Things NOT to bring to US

I have recommended what you should pack in your luggage. This post is going to tell you what NOT to bring to avoid the trouble when entering US Customs.

source: http://www.sxc.hu/

1. NO fresh fruit and vegetables – not even from your countries, planes or airports before entering Customs. I have seen an officer leading a trained dog to detect any traveler’s hand-carry bag for fruits.
2. NO plants – flowers, seeds, etc.
3. NO insects
4. NO meat – fresh, dried, or canned are prohibited.
5. NO animals, or animal/wildlife products
6. NO disease agents, cell cultures, or snails
7. NO soil
8. NO large amounts of cash – to avoid being stolen; few hundred dollars – couple thousands should be enough. For tuition, it is recommended to bring money orders, cashier’s checks or traveler’s checks to deposit to the local bank.
9. NO 240V electronics, unless used with 120V adapter.

For Carry-on Baggage

1. NO water – you can put 1-2 bottle water in your checked bags in case you need them.
2. NO liquids, gels and creams in the bottle OVER 100ml or 3.4-oz; must be packed in one-quart clear, plastic, zip-locked bag
3. NO nail clipper, scissors, knives, or razors

For more information, see Customs Declaration Form.

Tags: cash, food, Things NOT to bring

Things to bring to study abroad US

1. Legal documents
   • valid passport, I-20
2. Cash
   • US$500-2000 emergency funds, with some $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills suggested


source: http://www.sxc.hu/

3. Clothing
   • Top – tee, shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, tank top, bras, scarf, jacket, coat
   • Bottom -  jeans, pants, skirts, underwear
   • Formal – suit, dress
   • Foot – socks, shoes for causal, formal and exercise
4. Personal/First Aid Medicines
   • a basic first-aid kit – pain killer, alcohol wipe, antibiotic ointment, band-aid, etc.
   • personal medicine for asthma, allergy, diabetics, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
5. Toiletries
   • Mouth – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
   • Face – facial wash, facial cream, shaving cream, razor blades, cotton swap tips
   • Hair – hair gel, shampoo, conditioner
   • Body – shower gel, body lotion,  perfume/cologne, deordorant
6. Personal items
   • hair dryer, hair brush, nail clipper, towels, tissues, sanitary pads
7. Bedding
   • blanket, sheets, pillow and pillow case


source: http://www.sxc.hu/

8. Electronics
   • cell phone, laptop computer, digital camera, iPod / MP3 player
9. Stationery
10. Backpack / school bag
11. Food
    • snacks – chocolate, crackers, bottled water
12. Kitchen stuff
    • a set of silverware, knife, chopsticks, bowl, plate, rice cooker (my personal preference)
13. Travel adapter plug sets – with different legs and 120V~240V compatible

Tags: I-20, Things to bring

Getting your student visa from US Embassy

You have just received the admission letter and your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) in the mail. Congratulations! You have been accepted for admission to one of the US colleges or universities. Now what? Don’t be too excited. This is just the beginning towards the college education in the US because you will need to apply for a student visa in advance of entering America.

What is I-20?

I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by your college or university providing information of the student, school, degree, cost of living and studying, and a student tracking number (SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – number.) The US Embassy will issue a student visa based on the information on I-20.

Types of Student Visas (for non-immigrant status)

• F1 is for student attending full-time academic or language-training program
• F2 is the dependent of F1
• M1 is for student attending full-time vocational program
• M2 is the dependent of M1
• J1 is for student attending international educational and cultural exchange program between US and other countries.
• J2 is the dependent of J1

Required Fees

• SEVIS I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee – $100. Payment options.
  
• Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee for Form DS-156 (non-refundable): $131.00. Contact your local US Embassy to locate the local bank for the payment.
  

Required Documents

• Form DS-156 – Nonimmigrant Visa Application – completed and signed
• Form DS-158 – Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant – completed and signed
• Form DS-157 – Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application – required for some applicants; completed and signed
• I-20 form
• A valid passport (at least 6 months before expired)
• SEVIS I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee receipt
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee receipt
• A 2″ x 2″ photograph. See photo requirements.

Supported Documents

• Financial evidences, income tax documents, from the sponsors (parents or yourself) to show sufficient funds to cover the tuition and living expenses during the entire period of study.
• Transcripts, diplomas and certificates from previous attended schools.
• Test scores from TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
• Admission letter issued by the college or university

Requirements

• High proficiency in English; unless admitted in English as a Second Language program.
• No intention to abandon the permanent residence in your home country

More information, please visit U.S Department of State.

