Transcript Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Pre-Departure Orientation
Introduction to the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is designed to
foster mutual understanding through
educational and cultural exchange.
As a Fulbright grantee, you will join a
group of more than 8,000 Fulbrighters
from over 160 countries each.
AMIDEAST administers the Fulbright
grant on behalf of the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs of the
United States Department of State.
We must try to expand the
boundaries of human wisdom,
empathy and perception, and
there is no way of doing that
except through education.”
- Senator J. William Fulbright
Understanding Your Grant
Terms of Appointment = your grant contract
The information presented to you verbally is meant to be
a general overview of the Fulbright grant. Your
individual grant terms may vary; you must carefully read
through your Terms of Appointment to understand your
benefits and responsibilities.
Please refer to your Fulbright Handbook
Online at:
www.amideast.org/fulbright (Select “Grantee Resources” link.
Password required. Ask AMIDEAST staff.)
Fulbright Terms of Appointment
Cover page – outlines individual grant details including:
university placement, funding, benefits start date,
maximum funding date, financial provisions and any
special provisions
General Terms of Award – outlines and details:
key definitions, financial provisions, travel benefits,
healthcare coverage, grantee obligations, allowances,
US tax obligations, academic enrollment & standards,
reporting requirements, two-year home residency
requirement, etc.
Financial Details
Required Tuition & Mandatory Fees (covered by grant)
Monthly Maintenance Allowance (MMA) is calculated to provide basic living costs
for one person based on the local cost of living
Book Allowance ($500/semester & $250/summer)
Equipment Allowance ($500, one time)
Conference Allowance (up to $500, one time)
Thesis Allowance (up to $300, if applicable)
International travel from/to home country at the beginning & end of program Fly
America Act & Open Skies regulations apply
Health Coverage - Accident & Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE)
Maintaining J-1 Status
Report the following information to AMIDEAST:
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Report residential address, phone and email within 5 days of arriving in the
U.S.
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Report (within 10 days) any change in personal info:
residential address, mailing address , phone #, email
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Report plans to travel outside the U.S., or if you will be
absent from your university for more than two days
• Report (within 10 days) academic plans for summer term
Other requirements:
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Maintain a full-time load of credits at your university
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Remain in good academic standing
When you arrive…
 Call or email us your residential address, even if temporary,
phone number and email address as soon as you arrive so
we can validate you in the Student Exchange Visitor
Information System (SEVIS)
 Let us know your mailing address so we can mail your first
stipend check
 Open a bank account at a bank convenient to your
university; fill out Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
 Complete & send all Arrival Forms to us by stated deadline
Reporting to AMIDEAST
You must provide updated contact info to your AMIDEAST advisor.
When are your required reports due to AMIDEAST?
 Academic Program Outline: beginning of your academic program
 Academic Progress Report: beginning of each subsequent academic term
 Summer Plans Report : prior to the beginning of your summer session
 Unofficial university transcript or grade report: the conclusion of each academic
term
 Official final university transcript: upon completion of your academic program
AMIDEAST reserves the right to withhold your MMA if you do not
submit these required forms on time.
Reporting to AMIDEAST
Additionally, prior approval from AMIDEAST, the U.S. Department of
State, and the Commission is necessary for:
* On-campus employment
* Academic Training, including required internships (paid or unpaid)
* Travel outside of the U.S.
* Your DS-2019 form will need to be signed for travel authorization
* Travel for more than 29 days results in a deduction of your MMA
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Taking a reduced course load
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Registering for any online courses
Consult the Fulbright Handbook & website for more details!
University Program
• Maintain full-time status and good academic
standing
• Check your email for instructions &
opportunities from AMIDEAST
• Meet with your academic advisor &
international student advisor
• Be active in student clubs, university
activities & community events!
• Follow the academic code
requirements of your university.
