Arrival Orientation – Table of Contents

  WORLD WIDE CULTURAL EXCHANGE * WWCE SUMMER WORK & TRAVEL USA

  ARRIVAL ORIENTATION Guide to the requirements for the J-1 exchange visitors.

  Summer Work & Travel

Arrival Orientation – Table of Contents

  What is WWCE?

  2 Program Eligibility Requirements

  2 Program Description

  2 The Local Community – Shopping

  3 Transportation

  5 Customs in the U.S.

  5 Working in the U.S.

  6 Paperwork

  7 Taxes

  8 Fair Labor Standards Act

  9 Social Adjustment

  9 Rules and Regulations

  9 Finances

  10 Keeping in Touch

  14 Useful Information – Measurements

  18 Arrival Orientation J-1 Exchange Visitor Program – Work & Travel USA

Welcome to the World Wide Cultural Exchange Work & Travel USA Program. We are pleased to have

you as a participant in this year’s program. The following information is intended to help you

explore the local community, the life and customs of the United States, as well as give you the

necessary background information regarding your finances, and how to keep in touch with family

abroad. Please read this booklet carefully and keep it available for your reference throughout your

stay in the US.

   _{B A C K G R O U N D} The Exchange Visitor Program was created by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to promote mutual understanding between Americans and citizens of other countries through the interchange of persons, knowledge and skills in the fields of education, arts and sciences. The Program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and to share their experiences with their home countries upon their return.

• between the ages of 18 and 28-years old
• a current full-time university student in your home country, and have completed at least one semester of a program of post-secondary study and not completed the final year of study
• Able to prove an intermediate level of English through one or multiple interviews in English.
• genuinely interested in learning about the culture of the United States  have no criminal convictions
• able to document proof of sufficient funds in order to support yourself upon arrival in the U.S. (minimum $600.00)
• able to arrive to the designated city in the United States and participate in the arrival orientation as determined by WWCE

  What is WWCE?

  World Wide Cultural Exchange (WWCE) is an educational and cultural exchange organization dedicated to providing youth from around the world the opportunity to exchange ideas, arts, philosophies and ways of life with the hope of promoting better mutual understanding.

  Work & Travel Program Eligibility Requirements

  Participants must be:

  Program Description

  The WWCE Summer Work & Travel Program provides international students currently attending university in their home country the opportunity to live and work in the United States for up to four months during the student's summer break. This summer break is, generally, during the months of May to September for countries in the northern hemisphere and during the months of November to March for countries in the southern hemisphere.

  By providing this opportunity to international university students, it is expected that they will gain knowledge and experience of Americans and our culture through daily living experiences. It is also expected that you, as an international exchange visitor, will share your culture with the Americans you come into contact with.

  Participants on the program obtain a J-1 cultural exchange visa from the US Consulate in their home country.

  T H E L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y SHOPPING Supermarkets

  Supermarkets are large, indoor, grocery stores, often part of a chain of stores. It is generally less expensive to shop in a supermarket than in a small local grocery, and the selection is larger. These markets carry fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, meats and fish, breads, sweets, frozen foods, cleaning supplies, storage materials for food, toiletries, batteries, liquor, cigarettes, and other nonfood items. Large grocery store chains are usually open 24 hours a day, except possibly on Sunday. When selecting fresh fruits or vegetables, you should always bag them in the plastic bags that are provided in this area of the market. Do not mix items in the bag. The cashier will need to weigh each bagged item in order to determine the price. Prices for produce are posted on signs near the item and are usually priced by the pound or item. Meat, poultry and fish are sold in pre-sealed, pre-weighed packages in long refrigerator cabinets. A sticker on the package shows the weight, the price-per-pound, and the total cost of the package. This sticker also offers a brief description of the contents and the latest date that the food should be consumed. If you need to ask a question about the items in this section of the store, you can usually find a button/bell

  (doorbell style) to push that will summons the butcher. They will be able to help you with your questions.

  Bakery goods are sold prepackaged on shelves or fresh- baked in the bakery area of the market. Breads can be sold both by the piece and by the package. Ready-made pastries, such as cakes, muffins, rolls and cookies can be found on the shelf sections.

