   
   
I-94: Helpful travel information sites: Leasing Agreement: You might need to know some key abbreviation before looking at classifieds: BR – bedroom, Util - cost of gas and an electricity (sometimes included in a rent cost), Pvt – private, w/-with. a/c - air conditioner, elev bldg - a building with elevator, w/d - washer/dryer, M – male, F – female. 2007 Holiday Schedule: Tip: Alcohol: Important: Insurance: Emergency Help - 911:
Your Summer Work Travel Useful Information Arriving in the U.S. Your round trip airfare is not included in the program, so be sure that you arrange everything on time. You may book the tickets for your roundtrip as soon as you receive your DS-2019 with the dates of your program. You may ask the USUF partner in your country if they will assist you with your ticket reservation. You may try to get considerable student discounts for international flights with ISIC (International Student Identification Card). Although most airlines allow you to bring up to 65 kilograms of luggage in two pieces, we do not encourage you to bring such heavy luggage for your stay in the U.S. Try not to overpack and keep in mind the average weather conditions of the part of the U.S. to which you will be traveling. When entering the United States you will show the immigration officer: 1. Valid passport Transportation Tips There are various means of transportation available for you to get
to your employer. Of course, you will plan your route before you
arrive to your gateway city in the U.S. Here are several
tips about different means of transportation in the United States. Airplanes are a very efficient way for long
distance travel around the U.S., but sometimes this way is rather
expensive for students. The fares are available online. Most airlines
have their own websites, plus you can always use on-line travel
information sites. Amtrak is the national railway system in the
U.S. To obtain more information you can contact them at their
toll free number 1-800-872-7245 or visit their web site at
www.amtrak.com. Bus is often the most suitable way for students to travel around the U.S. It is inexpensive, convenient and you can always be connected to local bus transportation to reach remote towns. The major bus company in the U.S. is the Greyhound Bus Company. You can contact them toll free at 1-800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com. You may also rent a car if you are eligible;
however we do not encourage participants to do so. Different renting
agencies have different requirements: at least you need to have
a valid international Driver's License, be 21 years old and have
a valid credit card. You will also need car insurance in addition
to your rental fee. You can find different car rental agencies
on the internet. One of the most well-known car rentals with vast
network is Enterprise. You can check them out on-line at www.enterprise.com. The system of public transportation in the United States is rather convenient in the major cities. Metro or subway is the quickest way to get anywhere within the city on time, but buses are also fast and convenient and always run according to schedule. Keep in mind that schedules of buses and commuter rails are usually different for weekdays and weekends. Housing Though most employers or host companies arrange or assist in obtaining housing for Summer Work Travel participants, there is a chance that you may have to find housing on your own. The prices of apartment rental vary depending on location. If your housing is not prearranged you may make a room or hotel reservation in advance. You may contact the international American Youth Hostel Association which is a member of the International Hostel Association at www.jyhf.org. There, you will find addresses of approximately 300 American hostels. You can also find temporary housing with YMCA and YWCA (1-888-333-YMCA). Many universities and colleges also provide opportunities to live in student's hostels during the summer. There are also many inexpensive motels in the U.S. They are a good option for those who are going to live with friends: you pay for a room, not for each person separately. You can rent an apartment by yourself or share it with a roommate, which is always more affordable. When you rent the apartment, you sign an agreement with the owner. The contract is usually signed for a year, but you should remember that your stay in the U.S. is only 4-5 months. If you share an apartment with someone who lived there before, you do not usually sign the contract. Advice on search The best place to look for the information about available apartments is classifieds in the local newspaper, especially Sunday editions. While searching for an apartment consider how much it will cost, the distance to your work, public transportation/grocery accessibility and any other factors important for you. You can share an apartment with friends, find someone who wants to share his/her apartment, or you may rent and then find a person you want to share it with. Sharing an apartment can always save you a lot of money and help you to find more friends. You may also rent a room in the house of an American family. While searching for a place to live consider also that most apartments come unfurnished unless you will be subletting or sharing the apartment with someone who already has a furnished apartment. Ask the landlord how soon you can move into the rental. Sometimes you may need to wait until the end of the month or the beginning of the month to move in. Life and customs People in the United States are very diverse and have different backgrounds. One of the main goals of your program is to participate in cultural activities and learn as much as you can from America’s everyday life. Open your eyes, ears and heart and participate in this challenging opportunity with great enthusiasm. We can’t totally prepare you for your summer work and travel in the United State in this brochure and during the orientation, but you can definitely use the information and several tips that we have for you.
