1. Pr e- Depar t ur e
Or i ent at i on
Part III of III
Presented by
Alliance Abroad Group
Your designated visa sponsor
Final Version
Revised 11/25/13

2. Your Or i ent at i on i s
ALMOST COMPLETE!• Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in order to meet
and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations found in section {62.10}
Program Administration.
• This is Part III of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on your cultural
exchange program in the U.S.
• Presentation Part III Overview:
• Travel Smart Checklist
• Sample Cost of Living Expenses
• Housing Responsibilities & Guidelines
• U.S. Culture
• General Safety Tips
• Pre-Departure Orientation Quiz & Acknowledgement Form

3. Tr avel
Smar t
Checkl i st• Tickets and Airline Boarding Passes
• Your Passport With J-1Visa Approval
• Travel Insurance
• DS - 2019Form
• DS – 2007 Form
• International Drivers License or Photo
Identification Card
• Host Company Application With Arrival
Instructions
• 24 Hours after your arrival, Retrieve your
automated I-94 Form 24 hours after your
arrival if traveling by air or sea.
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html
Email a scanned copy of all your documents to yourself for safe keeping!
Document s,
Document s,
Document s
As you prepare for your trip to the U.S., make sure you have
all the necessary documents and reviewed all the important
information:

4. Tr avel Smar t
Checkl i st
• Determine the climate for your new
home-away-from-home.
• Get familiar with U.S. Currency – U.S.
Dollars (US$) $1= 100 cents.
• Figure out the conversion rate, which
varies daily.
(http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter
/ )
• Determine your time zone. There are six
in the U.S.
• Determine if your mobile phone will
work in the U.S. or if you will need to
purchase one upon arrival.
Resear ch! Resear ch!
Resear ch!

5. Tr avel Smar t
Checkl i st
• Double check your airline’s luggage
policy or fees.
• Pack your essentials in your carry-on
luggage along with a change of clothes.
• If taking medication, please carry it with
you on the plane
• Pack your favorite toiletries.
• Bring something representative of your
home country to share with your Host
Company and new friends
• Pack electronic necessities, phone,
laptop, camera and chargers &
adapters.
• International Calling Card if necessary
Pack
Smar t

6. Tr avel Smar t
Checkl i st
• Make a reservation or confirm
your housing
accommodations
• Review your “Arrival
Instructions”
• Identify your “Tourist’s Things to
Do List”
• Review your Program Top Ten
To Do’s List
• Confirm your first day of
training with your host
company.
Cr eat e your
I t i ner ar y

7. U. S. Ci t i es Cost
of l i vi ng
Expenses
• Ensure your financial safety; bring at least
$1,000.00 in cash, traveler checks or credit
card.
• Explore the cost of living in your new city as
well as the average costs of restaurants,
grocery stores/markets, transportation,
utilities and sports and leisure offerings.
Check out: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States
o Meal - Inexpensive restaurant $11.00
o Meal - Fast Food Combo $7.00
o Cappuccino $3.25
o Soda – Coke/Sprite/Diet $1.50
o Bottle Water $1.25
o Milk – One Gallon (3.8 L) $2.98
o Eggs – One Dozen (12) $2.50
o Bread – One Loaf $2.25
o Bus Ticket – One Way Only $1.00
o Gas – One Gallon (3.8 L) $3.25
o Basic Utilities (gas, water, electricity) $164.00
o Apartment – 1 Bed Room $750.00
o Internet $40.00
o Cinema – 1 Movie Ticket $9.00
o Concert – 1 Ticket $35 – $50
For Exampl e – Aust i n, Texas

8. Basi c Mont hl y
Housi ng Expenses
• Rent
• Electricity/Gas
• Water/Waste
• Garbage Services
• Internet/TV
*These expenses do
not include Housing
Deposit and
Application Fee
(if applicable)