  When shopping, it is not necessary to bring your own carryall or bags. The market and stores provide bags for you. Most markets will have someone “bag” or place your items in the bags. Food 4 Less stores will require you to bag your own groceries.

  Paying for Groceries

  Supermarkets will accept your cash, check (with a driver’s license or California identification card), debit card, or automatic teller card (which draws funds directly from your checking or savings account) for purchases with no other form of identification. These markets may also have supermarket membership cards that the cashier will scan to give you automatic discounts on selected items.

  For these types of cards you will need to fill out an application form. These cards avoid the need for you to show two forms of identification every time you write a check.

  Location

  There are many supermarkets which you can shop at: Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, and Stater Brothers are the largest markets. Look in the Yellow Pages of the phonebook or ask a neighbor for the supermarket nearest you.

  International Markets

  There are many internationally diverse neighborhoods. You can try to find markets that sell the types of food found in your country by searching the internet’s Yellow Pages or by asking other International students in our program.

  Discount Stores

  Discount stores sell name brand merchandise at prices less than the prices charged by department stores. The largest discount stores are Costco, Food 4 Less, Smart and Final, Wal-Mart, KMart, Target, Best Buy, Marshall’s, TJ Max and Ross Stores. You must become a member in order to shop at Costco. For extremely inexpensive used clothing and used furniture, go to a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift stores. The money raised from sale of the merchandise is used for charitable causes. See the Yellow Pages for the names and locations of the thrift stores in our area. You may also want to look out for weekend “garage sales” as they offer you a great opportunity to bargain for items that families are offering for sale. The local newspaper lists the local garage sales. Advertisements for specific items can be found in the classified section of newspapers.

  Paying For Purchases

  All stores will accept US currency. No stores will accept foreign currency. Many stores will accept US-denominated traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks in foreign currency will be refused. Most people pay for purchases with a credit card or a personal check. Most stores will accept the major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express). Even grocery stores are starting to accept credit cards.

  Purchases may also be paid for by personal check drawn on a US bank. The store will want to see two forms of identification, such as a driver’s license and a major credit card. Some stores do not accept checks, or charge a high returned check fee if the check bounces. Some stores that accept checks will not accept checks drawn on an out-of-state bank.

  Sales Tax

  There is no national sales tax in the US, but each state has its own sales tax. The sales tax is charged as a percentage surcharge on purchases, and is printed on the receipt. In California for example, the sales tax is currently 8.25% (subject to change). Unprepared foods such as groceries are exempt from sales tax, but prepared food purchased in a restaurant is taxable. Medicine may also be exempt from sales tax.

  

Return Merchandise Policies

  Most stores will accept returns of unopened merchandise, provided that you can present the original purchase receipt. If you received the item as a gift, sometimes a receipt will not be necessary. Some stores will accept returns of opened merchandise, provided that you return it in its original packaging and have not damaged it. If you are returning clothing, it must not have been worn or washed and the clothing must not be soiled. It is always a good idea to keep all your receipts for big purchases (electronics, appliances, or furniture) and clothing. If you think there is a chance that you may have to return the item, ask if the item is returnable and what is needed to return it.

  The store will give you a cash refund or a credit toward future purchases in the store. If the item was defective or damaged inside the box, the store may also allow an even exchange with an identical item. If you pay by credit card and want a refund, the refund will be credited to your credit card. Some stores do not give cash refunds, only store credits. The store’s return policy should be posted somewhere on the premises. If the store gives cash refunds, they may charge a 15% restocking fee, especially if the box has been opened.

  There may be a time limit on returns. If you discover that the item is defective or does not fit properly, almost all stores will accept a return the next day. Some stores will give you a week to return merchandise, and some as much as 30, 60, or 90 days from the date of purchase.