University Housing
Where to Find Housing Information
* University housing office – the website or
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actual office
Local town or school newspaper
Bulletin boards around your campus
Classmates or current Fulbrighters
Online resources like www.craigslist.com
Types of Housing
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Apartment/studio
Group House
Townhouse
Room to rent in a house
Graduate student, international student, and family housing
Housing Advice
Location
* Near grocery store
* Laundry facilities
* Public transportation
Neighborhood
* Other students in the neighborhood
* Safe, low crime, parking
Utilities
* Utilities included?
* Wi-Fi or internet access?
Costs
* Price of rent
* Amount of security deposit
* Date (and frequency) rent is due
Lease
* Length of lease
* Penalties for breaking lease
* Option to sublet
* Understand all terms before
signing!
Health Coverage
Accident & Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE); administered by
Seven Corners
This health benefit is very basic and covers only the expenses incurred by an unexpected
illness or injury that requires immediate, and relatively short-term treatment. You are
responsible for paying all co-pays:
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$25 co-pay for any office visit
$75 co-pay for emergency room, hospitalizations and urgent care
$15 co-pay for all brand name drugs with a generic equivalent
Pre-certification is required for certain treatments, otherwise a
$300 penalty fee will apply
• Print and keep your ASPE card with you at all times
• Your AMIDEAST PO will remind you to wave your university’s insurance, if possible.
Visit: http://usdos.sevencorners.com for complete details of ASPE’s coverage
Health Coverage
If you have any CHRONIC, PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS that will
require on-going treatment, you need to obtain additional health
insurance that will pay for U.S.-based treatment of that condition.
Examples of pre-existing conditions for
which treatment (especially maintenance or
preventative treatment) will not be covered:
* dental and vision issues (including glasses and
contacts)
* diabetes (ASPE will cover all necessary
medications, but not routine visits)
* asthma or other allergies
* migraine headaches, etc.
Visit: http://usdos.sevencorners.com for complete details of ASPE’s coverage
Health & Well-being
Take care of yourself!
Physically, Emotionally, & Mentally
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Make use of campus resources including:
wellness centers, counseling centers, academic
success center, etc.
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Alert your AMIDEAST PO if you feel that your
emotional state is affecting your studies.
“Just take advantage of this life changing experience and do not give up or break when
things get overwhelming, because they can.” – Fulbright Alum
“Be social! Even if you think you are shy (I always thought I am one!), but Just
try to break the ice and connect with people in your school, building, and
other places, so that you create a good circle of people that you can enjoy
your journey with.” -- Fulbright Alum
Personal Safety
 University orientation will review
campus and community safety
 Police & security staff on campus and
in town/city
 Dial 911 in an emergency
 Sign up for campus text alert system
In the event of an emergency, follow any local response guidance.
Once you are safe, contact your Fulbright advisor as soon as possible
to update us on your status.
Social Security card
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a personal identification
number used in the United States. Needed for:
* Employment in the U.S., with approval from AMIDEAST
and the U.S. Department of State.
* Earning any income (other than your grant)
You may also need a SSN to:
* file federal or state tax returns
* apply for a driver’s license
U.S. Taxes
All grantees are required to complete and submit a tax return to
the U.S. Government each year.
• AMIDEAST pays your Federal taxes for your Fulbright Scholarship in advance.
You are responsible for paying any taxes related to your employment.
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AMIDEAST uses a web-based tax software called “Windstar” to collect student data and
provide tax forms to students. You will be required to enter your information into the
Windstar system at the start of your program.
• You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) at the start of your program or apply
for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through AMIDEAST.
• AMIDEAST advisors are not tax professionals and cannot offer tax advice
• You are also responsible for filing & paying any necessary state taxes.
On-campus Employment
 ON campus: must be related
to field (i.e. an assistantship,
teaching assistant, or
research assistant)
 Must be approved in advance
by AMIDEAST and the U.S.
Department of State
 20 hour limit per week during the academic term
 Allowed to earn up to $500 above your MMA; any amount over is deducted
from your MMA
See Handbook for details!