9. AAG Housi ng
Def i ni t i onsAll AAG placements include information about housing in the area. Please refer to the
housing section of your placement offer to determine if your program housing is AAG
Provided, AAG Assisted, or Participant Arranged.
•AAG Provided Housing – this means that AAG has secured the housing for you and your
rent will be deducted from your paycheck accordingly. Please confirm with your
agency that you have been booked for this housing option.
•AAG Assisted Housing – this means that AAG has located and vetted the best housing
option for this placement and you must stay at this location in order to accept the
placement offer.
•Participant Arranged Housing – this means that YOU are responsible to locate and
secure your own housing for the duration of program. In addition, AAG must review and
approve your program housing prior to your arrival to the U.S. If your placement offer
states that housing is Participant Arranged, you must submit your housing details to:
housing@allianceabroad.com at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival to the U.S. An AAG
representative will contact you directly to confirm whether your Participant Arranged
housing has been approved.

10. Even if you plan to find housing once you arrive, you MUST have a place to stay for the first few nights upon your arrival.
Ar r ange your housi ng
bef or e you Depar t
f or t he Uni t ed
St at es!

11. Ot her Thi ngs t o
Remember !
1. Ensure you have a housing plan before you leave
your home country; submit your confirmed
housing information to AAG for approval.
2. Bring enough money to pay your 1st
month’s rent
and deposit upon arrival/check in as well as to cover
your living expenses until you receive your first
stipend check!
3. Report any changes to your housing address to AAG
within 10 days to ensure SEVIS is updated.

12. I mpor t ant
quest i ons t o
ask…
In regards to your American home:
1.Is the housing in a safe environment?
2.Is this specific housing option
affordable?
3.Is there access to affordable
transportation?
4.Do you understand the housing terms
and payment requirements?

13. Housi ng Ti ps &
Recommendat i onsThe housing leads you have been provided in
your Placement Offer for Participant Arranged
Housing are the best options available. In
some areas, you will need to secure housing
and pay a deposit well in advance of your
arrival to the U.S.
Also consider the following:
• Rent is usually due on the 1st
of the month
• You might need to provide a security
deposit
• You are responsible for damages
• Keep your new home clean

14. Connect i ng wi t h Your
New Communi t y
You can search by City, State to find helpful information and resources like:
• Chamber of Commerce
• American Fact Finder
• Community Roots, Legacies & Celebrations
• Local Libraries
• Post Offices
• Preserve America Efforts
• Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities
Also check out your new city’s website.
Click here for more information:
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family-Community.shtml

15. I mpor t ant U. S.
Cul t ur eThe U.S. is considered an ethnically and racially
diverse country as a result of large-scale
migrations from different countries throughout its
history.
Characteristics include:
• Diversity and Individualism
• Privacy and Personal Space
• Principles of Equality
• Informal and Friendly
• Being Direct and Honest
• Freedom of Speech and Religion
• Family and Time Orientated

16. Gener al Cust oms &
Et i quet t e
Meet i ng &
Gr eet i ng
• Greetings are casual.
• Offer a handshake and
a “Hello.”
• Smiling is a universal
hello in any language!
• Use first names and
introduce yourself
Busi ness
Et i quet t e &
Pr ot ocol
• Report to your shift on time.
“On time” is considered at
least 10 minutes before your
schedule shift.
• Report to training properly
groomed and dressed in
your uniform or professional
attire.
• Remember to smile;
customer service comes first!

17. Saf e Guar di ng your
Heal t h, Saf et y &
Wel f ar e
Though many Americans are friendly,
open, and willing to help, be aware
that there are some people who may
want to take advantage of
international visitors.
Be cau-tious! Remember safety first,
use common sense during your stay
and trust your instincts. If
some-thing or someone makes you
uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

18. Gener al
Saf et y
Ti ps
• Always keep your property close to
you or in a concealed place.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash
and do not expose it in crowded
places.
• Travel in a group or go out with a
friend as much as possible.
• Do not use ATM machines in the
dark, especially if you are alone.
• Make sure to have copies of all
your important documents with you,
and keep your originals in a safe
place.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not behave in ways which may
bring at-tention to others or someone
who might try and take advantage
of you.