  Shoplifting

  Taking items from a store without paying for them (shoplifting) is a serious offense in the United States. Offenders may be arrested and punished by large cash fines, prison time, or, in the case of non-citizens, expulsion from the country. All items that you select must be paid for before leaving the store. Almost all shops, supermarkets and department stores have security systems and plainclothes (without uniforms) guards. All the stores prosecute and will take you to court. When shopping, be sure to use the shopping cart or basket provided by the store, and never put anything into your own bag until it has been paid for and you have a receipt. In this way, you will be sure to avoid any misunderstanding about your intentions to pay for the items.

  TRANSPORTATION

  Airplane Traveling by airplane is the most time efficient and the most expensive way to travel. When searching for the best airfare deals, try: www.travelocity.com or www.priceline.com. You may also want to check the websites of all major airlines. Bus Bus travel is a popular and inexpensive way to travel in the U.S. The major bus companies can help you connect to local bus transportation to reach even remote towns. Greyhound Bus Company is the largest bus company in the U.S. Their toll- free telephone number is: 1-800- 231-2222.

  Car You must have automobile insurance, a valid driver's license from your home country, along with an International Driver's License, available in your home country from motorizing organizations, in order to drive a car in the U.S. To rent a car, most companies require that you be at least 25 years of age. Some rental car companies, however, allow the renter to be 21 years of age and have at least one major credit card. It is unlawful to drive without adequate automobile insurance. Be aware of the rules of the road while you are in the U.S., drive safely, and make sure you carry proof of auto insurance at all times while driving to prevent any problems.

  Train Amtrak, the national railroad (railway), offers a rail pass similar to Europe's Inter-rail pass. The USA Rail Pass is valid for either 15 or 30 days. There are nationwide passes, and Amtrak has also divided the country into sections for regional travel. You can get passes for the Eastern Region, Northeast Region,

  Southern Region and Western Region. Please call their toll-free number for prices and more information: 1-800-872-7245.

  Hitchhiking It is illegal in the U.S. to hitchhike. _{C U S T O M S I N T H E U . S .}

  Personal Hygiene

Americans bathe daily and

expect those around them to

do the same. Some people

may take a shower or bath

twice a day, depending on

how much physical activity

they have done or if they

have a special social

engagement in the evening.

Clothes should be washed

after being worn once. This

too, is the American way.

Men and women use

deodorant daily and most

usually wear perfume or

cologne.

  Dress The dress code for American college students is casual.

  Usually, shirts, T-shirts, jeans, and short pants are the common outfits for students. However, there are some dress codes for specific events that international students may not be familiar with when first landing in this country. Usually, when people send an invitation card, they will also indicate the preferred attire style for that event. The following are the descriptions for dress codes for various occasions:

   Casual: Very comfortable clothing. Shorts, pants, t-shirt, tennis shoes, sandals, etc.

   Semi-Casual: Long pants, shirt, polo shirt, dresses, skirts, blouses, sweaters, socks and shoes, low- heeled shoes, no tennis shoes or t- shirts.

   Semi-Formal / Cocktail: Suit with tie, socks and shoes, dress, nylons, heeled shoes.

   Formal: Tuxedo, long gown, nylons, high heels.

  Individualism The most distinct characteristic and core value for American culture is individualism. In the United States, people tend to give more credit to those who can be independent and self-reliant. From one’s very early time of learning at home and in school, parents and teachers in this country set and provide the environment for children to learn and to be able to demonstrate the qualities of being individuals. Oftentimes, this kind of value system can be new and perhaps odd for students whose cultural background has emphasized group orientation rather than individuality. In fact, there’s no absolute good or bad, right or wrong for having a different value system. The most important idea to have when crossing cultures is to try to learn, understand, and appreciate the difference between cultures rather than criticize them.

  Ask! Ask! Ask! After you arrive and are living in a new environment, it is certain that you will have a lot of questions. Often people may explain things to you but you may not fully understand. This is mostly due to the language barrier that many of the international students have at the beginning of their stay. It is extremely important for you to ask for clarification if you are uncertain or are confused about the information that you have been given. You need to ask for further explanations and try to understand what people are telling you or writing to you as soon as

possible rather than to

continue to be confused or

to believe wrong

information. Not asking for

further explanations may

cause you to miss

something important or

create other problems.

  W O R K I N G I N T H E U . S . A .

