Pa r ti c i p a n t H a n d b o o ka helpful guide to living and working in the United States

Who isCultural Vistas?

Before you
arriveU.S. arrival

Getting settled

U.S. culture

Seeing the U.S.

After yourprogram

ImportantCustoms

Finding housing

Social customs

Ways to get from

Making the most ofRegulations

Communicating

Business customs

here to there

your experience

Currency exchange

Getting around

Eating & drinking

National parks

Managing yourSports & recreation

Climate & weather
TravelDocuments
Applying foryour visa
Information on themoney

Useful practical

United States

Health careinformation

Pre-departure

Staying safe

Pre-departurechecklist

Accommodations

checklist

Contacting us:

E-mailinfo@culturalvistas.org

Telephone

212.497.3500

Facsimile

212.497.3535

Emergency

877.206.6406

Business hours

Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–5:30pm ET
Friday, 9:00am–1:00pm ET

Mail

Cultural Vistas New York Headquarters
440 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016

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Who is Cultural Vistas?

Before you arrive

Congratulations on being accepted for a training program in the United States! You areabout to embark on a cultural and professional adventure of a lifetime. On behalf of ourImportant documents

entire organization, welcome to the United States of America! We hope that you will see
and experience many of the great things America has to offer.

Cultural Vistas will issue many important documents that you must keep with you
throughout the duration of your training program in the United States. You will be required

Thank you for choosing Cultural Vistas as your legal J-1 visa sponsor for your training
program. The U.S. Department of State designated Cultural Vistas as a sponsor of theto present these documents at different times, including your visa appointment at the U.S.
Consulate and when entering the United States. Make a copy of each document and keep
it separate from the originals. Be sure to keep both the originals and copies in a secure

Exchange Visitor Program. Cultural Vistas, not your U.S. host employer, will act as your visa
sponsor throughout the duration of your training program.
As your J-1 visa sponsor, Cultural Vistas has many roles and responsibilities. Cultural Vistas
is required to ensure that all parties involved in the cultural exchange program comply with
the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations. These parties include exchange visitors,
U.S. host employers, immigration attorneys and overseas global partners. If at any time oneof the associated parties fails to comply with the government regulations, Cultural Vistas
may revoke sponsorship of you and your training program.
Cultural Vistas understands that it can be difficult to move to a new country. To help you
prepare for your journey, we have prepared a participant handbook that includes practicalinformation uesful for your experience in the United States.
Cultural Vistas will also provide you with ongoing support and guidance throughout the
duration of your training program and time in the United States. We are available tohelp with questions or concerns that may or may not be addressed in this handbook.
Cultural Vistas also has a 24-hour emergency support phone number that you can call at
any time. The toll free emergency number is 1-877-206-6406.

location.
Certiﬁcate of Eligibility (DS2019) is the legal document that entitles and authorizes you
to participate in on-the-job training in the United States, and to receive wages from the
U.S. employer listed on the DS2019.
Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS7002)* is the document that outlines the training
activities you will participate in during your exchange program in the United States.
The DS7002 contains your signature, your supervisor’s signature and the signatureof an Cultural Vistas staff member.
*Not required for Summer Work/Travel programs
I-94 Arrival Card will be automatically generated by a United States Customs and Border
Protection agent when you arrive. Once this is done, you can obtain a paper version ofyour I-94 Card at www.cbp.gov/I94.
Participant Handbook should be kept with you so you can reference it during your training
program. The handbook contains helpful information and many resources that may be
useful during your training program.

This handbook does not contain the official regulations governing your exchange program.
Be sure to read and understand all U.S. government and Cultural Vistas regulations before
traveling to the United States. It is your responsibility to be fully aware of your program
limits and your legal status in America.

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Applying for your visa
Before you will be permitted to enter the United States for your training program, you mustobtain a J-1 visa. Apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, using the DS 2019 form
that Cultural Vistas sent to you. Read all documents carefully, so that you know exactly
what you are agreeing to when you enter the United States on a J-1 visa.

Newspapers can give you a good idea of what is happening not only nationally, but locally.
You can do a quick search on the Internet to ﬁnd newspapers close to where you will beliving, so you can view information on local events, weather, and news. Major newspapers
such as USA Today (www.usatoday.com), The New York Times (www.nytimes.com) and the
Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) can be valuable resources.

Your Pre-Departure Checklist
Visa procedures vary slightly from one consulate or embassy to another. Before you apply
for your visa, check with the consulate or embassy office where you plan to apply todetermine exactly what documents you need to bring.

Before you leave, you may want to have enough American currency exchanged for any
basic expenses when you land. For speciﬁc information on currency exchange, see further

The following are standard items required for the application:
1. A current, valid passport

down this page; we suggest you bring USD $150-200 in cash with you. You can also wait
to arrive in the United States and use an automatic teller machine (ATM) or exchangemoney at the airport.

2.

DS2019 (Certiﬁcate of Eligibility)

3.

DS7002 form (Training/Internship Placement Plan)

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

I-901 (SEVIS fee receipt)
Evidence of ﬁnancial support for the period of time indicated on the DS2019 form
Proof that you have a permanent residence outside of the United States
One or more passport-size photographs
DS156 (Non-immigrant visa application)

Additional application materials may be requested by the visa officer to prove youreligibility for the J-1 visa. Such materials may include: evidence of English proﬁciency,
further proof of strong ties to your home country, or veriﬁcation of your ability to support
yourself while in the United States. An application fee or short interview may also be
required. Once approved, the consular officer will put the visa stamp in your passport.
Depending upon the location, you will either receive your visa stamp the day of yourvisa interview or your stamped passport will be sent to you via post within days. If you
encounter any problems obtaining your visa, please contact Cultural Vistas.

Information on the United States

To help you better plan for your trip, use this checklist of important documents,
helpful reminders, and practical travel tips as a guideline:
Items to bring:
F
F
F
F
F

Things to do before leaving
F
F
F

Before leaving for the United States, it is a good idea to do some research on the country.
There is a great deal of information available for those who are unfamiliar with some,
if not all, aspects of American life and culture.

F

There are a number of online resources that can help you learn more about what is goingon in America, including:

F

t
t

The official website for the President of the United States (www.whitehouse.gov).
The U.S. State Department’s foreign policy, life, and culture site (www.america.gov).