Climate greatly varies throughout the U.S. Basically there are
two main climate areas in the U.S.: Eastern and Western allocate.
Time Measurement Conversion Numbers and money. When writing large numbers
you should separate the thousand by comma: 1,000 - one thousand,
1,000,000 - one million. Fractions are separated by a point: 1.36.
Dates are written this way: month/date/year: 02/25/2007 - on February
25, 2007. The dollar sign is always put before the sum: $430 -
four hundred thirty dollars. But the cent sign is written at the
end. Length. 1 inch = 25 mm; 1 foot = 12 inches =
30.5 cm; 1 yard = 3 feet; 1 mile = 1760 yards = 1609 meters Liquid. 1 gallon = 3.8 liters Weight. 1 pound = 0.453 kg Electricity. The U.S. electrical system has
110 volt, frequency of 60 Hz. If you use appliances with 220 volts,
you need to use a converter. Telephones. You can easily find public telephone booths on the street. All public phones, as a rule, are serviceable and have a number so that anyone can call back to you. All numbers in the U.S. have 7 digits. If you call a local number just dial it. For long distance calls, (outside your area code), you should dial 1-area code-number. For international calls you should dial 011-national code - city code - number of the subscriber. For these calls you may use a prepaid phone card which you may buy in grocery stores, gas stations, etc. The cost may vary from $5 to $20 depending on the number of minutes and rates. There are also toll-free numbers which usually start with 1-800-. Internet. Communication by e-mail and internet often is much more convenient than other ways of long-distance communication. Usually access to the internet and computers for the Summer Work Travel participants is provided by the employer along with housing opportunities. You may always use public libraries and internet cafes for your e-mail access. Food Some employers provide the Summer Work Travel participant with meals. However, i you would like to eat at a restaurant, there are many delicious and inexpensive options. The networks of restaurants, snack bars, and bars with the various national entrees from traditional American hamburgers, steaks, and prime ribs to masterpieces of the French chefs are widespread throughout the United States. The American kitchen is international: you can enjoy tasty food at Chinese, Mexican, Cuban, Russian restaurants, try Island and Moroccan dishes. The prices and services vary too: from $2 in a fast food up to $100 and higher (without drinks) at the best restaurants of New York. You can also eat at a "buffet" where you pay once "the entrance ticket" and choose any dish without restrictions. Such type of restaurants are widespread, in particular, in Las Vegas and Orlando. Money matters Banks. Do not keep your money in your backpack
or in your apartment. Opening a bank account is one way to ensure
that your money will be in a safe place. Services and fees vary
from bank to bank. You will need to bring several forms of identification
such as your passport and Social Security card. Banks offer different
types and levels of accounts. Ask about your options. Banks usually offer an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) card when
you open an account. This card is also known as a “debit
card,” meaning that any time you use the card for withdrawing
cash or making purchases, the amount is deducted from your account.
Banks may also charge a user fee (USD$1.50-$2.50 per transaction)
each time you withdraw money or make purchases with your ATM/debit
card. Laws All U.S. laws apply to you. You are expected to obey and respect
all U.S. federal, state and local laws. You are ultimately obligated
to take responsibility for any crimes or violations you commit.
You are also responsible for any and all expenses involved with
your illegal behavior. USUF can give you references for legal
help such as attorneys or receiving help through your home country’s
embassy here in the U.S. Please note that USUF cannot be held
accountable for your actions if you break the law. You will be insured with an insurance company. Actual coverage:
You will be insured for the duration of their DS-2019 form. However,
if you wish to be insured during your 30 day grace period, you
may request the extension of the insurance plan for this period
upon application process. If you have received treatment, please call your insurance company to submit a claim. Emergency Contact Information
Emergency cases:
Non-emergency cases:
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