2. Arrival Procedures for Exchange Visitors
3. Life and customs in the United States
4. Local community resources
ARRIVAL ORIENTATION FOR THE EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
On arrival to Florida Gulf Coast University, each exchange visitor will be required to present him/her self to the International Services Office for arrival information, exchange visitor orientation and document processing. This may be conducted in a group setting or individually, depending on the circumstances. Each exchange visitor will be provided a handbook containing information necessary for the EV to comply with university and Department of State requirements as well as cross-cultural information, and local area resources.
Each exchange visitor will receive a description of his/her program, with contact information for the hosting department and the International Services Office (EVP administrators, RO/ARO) Each EV will receive the EVP Welcome brochure, and contact information for the Department of State Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation. Health care and insurance information will include the DOS and university requirements for coverage, health insurance enrollment information, university health services available to exchange visitors, and information on local health services and medical facilities. A section of the handbook (and orientation) will cover general customs and US cultural information, things to know, a checklist of important items to complete, and helpful local resource information (i.e. banking, housing options, transportation, schools, medical services, shopping, recreational facilities, etc.)
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES FOR THE EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
DEFINITIONS
J-1 Exchange Visitors are foreign nationals who have been selected by a Department of State (DOS) designated program sponsor to participate in an exchange visitor program in the United States. This program is designed to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
ADVANCE PREPARATION PRIOR TO ENTRY
Careful planning and preparation can ensure that delays are minimal. If you are a non-immigrant exchange visitor, here are some things you should do:
ü Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and nonimmigrant visa are still valid for entry into the United States. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay.
ü Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification. (i.e. J-visa)
ü When you receive your U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the Embassy or Consulate in your country, if the consular officer seals your immigration documents in an envelope and attaches it to your passport, you should not open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. port-of-entry will open the envelope.
ü If the visa states the name of the institution you will attend or identifies the exchange program in which you are participating, verify that this information is accurate as well. If your review indicates any discrepancies or potential problems, visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a new visa.
ü Students and exchange visitors entering the United States for the first time under their respective nonimmigrant visa classification may only be admitted up to 30-days prior to the program start date.
ü When you travel, you should carry your documents on your person. Do not check them in your baggage because they may get lost or delayed and the Customs and Border Protection Officer will need to see them before you are able to enter the United States.
Documents you should carry on your person:
· Passport (including attached envelope of immigration documents) with nonimmigrant visa;
· SEVIS Form DS-2019;
· Visa exempt nationals presenting a SEVIS Form DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are entering the United States for the first time should have a Form I-797, Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS Fee payment. Refer to the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement www.ice.gov/sevis website for additional SEVP/SEVIS Program Information;
· Evidence of financial resources,
· Invitation letter from FGCU.
· Name and contact information for Responsible Officer (RO) at FGCU. Writing instrument (pen).
If you are traveling by aircraft, the flight attendants on board will distribute CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record for immigration, before you land at your initial point-of-entry in the U.S. Complete these forms while you are on the aircraft and submit them to the appropriate Customs and Border Protection Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
When you arrive:
- Have your DS-2019 form, visa and passport in hand.
- A U.S. Customs border protection officer will review your travel documents and ask you some questions about the nature of your stay in the U.S.
- Your fingerprint will be electronically scanned and a digital photograph will be taken of you.
Upon arrival at the port-of- entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have: passport, SEVIS Form DS-2019; completed Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record; and, CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available for presentation to the CBP Officer. The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside (not the address of the school or program sponsor).
If you are entering through a land or designated seaport, the Customs and Border Protection Officer will provide the necessary CF-6059, Customs Declaration Form and Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record at the port-of-entry. If you do not understand a form, ask the CBP Officer for assistance.
Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school or exchange visitor program where you will enroll/participate.
Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:
· Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status (D/S) for J-1 students;
· Stamp the Form I-94 and staple it in the passport;
· Return the SEVIS Form to you.
SECONDARY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
If the inspector cannot automatically verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be escorted to an interview area known as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information. Verifications are done apart from the primary inspection lines so that an individual case will not cause delays for other arriving passengers.
It is recommended that you have readily available the name and phone number of the FGCU Responsible Officer for your J-1 Exchange Visitor Program in case your admission/participation needs to be verified. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), you should have a phone number where this individual can be reached during non-business hours.
