PRE DEPARTURE STUFF ------------------- Getting the Visa : -------------------- For students with full financial aid this is no problem at all. Even then these tips will make it all the more peaceful. o When you go for the visa dress decently. Avoid any Americanisms. A touch of Indianism helps a lot (e.g. a streak of "Vibuthi" on the forehead). Speak slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look desperate. Showing self-confidence helps. o Go along with a friend having a vehicle (just in case you have to go & get something) o They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty language, finance, racial, religious, etc. o You should be able to convince them that you will come back to India. If they ask you, points in favor are : a) only child, b) immovable property in India (can take a proof document), c) orthodox family, d) brought up in rural atmosphere, e) lots of relatives in India; none abroad, f) mom, dad won't come to USA, g) field of interest not available in India, h) change of field not possible in India, i) interest in teaching - get PhD fast. Actually all this won't be required - just in case they decide to have an interview with you these tips will come in handy. o Suggested ideal timings for getting the visa : to apply - 9:45 to 10:00 A.M. to collect - 4:45 to 5:00 P.M. o Do not go at 5:00 A.M. in the morning & wait o Avoid Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays are preferable o Go sometime before and get the form for this (you can take the filled form) o Things to be taken with you when you go for the visa a) signed I-20 form b) filled visa application form c) two passport size photos (take some glue) d) passport e) admission & aid letters f) TOEFL & GRE scores (original + photocopy) g) Xerox copy of grade cards Traveling Tips for Students: ------------------------------ Block your tickets well in advance(this implies no financial commitment). This can be done via travel agents. Make sure the Travel Agent is good (examples of dependable travel agents are - Travel Corporation of India (TCI), Parrys Travels). //92 - All India Travel Agency (AITA) Block flights with many airlines/agencies. Put pressure on the agencies and get as much info as possible. Much before the flight call the airlines themselves and confirm your ticket. // 92 - Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM), non-smoking section, etc o Cross-check everything the travel agent says o Some airlines offer Frequent Flier programs (e.g. Air France, TWA) [i.e. after a certain # of miles of flying with that airline you get a free ticket]. Enroll in such programs. // 92 - Delta, British Airways ? o Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is the best. If change of airline can't be avoided, leave at least 4-6 hrs gap between the scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight. o Baggage is usually safe with a single airline - change of airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take care of baggage transfer - you may have to personally carry it (check this while booking) Getting permit for $750 ----------------------- This can be got from any bank authorised to do so (need not go to RBI for this). You can get this within a month of the date of the flight. The following documents have to be taken along to get the permit : Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 stident copy + copy, grade cards + copies, PC + copy, XII std pass/mark sheet + copy, aid & admission letters + copies, bank advance/ any other form of payment. You may take part of the $750 in currency notes - upto $50 is okay (legally upto $100 allowed) Things to be done in advance: ------------------------------- Certain things have to be done in advance, i.e., as soon as you get your aid - much before the flight. o Learn typing o Learn driving o Learn to cook o apply for bank loan (if necessary) o make your passport valid for 6 months more than your stay indicated in your I-20 // 92 - make sure your passport is valid for 6 months atleast. All other changes are best made in the U.S. o make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes, etc. - available/cheap in Delhi, Bombay ...) o get medical checkup done a) dental b) fresh checkup, especially if you have a major ailment Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name). See Appendix I. c) get your eye-sight checked - get a new prescription. Buy atleast one extra pair of glasses. d) get tested for TB if possible (chest X-ray) - else they will do it at the Univ e) get requisite immunization done (especially MMR) o get cassettes recorded which you may like to take with you o write to the India club/OIPS giving your flight #, time & date of arrival; they may pick you up & give temporary accomodation if necessary o if you are very interested in any Indian magazine (Gult, Tamil, etc.) subscribe to them - you can subscribe to them after going to the US also. o note your/parent's bank A/c # Packing ------- o Start your packing well in advance o Buy two good boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size limitations (however most airlines are not very strict about baggage size). Put identification marks and labels both inside & outside the boxes (apart from this the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels). Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable. o Box specifications As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the USA are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other countries/airlines. 