
the Transportation Security Administration, part of theback on, and proceed to the gate to wait for my flight. n
Department of Homeland Security.
As I approach the security checkpoint, I am stopped
by a transportation security officer, who asks me to show
See also http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm.
her my boarding pass and legal identification. I use mydriver’s license as identification, though international
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views ortravelers should use a passport.
policies of the U.S. government.
Once the officer has reviewed these documents, I
proceed to another officer, who checks my documents
again. Along with all other passengers, I then proceed

eJournal USA 34

Additional Resources

Publications, Web sites, and films on traveling in the United States
Books and Articles

Kerouac, Jack. On the Road. New York: Viking Press,
1957.

“The Best Sandwiches in America.” Esquire, February
16, 2008, www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches
Bryson, Bill. The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-town
America. New York: Harper and Row, 1989.
Bryson, Bill. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America
on the Appalachian Trail. New York: Broadway Books,
1998.
Duncan, Dayton. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea;
an Illustrated History; with a preface by Ken Burns. New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.
Notes: “Based on a film by Ken Burns produced by
Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns, written by Dayton
Duncan.”“Destination America.” Smithsonian, vol. 40, no. 2, May
2009, pp. 55-66, 68-81.
Profiles: Big Sur, California; Pensacola, Florida; andChicagoFried, Stephen. “America’s Greatest Train Rides,” Parade,
March 28, 2010
http://www.parade.com/news/2010/03/28-greatest-train-ridesin-america.html

McKibben, Bill, Terry Tempest Williams, William
Least Heat-Moon. Three Essays. [by] Bill McKibben,[Arlington, Va.]: Nature Conservancy, 1993.
Contents: The Adirondack Mountains, New York; The
Colorado Plateau, Utah; and The San Pedro River,Arizona.
Povo, Kelly. Roadsides: Images of the American Landscape.
Plymouth, MN: Crotalus Publishing, 2004.
Priven, Judy. Hello! USA: Everyday Life for International
Visitors and Residents. Bethesda, MD: Hello! America, Inc.,2005.
http://www.hellousa.com/bookstore.asp#hellousa
Raban, Jonathan. Old Glory: An American Voyage.
New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981.
Reader’s Digest Association. Discover America: A
Comprehensive Travel Guide to Our Country’s Greatest
Destinations. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest
Association, 2004.
Ricciuti, Edward R. America’s Top 10 Natural Wonders.
Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch Press, 1998.

Fry, Stephen. Stephen Fry in America: Fifty States and the
Man Who Set Out to See Them All. Photographs by Vanda
Vucicevic. New York: William Morrow, 2009.

Rothman, Hal K. and Sara D. Ewert, eds. Encyclopediaof American National Parks. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe,
2004.

Heat-Moon, William Least. Blue Highways: A Journey
into America. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1982.

Scheller, William. Train Trips: Exploring America by Rail.
Rev. ed. Charlotte, NC: East Woods Press, 1984.

Heat-Moon, William Least. Roads to Quoz: An American
Mosey. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2008.

Setterberg, Fred. The Roads Taken: Travels ThroughAmerica’s Literary Landscapes. Athens, GA: University ofGeorgia Press, 1993.

Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life.
Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2009.

Spears, Grady and Robb Walsh. A Cowboy in the
Kitchen: Recipes from Reata and Texas West of the Pecos.
Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 1998.

eJournal USA 35

Steinbeck, John. Travels With Charley: In Search ofAmerica. New York: Viking Press, 1962.

Web Sites
Government

Stern, Jane and Michael Stern. Roadfood. New York:Broadway, 2008.

U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/

Sullivan, Robert. Cross Country: Fifteen Years and 90,000
Miles on the Roads and Interstates of America with Lewis
and Clark, a Lot of Bad Motels, a Moving Van, Emily Post,
Jack Kerouac, My Wife, My Mother-in-law, Two Kids, andEnough Coffee to Kill an Elephant. New York: Bloomsbury,
2006.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS)
http://www.ice.gov/sevis

U.S. National Park Service. The National Parks: Shaping
the System. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of theInterior, 2005.

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Walsh, Robb. Sex, Death, and Oysters: A Half-shell Lover’s
World Tour. Berkeley, CA: Counterpoint, 2009.

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
http://www.exchanges.state.gov/

Weiland, Matt and Sean Wilsey, eds. State by State: A
Panoramic Portrait of America. New York: Ecco, 2008.

U.S. Department of State
EducationUSA
http://educationusa.state.gov/

Yaccarino, Dan. Go, Go America. New York: Scholastic
Press, 2008.

Reports

U.S. National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov

Institute of International Education
Open Doors: Report on International Educational Exchange.
New York: The Institute; with support from the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs.
Open Doors Report 2009
Selected tables are available online:
http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/

Non-Governmental
AMIDEAST, America-Mideast Educational andTraining Services
AMIDEAST is a private, nonprofit organization thatstrengthens mutual understanding and cooperation
between Americans and the peoples of the Middle Eastand North Africa.
http://www.amideast.org/

U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
International Visitation to the United States: A Statistical
Summary of U.S. Arrivals (2009)http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/2009_Visitation_Report.pdf

American Park Network
Comprehensive source of information on national parks
and public lands, including visitor guides for nationalparks.
http://americanparknetwork.com/info/about-us36

Council on International Educational Exchange(CIEE)CIEE is the leading U.S. non-governmental international
education organization. CIEE creates and administers
programs that allow high school and university students
and educators to study and teach abroad.
http://www.ciee.org

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (2009)
Producer: Ken Burns/Florentine Films
Length: Six videos (700 minutes)
Color
Summary: TV mini-series [six expisodes]
The history of the U.S. National Parks system, including
the initial ideas which led to the world’s first nationalparks and the expansion of the system over 150 years.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464482/

Council for International Exchange of Scholars
The Council for International Exchange of Scholars(CIES), the scholar division of the Institute ofInternational Education (IIE), is well known for its
expertise and extensive experience in conducting
international exchange programs for scholars anduniversity administrators.
http://www.cies.org

North America’s National Parks (2008)
Producer: Topics Entertainment
Length: Four videos (265 minutes)
Color
Summary: Explores some of North America’s mostcelebrated landscapes in North American national parks,
including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Alaska’s Denali, and the
grand canyons.

U.S. Travel Association
This association assists members with programs andplatforms to help promote travel to and within the UnitedStates, especially through International Pow Wow, thepre-eminent international trade show bringing travel toAmerica; DiscoverAmerica.com, the official U.S. travel
and tourism web site; and Discover America pavilions,exhibition showcases at travel trade shows around theworld.
http://www.ustravel.org/

Over New England (2008)
Producer: Topics Entertainment
Length: Four videos (263 minutes)
Color
Notes: Emmy-Award winner
Summary: Celebrates New England’s landscapes andlandmarks, from red barns, white steeples and village
greens to rugged coastlines, safe harbors and lighthouses,
all part of its distinctly regional character.

Filmography

The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the content andavailability of the resources listed above. All Internet links were active as of
May 2010.

America by Rail (2005)
Producer: Topics Entertainment
Length: Four videos (201 minutes)
Color
Summary: Tour the United States from Washington, D.C.,
to San Francisco by train in this railroad adventure which
explores America’s scenic beauty and legendary trains.
Videos include matching maps of the areas.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166967/

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