Failure to provide proper documentation and to comply with entry/exit procedures is cause to refuse the student or exchange visitor admission into the United States. In limited circumstances, if a student or exchange visitor is mostly, but not fully in compliance, he/she may be issued a Form I-515A, Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor. This form authorizes temporary admission for 30 days into the United States and requires the student or exchange visitor to take immediate action to submit proper documentation. Noncompliance with the directions contained on these forms can result in future adverse action. If you are given form I-515A, please contact the RO at FGCU immediately on your arrival.
CONTINUING STUDENTS
Continuing students who are going to travel outside of the United States must see their foreign student advisor and obtain an endorsement from the DSO or RO. The endorsement will be made on page 1 of the DS-2019. When returning to the United States, a continuing student/exchange visitor must present a valid SEVIS Form DS-2019 with the RO signature showing that the student is active and in good standing with the school or program.
LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN THE UNITED STATES
America is considered to as the "melting pot" of world cultures. Throughout the last three centuries, many people from all over the world have immigrated to the United States and along they have brought their own cultures, customs and traditions. Today, the American people express their culture through traditions in food, clothing, recreation, and ceremonies; through the education system and institutions of learning, including museums and libraries; and through the arts, encompassing the visual, literary, and performing arts. American culture is rich, complex, and unique. It emerged from the short and rapid European conquest of an enormous landmass sparsely settled by diverse indigenous peoples.
Although European cultural patterns predominated, especially in language, the arts, and political institutions, peoples from Africa, Asia, and North America also contributed to American culture. All of these groups influenced popular tastes in music, dress, entertainment, and cuisine. As a result, American culture possesses an unusual mixture of patterns and forms forged from among its diverse peoples. The many melodies of American culture have not always been harmonious, but its complexity has created a society that struggles to achieve tolerance and produces a uniquely casual personal style that identifies Americans everywhere. The country is strongly committed to democracy, in which views of the majority prevail, and strives for equality in law and institutions.
Characteristics such as democracy and equality flourished in the American environment long before taking firm root in European societies, where the ideals originated. As a result, American culture is more often defined by its popular and democratically inclusive features, such as blockbuster movies, television comedies, sports stars, and fast food, than by its more cultivated aspects as performed in theaters, published in books, or viewed in museums and galleries. Even the fine arts in modern America often partake of the energy and forms of popular culture, and modern arts are often a product of the fusion of fine and popular arts.
While America is probably most well known for its popular arts, Americans partake in an enormous range of cultural activities. Besides being avid readers of a great variety of books and magazines catering to differing tastes and interests, Americans also attend museums, operas, and ballets in large numbers. They listen to country and classical music, jazz and folk music, as well as classic rock-and-roll and new wave. Americans attend and participate in basketball, football, baseball, and soccer games. They enjoy food from a wide range of foreign cuisines, such as Chinese, Thai, Greek, French, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Ethiopian, and Cuban. They have also developed their own regional foods, such as California cuisine and Southwestern, Creole, and Southern cooking. Still evolving and drawing upon its ever more diverse population, American culture has come to symbolize what is most up-to-date and modern. American culture has also become increasingly international and is imported by countries around the world.
CULTURE SHOCK AND CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
You may experience some discomfort before you are able to function well in a new setting. This discomfort is the "culture shock" stage of the adaptation process. Culture shock is part of the process of learning about a new culture. The main thing to remember is that this is a very normal process that nearly everyone experiences.
Culture shock refers to the anxiety experienced when a person has a loss of the home culture, family and support system and is confronted with the task of assimilating into a new culture. In a new place, people may walk and talk more quickly, traffic patterns may be confusing, and buildings may look different than expected. Such differences are easy to see and quickly learned. The housing arrangements at the university, the manner in which classes are taught, registration for courses, and other procedures may seem strange or very confusing.
Some common signs and symptoms of culture shock are:
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
- Homesickness
- Pain, despair, disorganization
- Anger, confusion, loneliness (no family or social support)
- Loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, tearfulness
- Lack of energy, loss of enjoyment in daily activities, withdrawal from others
- Hostility toward the host culture
- Loss of your sense of humor
- Boredom or fatigue
- Hostility towards host culture
How to Cope with Culture Shock and Adjust Successfully
The culture "shock" gradually eases as you begin to understand your new culture. It is useful to realize that often the reactions and perceptions of others toward you- (and you towards them)- are not personal evaluations but are based on a clash of cultural values. The more skilled you become in recognizing how and when cultural values and behaviors are likely to come in conflict, the easier it becomes to make adjustments that can help you avoid serious difficulties.
