Table of Contents
-Click on the title headings to view the topics-

It's a cultural thing…We do understand Adjustment to a New Culture and Country Culture Shock! Successful Adjustment Strategies Will I Lose My Own Culture? Myths and Realities of American Culture Campus and Social Life at BCC Life outside of the classroom Consumption of Alcohol Dating Managing Your Money Here's to your Health Insurance for Students Where to Go for Medical Care Playing It Safe Campus Safety Crimes and Scams Immigration Regulations F-1 Student Requirements Visa Stamps Changing your Status in the U.S. Travel and Reentry On/Off Campus Employment Tax Concerns Where to Go For Assistance The International Club Off Campus Housing Listing South Florida Educational Transportation Places to Visit in Broward Holidays In the U.S. Sample Budget Planning Sheet

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It's A Cultural Thing…We do Understand
Adjustment to a New Culture and Country

People are products of their own cultures, their own environments, As you grew up in your country, you learned values attitudes, customs, one or more languages, and other aspects of the culture that surrounded you. The characteristics of that culture shaped you as a person and made you into a Jamaican, Colombian, Korean, Indian, Japanese, Peruvian, Bahamian or whatever you nationality is. If you come from a country that has many ethnic groups within it, you may identify more with that group's culture than with any national characteristics.

One way for a person to broaden their experience in life and seek a different perspective is to leave one culture and go to another. Sometimes people go from one country to another, as you have done in coming to the United States. Often times countries are so diverse within their own borders and are made up of so many different groups of people that you can really change your environment without ever leaving your own country.

It is challenging, stimulating, and sometimes a difficult process to leave you own country and go live in a different country and culture. You not only leave your family and friends; you also leave familiar food, surroundings, climate customs, attitudes, and language. In the new country you must adjust to many new and different things all at the same time. The potential to learn and to grow with this experience is great, but it often takes much effort, patience, and perseverance on your part.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is not quite as shocking or as sudden as most people expect. It is part of the process of learning a new culture that is called "cultural adaptation". You may experience some discomfort before they are able to function well in a new setting. This discomfort is the "culture shock" stage of the adaptation process. The main thing to remember is that this is a very normal process that nearly everyone goes through. Just as you brought with you to the United States clothes and other personal items, you also carry invisible "cultural baggage" When you travel. That baggage is not as obvious as the items in your suitcases, but it will play a major role in your adaptation abroad. Cultural baggage contains the values that are important to you and the 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 U.S.

Successful Adjustment Strategies

Knowledge and Attitudes that will help you in a New Culture

It will help you If you are aware of the normal cycle of cultural adjustment that everyone goes through understand yourself and not feel you are abnormal.

Don't expect that you should be able to function smoothly and get things accomplished easily in a new culture. The higher you self-expectation, the greater the possibility of frustration and disappointment when adjustment struggles do occur.

Knowledge of American culture, customs and history can help you to understand and get along better in your new environment. Read whatever you can, always be observant and ask questions whenever you can.

Know and accept that you will make mistakes.

Be ready: Americans perceive you as a "representative" of your country. v Americans may be insensitive and ignorant about you country and adjustment struggles that you face.

Be ready to reevaluate and challenge your own assumptions, stereotypes and preconceptions.

Have a sense of humor about yourself and adapting to this new culture.

Remember: Your goal is to adapt to life in the U.S. In a way that is appropriate and effective for you- not to adopt the American way or become Americanized!

Everyday-Life Skills to Apply in A New Culture

Observation - watch very carefully how people behave in specific situations.

Basic transactions - through practice and observation refine and adapt your behavior to be appropriate in daily activities (using the bus, keeping appointments, classroom behaviors)

Idioms and common Expressions - pay attention to common expressions and seek their real meaning and implications (don't take things literally)

Ask, ask, ask! - This may be the most important skill of all. When your contact with you new culture makes you have strong reactions, feel confused or you simple don't understand something, ask Americans and others who understand the culture to help you understand. In America asking questions is a well-respected behavior, so you should practice. Also, don't hesitate to ask people to repeat what they have said if you didn't hear or understand.

Saying No- it is culturally acceptable (as well as common practice) to say "no". In the U.S. In situations where it is not common or acceptable is some cultures. If you don't understand someone or don't want to do something, It is proper to say so: "No, I'M SORRY, I DON'T UNDERSTAND OR NO. I DON'T REALLY WANT TO DO THAT". Observe the host culture saying No in different situations. It is considered less rude to say "no" than to give the impression that you understand or agree when you really don't.

Initiate Conversation - You have to practice your communication and interaction skills to improve them, so you often will have to make the first step.

Take risks, experiment - Attempt to overcome you fear of trying new behaviors and experiences; go places and participate in activities so that you can observe and try out culturally appropriate behaviors

Coping Strategies that will help you In a New Culture

Relax; try to enjoy yourself see your new culture as a major life and growth experience (including the struggles)

Keep some kind of contact with you home and culture (letters, nationals, practice your religion)

Work hard on your English (listening and speaking)

Suspend judgement: There are three ways to deal with the observations you make about Americans and American culture. Think in terms of "D". "I". "E". Descriptions…describe the "facts" that you see or experience
Interpretations…what you think or interpret about what you experience. Evaluations…how you feel and what value you attach to your experience.