Your valid passport along with a photocopy of the photo page
Copies of transcripts, important medical records, and prescriptions
A copy of your birth certiﬁcate
An international driver’s license
A carry-on bag with personal articles to use in case your luggage is temporarily lostin transit. Also pack valuable items and your documents in this bag

F

F

F

Book your travel to the United States and notify your employer of your arrival date.
Have a complete medical check-up at your doctor’s officeLearn how to get from your point of entry into the United States to your employer’s
office or ﬁrst night’s lodging
Conﬁrm accommodation arrangements for your ﬁrst few nights in the United Stateswith your employer
Label your luggage with your name and the address of your employer or residence
in the United States (if it has already been determined)
Re-conﬁrm your ﬂight reservations 72 hours before departure
Carry contact information for Cultural Vistas and your employer(phone numbers and addresses)
Give your family a contact number in case of emergency

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U.S. Arrival

Getting Settled

Customs Regulations

You may ﬁnd your ﬁrst few days in the United States overwhelming. Not only do you
have to adjust to a new culture, but you need to learn where to buy groceries, get a phone,Once you land and step off the plane, the ﬁrst thing you will need to do is pass throughthe immigration and customs area. You will need to show:or how to get around. Remember that for the duration of your stay in the United States,
Cultural Vistas will be your legal sponsor. If you are having trouble or have any questions
about beginning your life in America, we encourage you to contact us.

t
t
t

Your passportYour visa (which is stamped inside your passport)
The DS2019 form

You can get information about regulations from any U.S. Consulate.

Finding Housing
If you and your employer have not found a place for you to live prior to your arrival,
ﬁnding a place to live will be your ﬁrst priority.

Currency Exchange
Most landlords renting apartments or houses require their incoming tenants to sign a
If you don not bring U.S. currency with you, ﬁnd an exchange desk to change over yourmoney to American currency once you pass through customs. Currency in the UnitedStates is based on the dollar (symbol: $), with one dollar containing one hundred cents($1.00 = 100 cents). There are also half dollar ($.50) and silver dollar ($1.00) coins,though they are not widely circulated. Cents are also denoted as part of a dollar:
50 cents is often written as $.50 but may also appear as 50¢.

lease, which is the official document of agreement between the two parties. The entire
lease should be read carefully before entering an agreement, especially the paragraphs on:t
Security deposit: The money a tenant must present up front as a form of collateral forthe apartment or house—usually one or two month’s rent.
t
Maintenance: There are strict rules about how tenants and landlords must deal withthese issues, but they vary from state to state, or even city to city.

U.S. money, commonly referred to as “bills,” is issued in the following denominations:$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. The $2 bill is rarely printed, though you may see
one from time to time. When exchanging money, keep in mind that it might be helpful toobtain some bills of lesser value right away instead of just larger ones. Sometimes whenpaying for simple items like a candy bar or a bottle of water, a store may have a policy of
not accepting $50 bills; or the store might not have a large amount of change. You will also
most likely need smaller bills for tipping, should you be taking a taxi or shuttle from theairport. See page 8 for more information on tipping.

If you have questions about a lease, call your city’s Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs. Before
signing a lease, walk through the apartment or house with the landlord and make a written
list of current faults or problems. This will help eliminate the question of responsibility for

When you see prices written, the dollar value of the item will be found on the left handside of the decimal mark, with cents written to the right. An item marked “$23.45” isFrom there, try:t
The Classiﬁed section of major daily newspapers or community publications.

therefore “twenty-three dollars and forty-ﬁve cents.” Commonly, when asked to pay forsomething, a cashier will omit the “dollars” and “cents” from the total, and would simply
say “twenty-three forty-ﬁve” as the total. U.S. stores do not often bargain.

t

pre-existing damage.
A good way to start your apartment search is by taking a tour around the area withsomeone who is familiar with it. He or she can point you in the right direction andmake important recommendations about housing in your area.

Online postings; one of the most commonly used sites is Craig’s List
(www.craigslist.org). Here, you can typically ﬁnd a wide assortment of housing options
posted. You can choose what type of housing you are looking for, and then see themlisted by neighborhood.

Cultural Vistas cannot recommend a certain living situation for its participants.

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Communicating

You can buy stamps from the post office or from vending machines located in publicbuildings. Try to avoid using the machines as they are more expensive.

Language
Now that you are in the United States, how do you communicate with Americans?
First and foremost, good English language skills are helpful. If you discover that you needsome additional English language instruction once you are in the United States, there willprobably be several choices offered in your community, including:tYour host employer
t
t
t

Local churches
Libraries
Community colleges: You can take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for
credit (credit courses count towards a degree) or without receiving credit (thesecourses do not count toward a degree and you do not need to be enrolled in thecollege to take them).

tt

Public schools: Some public school systems offer ESL classes. Call your local highschool or look for information on these courses at the library. Usually, classes at publicschools cost less than either college or private classes.
Private language schools: Private schools offer a greater number of courses at moret

ﬂexible times during the week.
Home study: You can also learn from books, tapes, videos, and on-line classes.

Sending and Receiving Mail
Packages and letters can be mailed at any U.S. Post Office, while stamped letters can bedeposited in a mailbox (usually painted blue and bearing the words “U.S. Mail”). If you are
not sure how much postage you will need, take it to the post office. If you want to locate
a U.S. Post Office near you, you can consult a local telephone book, or log on to the Postal
Service website (www.usps.com).
The proper way to address an envelope in the U.S. is as follows:
Name
Title or Position (if applicable)
Company or Organization (if applicable)
Street Address or P.O. Box (Suite or Apartment number, if applicable)
City, 2-letter State Abbreviation Zip CodeContact a local post about postal rates for domestic and international mail and packages.
Understand that the U.S. Postal Service occasionally raises its postal rates.