Generally, as you become more involved in activities and get to know the people around you, your ability to feel more comfortable will increase. You will certainly notice differences, and similarities in cultures, but will be better able to identify, understand and appreciate them and people much more. You will learn important cues, probably make a few mistakes and have a little bit of fun learning unique characteristics of the U.S. culture, and others. Your cultural base is the values that are important to you and the patterns of behavior that are customary in your culture. The more you know about your personal values and how they are derived from your culture, the better prepared you will be to see and understand the cultural differences you will encounter in the US.
Some suggestions on ways to cope with culture shock:
- Remember that this is a normal part of adjusting
- Speak to someone with experience in the field
- Keep in contact with family and friends
- Talk with others from your own culture or other international visitors, about their experiences
- Join a student organization or community group
- Join a study group
- Observe how others are acting in the same situation
- Plan how you might act in a similar situation
Cultural Adjustment
Cultural adjustment is a process that takes time, a willingness to be open to new ideas and new ways, practice of new cultural skills and is often helped by a sense of humor. Here are some valuable tips you should know to make the best of your experience at FGCU.
§ Locate a "home-base" for direct assistance (i.e. the International Services Office)
§ Establish relationships with others who are willing to assist you in your transition.
§ Note any immediate cultural differences you noticed between members of the community and yourself.
§ Discuss and share your personal experiences with others as you matriculate through the academic process. This in turn, will allow for suggestions and/or answers to various questions or concerns that you may have.
§ Never take anything at face-value; there are often deeper meanings or different interpretations of situations. If you are unsure about any situation, problem, concern, and/or issue, don't hesitate to contact university officials.
§ Don't allow your perception(s) of things be influenced by others. Their perceptions are probably never complete from cultural bias. It's very important to be open to experience!
§ If you feel that you are a victim of any form of discrimination, harassment, or anti-cultural behavior, contact the ISO for assistance.
§ Keep a personal journal of your experiences. Especially taking note of any unique cultural, social, or academic circumstances.
§ You are strongly encouraged to participate in all academic, social, cultural, and community activities that are designed to stimulate both learning and interaction.
§ Express honestly your true feelings. Explore various ways of achieving increased understanding, harmony, and unity.
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR U.S. CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
§ Relax! This is meant to be a different experience; that is why you came here.
§ Try new things; seek opportunities to expand your experience.
§ Meet people who are not from your own country
§ Socialize and seek support, when you really need to feel like you are home, with students or associates from your home country, but don't confine yourself to this group.
§ Laugh at some of the interesting, unique, funny or even odd things people do here, and know that it is just another approach to life.
§ Enjoy US culture via newspaper, TV, radio, go to movies, performances and local festivals, attend church, shop in the malls, visit Florida's award winning parks. Take opportunities to participate in university activities that get you out into the community and meeting US hosts.
§ Write, call or email family and friends from home. Send postcards and pictures so they can learn about your life here.
BE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY
Southwest Florida has many community resources available. Learn about our natural surroundings, environment and unique history. There are beautiful beaches and natural swamps, the Everglades National Park, historic Edison home, sailing and beaches, dolphin watching, music and theatre, cultural festivals, arts and crafts fairs, recreational activities, local churches, service and professional organizations. Read the "Eagle" newspaper, bulletin boards, and get information from TV, Radio, and other people. ISO can also assist you in contacting local resources.
Local Resources
INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES IN LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
· AIR TRANSPORTATION
Southwest Florida International Airport
http://flylcpa.com/index.php
1600 Chamberlin Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33913
· FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
http://www.fgcu.edu/
10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL
(239) 590-1000
ISO Tel: (239) 590-7925
Fax: (239) 590-7977
· SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LEE COUNTY
http://www.lee.k12.fl.us/
2055 Central Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-1102
School Choice: (239) 337-8247
When: Upon moving to Florida students should be registered for school.
Where: Parents can call (239) 334-1102 to find out which school their
children will be attending.
Documents needed: Students in kindergarten and first grade must provide birth certificates. Proof of residency must be provided (i.e., Declaration of Domicile, proof that a home has been purchased or living quarters have been leased), social security numbers, a Certificate of Immunization, and proof of a physical examination within the previous year. Students do not need transcripts. The school will send for them.
· SCHOOL DISTRICT OF COLLIER COUNTY
Administrative Center Phone: (239) 377-0001
5775 Osceola Trail Fax: (239) 377-0206
Naples, FL 34109 webmaster@collier.k12.fl.us
School Choice: (239) 337-0001http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/
When: Upon moving to Florida students should be registered for school.