You will naturally be inclined to judge (interpret or evaluate) what you see. However, it can be more helpful and effective to suspend judgement by focusing on descriptions and to separate your descriptions from your interpretations and evaluations.

Developing friends and acquaintances is important. You need to build a "social support system" (include persons with past or current cross-cultural experience

American Culture Myth and Reality

Myth: American Students are less well prepared academically than students from abroad, and I will not have to work very hard in class.
Reality: Some American students are less well prepared academically than others. While it may be tempting to think you will not have much competition in the classroom, be aware that there are many, academically prepared and highly competitive American students. In general, American students have a lot of experience in test - taking and at expressing their opinions in class. You may come from an academic system that does no emphasize those skills.

Myth: American professors are casual, sometimes even asking students to address them by their first names.
Reality: It is true that your American professors may ask you to address them by their first names, but this does not mean they don not expect your respect. The ways in which courtesy and respect are shown to an American professor may different from how they are expressed in your country. Respect in a classroom includes a willingness to participate in class debate and to ask questions when you do not understand something that has been said.

Myth: Americans are racist.
Reality: The stereotype does exist, and has some element of truth. In general you need not fear that you will encounter overt racism in South Florida, particularly on the campus. Racial and ethnic prejudice is unfortunately a reality in the U.S. and occasionally international students experiences hostility, and violence of this nature. It would be wise to be aware of the tensions that may exist in the communities you may visit in the U.S., do not fear that this is a common and frequent problem. This is a complex issue that reflects many of the paradoxes of American History .

Will I Lose My Own Culture?

Sometimes students worry about "losing their culture" if they become too well adapted to the host culture. Do not worry: It is virtually impossible to lose the culture in which we were raised. In fact, learning about the new culture often increases your appreciation for and understanding of your own culture. Do not resist the opportunity to become bicultural, that is, able to function competently in two cultural environments.

Just as culture shock derives from the accumulation of cultural clashes, so an accumulation of small successes can lead to more effective interactions within the new culture. As you increase your ability to manage and understand the new social system, practices that recently seemed so strange will become less puzzling. Eventually you will adapt sufficiently to do your best in your studies and social life and to relax and fully enjoy the experience. And you will recover your sense of humor!

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Campus and Social Life

Academic success is your primary goal in the U.S., but getting involved in activities and organizations on and off campus is important too. All contributes to a balance life.

The college offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations representing student interest. You will find intramural sports, music, and drama. If you want to enhance your leadership skills get involved in Student Government, lead a student organization or organize a campus cultural event. All these opportunities give you a chance to meet others and develop lasting friendships.

Consumption of Alcohol

It is illegal to purchase alcoholic drinks including beer and wine, until you reach 21. The college policy restricts the consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus. Remember that you don't have to drink to act like an American.

Dating

Relationships between American men and women of college age range from simple, casual friendships to strong emotional and physical commitments. As your friendships develop beyond acquaintance, you may not always know what your partners expect of you. Although sometimes embarrassing, it is best to express your feelings and intentions so you can avoid confusion and embarrassment.

If your date is interested in a sexual relationship and you are not, it is important that you say NO clearly. Unwanted sexual attention is a very serious matter in the U.S. Do not mistake the acceptance of a date as anything more than an agreement to meet at a certain time and place and to spend some time together.

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Managing Your Money

Managing your finances is one of the most important and challenging aspects of a successful and enjoyable academic experience. You signed a contract with the school and Immigration and Naturalization documenting that you would be financially responsible for you studies in the U.S. It is imperative that you prepare a budget for yourself based on the estimated expenses on your I-20 form. Use the budget-planning sheet in this book to help you think about the possible expenses you will have.

International Students cannot apply for Federal or State financial aid, and on campus employment is very limited therefore it is important that you budget wisely. Begin budgeting now if you have not done so already. Bills often take a month or two to arrive, but arrive they will! Don't fool yourself into spending the money you'll need to pay them.

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Here's to your Health

While you are a student at BCC, your health is as important to us as your academic achievement. The U.S. does not have a national health care plan, and the government is not a major provider of medical care, therefore it is your responsibility to arrange and pay for medical care. It is a mandatory requirement for all international students to have health insurance while attending school. Without proper medical insurance coverage you risk your future financial security and jeopardize your education.

Insurance for Students

Insurance for Students is the designated insurance plan for the college. If you do not purchase the college plan and decide to use your own, or go with another plan you must have your insurance agent complete a college compliance form to verify that it meet all of the required coverage. Information on Student Health Insurance is available in the Office of International Student Services or the Student Life Office located in Building 19.