If you need a package to deliver quickly, both domestically and overseas, there are privatecompanies that specialize in rapid delivery. Two of the largest and most reliable include
FedEx (www.fedex.com) and UPS (www.ups.com).
Telephone Service
Each city and state has various phone service providers. Check with your host employer fora recommendation. U.S. telephone numbers consist of ten digits. The ﬁrst three are the area
code. The area code is always used only when making a long distance call and is precededby a 1. In many areas (Washington, DC for example) it is necessary to use the area codeeven when dialing a local phone number.
All of Canada and parts of Mexico are also linked to the direct dial system of the UnitedStates. Calls to these areas are made in the same manner as a call to a point in the UnitedStates.
To call overseas, dial 011, then the national code of the country you are trying to reach,the area/city code (less the 0, if it begins with one) and then the number. A few places in
the United States do not have direct dial capability for international calls. Such calls canbe made through the international operator (dial 00).
For directory assistance within your area code, dial 411. There is often a charge of $.25
or more for this call.
For directory assistance outside your area code dial 1, the area code of the area inquestion, then 555-1212. Numbers with the area code 888, 866, 877, 886 or 800 are
toll-free, meaning you will not be charged for the call. 900 numbers are not toll-free andvary in charges from $.50 to over $10. Know the charge before calling; many 900-number
services are moneymaking ventures and should be viewed with caution.
In addition to land line telephone usage, most Americans, as with other countries,
carry cell phones. There are a number of large cell phone companies in the United States.
Typically, a cell phone company will ask you to sign a contract for a certain length of time(normally one or two years) and you will be awarded a certain amount of minutes permonth in exchange for a monthly fee. Usually, long-distance and local minutes have no
distinction with these plans, and you will only be charged extra fees per month if you goover your allotted amount of minutes. International calls usually cost extra. Cell phones
are convenient and are good to have in case of emergencies, but be careful if you choose to5

enroll in a plan. Be sure to read your user agreement carefully and have all your questions
answered by a representative so you do not get caught paying more than you anticipated.
Options for contract-free pre-paid phones and plans abound and have become popular
alternatives plans that require one or two-year contracts.
Internet and e-mailA U.S. license is also used for identiﬁcation purposes, as most show your date of birth andyour photograph. Driver’s licenses are issued by individual state governments but are valid
throughout the country. Please note that IDPs must be applied for in your home country.
Those whose licenses are written in a non-Roman alphabet language (example: Japanese)should apply for an IDP or have their license translated to English before departure to theUnited States.

Internet cafes can be found in most metropolitan areas and will typically charge you
based on the amount of time you are there. You can also have internet service installed
where you live. Depending on your living situation and service availability, chances are there
is more than one provider, and you can compare and contrast rates and services between

Even with your IDP, you may need to get a state issued driver’s license. Each state hasthem. Some providers offer services that will install local telephone service, internet, andDriving without a valid license is a serious offense and can result in ﬁnes of hundreds

cable television for one combined sum, paid monthly. If you are interested, do not hesitate
to ask your local internet provider to see if they offer this option.

of dollars and could also result in vehicle impoundment, etc.

different rules, but in most states, if you intend to stay in the country for some time,
you may have to take a test for a U.S. license.

If you have a laptop, you can generally ﬁnd local coffee houses or libraries that provide
free wireless internet access.

Driving regulations are fairly standard from one state to another, though they vary
somewhat because they are determined by the individual states and municipalities.
Be aware of the speed limit signs. Other differences in the law, such as whether or nota right turn on a red light is permitted, are not as clear. Information on current driving

Getting Aroundregulations can be obtained from the state’s DMV.

You will most likely use two types of transportation to get to and from your job: a car or
public transportation. You will immediately notice the difference between transportationin the United States and the rest of the world, particularly with the use of the car.

If you are pulled over by an officer:t Look for police car lights and listen for sirenst Pull your car to the side of the road safely and as soon as possiblet Roll down your window and stay seated in your cart Follow the officer’s instructions

American rail and bus systems are not as extensive as those in many other countries.
New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. all have good public transportation
systems, but other large cities, such as Los Angeles, do not. Add in the fact that the UnitedStates is such a large country, and you begin to see why Americans rely on cars so much.

In certain countries it is the custom to pay the police officer immediately following
a violation for which you are stopped. Do not reach for your wallet; that may beinterpreted as a threat to the officer.

Driving
If you plan to drive in the United States, you must be at least 18 years of age and hold adriver’s license from your own country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you do
not have either, you will have to take driving lessons and pass a driving and written testin the state of residency. A vision test may also be required. To obtain a license, go to thenearest Department of Motor Vehicles (MVA).
It is also important for you to know that a driver’s license is the most common form ofidentiﬁcation used in the United States; you may have to show it when you write a checkor use a credit card.

If you receive a ticket:tContact us with any questionstt

Follow instructions on ticket
One payment must be paid in full by a check or money order within a speciﬁed
period of time. Payment and/or court procedures are usually printed on the ticket.

All states require car owners to purchase and maintain car insurance. If you are in an
accident, your car insurance will cover most of the cost of injuries and repairs, which
can be very high.

6Types of car insurance:t-JBCJMJUZo This pays for injuries or damages to someone else if your car hits anotherperson or the property of another person. It does not cover injury to yourself or yourproperty.
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$PMMJTJPOo This pays for damages to your car from an accident.
$PNQSFIFOTJWFoThis pays for damage to your car through theft, ﬁre, storm damage,or other no-fault types of damage such as hitting an animal.

Public Transportation
Rail Systems
New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco have the largest metropolitan
rail systems in the United States. Such systems provide inexpensive and very convenienttransportation. Maps, rates, and time tables for rail services are readily available
throughout most urban centers, and you can typically ﬁnd them on the Internet as well.
Also, when using rail systems:t
Note the location of emergency equipment; usually near the doors or end of the cart
Do not stand on the edge of the platformt
Do not display money, jewelry, or other valuable itemst
Keep your wallet in a side pocket; keep your purse closedt

If someone is bothering you, change cars, or inform the train operator or security
guard; avoid confronting the person directly

Bus Information
Most cities have bus systems. For information, call 411, or search your city’s mass transit
system on the Internet.

the United States, Cultural Vistas still advises you to obtain a Social Security Number.
Once you have a number it is valid for life. If you decide to return to the United States
for a second training program, or on another program, you will already have a SSN.
Find out where to apply for your Social Security Number at www.ssa.gov.
Paying Taxes
Everyone in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, is responsible eachyear for submitting a complete and accurate income-tax statement to the Internal Revenue
Service, an agency of the U.S. Treasury Department. Americans call the process “ﬁling a
tax return.” As an Cultural Vistas participant in the United States, you must also ﬁle anappropriate return each year. April 15th is the day most Americans must pay their federal
taxes. Do not miss this deadline; you will be penalized if you are late.
In many countries, the government assesses and collects the tax from individuals. In the
United States, however, it is each individual’s personal responsibility to meet his or her
tax obligations. You are responsible for helping your employer estimate how much of yourincome should be withheld (or deducted) from your wages for taxes. Your employer pays
those amounts directly to the U.S. Treasury on your behalf. In your annual tax return, youmust reconcile your account with the government to verify that you have paid the correct
amount over the course of a year. If you paid too much, you may claim a refund. Tax forms
are available on-line at the IRS website (www.irs.gov).
Banking
Shortly after you have arrived in the United States, you will want to open a bank account at
a local bank or branch. This enables one to cash a paycheck, usually without any fee. Whenyou do, bring a photo ID (such as a passport or your driver’s license), your employer’s nameand address, your Social Security card (if you have one) and the funds you wish to deposit.

