There are many things to do before you get on a plane and fly off to America.
First, there are practical issues to take care of. You need to make sure you have all the documents needed to enter the US as an international student; that you will be met at the airport when you arrive; and that your housing is arranged. You will also need some other documentation, such as immunization records.
Second, you need to be prepared for the cultural differences you will encounter, both in general society and also in your academic studies.
We provide a comprehensive pre-departure orientation to make sure you are fully prepared for the journey ahead. We check that you have all the documents and records you need. We make sure you know how to meet up with us when you arrive at the airport in San Francisco, so that we can take you to your new home.
We also give you a cultural orientation to America. We make sure you understand the cultural expectations of the society you will be living in for the next four years. Perhaps most import, we teach you about the expectations your professors will have of you: What you can and cannot do in an American university, and what work habits you need to cultivate in order to succeed.