Tags: I-20, SEVIS, student visa, US Embassy

What exams to take before applying American college or university?

Once you determine which type of school you are going, the next step is to find out the enrollment standard of the American college. There are few exams are very important to international student. However, I recommend to check with the admission offices of your potential schools which exams are required before sending out the application.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreing Language)

TOEFL is a test to measure the English proficiency of international students in the abilities of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Whether applying Undergraduate or Graduate programs, American colleges and universities require international student to submit TOEFL score during the application process . Each college has its satisfactory score standard. Please check with the admission office for details.

SAT Reasoning Test (formerly Scholastic Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test)

(updated)

SAT is a test to measure the applicant’s knowledge of subjects in reading, writing and mathematics, and his/her critical thinking and problem solving skills. The test is for the college and university admission.

ACT

(updated)

ACT is also another college admission test to assess the applicant’s ability in English, mathematics, reading and science, and skills in planning and writing.

More info on ACT

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

GMAT is a standardized test to measure the qualification of applicant in verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. The test is for applicant who is pursuing advanced study in MBA (Management in Business and Administration ) program and business school.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

GRE is also a standardized exam to measure the applicant in in verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills, but not to focus on any specific field of study in graduate school.

Tags: ACT, college, exams, GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, university

Determine what kind of school you are going

Welcome to Easy Student Life. In my first post, I would want to give you an introductory of the US academic system which you can find the most suitable program for you to study.

According to USA Today, “the number of foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges surged 7% last year(2007) to 623,805, an all-time high and the largest one-year increase on record. It is the strongest sign yet that post-9/11 declines are history.” However, how many of them knows exactly what they need to prepare before they come? Numbers of parents and students hope that someone can guide them through the process, so they can be hassle-free. This is why I am here to help you out.

Student Exchange Program

High School Exchange is for a foreign high-school student to learn and live in the US between 6 months to a year. Only Students in the age range of 15 to 18.5 are accepted. Through attending a local high school and living with a host family, student can explore new things, understand new culture, plus learn and improve English. In addition, the student can share his or her culture to the host family and build up new friendship. Host families are generally volunteers from traditional family with or without children, single parent, singles, working couples from various racial, religious and economic backgrounds.

University Exchange is available in undergraduate and graduate levels for certain colleges and universities only, depending on the student’s focus of the study. The program usually lasts semester- or  year-long. It involves partner university which provides the similar program for the student to gain the global sense while earn credits towards the graduation in a foreign environment. Student usually live in dormitory or university apartment alone or with other exchange or local students. The followings are few of the American Exchange Programs for your reference:

Hong Kong City University Exchange Program in School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University

The University of North Carolina Exchange Program

Undergraduate Studies

source from http://www.sxc.hu/

2-Year College is also called junior college or community college from which student will graduate with an associate’s degree. The advantages of attending a community college are to pay a lot less tuition compared to 4-year college, to earn a degree faster, and/or to use as a stepping stone to transfer to a 4-year university that can save money on the general or prerequisite courses in the first 2 years. However, I have to remind you that not every 4-year university will accept the transferred credits from other colleges. You may want to check with your college adviser or the international student officer from your university before taking any general courses.

4-Year College/University provides more flexible, wider range of programs, and more college atmosphere, resources and support than 2-year college. There are four classification in 4-year university: Freshman (1st year), Sophomore (2nd year), Junior (3rd year) and Senior (4th year). Student will need to fulfill higher standard to earn a bachelor’s degree which can bring you better job opportunity and brighter future in your career.

Graduate Studies

Master’s degree is for those who have gained the bachelor’s degrees and/or working experience aiming for a higher education on the area of their professional practices or the specific field of studies. The program duration varies depending on students taking classes in full-time or part-time basis. However, as for international students, full-time schedule is required to maintain a legal status which may take around 2-3 years to finish the degree.

PhD or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), means “teacher of philosophy”, is the most advanced and highest degree a student can earn in the US academic system. In general, PhD student is required to finish a set amount of coursework before submitting the final thesis/dissertation based on his/her academic research. An oral examination or defense of his/her work will be followed by the supervisory committee. With a PhD degree, student will be leading toward a career as a professor.

Tags: 2yr, 4yr, college, exchange, graduate, high school, master, PhD, undergraduate, university