  

You are expected to report to

work on the day listed on

your Offer Letter. Make sure

to call the day before to

confirm your appointment, as

well as ask what time you

should be there, and whom

you are going to meet with.

Employers have certain

expectations when offering

you a position. When you

accept a job, you are making

a commitment, and it is

important that you act

responsibly.

Remember to arrive a few

days prior to your job start

date, so that you may get

settled in. You may arrive up

to two weeks prior to the date

printed on your DS-2019

form.

  Keep your promise!

If you committed to work

until a certain date, try to

keep your promise. Breaking

your promise will cause

inconvenience for your employer, WWCE and yourself, and may result in your dismissal from the program. If you are unhappy with your job, contact WWCE immediately.

  Changing Jobs WWCE needs to approve any change in jobs. You need to show a good reason for wanting to change your position. Not informing WWCE of a change in jobs will result in your dismissal from the program.

  Show up on time Treat your employment with the utmost respect. Show up for work on time, or even a few minutes earlier. This will make a good impression on your supervisor. Being late often will make people around see you as a person who does not take their job seriously.

  Problems at Work You may meet people you do not like, or cannot work with. Treat every situation in a professional manner. Most of the times speaking openly with a person will help take care of the problem. Try to speak to your supervisor in case the problem gets worse, or contact WWCE for assistance.

  Paperwork In order to be able to work legally in the US, you must fill out certain official documents and forms.

  Social Security Cards

  Everyone must, by law, apply for a Social Security card as soon as possible after entry into the USA. WWCE representatives can assist you to apply for a Social Security Number during the Orientation, or to locate the local Social Security office in your area. Otherwise, please look in the telephone book under "Social Security Administration" or call toll-free: 1-800-772-1213.

  The website is:

  www.ssa.gov .

  You need the following documents to apply for a Social Security card at a local Social Security office:

• Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. (You may visit the internet at

  www.ssa.gov/online/ss- 5.html and download a

  copy of the application.)

• Social Security sponsor’s letter (Which you should have received in your welcome package. If you do not have a letter, please inform your coordinator.)
• Employment Offer • Form DS-2019
• Passport with your J-1
• Check only "Single" marital status on line 3 (even if you are married or divorced).
• Claim only one withholding allowance on line 5, unless you are a resident of Canada, Mexico, Japan, or South Korea, or a U.S. national.
• Request that additional tax of $7.60 per week be withheld on line 6. If the pay period is two weeks, request that $15.30 be withheld instead. For other payroll periods, ask your employer for the amount to enter from in
• Do not claim "Exempt" withholding status on line 7.

  Visa and I-94 card

  How long will it take to get a Social Security Number?

  Your Social Security card should be mailed to you within 15 business days from the date of your application. Request a temporary certificate (Form SSA- 5028) when you apply for the card. This temporary certificate has no number, but it is proof that you have applied for the card. Social Security must verify your documents with the Immigration before assigning a number to you. Social Security will issue your number within two days of receiving the verification from Immigration. Most of the time, the verification is done on-line. If the documents cannot be verified on-line, it may take several weeks or months to receive the verification.

  You must report your Social Security number to your employer immediately after receiving the actual number. If you leave a place of employment after receiving wages, but before receiving your number, you are still required to report the number to your former employer.

  

I-9 Employment Eligibility

Verification Form

  Your employer will require you to complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form to prove you can work legally. This form must be completed before you begin working. You should complete section 1 of the form. Check the box "an alien authorized to work until" and enter the expiration date as indicated on the pink copy of your DS2019. You will need to show your Passport, DS2019, and I-94 card to your employer or supervisor, who is witnessing your signature on this document. Sign and date the form.

  W-4 Form

  When you begin your job, your employer will ask you to complete a W-4 Form (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate) to ensure that you are not over-taxed. Your employer will keep this form while you are working there, and will use the information on this form to determine how much tax should be withheld from your paycheck. If you do not fill out your W-4 Form properly, you may have to pay more tax in the future. The following instructions on filling out your W-4 Form are from IRS Publication 515 (rev. 11-02) "Withholding of Tax on Non- resident Aliens and Foreign Corporations." Please note that you are classified as a "non- resident alien." Therefore, the instructions shown on the W-4 Form do not apply. Please follow the instructions below when completing the W-4 Form.

