The MBA
International Student
Handbook
Transitioning into the Smith Community
Helpful Hints
2008–2009 Edition
.
Presented by:
The International Club
Robert H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland
Greetings Smith MBA Students!
Welcome to the Smith Community! Chances are that you have traveled quite a distance to fulfill
this part of your educational aspirations. You will find the Smith Community very warm,
helpful, and extremely fast paced!
To prepare you for your MBA experience and personal stay in the United States, the Smith
International Club has taken the liberty of crafting an International Student Handbook just for
you.
This International Student Handbook is designed to aid and assist you in your transition from
your home country to the U.S. With its creation, our intent is to impart some of the lessons we’ve
learned and help you make the most of your experience here at the Smith School while you
complete the MBA program. For additional information, please contact the IES office at:
http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/117
The handbook was launched in response to numerous obstacles that the international student
population faced as they assimilated into the American Culture. In essence, this handbook is a
collective depiction of the “international experience” written by international students from
various countries.
As you “experience” Smith, and living in America, we encourage you to not be limited by the
information contained here, but rather— explore, experiment, find new procedures and SHARE
any information that might be helpful to other incoming International students! Your feedback
will be valuable to students in future years, so we appreciate any suggestions and additions to
this handbook.
On behalf of the International Club, we welcome you to Smith! If you have any issues, questions,
or need advice from current students, please feel free to contact
internationalclub@rhsmith.umd.edu or any of us individually. We’re here to help!
Sincerely,
The International Club Executive Team
Khalilullah Qasimi - kqasimi2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Luz D Camargo - lagudelo2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Raveeratana Satchavarodom (Joyce) - rsatchavarodom2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Yi Zhou (Zoe) - yzhou2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Abhinav Dass - adass2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Special Thanks:
To the Class of 2009 for their valuable contributions and insights.
To Devon Loetz for continued support in helping to bring this project to completion.
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The International Club Executive Team
Co-President
Khalilullah Qasimi
Class of 2009
Email: kqasimi2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
Co-President
Luz Camargo
Class of 2009
Email: lagudelo2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
VP Finance
Raveeratana (Joyce) Satchavarodom
Class of 2009
Email: rsatchavarodom2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
VP Marketing
Yi (Zoe)Zhou
Class of 2009
Email: yzhou2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
VP Student Affairs
Abhinav Dass
Class of 2009
Email: adass2009@rhsmith.umd.edu
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WELCOME TO SMITH!!!
International Club Executive Team
From left: - Zoe (China), Joyce (Thailand), Luz (Columbia), Abhinav (India), Khalil
(Afghanistan, present USA)
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Table of Contents
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Pre – Departure Checklist.................................................................................................................
Quick Check (Pre – Departure Checklist) .....................................................................................
Pre – Departure Important Websites ..............................................................................................
Purchasing Plan Ticket .....................................................................................................................
Purchasing Plan Tickets Important Website..................................................................................
F – 1 Students .....................................................................................................................................
J – 1 Students .....................................................................................................................................
Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ..................................................
Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Hepatitis B Immunizations ...................................................
Pre-Departure Medical/Dental Check-up & Eye Exam .......................................................
Online Resources ............................................................................................................................
AFTER YOU ARE HERE
The First Few Days .........................................................................................................................
Transportation from the Airport .....................................................................................................
Housing .............................................................................................................................................
Temporary Housing Options ...........................................................................................................
Permanent Housing Options ...........................................................................................................
Personal Safety ................................................................................................................................
Financial & Money Matters .........................................................................................................
Transfering Funds to US ...............................................................................................................
United States Banking Servies ...................................................................................................
Expenses Often Overlooked by New Students ......................................................................
Obtaining a Credit Card and Starting Line of Credit in the US ..................................................
Paying for your Tuition & Fees .......................................................................................................
CLOSING
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
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Pre-Departure Checklist
In order to assist with your transition into the United States and the Smith
Community, the following checklist has been created to outline the items that we
feel are most necessary.
*It is important to store your originals documents in a secure location and make
copies for your record. We cannot reiterate this enough!!!! While traveling make
sure you don’t put them in Check-In bag. Keep them with you all the time.