Managing your money
Living in the United States, even temporarily, will require you to pay attention to certain
ﬁnancial obligations, as well as steps to ensure that you manage your money wisely.
Social Security Card
U.S. law requires all who receive payment for work to obtain a Social Security Number.
To get a one, you must contact the Social Security Administration. The Social Security
Number is one of the most important forms of identiﬁcation; through this number thegovernment calculates one’s taxes, Department of Motor Vehicles issues driver’s licenses,

You may wish to compare the services and costs of several banks. One bank may be moreconveniently located than the others, another may have more automated teller machines(ATMs) around town, and a third may allow you to do your banking from home via
computer. A great way to compare offerings and check locations is to ﬁnd your prospective
bank’s website, as their site typically maintains information about their accounts, as well as
branch locators.
Banks are generally open from Monday through Saturday. Some branches will have weekend
hours, depending on their location. If you utilize internet banking, you can manage youraccounts all day, any day.

banks set up accounts, etc. Even if you are participating in an unpaid training program in

7

A safety deposit box, which is available at most banks, is a good place to store valuable
possessions such as the airline ticket for your ﬂight home, expensive jewelry, foreign

Please keep in mind that this chart is just a guideline. The prices of everything will depend
highly on where you are living. For example, you may pay $2,000 per month in rent for anapartment in New York City, but only pay $800 for the same apartment in a smaller citysuch as Baltimore, Maryland. The same goes for articles of clothing – prices will differ

currency, and the photocopies of the important documents you brought with you.

based on the store where you are shopping.

A check card allows you to withdraw or deposit money in your bank account using an

Tipping

Additional Financial Services

ATM and to make purchases at stores that accept the card (including most grocery stores,
gas stations, etc). Check cards are different from credit cards, as they can only be used if
you have adequate funds in your account to cover the cost of your purchase.

It is customary to give a tip to wait staff, taxi drivers, food delivery drivers, and hairdressers.
Tipping is supposed to recognize good service, though since most of these workers rely ontips for income, it is probably more accurate to say that only bad service will warrant not

Banks and other ﬁnancial institutions, department stores, and even gasoline companies

giving a tip. The common rate for tipping in the United States is 15 – 20 percent for waiters

all issue credit cards that can be used to buy goods. Sometimes, these companies alsooffer reward “points” for every dollar you spend for their business, allowing for you toaccumulate “reward points” that you might be able to exchange for a good or service.

and waitresses and 10 – 15 percent for taxi drivers, food delivery drivers, and hairdressers.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are the major credit card companies
in the United States.

The United States currently does not have an extensive national system of public healthcare and relies on a private practice scheme with costs covered by an individual and/or
individual’s medical insurance policy. All participants coming to the United States under
Cultural Vistas sponsorship are covered by health and accident insurance.

Health Care

Budgeting
To help you manage your money better, here is a chart that gives you an idea of whatsome common items cost:

A routine visit to a doctor’s office may cost from $25 to $75, not including prescription
medicines. Full hospital care is extremely expensive; overnight stays in major hospitals
can cost over $500 per night. State- and locally-run public health clinics, however, may
offer their services at little or no cost.

Item

Low

High

apartment (per month)

300

700

movie ticket

6

11

fast food meal

48large pizza

9

16

man’s shirt

18

50

many medications come in generic varieties. Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist
about this. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy so you know what services are
and are not available to you. If you have questions, contact Cultural Vistas or the insurance

woman’s blouse

20

45

carrier.

athletic shoes

40

100

jeans

30

70

dvd

10

25

hardcover book

15

25

newspaper

14Note that dental costs are not normally covered by group insurance plans. Additionally,
the cost of medications not prescribed by a doctor is not covered by insurance. However,Staying Safe
Take time to acquaint yourself with your new environment. Familiarize yourself with yourneighborhood by walking around during the day and ask colleagues or neighbors aboutareas you should avoid at night. Take note where street lamps are so you do not have towalk in the dark, and avoid walking alone at night. Locate the police station that serves
your neighborhood and ﬁnd the nearest ﬁre-alarm box and learn how to report a ﬁre.

8

In case of an emergency that requires medical attention, locate the hospital emergency
room nearest your home and know what to do in case of an accident. For any emergency
in the United States, you can dial 9-1-1.

U.S. Culture

Additionally, the primary duty of the police is to serve and protect you, and you should nothesitate to seek their assistance at any time. One of the most common crimes is theft ofproperty left unattended or in an unlocked apartment or car. More serious crimes – such as

In some other major cities, such as San Francisco and Chicago, more than one in every
ten residents are foreign-born. Newspapers commonly use such terms as “Asian-American,”“Italian-American,” and “Arab-American” to highlight the existence of various ethnic
heritages within the United States.

drug dealing, assault and rape – also occur. Protect yourself by exercising good sense andcaution. Keep your apartment locked whenever you are away and never leave a backpack
or purse unattended in public. Use caution with strangers who are overly friendly and offer
you gifts, or who ask you to accompany them somewhere.
You will ﬁnd that sexual harassment is a particularly American concept and a fairly hot
topic in the workplace. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature. If you
feel you are being sexually harassed in any way, it is important to tell someone. Speak to
a friend, your work place human resources office, or an Cultural Vistas staff member who
can advise you.
Finally, be protective about your money and personal information. Be careful of lendingor giving money to anyone, especially strangers. If you are uncomfortable turning downa request for money, simply say, “I’m sorry, but I cannot help you,” and politely close thedoor, hang up the phone, or simply keep walking. Never give your credit card, bank accountor Social Security Number to anyone unless you are involved in a transaction to purchase a
product, service, or beneﬁt. You may be giving valuable personal information to someone
who will use it illegally. If you receive a phone call, and you are not interested in or do notunderstand the caller’s product, just interrupt him or her with a ﬁrm, “No, thank you,”or “Please take me off your list,” and hang up the phone. You may also wish to registeron the U.S. “Do Not Call Registry.” Visit www.donotcall.gov to remove your phone number
from calling lists.