Academic Training (AT)
• OFF Campus: to gain practical experience in your field of study
• May be eligible for up 18 months of AT (max. of 12 months after program)
• Can be full-time in the summer
or after graduation
• Requests for post-program AT must
be submitted to AMIDEAST
4-6 weeks before completion
of program, and approved by
the U.S. Department of State.
See Handbook for details!
The American Classroom
Academic Integrity / Honesty
 Remember that all universities
have an honor code to which you
must adhere to.
Plagiarism
 Plagiarism is using the ideas or phrases of
someone without giving credit.
Plagiarism is an extremely serious offense and
is grounds for dismissal from your university and
the Fulbright program.
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Be sure to understand proper citation for your
field of study and university.
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The American Classroom
In class
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It is important that you attend class. Some professors will lower
your grade if you miss classes. Also, arrive on time!
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Remember to always be respectful of others’ opinions in class.
Testing
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Tests are conducted in a variety of formats - essay, multiple choice,
true or false, etc.
Office Hours
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During office hours, you may ask the professor questions about the
course or reading material, and even discuss ideas for a paper.
“The educational system is drastically different… the most surprising thing
is the non-hierarchical relationship between students and professors. The
connection is informal and students can call the professors by their first
names and they can go to restaurants, stadiums and coffee shops with
them.”
-– Fulbright alum
Campus Activities
• International Student Office events
• Student organizations
• Graduate Student Association
• Department/Field of Study
organizations
• Faith-Based organizations
• Campus Fulbright Associations
“My main advice is getting in touch with the local people in the host university from
the beginning. We are not here in the U.S. to spend all of our time hanging around
with international students. The most important social activity is to get to know the
people and culture of the United States and benefit from their knowledge in life
while introducing them to our own culture and people.” -- Fulbright alum
LGBTQ inclusion on U.S. Campuses
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U.S. universities and colleges tend to be a welcoming and accepting space for
students and faculty of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including
students who identify with the LGBTQ community.
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Universities often have LGBTQ Student Services Centers and/or an Office of
Diversity and Inclusion that serve this population by hosting events around
LGBTQ issues, providing resources, and offering a safe space for students and
faculty to discuss their identity.
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Smaller universities may not have an office dedicated to LGBTQ issues, but
instead may offer similar student-run organizations.
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Important: Discrimination or harassment of LGBTQ students is viewed
negatively at most U.S. universities, and could result in expulsion
from the University.
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Visit your university’s website for more information on LGBTQ inclusion events
on your campus.
Gender Norms in the United States
Gender norms are the generally accepted roles for women and men in
society.
Current Gender Norms:
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Gender norms are changing within families; for example some men stay at home and take care
of the children. Single family homes are also not uncommon.
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Approximately 60% of enrollees at U.S. universities are women, with a rising number of women
working outside the home.
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Women are increasingly leaders in their places of work, including corporate, government, and
non-profit sectors.
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Women and men may have more traditional societal roles in rural areas of the United States than
in cities.
Expectations in the United States:
• It is considered rude to stare at strangers, especially members of the opposite gender.
• Women and men who haven’t met before usually greet one another with a handshake and direct
eye contact, which may be initiated by either the male or the female. Americans typically do not
greet by kissing on the cheek(s), although hugs are sometimes exchanged between close friends.
• Hand holding is typically limited to children or couples involved in romantic relationships.
Community Involvement
As a Fulbrighter you are an ambassador for your country, get involved in your community!
•Community volunteer groups
•University “Days of Service”: 9/11, MLK,
Jr. Day, Earth Day
•International Education Week: in
November
“Traveling outside of your country and region is an essential experience
that you need to immerse yourself in--to understand yourself better.