19. Gener al
Pedest r i an
Wal ki ng Ti ps
• Follow the cross walking & street signs
• Whenever possible, walk with a friend.
• Stay on well-traveled, well-lit streets.
• Avoid shortcuts through dark or wood-
ed areas, parking lots, or alleys.
• If you think someone is following you,
change direction or cross the street.
Walk toward an open store, restaurant,
or lighted house. If you are scared, yell
for help.
• If you have to work late, make sure
there are others in the workplace with
you and ask someone (a colleague or
security guard) to walk you to your car
or transit stop.

20. Gener al
BI KI NG/ MOTORCYCLE
Saf et y Ti ps
Riding your bike can be a great deal of fun, and it's a
great way to exercise & get around. Nevertheless, bike
riding has its hazards, especially when you're sharing
the road with motorized traffic.
• Check your bike, to make sure everything is
working properly.
• Wear a Helmet!
• Wear appropriate clothing (No flip flops, wear
bright reflective clothing to ensure you are
visible on the road)
• Follow the rules of the road!
• Always lock up your bike.

21. Gener al Swi mmi ng
Saf et y Ti ps
You can greatly reduce the chances of you or
your friends and family becoming drowning or
near-drowning victims by following a few
simple safety tips:
• Learn to swim!
• Never swim alone.
• Never dive head first into sallow or murky
water.
• Remember that swimming & alcohol
can be a deadly combination.
• Learn to perform CPR.

22. Gener al Ski i ng
Saf et y Ti ps• Never ski alone and follow the rules.
• Wear a helmet and appropriate ski attire.
• Use proper ski equipment and make sure your bindings are properly adjusted.
• Take a break. If you’re tired, take a break and rest for a while in the lodge.
• Respect your limits. Do not ski trails that are above your skill level. Trails will be clearly marked
(Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond) as to what level skier they are appropriate for.

23. GENERAL U. S. LAWS TO
FOLLOWDrugs & Alcohol
•Never drink under the U.S. legal age of 21
•Never purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 21
•Never drink in public places like parks or sidewalks
•Never use or possess illegal drugs
•Marijuana it is still ILLEGAL under federal law
•Workplace Drug Testing is common and can be conducted
at random
Driving
•Never drink and drive
•Never drive without a valid license or car insurance
•Never get into a car if the driver is drunk or intoxicated
•Never text and drive
•Always wear a seatbelt
Violence
•Never threaten another person or touch them in an inappropriate way
•Never be involved in a fight or violence of any kind (Disorderly conduct)
•Never damage property
•Never disturb the peace
Theft
•Never shoplift or steal

24. Human Tr af f i cki ng -
Educat i on
What is Human Trafficking?
• It is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons…
• By means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abductions of fraud, of
deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or
receiving of payments of benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control
over another person for the purpose of exploitation.
• Exploitation shall include, at minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or
other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to
slavery, servitude or removal of organs.
As defined by the United Nations Office of Drugs & Crime

25. Human Tr af f i cki ng -
Awar enessHelpful questions in determining whether a person
maybe a possible victim:
• Does the person possess their identification &
travel documents? Or is someone else controlling
their personal documents?
• Can the person freely leave employment or the
situation?
• Does the person appear to be malnourished or
disoriented with time or their whereabouts?
• Are there guards at work/harbouring site or video
cameras to monitor and ensure no one escapes?
• Is the person involved with in the modelling,
massage or adult entertainment industries?
• Is the person involved with in the domestic
servitude, factory or construction/agricultural work
environments?
• Does the person in question avoid eye contact or
exhibits unusual about of fear or anxious behaviour?

26. Human Tr af f i cki ng -
Pr event i on
Take action!!!
Call the National Human Trafficking
Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888 to:
•Get Help or Help Someone!
•Report an Anonymous Tip
•Learn More

27. Next
St eps.
. .
Complete the Orientation Quiz
and electronically sign the
AAG Acknowledgement Form
Final Version
Revised 11/25/13