America’s population reﬂects remarkable ethnic diversity. More than twenty percent of the
population in two major cities, Los Angeles and New York, was born in another country.

America’s population includes faiths and religions of all natures, people who have many
years of formal education and people who have nearly none, rich people as well as thevery poor. There are Republicans, Democrats, Greens, Socialists, Communists, Libertarians,
and independents, as well as people who hold other political views as well.
At the heart of the United States is a belief in equality and freedom. At the same time,
Americans will readily generalize about various subgroups within their own country.
In a country so large, these traits are inevitable.
Hopefully the people you will be working with are as excited as you are about spendingtime with somebody from another country and culture. Take advantage of this opportunity
for cultural exchange. You may ﬁnd that your co-workers are eager to share their culture
with you; invitations to lunch, after-work socializing, dinner at someone’s home, and evena baseball game are not uncommon. Spend time with Americans as that is the best way toexperience the lifestyle, share their attitudes, and learn about the culture.
We are conﬁdent that your experience in the United States will be very rewarding. You willundoubtedly gain crucial knowledge and practical experience in your ﬁeld of work, but wealso hope that you come away from your experience with a broader outlook and a truer,
deeper sense of international cultural understanding.

Social Customs
Individualism and Privacy
One of the most important things to understand about Americans is their devotion toindividualism. Most of them have been trained from an early age to consider themselves
as separate individuals who are responsible for their own destinies.
The importance Americans assign to privacy is closely associated with the value they place
on individualism. Americans assume that people need some time to themselves (or sometime alone) to think about things or recover their energy.

9Equality

Business Customs

Americans’ strong belief in the ideal stated in the Declaration of Independence that“all men are created equal,” is also unique. With this in mind, Americans believe theyWork is generally taken very seriously in the United States. Americans take fewer andshorter holidays than Europeans, and it is common to compromise weekend and family
life if a job needs to be done. As always, there are a few generalizations that can be madeabout how American businesses function, but they should be treated with caution: what

are not deﬁned by family background, but by their own individual talent and hard work.
Although they sometimes violate this and other ideals in their daily lives, Americans havefaith that in some fundamental way, all people are of equal value, and no one is bornsuperior to anyone else. The expression, “One man, one vote,” conveys the idea thatanyone’s opinion is as valid and worthy of attention as anyone else’s opinion. This is not
to say that Americans make no distinctions among themselves as a result of sex, age,
wealth, social position, etc., but these distinctions are acknowledged in more subtle ways.
Americans acknowledge status differences among themselves through their tone of voice,manner of speaking, choice of words, and seating arrangements
Informality

is relevant in the eastern U.S. may be quite different from what is relevant in the western
portion of the country.
A good colleague is punctual and considerate of other people’s time. If you arrive ﬁveminutes late for a meeting, you should apologize. If you are going to be 15 minutes late,
you should call ahead and explain your situation.
You should watch and observe your co-workers to get a sense of what the norm is at yourworkplace, as business customs vary across the United States. Americans have a strongly
deﬁned work ethic that may surprise some people.

Americans are generally informal in their behavior, dress, and relationships with otherpeople. Idiomatic speech (or slang) is commonly used on most occasions, while formal
speech is reserved for public events and fairly formal situations. People from all walks oflife can be seen in public wearing jeans, sandals, and other informal attire. People generally

Typically Americans admire well-organized people who approach a task conscientiously
and persistently, and see it through to a successful conclusion. Americans are as renowned
for their casual approach as they are for their strong work ethic:tFirst names are the norm
$BTVBM'SJEBZT–Some major companies have decided that if employees are allowed
to wear casual clothes (khaki pants, jeans, no tie) on Friday, it increases productivity
If people do not speak openly about what is on their minds, they will often convey
their reactions in non-verbal ways (facial expressions, body positions, and gestures)
Words, tone of voice or facial expressions will usually reveal when people are feeling

Religiont

angry, unhappy, confused, happy, or content
Most offices and businesses in the United States are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There is one great difference between religion in the United States and in many othercountries – the government supports no one religion. In fact, the U.S. Constitution explicitlyt

slouch down in chairs or lean on walls or furniture when they talk, rather than standing up
straight. However, personal space is almost always observed. Most Americans:t
Do not stand too close to each other (less than 3 feet/one meter)t
Do not talk or make eye contact with strangers on elevatorstDo not necessarily kiss cheeks to say hello or goodbye. Some friends or family may
say hello or farewell with a kiss on the check or a hug.

forbids a formal relationship between church and state. In urban centers, there can be
churches of literally dozens of denominations. The fact that the government does notendorse a single state religion goes hand-in-hand with America’s deep respect for privacy
and individualism in that each person is free to worship as he or she wishes without fearof persecution by the government, or anyone else for that matter. Therefore, while religion
is a very visible presence in the United States, it continues to be an intensely private,
personal issue for a great deal of Americans.

t
t
t

t

and employees are always expected to get to work on time
Each individual office determines what constitutes proper business attire but, as a
general rule, most large companies (such as major corporations or law ﬁrms) requirea more formal dress code than smaller organizations. You should ask your host
employer what they feel it is appropriate for you to wear.
You will ﬁnd that smoking is forbidden in the office, as it is in most public places.

10Eating and Drinking

Sports and Recreation

EatingOne of the most well known and visible aspects of every day life in the United Statesis sports. Large numbers of Americans watch and participate in sporting activities,
which are a deeply ingrained part of American life. The most popular major sports in the
United States are baseball, American football, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer (football).