Where: Parents can call (239) 334-0001 to find out which school their
children will be attending. Documents needed: Students in kindergarten and first
grade must provide birth certificates. Proof of residency must be provided (i.e.,
Declaration of Domicile, proof that a home has been purchased or living quarters
have been leased), social security numbers, a Certificate of Immunization, and
proof of a physical examination within the previous year. Students do not need
transcripts. The school will send for them.
POST-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
· For Serious Medical, Domestic or other Emergencies Only .----Call 9-1-1
· Florida Poison Information Network -------.1-800-222-1222
· Housing Information: Rentals/Leases and Purchases
Newcomers' Guide http://www.news-press.net/community/index.php
· Important Telephone Numbers
Fort Myers Police Department (Non-emergency Dispatch) 239-334-4155
Lee County Health Department (239) 332-9501
Lee County Sheriff's Office (239) 477-1000
Lee County Storm Information Hotline (when activated) (239) 477-1900
· AUTO REGISTRATION-Vehicle Registration
Click here for site.
· Lee County Tax Collector Main Office www.leetc.com
2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers FL
All Offices: (239) 339-6000
Branch Offices throughout Lee County
When: Within 10 working days of making Florida your permanent residency (i.e.; registering children in school, beginning employment, filing homestead status). If Florida is not to be your permanent residency, autos don't have to be registered. (Migrant workers are exempt).
Who: The person whose name appears on the title must be at the office to register, with proper identification. The vehicle must also be at the office.
Documents needed: Original title (copies not acceptable) and proof of insurance (at least $10,000 PIP and bodily injury).
How Much: Price of tag depends on weight of vehicle. Renewals are usually around $40/50.
Other Fees: A $100 fee is assessed for cars needing new plates for either residents or non-residents, when there is no tag to transfer.
· BUS TRANSPORTATION
Lee County LeeTran http://www.rideleetran.com/
6035 Landing View Rd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33907
Phone 239-275-TRAN (8726) (239) 277-5012
Fax 239-277-5011 E-mail: shulerjc@leegov.com
· CABLE TELEVISION
Comcast Cable http://www.comcast.com/
(239) 432-9277
Local Offices:
4750 Winkler Ave Ext, Fort Myers - (239) 277-2711
24830 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs - (239) 992-8823
4290 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers - (239) 277-5679
Time Warner Cable http://www.tw-swfla.com/
Serving North Ft. Myers/Alva/Estero
(239) 574-2020
1418 S.E. 10th St.
Cape Coral, FL 33990
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lee TV - Lee County Government Access Information
(239) 335-2658
P.O. Box 398, Ft. Myers, FL 33902-0398
· DRIVER LICENSES
Florida Dept of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles http://www.dmv.org/
11281 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers FL
(239) 278-7190 - Information (239) 278-7194
360 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral FL
(239) 772-1300 - Information -(239) 574-1788
Hours: Tues-Fri 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
When: If you own a vehicle, you must register it within 10 working days of becoming a Florida resident. You then have 10 days to acquire your Florida driver's license. If you don't own a vehicle, you must first sign an affidavit attesting to that before getting your Florida driver's license.
How Much: The normal license costs $25.25 and is good for six years if applicant has maintained a clear driving record.
Note: An eye test will be performed before Florida driver's license is issued.
· ELECTRIC
Florida Power and Light http://www.fpl.com/
Customer Service - (239) 334-7754
Report a Power Outage - (800) 468-8243
24 hour notice required (no weekend service)
Lee County Electric Cooperative, Inc. http://www.lcec.net/
Customer Service - (239) 656-2300
Toll Free - (800) 599-2356
Deposit: Minimum deposit of $150 or 2 months bill, whatever is greater can be waived with credit check. Refundable after one year of on-time payment for residence, two years for business. Deposit may be waived if customer has a credit check or letter of good credit from previous electric company.