2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cm (62"). The weight of each bag should not exceed 32kg (70lb) [note: they are not particular about this] Carry on baggage : In addition you can carry a bag with linear dimension not exceeding 115cm (45") onboard (fits beneath the seat). For most other airlines the baggage spec.s are similar (confirm) If you are taking a break outside USA/Canada contact your travel agent or airlines for details. Clothes ------- Usually clothes are machine washed once a week (laundramat) - hence one week supply of clothes (+ one week backup) is needed. Get all clothes little loose - clothes may shrink in machine wash & you will probably grow fatter. o 14-15 sets of undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs //92 - Not necessary ! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap o 5 sets of good shirts, pants o a good swimming trunk + few shorts o a tie + 1-2 belts o 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish ones start stinking) o a bedsheet o lungies/dhotis/pajamas o thermal underwear (2-4) o extra woollen sweaters Note: o sleeveless woollen sweaters are enough for warm places o woollen socks not recommended if not going to a cold place o second hand alarm clocks are cheap in US o don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing system is different in the US (3 holes, A4) o don't take paper o don't take raincoats o don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US) o wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only leather shoes (other types of shoes are cheap in US). For some weather conditions Indian leather shoes may crack. // 92 - don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the stuff listed above - most of them are available pretty cheap in the US (made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month or two you will be in a position to get anything you want (unless you are not on aid) Food stuffs ----------- Below are some South Indian food stuffs that may be taken : o 1 - 2.5 kg packets of "Sambar Podi" o 1 packet of "Rasam podi" o 0.5 box of "Masala podi" o 1 box of "Paruppu podi", "Upma podi", "Vatha-kozhambu podi", "tamarind rice podi" o Appalam/Vadam/pickles o mustard packet o tamarind paste o different dhals in small quantity for initial phase o asafoetida powder o Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (takes some time to get used to American stuff) o Elaichi, clove, cinnamon Note: most of these items are available in the Indian stores in the major cities. However you need to carry them for use in the first few days. o actually pickles are not allowed - but you can take them in solder-sealed tins. [students are usually not checked for these] o take all dry food stuff in sealed plastic packets // 92 - Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you may have (small) problems with the customs. Try to get "instant" stuff as people generally don't have much time for cooking in the US. Vessels ------- o big pressure pan (with spare handle, 3 safety valves, 2 weights, 1 base plate, 3 gaskets) [note: big pressure cooker may not be needed as rice cooker can be bought in the US] o idli plates o dosai turner, charani (server with holes), rice server & other servers o tongs o small bowls ("kinnum") o rolling pin o knife o kadaie (optional) o cook book - e.g. "Cook & See" by Meenakshi Ammal Note: no other vessels needed. No tumblers needed. Try to share & bring the vessels with others coming to your Univ. Non-stick kitchenware is cheap in the US. and you can buy a full set. List of medicines recommended by a Doc. --------------------------------------- o Crocin tablets - 3 strips For fever, bodyaches, headache One tablet three times a day as necessary o Erythrocin 500mg tablets - 2 strips One tablet twice a day when necessary, as advised o Sporadix 500mg capsules - 2 strips One capsule twice a day when necessary, as advised o Actified tablets - 3 strips Cosovil tablets - 2 strips For common cold & cough. One tablet three times a day. o Avomin tablets - 1 strip For air sickness. One tablet as necessary. o Lomotil tablets - 20 Digene tablets - 30 For diarrhoea & stomach discomfort. One tablet of each three times a day. o Baralgam tablets - 2 strips For abdominal colic pain, backache, etc One tablet every six hours as necessary. o Dorstal (?) tablets - 10 For nausea & vomiting. One tablet three times a day. o Electral powder - 2 packets One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of electrolytes after vomiting or diarrhoea. o Novalgin tablets - 2 strips For headache & bodyaches. One tablet as necessary. o Stomatil tablets - 1 strip For vertigo (giddiness) One tablet three times a day as necessary till relieved. o Isogel (Glaxo) - 1 box For constipation. One teaspoonful in a little of water at bedtime. o Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips For arthritic joint pains. One tablet three times a day after food. o Avil tablets - 1 strip For allergy. One tablet as necessary. o Sepmax tablets - 1 strip For sore-throat. One tablet twice a day after food, till relieved. NOT TO BE TAKEN WHEN ONE IS ALLERGIC TO SULFA DRUGS. o Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube To be applied as a pain balm. o Band Aids assorted - 12 o Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube // 92 - the above list seems to have been made out for a guy who is a proper hypochondriac ! True that medicines are relatively very expensive in the US, but you will also tend to fall ill less frequently (clean drinking water, etc). Get all the medicines prescribed above if you must, but atleast get them in much smaller quantities. Things to be kept in the boxes ------------------------------ o Copy of all certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage) o Important apping materials (SOP, reco etc) o necessary books/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clark's Tables, a good dictionary/thesaurus, a booklet for units conversion) [note: there should be no legal hassles taking Xerox copies of books - but don't flaunt them to Americans/ Profs] o Copy of address book/telephone book/diary o Some stationery and related items suggested (not absolutely necessary - just for the first few weeks) are : common items + rubber stamp with house address + airmail covers + few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver o Indian postal stamps - for sending letters through someone coming to India o Medical history files o Gifts (suggested: rollable pictures, handicrafts, etc) o Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [note: second-hand story books are cheap in the US] o 1 pair leather chappals, 2 hawai chappals (+ extra straps) o soap (bath), toothbrushes (slightly costly in the US - 1 or 2 bucks) etc o Cassettes Things to be kept in Hand Baggage: ------------------------------------- o some medicines (including for air-sickness) o novel/mags/books for inflight reading o sweater o original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets ...) o enough money (little cash, travellers' checks) o address book/phone book (Indian & US) o copies of your photo (passport size) o enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident, theft, etc) o things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced (two sets of clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc) Things to be kept on person --------------------------- o shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people coming to pick you up. o receipt got along with travellers' checks - in case you lose the TC's Things to be left at home ------------------------- o List of addresses/phone numbers at which info about you can be obtained o one copy of all your important documents o a copy of all relevant parts of Medical History files o Arrange to collect/redirect mail from your room/hostel o Arrange to apply/collect/mail your transcripts (about 20 in number preferable) o Your tailoring measurements o a few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be authorized to look after anything on your behalf Things to be done in the last week before the flight ---------------------------------------------------- o call up & find if there is any delay or change of schedule of the plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change) o rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag o bid bye to all concerned. FINAL CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO USA: ---------------------------------------------------- Airline tickets, Passport, I-20 (Travel documents/immigration documents). Health care documents/Immunization form and immunization completion certificate. General and specific medication/Spectacle and Contact Lenses and spares. Clothing and Accessories: Sweaters, Umbrella/raincoat, even a pair of good water-proof boots if you can. Formal attire and traditional attire. Atleast 2 weeks supply of daily-wear garments. Required pots and pans, a pair of tongs ('pakkad') to lift hot pans, even a masala box if you can. Edible items/Spices/Masalas Textbooks, plastic files and folders to start you off in school. Other stationery you think will be useful. Your list of contact numbers and useful addresses. Some loose change in 25 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents Travelers' checks/cash for foreign exchange. On the day of the flight & in-flight + later -------------------------------------------- o since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable (cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in socks) o be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure o collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1) o relax during flight, sleep as much as possible o for vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions. o once out of India be very careful (from sheer experience of seniors). Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till you reach your destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money. // 92 - Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions - usually they will answer all your queries properly. Port of entry procedures ------------------------ o sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill these out on the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate authorities when you land). Do not hesitate to take the flight attendant's help. // 92 - You can indicate that you have nothing to declare & total value of all your things is less than $100 on the customs form Form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your documents immigration officer will indicate length of stay, Univ, etc. This will be attached to your passport. Important: note the expiry date and D/S (duration of status). Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non-immigrant status will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all times (not surrendered when you temporarily leave the US). Your admission number will be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere. o just before you land the correct local time will be announced set your watch [dual time watch will come in handy here] o once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration counter - rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5-1 hour here. Keep your I-20, passport, admission & aid letters ready. They might ask a few questions like - is this your first time in the US ? Student ? F-1 visa ? Which Univ ? They will attach an I-64 card to your visa. You are now in the USA ! o then go to the baggage are to fetch your luggage. Pick up a cart (you get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags. Then pick up your bags as they come out on the conveyor (suitable eye-catching labels help here). If you don't get your baggage inform the enquiry section - you may have to wait 0.5-1 hour here. o cart your baggage to nearby Customs. If asked tell them that you are a student, F-1 visa, school, dept., coming to US for the first time If asked to open the baggage do so slowly - do not mess up the place. If asked about the "podi"s tell them that they are "dried Indian spices" to make traditional Indian food like curry. Rarely they might ask you to go to the agris. dept. nearby - that is a pain. If asked about "vibuthi" tell them that it is holy Hindu powder used for prayer. Note : In most cases you will NOT be asked to open your boxes at all & will be simply waved through. o now go & wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed to pick you up. If nobody turns up after some time (say 0.5 hour) make a collect call (at the public phone dial a '0', get the operator & ask for a collect call). Else call i) your Prof ii) dept. iii)International Students' Office iv) admissions office v) any Indian guy in the directory Go & ask for an announcement to be made over the PA system. Get a card, write your name & hold it up. o Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport until somebody comes & picks you up. If you have doubts about the guy who comes to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for his ID. [All this is of course being a little extra cautious] o Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call home & inform them of reaching safely. Keep a readymade card - add a few lines - go to the nearest post office, get stamps & mail the card immediately. A few things of importance after arrival in US ----------------------------------------------- o Your first work is to meet the Foreign Students' Advisor in the International Student Office (ISO). They keep a record of you (passport, visa details etc). When you leave the US (temporarily or permanently) you have to go there again. Then do the things which you did when you entered IITM - get your Univ ID card get your Driver's Licence tax forms, etc some paperwork in the dept. meet the HOD/grad. student advisor/advisor register for classes Be happy now that your dream has come true ! AMERICAN IDIOMS AND SOUTHERN EXPRESSIONS ---------------------------------------- (Provided by Auburn University / April, 1990) Beat up : worn out, shabby (said of a thing) Beat around the bush : avoid an issue Been had : to have been taken advantage of Big shot : a supposedly important person or someone who thinks he/she is Big deal : anything important, exciting Break the ice : make a beginning Buck : dollar bill Bombed : see "high" Booze : alcoholic beverage Bummer : a term to designate that something undesirable has happened Cash : paying someone with currency rather than a check Check out : look over a situation Cool or neat : slang term denoting approval for something or someone Cool it : calm down Cop : slang for policeman Cut it out : stop it Crack up : to lose emotional control in laughter Date : to go out with someone; also the person with whom you go Down : to feel depressed, sad Down to earth : practical, straightforward, (person) Drop : to withdraw from a course on or before the set date Drive one up the wall : drive one nuts; to make one very nervous, or upset Fall for : take a strong liking for Fed up : disgusted with, or tired of Frak out : to lose control of oneself, go crazy Give a ring : to call on the telephone Go to pot : to deteriorate Grass : slang term for marijuana Gripe : to complain Hang on : in reference to the telephone it means do not hang up the receiver Hang in there : keep trying; do not be discouraged Hassled : troubled by Have a lot on the ball : to be capable, talented, or efficient High : intoxicated ("loaded") from liquor or drugs Hit the sack : go to bed Hung up : to be in conflict over a problem I.D. : identification In a nutshell : very briefly and concisely Jock : an athlete Keep your shirt on : be clam, be patient Know the ropes : be familiar with the details of an undertaking Lemon : bad buy or purchase Loaded : to get intoxicated Make ends meet : budget within one's income Make up : (1) to apologize after a fight or disagreement (2) to do an assignment after it was due (3) cosmetics a woman uses Mid term : test given during the middle of the quarter On the house : free, no cost Old man : slang term for father Once in a blue moon : seldom, infrequently Out of it : (1) somebody whose mind is Far away or preoccupied, or (2) somebody not fitting into a certain group Out of the question : unthinkable, impossible Over my dead body : not if I can stop it ! Out of sight : term of approval denoting something exciting or very good Play it by ear : to respond to circumstances as they arise Phony : someone who is insincere, also fake Play second fiddle : be second in importance Pop-Quiz : a test given with no prior warning Pot : a term used for marijuana Psyched up : to mentally prepare yourself for something; excited about something Pull one's leg : to tease someone Pull strings : use influence Pull the wool over someone's eyes : deceive or mislead someone Put someone on : to tease or try to fool. "Are you putting me on ?" Put your foot in your mouth : say something you regret having said Rip off : to steal; charge an exorbitant price for some item Redneck : hillbilly Run around with : be friends with Screwed up : confused Shook up : upset Show : movie or film, cinema Skip or cut : not go to class Stoned : to get high on grass Straight : one who goes along with the norms of society, conservative Take a raincheck : to postpone an invitation, accepting it for a later date Take for granted : to assume Through the grapevine : through gossip To the max : to the maximum or greatest degree Uptight : worried, tense Under the weather : sick, not feeling well With flying colors : with victory or success Wasted : an extreme lack of energy. Also can mean "high" Ya'll : You all Zero in on : focus or concentrate on --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANOTHER SET OF INFORMATION: Clothings: ---------- Formals: One suit, ties ( 1 or 2), shirts, trousers, shirts for boys Casuals: jeans (at least 4), T-shirts/sweats (6 or more), shorts, (for outdoor, indoor and sports use) Misc: socks, undergarments, hankies. (atleast 14 sets of these as you are likely to wash them once a fortnight) swimming trunk (if required), towels, napkins, leather belts Winter clothings: sweaters(pure wool atleast 2), windcheaters, mufflers, winter gloves, caps, thermal underwear (if required), gloves, woolen socks, woolen cap, heavy jacket (you can buy it once you get here too....) Others: ethnic ware: kurta pajama for guys. Footwear: shoes, sneakers, leather chappals/sandals/ bathroom slippers Kithcen Equipment: ------------------ Kitchen napkin x 2 scrubber frying pan pressure cooker with spare gasket and spare valve "sandshi" ( a marathi word for a pair of tongs used to lift an utensil) saucepans (nonstick, atleast 2) lids rolling pin zaara(marathi word) plates, "katoris", bowls, glasses/mugs (one or two each, just to start. You can get good crockery set cheap) forks, spoons, knives, teaspoons serving spoons potato peeler spatula "Pali" ( a marathi word)(dessert spoon) "kadhai" (again a marathi word) cutting knife melamine bowls suitable for use with microwave oven a dabba (marathi word) with seven containers for phodni material a small stainless steel oil container a small container for serving ghee (if required) Can opener, bottle opener (if required). Spices and food: ---------------- papad, pickles (make sure they are packed in leakproof packing) dhania powder, chilli powder, haldi, hing, garam masala, mustard seeds, jeera seeds, sambar powder, other home made spices of your own choices Toileteries ----------- chapstick, blades, tooth paste, tooth brush, tongue cleaner (if you use), soap, shampoo, talcum powder, nailcutter, shaving kit, comb, hair brush. Body lotions, make-up, face pack, face wash, rubber bands,, pins, deodorant, cold cream, deoderant, perfume. Pack these things in a toilet bag NOTE: Carry all breakables, stuff in pressurized cans in your cabin luggage. Also, keep one/ two set of clothes and everyday use articles like toileteries in the cabin luggage coz in case you luggage gets misplaced you need survival stuff!!! Keep all the money/travellers cheques in the cabin luggage to prevent loss. Also keep photocopies of you passport, visa, I-20, tickets, travellers cheques nos in each of your bag. But keep all the originals in the purse/ wallet that you carry on you. Miscellaeous: ------------- Jewellery (be careful if you are getting any...) Medicines: ---------- crocin tablets erythrocin tablets, vicks, burnol/soframycin ointment band-aids/bandage gauze cotton wool, neosporine losenges kofol pills for cough vicks inhaler Spare contact lenses/ spects GET A COMPLETE MEDICAL CHECK-UP DONE BEFORE LEAVING. Other small tools etc. ----------------------- screwdriver, a pair of scissors safety pins, sewing threads(white, black, grey), needles, buttons for shirts and pants, pencil cells (for camera, alarm clock) camera, rolls, alarm clock coat hangers (optional), shoe brush, shoe polish Bed Linens: ----------- Blanket, bedspreads, bed sheets(double bed size- 2 nos) pillow covers (big (largest size available) - 2 nos) Study Materials: ---------------- Books which you feel you should have ( try to carry indian editions as US editions are expensive Calculator Microtip pensils, refiils for the same, good pens, eraser, stapler and staples, drawing accessories if required or other equipment required for your profession cellotape. Money: ------ You will need money for immediate spending as given below even if you are on scholarship/teaching assistantship etc. for first month's spending as it will be some time before you get your pay cheque. Money for deposit for apartment (about equal to one month's rent) Money for first month's rent (which is paid in advance), Money for food, travel etc for the first month, Any other commitments if not covered by your grant such as part of fee, registration fee, medical insurance etc. An estimate should be always obtained from the Graduate Office. Things to do before coming to USA: ---------------------------------- Learn cooking, Learn driving and get an international driving permit, Get a good haircut before leaving (haircut costs about $10-$15 in USA), Establish a contact at the university who will tend to your arrival and initial accomodation and help you settle down. Most universities have an Indian Students Association who help in this matter. Others: ------- Family photos, good ethnic gift articles, an uptodate address book DO NOT TAKE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AS THE VOLTAGE IS NOT CORRECT FOR INDIAN APPLIANCES.