1. Pre-Departure Orientation
Presented By: Vaishali Katherapalli, Southeast Asian Adviser
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2. How should I prepare for my trip to the United States?
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3. Carrying important documents Making Travel Arrangements
Housing information
Prescriptions for Medication
Medical and Dental Records
Academic Documents
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4. Carrying important documents
Here is a list of the important immigration documents:
Passport
I-20/DS-2019
Visa
SEVIS I-901 receipt
Visa fee payment proof
Interview appointment letter
Documents supporting financial background
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5. Making Travel Arrangements
Confirm with International Student Services when you are expected to arrive on campus. The University provides shuttle service for airport pick up on specific dates.
Remember that you are not allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start of your I-20 or DS-2019
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6. Housing information
Most university students in the U.S. live on or near campus. Students who live off-campus generally find a place less than a mile or two away.
Wherever you stay, we advise you to live close to your university.
Dormitories can be a good option because you will not have to worry about maintaining your rooms and will not have to pay utility bills for gas, water, and electricity.
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7. Prescriptions for Medication
Medical and Dental Records
If possible, bring detailed and up-to-date medical and dental records for you. This will help your U.S. doctors better understand past diagnoses and treatments, and help you avoid paying to repeat tests.
Note: It is recommended for you to take MMR shots before you arrive to the US, but not your T-Spot test. T-Spots taking outside of the country will not be accepted.
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8. Academic Documents
Bring standardized test scores required by the U.S school and official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities, in sealed envelopes, as well as syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials issued by the school you attended most recently.
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9. What should I do when I arrive Jonesboro, Arkansas?
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10. Report to Arkansas State University and Attend Orientations Form I-94
Medical insurance: 
Study in the U.S.
Classroom Culture
Academic Advisor
Life in the U.S.
Living as a foreigner
Conversing with American people
Banking
Security
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11. Report to Arkansas State University and Attend Orientations
New students are required to attend orientation.
Upon arriving on campus, you need to report to your Designated School Official (DSO) to check in, complete your required visa information session, and learn more about the institution's international student policies and procedures.
Attending orientation is mandatory for all new international students and you will not be able to register until orientation is completed.
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12. International students are required to have medical insurance.
Form I-94
Make sure that you print your Form I-94 once you report to the university.
Medical insurance
International students are required to have medical insurance.
Consult the International Student Services office to research your options.
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13. Study in the U.S. Classroom Culture
You should treat your professor as an equal, but also as a respected expert in his or her field.
Often class sessions will include interactive discussions group activities, as well as hands-on projects and presentations.
You are expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and assigned readings by participating meaningfully in class discussions.
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14. Academic Advisor
At A-State, each student at our college will be assigned an academic advisor to
help you with picking classes
deciding or switching majors
adjusting to college life
helping to find tutors for courses you may be having trouble with.
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15. Life in the U.S. Living as a foreigner
You will be living in the U.S. as a foreigner in a new culture.
This is very different from living in your country as a native citizen.
You will often have to make efforts to bridge the cultural gap between you and other students to avoid cultural misunderstandings.
Always stay calm and collected and be willing to listen.
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16. Banking
To open an account you will need your passport, I-20 or DS2019, and student ID card.
You are not recommended to carry large amounts of cash on a daily basis.
Always protect your personal information, including social security numbers and credit card numbers.
Be aware of scams that are often communicated via , in which you may be asked for personal details, such as your social security number or credit card details.
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17. Security
In case of any emergency, dial 911 on any telephone to connect yourself with the police/ambulance/fire department.
A-State will have an orientation that will tell you about the security measures they have, when and where to use extra caution, and how to alert someone if you need assistance. We also offer volunteer escort services if you need them returning home on-campus late from the library, etc.
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18. Security
On the streets, pay attention your purse or backpack, keep to the more traveled and better lit streets after dark and avoid walking in parks after dark.
When using ATMs to withdraw money after dark, be sure you are in a well-lit area.
As a precaution, do not carry large amounts of cash.
If a robber threatens you at home or on the street, do not resist unless you feel that your life is in danger and that you must fight or run away. Do not fight back, as this might provoke your attacker to cause you harm.
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