Important Documents (non-inclusive list):
_____ Passport
_____ Identification Card
_____ Drivers License
_____ I - 20
_____ DS - 2019
_____ I – 94 (you will get this when you arrive in US)
_____ Visa Documents (F-1 & J-1Visa, etc..)
_____ Transcripts – You never know when they come in handy.
_____ Admissions Letter
_____ Job descriptions/evaluations of previous work experience.
(These will be helpful guides when you are crafting your resumes
and cover letters).
_____ Immunization / Health Records
(When you settle in the U.S., you will undergo several medical
tests and examinations. Having these documents with you could
expedite the process).
_____ Health Insurance (if applicable)
Attire Recommendations:
Relocating usually means bringing most, if not all, of your clothes with you.
Make sure that you take into account differences in climate. If you are coming
from Siberia, you probably do not need your heavy winter coats, but if you are
coming from a tropical island, you might want to think about a heavy jacket.
Students should always maintain a professional appearance. Students are
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expected to dress in business casual attire for all programs unless otherwise
noted. Here are important articles of clothing you should buy and/or bring.
_____ Business Wear:
*Remember you are now an MBA Student and your
appearance is extremely important.
-Suits & Tie (men)
-Skirt or Pant suits (women)
-Dress shirts
-Blouses
-Dress Shoes
-Socks or Hosiery
_____ Thermal Wear:
*The winters at College Park get really cold so it is best for
you to wrap yourself in warm, thick winter wear (If it
doesn’t snow where you are from, take this very seriously).
-Thermal underwear
-Thermal socks. Then get yourself some
-Sweaters
-Thick jackets.
-Gloves and winter hat
______ Athletic Wear:
*The recreation center in College Park is amazing. You can
work out and use any of the facilities for free!
-Gym shorts
-T-shits
- jogging pants
-Swim suite
-Workout attire
-Athletic / tennis shoes
Miscellaneous Items:
______ Medication:
*Medicine is expensive in the US, if you take any medicine
regularly, make sure that you have at least 1 months supply.
______ Electronic Power Supply:
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The US uses 110V AC electricity. If you are going to use
electronics that requires 220V power, you will need a voltage
converter. Beware, most plugs from other parts of the world
DO NOT fit into the wall socket here in the US. You may
need a socket converter. Further details are available at the
site.
http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_AC_power_plugs_and_sockes
By now you probably have 10 suitcases loaded with everything but your
furniture, and are trying to figure out if you’ve forgot anything. There’s no need
to stress, you can buy just about anything imaginable here in the US, making
cash still the lightest way to travel.
Quick Check:
Pre-Departure Checklist
__________ Contact information of people who can help you in the US
__________ Originals and copies of your documents and important forms
__________ Transcripts
__________ Job descriptions/evaluations of previous work
__________ Vaccination/health records
__________ Voltage converter.
__________ Socket converter
__________ Medicine …1 month supply
__________ Clothes
__________ Thermal wear
__________ Sweaters and thick jackets
__________ Gloves and cap
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Pre-Departure Important Websites:
International http://www.international.umd.edu/sparkplug/sites/ies/
Education
Services (IES)
MBA Networth www.mbanetworth.rhsmith.umd.edu
MBA Networth http://www.mbanetworth.rhsmith.umd.edu/mbacop/PortalHub.nsf/ID/ort_ft_gi_internat
(international
Student Page)
Student http://mbanetworth.rhsmith.umd.edu/mbacop/PortalHub.nsf/ID/admin_links
Affairs:
Testudo: www.testudo.umd.edu
Academic http://mbanetworth.rhsmith.umd.edu/mbacop/PortalHub.nsf/ID/ort_ft_calendar
Calendars:
Billing Info www.umd.edu/bursar
and Due
Dates/Office
of the Bursar:
TERP www.umd.edu/bursar/t_payMethods.html
Payment
Plan:
Financial Aid: www.financialaid.umd.edu
Clubs and http://mbanetworth.rhsmith.umd.edu/mbacop/PortalHub.nsf/ID/mbaa_clubs
Organizations:
Electronic http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_AC_power_plugs_and_sockes
Power Supply
Course www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/courses
Descriptions:
Disability www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS
Support
Services:
Purchasing Plane Tickets
Finding the best place to buy plane tickets can be influenced by a variety of
factors. There are many different options but the most common would be to
search the online database of ticketing agencies such as Expedia, Travelocity, and
Cheap Tickets. It is also beneficial to search the company website of an airlines
directly to compare ticket prices. With the many airline and travel sites available,
it is valuable to compare at least 5 - 10 sites for rates to ensure that you receive
the best possible price.