Education, outside of the ordinary, is a very valuable experience you will
only appreciate once you're out there; and it is an exciting adventure you
will never regret!” -Fulbright alum
Culture Shock
Symptoms of Culture Shock…
The “W” Curve of Cultural Experience
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Homesickness
Boredom
Fatigue
Illness
Unexplainable crying
Over eating
Stereotyping Americans
Loss of ability to work effectively
Dealing with Culture Shock
Listen to your body – Take care and be patient with yourself. Get plenty of
sleep and eat your vegetables!
Learn about the U.S. – Try to understand why things are done in a certain
way. This will help put American life into perspective.
Make American friends – Meet students who have lived overseas through
the university’s study abroad office. Americans who have lived abroad
will have gone through culture shock as well.
Reach Out - Remember that your Fulbright colleagues and other
international friends are likely experiencing similar culture shock. Reach
out to them through email, Facebook, Skype, etc.
“Engage and interact with the people from different
cultures and environments. Do not isolate yourself, you would be surprised how easier it
will make it to adapt when you are more active with the people around you. It is a life time
experience, make the best out of it.” -- Fulbright alum
Abiding by U.S. Law
While on your Fulbright grant, you are responsible for following Federal, State, and Local
U.S. laws. Your ability to maintain your grant and J-1 status depends on obeying these laws.
Consequences of accusation, arrest, and conviction can be sever.
If you have an encounter or arrest with U.S. Law Enforcement:
o Do no provoke law enforcement or resist arrest
o Make sure to first alert your AMIDEAST PO and inform your university international
student advisor.
o Invoking your Miranda Rights
o Punishment within the Criminal Court System
o Suspension or Expulsion From School
o Fulbright Grant termination
o Removal from the U.S. and Difficulty Returning to the U.S. in the future
Fulbright Activities
• Pre-Academic programs
(IIE): 2-6 week programs
focused on different topics
• Gateway Programs (IIE):
3-4 day seminars
• Both programs are
conducted at locations all
across the U.S.
• Meet Fulbrighters from
around the world!
• Family members are not
invited to these programs.
Fulbright Activities
• Enrichment Seminars (IIE)
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Available during first year of study
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Please apply!
* Re-Entry Workshop (AMIDEAST)
“Try to do things that you never thought you could do. It
is much easier to overcome some fear you have towards
things when you move to a different place and live on
your own, your way of thinking can adjust in a positive
way if you let yourself open to a new experience.
I never thought I could do sky diving,
but guess what - I did it!” – Fulbright alum
Advice from Fulbright Alumni
"Fulbright doesn’t only provide you with great networking and cultural exchange
opportunities, but it also provides you with opportunities to enrich your
knowledge, skills and make great lifelong friendships, so grab every chance you
have and get to know all the Fulbrighters on your campus…”
-- Fulbright alum
“Every new day brings you the
opportunity to make a new friend.
Make friends irrespective of your
cultural, religious, social and economic
differences. Get to know the bus driver,
the head of your department, the
cashier, and the neighbor.”
-- Fulbright alum
Advice from Fulbright Alumni
“Get immersed in the local culture and get exposed to
creative and innovative scenes and areas around town.
Visit public libraries, historical sites, museums, and keep
up with local events. Remind yourself of the honor and
opportunity granted by the Fulbright Scholarship,
appreciate everything and everyone.”
-- Fulbright alumnus
“You will change a lot....
Don't be afraid of that
change just embrace it.”
-Alum
“They should seek every given
opportunity, be open minded and
flexible, go and reach Americans
and share their thoughts, culture,
religion and ideas. They need also
to endure the first days of the
programme because they will face
a dramatic shift. “
Resources
*The Fulbright Handbook and AMIDEAST website:
www.amideast.org/fulbright
*Your Fulbright Program Officer & Program Assistant at AMIDEAST
*International Student Advisors at your university
*Librarians at your university library
*Campus offices for volunteering
*Academic/program advisor
*Professors
“Never hesitate to ask for help from your colleagues
and professors in case you face any problem.
Americans are super helpful.” -Fulbright alum
Questions?