Because the U.S. is a culture based upon contributions from many different backgrounds,
its cuisine is therefore very diverse.
In America it’s common to eat breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and dinner
in the evening. The times will vary depending on your individual situation. Companies
usually grant an hour for lunch during the work day.
Drinking
Much like its food, the United States features a great deal of drink options. The legal age
to consume alcohol in America is 21, and restaurants and bars will check identiﬁcation
regularly – so if you plan on having a drink, be sure to keep your passport or driver’s licensewith you for ID. Do not drink during work hours, do not drink alcohol and drive, and do notbuy alcohol for anyone under 21.
Given the high volume of driving in America, drunk driving has long been an importantsocial concern, and most states are strict in the enforcement of these laws. Driving under
the inﬂuence of alcohol carries more severe penalties now than in the past. Most drunk
driving offenses result in arrest, a ﬁne, and suspension of driving privileges pending ahearing, while severe or repeat offenses may result in imprisonment and/or permanent lossof driving privileges. Although the law varies from state to state, if you have a blood-alcohol
level of .08 percent or greater, you can be convicted of driving while intoxicated (D.W.I.).
If you are suspected of D.W.I., and are stopped by the police, you may be asked to take abreathalyzer test – an on-the-spot test that measures your blood alcohol level. Refusal totake the test is not admission of guilt, but will result in immediate conﬁscation of yourdriver’s license by the police. If this occurs, the driver must apply for an appeal to set up
a court hearing.

Local professional teams are a fun way for you to get involved. You may also wish tojoin a local league.

Useful Practical Information
Emergencies
Be sure to keep the number for emergency services in your area posted near yourtelephone. In most places, the police, ﬁre, and rescue services can be reached by dialing
911. The operator will then ask which service you need. We hope you will not have theneed for an emergency service number, but it is important to be prepared.
Dial 911 for emergencies only. General inquiries should be made on non-emergency
numbers. In some areas 911 is not used, and the emergency number(s) should be listedon the inside cover of the local telephone book. You will also ﬁnd direct telephone numbers
for such facilities as the local police station, hospital, and crisis center on the inside coverof the phone book.
Electric Current
The standard U.S. current is 110 volts. Electronics running on 220-240 volts will not work in
the United States. Most appliance or hardware stores will carry current conversion kits thatwill work on appliances. Additionally, power outlets in the United States differ from thosein most of the rest of the world making adapters necessary for electronic devices brought
into the United States.

We strongly encourage you to not drive after drinking, even after only a few drinks – this is
an issue that is taken quite seriously by law enforcement officials in the United States.

11

Standard Conversions

Clothing and shoe sizes
Womens clothing

Measurements
Temperature° F to ° C

Subtract 32, divide by 1.8

ex 80°F (80-32=48, 48÷1.8=26.66) 27°C
° C to ° FDouble, subtract 10%, add 32

Length2.54 centimeters

1 foot (1’).305 Meters

1 yard.914 meters

1 mile1.609 kilometers

Distance
1 square ince

6.452 square centimeters

1 square yard

.836 square meters

1 acre

6

8

10

12

14

16

British

28

30

32

34

36

38

European

34

36

38

40

42

44

Japanese

5

7

9

11

13

15

Women’s shoes

ex 27°C (27x2=54, 54-5.4=48.6, 48.6+32=80.6) 81°F

1 inch (1”)

American4,047 square meters

American

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

British

4

4.5

5

5.5

6

6.5

European

36-37

37

37-38

38

38-39

39

Japanese

23

23.5

24

24.5

25

25.5

Men’s suits/sweaters
American

36

38

40

42

44

46

British

36

38

40

42

44

46

European

46

48

50

52

54

56

Japanese

S

M

M

L

L

LL

American

7

8

9

10

11

12

British

6.5

7.5

8.5

9.5

10.5

11.5

European

40

41

42

43

44

45

Japanese

26

26

27.5

27.5

28

28

Men’s shoes

Volume1 pint.473 liters

1 quart.946 liters

1 gallon

3.785 liters

Weight1 ounce (1 oz)

28.35 grams

1 pound (1lb)453.592 grams

1 ton.907 metric ton

Time
U.S. Eastern Standard Time

GMT -5

U.S. Central Standard Time

GMT -6

U.S. Mountain Standard Time

GMT -7

U.S. Pacific Standard Time

GMT -8Public Holidays
The following are national public holidays in the United States that most banks andgovernment agencies observe. Ask your employer for a schedule of observed holidays at
your company or organization.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (First Monday after January 15)
Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)

12

Seeing the United States
The United States is a traveler’s paradise. Whatever you seek to explore, America’s great
geographic diversity has something for everyone. There are literally thousands of options
in dozens of regions throughout the country and we are not able to provide you with acomplete listing of desirable or popular American places of interest. They are everywhere,
and we encourage you to seek out these opportunities for yourself. Half the fun of seeing
the United States is pure exploration!

Fortunately, discount travel opportunities exist for international visitors that are notavailable to U.S. residents. These usually take the form of unlimited travel for a set periodof days, and can mean big savings for anyone wishing to see the country in a hurry. Inquire
about these tickets before leaving your home country, as purchase before entering theUnited States is often required. There are U.S. tourist offices in several major cities overseas
which can provide information about such possibilities and other features of travel in the
United States.
By Train

The ﬁrst fact that most international visitors must come to grips with is the sheer size of
the United States. The country is 3,100 miles (5000 km) from coast to coast, (further than
Madrid to Moscow) and 1,200 miles (1920 km) from the Mexican to Canadian borders.
These ﬁgures do not include Alaska, the nation’s largest state, or Hawaii, the Paciﬁc islandstate. Thus, pure distance will play a large role in how you plan to see the U.S.
For those of you planning to do extensive travel in the United States after your program,
we highly recommend a detailed guidebook. Available at virtually any bookstore, thesebooks give information on every aspect of travel down to the minute details, and areconsidered indispensable even by experienced travelers. You have plenty of books tochoose from.
All ﬁfty states, and the U.S. capital, Washington DC, have a Travel and Tourism Division
or Department which sends free information about the state to visitors. The marketing
materials, which usually include a large state guidebook, map, and calendar of events, areespecially useful if you are unfamiliar with the state you wish to travel in. Call 800-directory
assistance, toll-free, for the number of the Travel & Tourism office of the state in question.

Trains were once the fastest, most reliable, and most ﬁnancially reasonable way to see theUnited States. However, with the invention of the automobile and the commercial airplane,
trains were eventually surpassed as the preferred method of domestic American travel.
As you might notice, the rail network in the U.S. is not as heavily utilized as it is in othercountries.
The American rail service is operated by AMTRAK, the National Railroad Passenger
Corporation. As with the airlines, AMTRAK offers travel packages that beneﬁt theinternational visitor. The USA Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on its network for a periodof either 15 or 30 days. If you are going to be doing a lot of train travel, it is worth it. But
note that the USA Rail Pass is available only from major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Los
Angeles, or New York, or from an international travel agent in your home country. There
are also regional AMTRAK passes available for travelers concentrating on one part of thecountry. For more information about AMTRAK services, call them toll-free at 1-800-8727245, or call an international travel agent before you come to the United States. You canalso check out fares and schedules online at www.amtrak.com.