______ Expedia and similar websites will not accept credit cards
issued outside of the US. However, if you use them, make
sure that the airport you are departing from doesn’t have
problems with electronic tickets.
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______ If you are a member of ISIC
(https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/,
http://www.statravel.com), you may find discounted tickets
there. However, usually they give discounts on round-trips
and you should make your own search.
______ When choosing the airport, please note that DCA is the
closest airport to College Park, and is metro accessible
(though we do not advise you to take the metro with your
large suitcases). BWI is the most convenient one for driving
pick-up from campus, which is highly recommended if you
have arranged pick-up from friends, alumni or other
students organizations. Dulles (IAD) is the biggest airport
but furthest away from the College Park campus.
Purchasing Tickets Important Websites:
International Student Identification Card (ISIC): https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/
Star Travel: http://www.statravel.com
Travelocity: www.travelocity.com
Priceline - Travel: www.priceline.com
Expedia.com: www.expedia.com
Hotwire: www.hotwire.com
Orbitz: www.orbitz.com
Cheep Tickets: www.cheaptickets.com
Some airlines provide student tickets with special offers, such as Northwest, AA
etc. Sometimes it could be discount. Sometimes they would allow you carry one
more luggage. Make sure check with them and tell them you are a student when
you are purchasing tickets. Also, local agents are a good source of cheap tickets.
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F-1 Visa Students
F-1 students make up a significant portion of the University of Maryland
population. The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is the largest of
the University of Maryland's eleven campuses and is home to approximately
2,700 F-1 students representing over 125 countries and over 100 majors & degree
programs!
_____ The Office of International Educational Services (IES) is an
outstanding resource to learn more about the F-1 Visa
process. Please visit this site
http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/103
J-1 Visa Students
Students at the University of Maryland experience both superb academic
programs and a multi-ethnic environment in which to learn, socialize and grow.
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is the largest of the
University of Maryland's eleven campuses and is home to approximately 3,600
international students representing over 150 countries.
______ The Office of International Educational Services (IES) is an
outstanding resource to learn more about the J-1 Visa
process. Please visit this site
http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/117
______ How to Prepare for the visa interview?
Make sure you have all your documents:
o Financial proof such as bank statements
o Information about your parents income
(sometimes it helps)
o Your I-20
o Your diploma
o TOEFL and GMAT scores
o Necessary forms
o Admission letters and letters about your
scholarship/fellowship/assistantship
Other Tips:
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______ Check for typos on your I-20, especially the spelling of
your name and your date of birth. It is important!!!
______ Be prepared to prove that you intend to go back to your
home country.
_____ For MEI Summer English attendees( most of you won’t
require this):
o If you take part in the MEI summer English
program, you have to get the I-20 from MEI,
not the Smith School.
o Once you complete the MEI program, IES will
issue you a new I-20 for Smith.
o Keep the old I-20 along with the new one. The
new I-20 does not have stamp.
o When you re-enter the U.S., the immigration
officer will ask you to show a stamped I-20
form.
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Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
All U.S. educational institutions are required to send international student
information to United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
through a computer system called SEVIS. The Office of International Education
Services (IES), sends information to SEVIS for each F-1 and J-1 student/scholar
(and their dependents) sponsored by the University of Maryland.
Each semester IES needs to confirm your enrollment in SEVIS. In order to be sure
that they are sending accurate information, please confirm your biographical and
academic information with them:
_____ This information should be submitted each semester by the
end of schedule adjustment period.
_____ Each time your information changes - this is especially
important when changing your address. Immigration
regulations state that you must inform them of a change of
address no later than 10 days after your move. The easiest
way to inform them of this change is by using this website to
verify your information.
