Pre-Departure Orientation Manual - US Agency for International ...

CONTENTS
06/14/2012 New Edition
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 5
Congratulations ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Pre-Departure Orientation .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Overview of Your USAID Program ........................................................................................................ 6
About USAID ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Participant Training ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Selection .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
USAID Policies ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Conditions of Sponsorship for U.S.-Based Training ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Your Program Implementer ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Stakeholder Compact .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Language Proficiency ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Participant Action Plans....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Program Costs Funded By USAID ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
U.S. Culture ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Language .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Talking with Americans ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Independence ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Religion In The United States ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Friendship ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Diversity in America............................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Sexual Harassment................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Telecommunications ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Using the U.S. Postal Service ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Begging ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Stereotypes ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Culture Shock ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Illegal Drugs ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Alcohol ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Smoking .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Cuisine ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Grocery Stores, Markets, Restaurants, and Other Eateries ..................................................................................................................... 24
Laws .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Geography and Climate of the United States ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Money and Banking ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Tipping and Gratuities ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Clothing Sizes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Electricity ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Temperatures, Weights and Distances ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
U.S. Holidays .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Academics, Training, and the United States Classroom .................................................................... 34
Methods of Teaching ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Academic Honesty ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
Missing Class ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Language Issues ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Pre-Departure Logistics ........................................................................................................................ 37
Passport ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Exchange Visitor Visa and Transit Visas ......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Personal Documents ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Funds for Expenses During Transit .................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Airline Regulations and Airport Check-In ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
What to Pack ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
What Not To Bring .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Arrival in the United States ................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
In Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 48
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