You can also visit any state government website to visit speciﬁc tourism information.
By BusWays to Get From Here to ThereBy AirWhen booking airfare, shop around for the best deal. Using a travel agent; looking at
prospective fares on any airline website; or checking out Expedia, Travelocity or one of themany other online travel sites, you may ﬁnd good deals on ﬂights. Flying at an odd time of
day or night or being ﬂexible in your departure or return dates can result in considerable
savings. Traveling by air can be expensive, so be sure to exhaust all your options on
different airlines, not to mention different methods of transportation, before making adecision to book your tickets.

Taking a bus across America creates a lasting image. Bus travel is inexpensive (you can sleepin the bus and save yourself overnight hotel bills), reasonably comfortable (buses are airconditioned, heated, and usually have an on-board bathroom) and offer an intimate viewof the country. Inter-city bus services are dominated by Greyhound and Trailways, but there
are numerous smaller regional companies that provide direct service to less-populatedareas. Like AMTRAK, Greyhound and Trailways offer unlimited travel plans and occasional
special fares. The rates and duration of these packages may vary, so call either the bus
companies or a travel agent.

13

By Car

Climate and Weather

The most common way to see the country is by car. The United States has a large interstate
highway system linking together major cities through even the most remote areas.

Before you travel, be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination – especially if
you are traveling a great distance, simply because climate can vary considerably from region
to region. In general, the summers are often very hot and winters can be quiet cold in all
but the southernmost states. Once again, plan ahead; do some research about the region

Those with an adventurous spirit will be happy to know that the weekend car excursion
is a simple and inexpensive way to explore your area or region. The United States is large
enough that a new excursion each weekend can provide a different and exciting experience.
Pick up a local newspaper’s Weekend or Travel section, or talk with acquaintances at work
about interesting places. You will be surprised at the response; most people are eager torecommend the well-known spots as well as their own personal favorites.
In some parts of the United States, tolls can be found on certain highways or bridges.
These fees are collected at booths on the road and are used to pay for the building or the
upkeep of the structure or road which the driver is about to use. The charge per vehicle
should be clearly displayed and can range from $.25 to over $10.00.

you will be living in so that you know what to expect.

Travel Accommodations
International visitors who intend to travel in the United States may consult their travel
agent, the Internet or visit their local bookstore for information on accommodations.
Most have a section on travel which is complete with comprehensive accommodation
guides to suit all interests and budgets. It is worth investigating your options beforehandand planning ahead if you will be traveling to popular spots during busy vacation seasons.
Hotels and Motels

Adventure Travel
If you are hooked on adventure travel, but do not have the time or resources to plan anouting on your own, an organized trip may be a great option. Companies all over the UnitedStates now operate major tours and group adventure trips for all ages and skill levels.
Explore your options with different companies; some are only packaged leisure holidays;
others are intense, high-energy trips. They can be expensive, so make sure to compare
companies to ensure you get the best deal.
For more information on adventure travel tours, visit or call a reputable outdoors store such
as R.E.I. (1-800-622-2236), or check a bookstore or library with an extensive travel section.
There you will ﬁnd comprehensive directories such as the Big Book of Adventure Travel, andadventure magazines such as Outside, which consistently carries many adventure travel
articles, group travel lists, and advertisements.

Thousands of hotels and motels are located throughout the United States, and theyrange in price and quality from economical to deluxe. Many are listed and classiﬁed in the
numerous travel and hospitality guidebooks available at local libraries and bookstores, andmost also have websites. Use these resources to obtain more detailed information.
Visitors should realize that inexpensive hotels (especially in urban areas) may not besituated in the safest neighborhoods; it may be wise to pay a few extra dollars for a more
expensive hotel in a central location. If you are wary about a particular establishment, ask
to see the room before paying. If the staff is rude or seems unwilling to help, you probably
do not want to stay there.
Almost no hotels include meals in the total cost for the room; however, many hotels dohave restaurants attached to them. Most hotel rates in the United States are also charged
by room, rather than by person, so the more people who occupy a room, the lower the cost

National Parks

per person. Note that some hotels impose a limit on the number of people who are allowed
to stay in a room. It is a good idea to make a reservation as far in advance as possible, andMany of you will likely spend time in America’s beautiful national parks. They are thiscountry’s treasures and a visit to at least one should be a priority for all visitors. Accessto the different national parks and monuments varies, as some are located in the heartof major cities, and others are a day’s drive from the nearest city. You may contact the
National Park Service (202.208.4747 or www.nps.gov), which is part of the U.S. Department

guests intending to check in late (after 6:00 p.m.) are advised to give the hotel a credit card
number as a safeguard that the room will not be assigned to another guest.

of the Interior, for information on a speciﬁc location such as Yellowstone, the country’s
oldest national park.

Motels are less luxurious than hotels and aim to provide the traveler with overnight
comfort, though several offer extras such as swimming pools or saunas. For this reason
they can be considerably more economical than hotels and often are more convenient
because of their proximity to major highways. Large hotel and motel chains often have14

a central toll-free number that can be found in the Yellow Pages or through the Internet.
Visitors can use this number to ﬁnd out about room rates and make reservations in anyof their branches in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
YMCAs and Youth Hostels
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Young Women’s Christian
Association (YWCA) offer basic, inexpensive accommodation and recreational facilities
to short-term guests. They are ideal for a young traveler on a tight budget. Despite theirnames, YMCAs and YWCAs (or “Y” for short) are not concerned with their guests’ religious
affiliation, and both frequently let out rooms to people regardless of their age or sex. Dueto their popularity among Americans and international visitors, they are frequently booked,
and you should call ahead to see if there is room available.
The YMCA of Greater New York runs a reservation service for eighty cities in North America.
You can reach them at 212-760-5856 or see www.ymca.net.
Another accommodation option is youth hostels. There are almost 300 hostels run byAmerican Youth Hostels (AYH), the U.S. affiliate of the International Youth Hostel Federation