Where to Go for Medical Care

If you feel sick, do not hesitate to get help. Unless you have a real emergency, such as a broken arm or uncontrolled bleeding do not go to the hospital emergency room for treatment. Emergency rooms are very expensive and, if you condition is not life threatening, you will have to wait a long time for care. For the best medical care, it is important to choose one clinic and use it throughout your stay. The Insurance for Students Health Plan has a directory with a list of doctor's and hospitals that are covered in your plan. If you were not mailed a directory, contact Insurance for Students or the Office of International Student Services.

International Students of hesitate to seek professional help about mental problems. You may never have had the need to talk to a psychologist and may think only "crazy "people with serve mental problems are treated by such professionals. It is uncommon for American students or other individuals with emotional problems to seek professional help. As a student far away from home and lacking family support you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with adjustment, depression or stress. The college also has counselors who can provide assistant if you need help. Counselors are located in the department of Student Success in Building 7 Room 250. The process will be completely confidential.

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Playing It Safe

"Better Safe than Sorry", goes the American saying, No matter how safe you think the campus and your community is you should be familiar with your surroundings by reading your campus safety brochure and locate the police station that serves your neighborhood. The Campus safety office is located in Building 7.

Crimes and Scams

Sadly, Crime is a fact in the U.S. the college is not immune from these problems. The most common crimes on U.S. College campuses are theft or property left unattended, or an unlocked car or room. Protect yourself by exercising god sense and caution:

Do not leave your books, backpack, or purse unattended anywhere.

Buy a good lock for your bicycle and use it!

Learn what parts of town you should avoid at night.

Remember that 911 is an emergency number that can be called at any time from any telephone in the U.S.

Ask a reliable friend or faculty or staff personnel if you are in doubt a person or an activity.

Sexual harassment is a particularly American concept and a very hot topic on campuses and in the workplace. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature. If you feel you are being sexually harassed it is important that you tell someone. If you are being harassed on campus contact the Campus Safety office or the Dean of Student Services.

If you are accused of committing a crime and have been arrested, remember that you do have certain rights. You should notify the Office of International Student Services as soon as possible. You should also notify your government about your arrest or detainment. Some countries (for example, China, Nigeria, and Singapore) require that the consul be notified when their nationals are confined or detained. Depending on the severity of the crime of which you are accused, you should obtain legal assistance.

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IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS

F-1 Student Requirements

Regulations of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), a branch of the Department of Justice governs students classified in F-1 status. As you work toward your degree you are required to comply with INS regulations, this section of the guidebook gives a brief introduction to the following issues, as they apply to F-1 status. It is your responsibility to know and abide by the regulations. So do yourself a favor get good advice.

It is important that you be aware that your eligibility for opportunities such as employment and school transfers depends on maintaining lawful status. When you were asked to read and sign your I-20, your signature on the document signifies your agreement to abide by the conditions of F-1 status while in the U.S.
To maintain your status you must:

· Remain enrolled full-time (12 credits per term)

· Have a valid, current I-20

· Maintain a passport that is valid for at least six months

· Have appropriate authorization for any work and not be employed for more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session

Students who are maintaining status are permitted to an annual vacation during the year if they intend to enroll the following term.

Academic Changes

International students, like domestic students, sometime find themselves in unusual situations or develop new interest that require a change in major, degree program. If you make such changes please consult with the office of international student services or the International Admissions Coordinator Downtown. Do not rely on an Academic Advisor or Counselor to inform the international student office.

Extending Your Stay

If your permission to stay is going to expire and you need to remain at BCC beyond the expiration date to continue your program, You are responsible for extending your stay. No one will remind you when it is time to apply for an extension. You may apply 30 days before your stay expires. Contact the International Admissions Coordinator Downtown for more information.

Changing Status

If you applied for a change of status with INS it takes approximately 3-6 months for your petition to be processed. While you are waiting for the change of status to be completed it is suggested that you do not travel outside of the U.S. After the change of status has been successfully completed you must apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. when intending to travel outside the U.S. After you leave the U.S. there is no guarantee that the U.S. consular official will give you the F-1 visa. (Canadian citizens are exempt for this requirement) If you decide to change your F-1 status and no longer wish to be a full-time student, you cannot remain in the U.S. on a student visa unless you are a student. Before you quit school, learn everything you can about changing to another immigration status. If you violate your current status, you will not be allowed to change to any other status.

Travel and Reentry

Whenever you leave the U.S. be sure to have all the documents you need to reenter.

· Have your I-20 signed by the Office of International Student Services or the International Student Admissions Coordinator.

· Verify that all the information on your I-20 is correct.

· Check you U.S. entry visa (which is stamped in your passport) to be sure it is valid for additional entries. If it is not, you will have to get a new visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate while you are abroad. (Special circumstances apply if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and will not be gone for more than 31 days.)

· If you are applying for a new entry visa, the visa officer at the U.S. consulate will ask to see updated financial documentation and possibly a copy of your transcript to verify enrollment

· It is recommended that you consult the office of international student service if you have any questions.

Employment

INS limits employment opportunities for international students only to students who have maintained their immigration status and academic standing. You are not permitted to work without authorization. Also international students may not be "self-employed," that is, they may not provide professional services for a fee.

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