Now that you have your offer letter and visa has arrived, the next step is to start packing you stuff. You mind starts racing – “what should I pack?” “what documents do I need?” “Gosh! I’m going to be living in an altogether new country”. Your heart starts pounding with waves of excitement, panic and excitement again.

Somewhere in between all these buzzing thoughts and burst of emotions, you’ve been packing and completing the paper work. You’ve made a list of all the things you need you you’ve checked it time and again, but lets make sure you keep in mind the most important basics.

Documents: Make sure you pack the following documents: 

• A valid passport with more than 6 months of validity.
• A non-immigrant visa from the U.S Embassy in your country.
• Certificate of eligibility (I-20 A-B, I-20 M-N, or DS-2019 form)
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (form I-797 – paper receipt) and copy of SEVIS I-901 form
• I-94 card

Medical:

• Make sure you have the compulsory immunizations and vaccinations before entering the US and besides this, most colleges and universities require additional immunizations. So, call your respective college or university to find out which one you need.
• Healthcare insurance in a foreign country can be quite perplexing, but this first step is getting a health insurance before you enroll at a university abroad. Purchase health insurance through your school or through any other organization. To save money, it might be useful to get a full check up done before you leave your home country. 

Academic:

• You must carry all your transcripts from all the universities and secondary schools you have attended. This way your adviser what classes you require to graduate on time. Some of you may also want to bring latest syllabi, class descriptions etc.

Travel Itinerary and Arrival:

• Confirm your flight and make arrangements for your arrival. Also arrange for the temporary lodging if need be.
• Also contact the International Student Office at your university and check you orientation, registration appointments etc.

Definitely, I sounds like a lot!! But do a little bit of planning and you’ll surely be sorted.

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Tej Kohli picks out some common spelling differences :

In usual Parlance                      In America

centre, metre…                                 center, meter…
cheque                                                  check
colour, flavour…                               color, flavor…
grey                                                        gray
dialogue                                               dialog
judgement                                           judgment
maths                                                    math
plough                                                  plow
storey                                                   story (of a building)
aluminium                                          aluminum
traveller                                               traveler

Complied by Tej Kohli

The American education system offers international students the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless!

The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world’s best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.

Whether you want to study at a top USA university, a top USA college, or at a USA  ESL, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the American education system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the Overview of the American education system section will help you develop that understanding. You can also search our list of top universities, colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and boys and girls boarding schools in the American education system. It is no surprise that the American education system and the American school system hosts more international students than any other country in the world!

1. Never talk about someone’s weight –”you are very fat”.
2. Never ask “how much did you pay for that” or “how much money do you make”.
3. Never smoke indoors (unless given permission).
4. Never change the TV station, the air conditioner or fan controls in someone else’s home. If you are cold, put on a sweater.
5. Never hit anybody – animal or human.
6. Never talk about the bathroom.
7. Never spend more than 5 to 10 minutes on someone else’s phone.
8. Never bring a friend with you to a party or dinner – unless you have asked the host if it is okay.
9. Never spend more than 20-30 minutes in the bathroom at one time–others may be waiting.
10. Never burp, belch, or pass gas in public – if you do be sure and say, “Excuse me”.
11. If you sneeze in public, cover your mouth and say “excuse me”.
12. Always be on time – between 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late, no more.
13. If you say that you will attend something–attend! Don’t say “yes” to be nice and then not show up.
14. If for some reason you cannot attend, call the host ahead of time to explain.
15. Use deodorant and brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Americans are very sensitive about body odors.
16. Driving – do not honk the horn, except in very dangerous emergencies. It is considered very rude, except in New York City.
17. Do not flash your lights at someone to tell them to hurry or get out of your way.
18. If you are driving on bright lights for better visibility and a car comes toward you, dim your lights.
19. Before 8 AM and after 9 PM Be Quiet. No loud TV or radio.
20. Do not wipe off your cup or silverware in a restaurant. They are clean. If you see that they are not clean ask the waiter or waitress for a new one.
21. When moving out of your dorm room or apartment-leave it clean. always leave a place even cleaner than you found it–people will have fond memories of you.
22. Do not address your school teacher as “teacher”. Call him by name: for example, Professor Brown, Mr. Smith, Ms. Jones.
23. Never throw trash on the ground or out a window–it is illegal.
24. Buy trash bags for your trash and put it out only at the appointment time at the right place.
25. When you have a guest come to visit, turn down, or off the TV set.

Compiled by Tej Kohli