_____ You can get information about SEVIS here:
http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/267
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/index.htm
Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Hepatitis B Immunizations
Immunizations are not only a condition of maintaining good health, it is a strict
requirement of the University that your immunization record remain up to date.
It is highly recommended by the University that you get all necessary shots prior
to your arrival in the US. If somehow you are unable to see your doctor before
coming to school, you may go to the campus health center to get certain
immunizations. Please keep in mind that you will be prevented from registering
for Spring courses if you are not properly immunized by October.
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If you have a positive TB test, please be aware that this is cause for concern and
you should seek medical guidance as to weather or not you should travel. You
should be fully prepared to do your X-rays and get written explanation from
your physician
Additional information may be found here:
http://www.health.umd.edu/forms/Immuform07.pdf,
http://www.health.umd.edu/services/immunizations.html
Pre-Departure Medical/Dental Check-up & Eye Exam
What kind of health are you in? You should see your health care practitioner to
get a complete physical as well as your dentist to ensure that you do not have
any conditions that would challenge your ability to fully immerse yourself in
your studies. Once school starts, you will find it incredibly difficult to get away
to schedule these necessary appointments.
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AFTER YOU ARE HERE
The first Few Days
Arriving in foreign country can be exhilarating but often times for International
students, the excitement can swiftly turn to distress if you are not prepared! One
of the first challenges you will face after customs is transportation. The
following options will assist you in arriving safely to campus and or your new
home.
Transportation from the Airport
Options for getting from the airport to College Park
_____ Super Shuttle (Recommended):
http://www.supershuttle.com/
These are available directly at the airport, no reservation is
required. However, check the schedule if you have a very
early or very late flight.
_____ Taxi (The more expensive way to go):
http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/parking_transport
ation_3/ground_transportation/washington_flyer_taxi
_____ Pickup by classmate or upperclassman:
This will entirely depends on your initiative to find and
contact students in the area who are willing to help you.
_____ SCI, CSSA (Indian &Chinese students respectively):
The Maryland SCI and CSSA will pick up from the airport if
you call ahead and make arrangements.
Housing
Housing is a very important aspect of student life. Choosing the best place to
live can be very time consuming. That’s why most students start off in
temporary housing before they secure permanent residence. Unfortunately, the
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school does not provide any type of temporary housing for students. You must
plan ahead to ensure that you are able to arrange for adequate living
accommodations.
Temporary Housing Options
_____ Hotels – Check travel discount websites for the best rates.
_____ Sublet – Find a 2nd year MBA or someone else you know to
in the area to rent space in their apartment until you find
your own.
____ International Students – Most of the time international
students from your country would be there to help you out.
You will have to find the right channel to contact them.
_____ SCI, CSSA (Indian &Chinese students respectively):
The Maryland SCI and CSSA will offer temporary welcome
house. Check these websites and find out the details
Permanent Housing
Housing is a major concern for international students, as the school does not
provide dormitories for graduate students. We have identified a few geographic
areas in which high concentrations of international student live. Please keep in
mind that most US apartments DO NOT have furniture inside. There is a high
probability that you will be spending the first few nights on the floor of your
new apartment. However, cheap second hand furniture is readily available
especially in a college area, use http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/ to find used
furniture at a reasonable price. It is important to contact your classmates before
you arrive!
By doing this you just may find a roommate; having a classmate as a roommate
means that you share the same schedules and can help each other along through
the program. We strongly recommend that you live with someone from a
different country to maximize your cross-cultural exposure while here at Smith.
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____ Graduate Hills/Gardens – This is the ideal place for
incoming international students, but unfortunately, it is
almost impossible to get. The waitlist is very long (demand
is extremely high), they only accept payment from US banks,
and they will not give you an apartment unless you are able
to pay them within 24 hours of an apartment offered to you.
To get an apartment here you must get on the waitlist as
early as possible, arrive in the US early (July is
recommended), and be prepared to sign the lease as soon as
one becomes available.
_____ Greenbelt – Many international students live in this area,
the free UMD shuttle bus runs to different apartment
complexes in the area. However, access to campus is
restricted to the shuttle schedule, which does not run on
weekends. Also, there is no public transportation of any
kind in this area (except for metro) on Sundays.