Camping
The glory of America is reﬂected in the great outdoors, and these natural treasures arepreserved mostly in our national and state parks. Outdoor camping is a simple andinexpensive way to enjoy some of the country’s natural beauty while escaping from thecommotion and pressures of everyday life or conventional tourist schedules.
The difficulty with camping is locating camping equipment. Purchasing new camping gear,such as a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, mats, cooking instruments, and other necessities,
is very expensive. If you can borrow or share equipment with someone, there are forests,
mountains, deserts, lakes, canyons, rivers, and long shorelines to explore. This is not to
say that one can just pick up and backpack down the coast of California or up into New
York’s Adirondack Mountains. Most areas in the country have speciﬁed camping rules andregulations, so it is best to have a general destination in mind and investigate the camping
options there before committing yourself to a long trip. Rand McNally & Company publishes
a comprehensive guide to all public and private campgrounds in the United States, and it isavailable in most bookstores. Information about the 104 areas maintained by the National
Park Service is contained in the National Park Camping Guide.

(IYHF). Do not let the name deceive you; youth hostels are not just for young people,
though it is a considerable ﬁnancial advantage to be a member of the IYHF. Youth hostels,
whose dormitory-style rooms are segregated by sex, run the gamut from large, organizedaccommodation centers to buildings resembling cabins. They are most commonly foundin the Northeast, the Great Lakes region, and on the West Coast. The maximum lengthof stay at a hostel is usually three nights, and the inconvenient hours of some hostels canbe a drawback. Most are closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some have an evening curfew.
Call AYH in Washington, D.C. at 202-783-4943 for more information, or see visit.hiayh.org
Bed and Breakfasts
The Bed-and-Breakfast (B&B), long popular in Europe, is catching on in the United States.
B&Bs are a good, economical alternative to staying in a hotel or motel, and offer more
comfort than a Y or a hostel. B&Bs are rooms in people’s homes that are rented on a regularbasis to travelers and include breakfast (and sometimes an evening meal) as part of thedeal. B&Bs can be the most friendly way of passing a night or two in a strange location.
Good sources of information on B&B possibilities in the United States are Bed-andBreakfast USA, by Betty R. Rundback and Nancy Ackerman, and
The Bed-and-Breakfast Guide for the U.S. and Canada by Phyllis Featherstone and Barbara
Ostler, both of which are available in bookstores. There are also many websites that could
be good resources, including www.bedandbreakfast.com.

15

After your training program

Go Home Prepared

When it comes time to leave the United States and return home, you might feel as if you
have ﬁnally ﬁgured out the nuances of American life! However, even during your ﬁrst

Before you return home, make sure you are familiar with the recruitment schedule inyour home country. Many countries do their hiring at the end of the local academic year.

days in the U.S., we encourage you to think about what you want to take away from yourexperience. Consider why you chose to come to the United States to work, and what you
want to accomplish during your time here. Organizing your thoughts will help you to clarify
your career expectations. Most of all, it will allow you to best play your experience inAmerica forward as a boost to your personal and professional life back home.

Contact the local American chamber of commerce for listings of American companies who
may be interested in U.S.-trained candidates. Learn the proper format for writing resumes
and cover letters and start networking immediately. Review the proper dress and protocol
for interviews. When you graduate (if you have not already), contact the alumni association
at your university and get involved. Reestablish contacts with former classmates andMaking the Most of Your Experienceteachers and let your friends and relatives know you are looking for a job. And please
remember to keep in touch with us, we love hearing from our former participants!

Networking

Re-entry ShockAll over the world, people ﬁnd jobs through personal and professional contacts. Building a
network now could pay dividends in the future. To help facilitate this process while here,
we suggest you get to know your colleagues and fellow Cultural Vistas participants both

Few people anticipate that upon their return home, they will experience culture shockin and outside of work. Do not be afraid to participate in extracurricular activities likesports or a social club. You would be surprised at how many Americans ﬁnd jobs or makegreat contacts this way. Other ways include organizing events for an international club,as they did when they ﬁrst came to the United States. Reverse culture shock is mostpronounced in those who expect everything at home to be the same as it was when
they left. Keep in mind that standards of living, the political climate, and even family
relationships may have changed while you were away. You may feel uncomfortable withwhat were once familiar circumstances and may be disappointed in your family andjoining programs that get you involved in the local community, or dropping in to a local
career center. Overall, networking is about meeting people that compliment each other’s
professional interests and keeping in contact with them once you have parted ways – younever know what opportunities may come of it!

friends if they show less interest in your adventures than you had hoped. Be aware of the
obstacles you will face when you go back to your home country. The more you anticipate
the difficulties of re-entry, the better you can minimize their impact and severity. You canalso use the same skills that helped you adapt to the United States to readapt to life in

Immerse Yourself

your home country. While you are here, take photographs, keep a journal, and update youraddress book to maintain memories and contacts when you return home.

Although the skills and experience you acquire working in the United States will be
invaluable to your career, this alone will not guarantee you will be an attractive candidate
for a future opportunity. Employers often look for a well-rounded candidate withexperience in many areas. Therefore, while in America, gain an in-depth knowledge of
U.S. politics, economics and everyday life. Also, do your best to achieve a strong commandof written and spoken English, participate in as many professional conferences as possible,
volunteer to work on projects in the community, and enrich your experience by travelingto different parts of the United States.
A well-rounded cultural experience will only make you that much more of a better job
candidate once you return home.

16Pre-departure Checklist
Before you leave the United States, we suggest you:F

Notify your landlord of your departure in writing at least 30 days before
you intend to leave.

F

Determine how you will pay your last month’s rent.
Can you use your security deposit? If not, determine
how the landlord will return your security deposit.

F

Notify telephone, electric, gas, and water companies about when
they should discontinue service. Make arrangements to have any
deposits refunded to you.

F

Close your bank accounts.

F

If you bought a car, sell it.

F

Leave your forwarding address with your host employer and allcompanies with which you have credit cards, subscriptions, etc.

F

Leave your forwarding address with the post office and Cultural Vistas.

F

Pay all outstanding bills, including credit cards, loans, library ﬁnes, etc.

F

Donate usable items that you are not taking with you to a local thrift
store, faith-based charity or homeless shelter. You can also hold a yard
sale to sell them.

F

Submit your ﬁnal evaluation.

17