· GARBAGE COLLECTION
Unincorporated Lee County, Bonita Springs &
Ft. Myers Beach - (Charges on property tax bill)
Onyx Waste Services (Area 1, 4) (239) 334-1224
Florida Recycling, Inc. (Area 2, 3, 5) (239) 332-8500
Other Area Contacts:
Cape Coral - Waste Management - (239) 334-4115
Captiva - Florida Recycling, Inc. - (239) 332-8500
Fort Myers - Fort Myers Sanitation - (239) 332-6837
Sanibel - Florida Recycling, Inc. - (239) 332-8500
· HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Lee County Health Department
(239) 332-9501
· LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
14750 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL
(239) 477-1200 - http://www.sheriffleefl.org/
· NEWSPAPER
News-Press - New Subscriptions
http://www.news-press.net/CS/customerserv.php?newsubscriber&havezip&so=
2442 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL
Customer Service/Home Delivery (239) 335-0233
Cape Coral Breeze - New Subscriptions
2510 Del Prado Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33904
Tel: (239) 574-1110
Fax: (239) 574-3403
http://www.flguide.com/pages/pubs/breeze.html
Other Area Newspapers and publications: Please visit http://www.flguide.com/pages/publications.html
· POST OFFICE
Fort Myers Main Office
1350 Monroe Street, Fort Myers FL
(800) 275-8777 - For all branch offices
· REAL ESTATE/PROPERTY APPRAISER
Lee County Property Appraiser's Office http://www.leepa.org/
(239) 339-6100
Homestead Exemption (239) 339-6120
· SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE
http://www.ssa.gov/
10100 Deer Run Farm Rd.
(239) 931-0066 or (800) 772-1213;
· STATE GOVERNMENT WEBSITE
http://myflorida.com/
· TELEPHONE SERVICE
Sprint http://local.sprint.com/home/local/index.html
Areas Served: Fort Myers/Lee County
Customer Service - (800) 339-1811
Repair: 611; Directory Assistance: 411
Deposit: Based on estimated monthly bill. Waived if customer had
good credit history with UTS or previous telephone company.
Installation Fee: $50; more if labor and materials are needed.
Several other companies also offer telephone service and are listed
in Sprint telephone directory.
· WATER AND SEWER
Unincorporated Lee County Lee County Utilities
LCUCUSTSERV@LEEGOV.COM
7391 College Pkwy., Fort Myers, FL
(239) 936-0247 or toll free 1-800-485-0214
Cape Coral Utilities - (239) 574-7722
Bonita Springs Utilities - (239) 992-0711
North Fort Myers Utilities - (239) 992-0711
Lehigh Acres - (239) 368-1615
Sanibel - Water - Island Water Association - (239) 472-1502
Sanibel - Wastewater - Sanibel Sewer - (239) 472-1008
Town of Fort Myers Beach - Water - (239) 463-9914
Town of Fort Myers Beach - Wastewater - Lee County Utilities - (239) 936-0247
Pine Island - Water - Greater Pine Island Water Assoc. - (239) 283-1071
Pine Island - Wastewater - Lee County Utilities - (239) 936-0247
Gateway Services District - Water - (239) 561-1313
Gateway Services District - Wastewater - Lee County Utilities - (239) 936-0247
· IMPORTANT WEBSITES
Local Government Websites
http://www.leeclerk.org/ Lee County Clerk of Court
http://www.lee-county.com/ Lee County Official Website
http://www.leeeoc.com/ Emergency Operations Center Public Advisories
http://www.myflorida.com/ State of Florida Website
U.S. Government and Immigration/Exchange Visitor Websites
http://www.fema.gov/ Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.uscis.gov/ United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.travel.state.gov/ US Department of State
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/ Information on Obtaining US Visas
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/ U.S. Department of State International Information Programs
http://www.dhs.gov/ Website of the Department of Homeland Security
http://www.exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/ Exchange Visitor Program
http://www.ice.gov/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement Website
http://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
FGCU INTERNATIONAL SERVICES OFFICE (YOUR EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM SPONSOR) AND THE NAME OF THE RESPONSIBLE OFFICERS
Sponsor:
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES OFFICE
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
Tel: 239-590-7925
Toll Free: 1-800-590-3428
Fax: 239-590-7977
· Elaine Hozdik, Director, International Services: Responsible Officer
Office Tel: 239-590-7925
Direct Line: Tel: 239-590-7931
· Timothy Gjini, Coordinator, International Services: Alternate Responsible Officer
Office Tel: 239-590-7925
Tel: 239-590-7690
In emergency cases- after hours contact FGCU University Police at 239-590-1900
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICE OF EXCHANGE COORDINATION AND DESIGNATION
United States Department of State
Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation
ECA/EC/AG - SA-44, Room 732
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547
Telephone: (202) 203-5029
Fax: (202) 453-8640