_____ Beltsville/Powdermill – This begins to get farther away
from campus. Although the UMD shuttle is available, it is
not available 24 hours a day. Your movements will be
restricted unless you buy a car.
_____ Silver Spring – Compared to areas closer to College Park,
the apartments here are nicer and more expensive.
However, shuttle bus access is extremely limited and you
should only consider living here if you are planning to buy a
car.
_____ Off-Campus Housing Service – This service is your best bet
for resolving your housing issues before you even land.
http://www.och.umd.edu/ . They can assist in finding a
second year MBA’s who may also be seeking a roommate.
Personal Safety
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Most large metropolitan areas in the United States (including Washington DC)
have issues with crime. It is best to travel in groups, and avoid walking alone
after dark.
Finances & Money Matters
The United States has different restrictions and guidelines regarding financial
and money matters. It is better to exchange your currency in your own country
and bring US dollars. Not every bank in the US offers foreign currency
conversion for each currency. It depends on which currency you have. You can
bring as much cash as you want to the US, but if it is more than $10,000, you
need to report it to customs.
Transferring Funds to US
____ Western Union or bank services are the best way to transfer
money. Fees vary significantly depending on which option
you choose.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/money.xml
http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectCountry.asp
http://www.bankofamerica.com/search/?question_box=mone
y%20transfer&ui_mode=question
United States Banking Services
_____ A checking account is important and a convenient way to
transfer money. You may need bank statements to prove
your residency for drivers license testing. Pay attention to
service charge and minimal balance requirement.
_____ Chevy Chase Bank on campus (Inside Stamp Student
Union); you can open an account with your passport.
_____ Bank of America is another choice if you like large banks.
(The only nation wide bank that doesn’t require a SSN).
They have good relationships with a few Chinese banks for
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international wire service, such as China Construction Bank.
They will offer wire transfer for under $2000 per month
without fee. Besides, CMBChina Credit Card provides no fee
service for credit card transactions in the U.S. You could
deposit extra amount of U.S. dollars in your credit card in
advance that will provide you higher credit limit than what
it is. You can use this way to pay your tuition, too. It is
absolutely no fee. However, check with the bank first. The
policies may be changed constantly.
Expenses Often Overlooked By New Students
_____ Chevy Chase debit card will charge a fee when you use it in
certain stores.
_____ Most of the banks charge fees for checking and savings
account unless you have keep a minimum balance in the
account.
_____ Tips in restaurants or other services range from 10% to 20%.
_____ Sales tax in Maryland is 5%, 5.5% in DC, and 4.5% in VA.
Besides income tax, US government also takes a part of your
salary away for Social Security and Medicare.
Obtaining a credit card and starting line of credit in the U.S.
The earlier you start building your credit, the better off you will be. You must
have a Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify for a credit card. Your credit
score is very important for all your future personal financing, renting, buying a
car or a house. The best way of obtaining credit is to start with a secured credit
card with a low credit limit (usually $300 to $500). If you are a good steward with
this card your line of credit gets extended. Not all the banks offer it. (BOA has it).
A lot of credit cards charge annual fees. Each bank offers different service
packages, shop around for the one you like that best fits your financial needs.
Credit cards for student to consider:
_____ American Express Blue
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_____ Visa Card (for example: Bank of America, Chevy Chase)
_____ Master Card and Discover Card offer cash back.
_____ Retail store credit cards (This is not recommended unless
you are a big shopper.)
Paying for Your Tuition & Fees
The University presents several options for International students to pay their
tuition and fees. It really depends on the arrangement you have with you bank.
CHECK THE EXCHANGE RATES THEY GIVE YOU BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY
PAYMENTS.
_____ Direct transfer from your bank to the school’s bank.
_____ Wire transfer from your bank in your country to your bank
in the States and then issue a check.
_____ Pay-In-Person at the Lee building.
_____ Pay online by using a credit card. Use the following website
and follow directions. Tuition and fees:
http://www.umd.edu/bursar/t_payMethods.html
_____ Bills and account balance:
http://www.testudo.umd.edu/Financials.html
_____ Office of the Bursar:
http://www.umd.edu/bursar
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GOOD LUCK!!!
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