  Publication 15 (Circular E).

  Important:

  You must follow the instructions above to avoid being overtaxed or being required to pay taxes to the U.S. government in the future.

  Taxes

  In understanding taxes there are two words that you will need to know in relation to paying taxes. "Exempt" means that you do not have to pay out money for certain types of taxes and "Non- Exempt" means you are obligated to pay a certain amount of money for taxes.

  Social Security, Medicare, Federal Unemployment Tax - "Exempt"

  You must have a Social Security card and number, but you are EXEMPT from paying Social Security tax and Medicare tax. Sometimes, employers make the mistake and withhold these taxes. You can tell if this happened by looking at your paycheck (the paper with your wage details). If you see any deductions under the word "FICA," the employer has made a mistake. Please show your boss the "Dear Employer" letter or call WWCE to resolve the problem. Students (as non-resident aliens) are, however, subject to regular federal, state and city taxes; therefore you are obligated to pay.

  

Income Tax - "Non-Exempt"

  In the U.S., the federal, state, and local governments impose income taxes. The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) collects personal income taxes, usually on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. This means that your employer generally withholds income tax from your salary and pays it directly to the government. You must pay U.S. income tax. Failure to pay any taxes you owe could cause problems for you in the future if you apply for any visas to return to the U.S.

  

Federal Income Tax - "Non-

Exempt"

  All income-earning individuals pay income tax to the federal (national) government. It is paid on income from salaries, wages, and tips. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of your salary will be withheld for federal income tax, a portion of which you may be able to claim back as a refund at the end of the year. (Refer to "Tax Return Form and Refunds")

  

State and City Income Tax -

"Non-Exempt"

  States and cities may charge extra income tax according to local laws. State income taxes are approximately 5 to 8 percent. At the interview, ask your employer about the local tax situation. Like federal income tax, state and local income taxes will be withheld from your paycheck. You may be able to claim a refund for a portion of these taxes at the end of the year.

  Tax Return Form and Refunds

  W-2 Forms The U.S. tax year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st. In the beginning of February, your employer will send you a Form W-2, detailing your total wages and the amount of each tax withheld. You must receive a W-2 from each of your employers, since you will be required to submit copies of the form with your tax returns. Be sure that you give your employer(s) and/or supervisor a self-addressed stamped envelope to mail the W-2 home to you. If you have not received your W-2 forms by February 28th, you should contact your employer(s) for replacement(s).

  Tax Return Forms and Tax Refunds When you receive your W-2 in February, you will have to fill out a tax return form. There are separate forms for federal, state, and city taxes. All forms are available from banks and post offices in the U.S., and federal tax return forms are also available from U.S. Embassies in your home country. Request state and city forms from your employer. The federal tax form you will have to complete is the 1040NR-EZ, which is specifically for non-resident aliens (the category in which you should file). The deadline for filing 2002 tax return forms is April 15, 2003. Use the charts sent with the tax return forms to determine the amount of tax you owe. If too little was withheld from your paychecks, you must pay the balance to the U.S. government. It too much was withheld by the U.S. government, you qualify for a refund. The earlier you file, the sooner you will receive any refund.

  FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA)

  As an employee working in the United States you should be aware of certain laws known as the Fair Labor Standards Act

   (FLSA). The FLSA basic

  requirements are: o Payment of the minimum wage o Overtime pay for time worked over 40 hours in a workweek o Restrictions on the employment of children o Record-keeping

   Unless an employee works in a

  state that has its own mandated minimum wage which is higher than the federal minimum wage, workers covered by the FLSA are entitled to the federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour and overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times their regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek. Various minimum wage exceptions apply under specific circumstances to disabled workers, full-time students, youth under age 20 in their first

  90 days of employment, tipped employees and student-learners. It should be noted, though, that some kinds of summer employment, categorized as seasonal or temporary employment, are exempt from minimum wage requirements.

  

 Employers are required to keep

  records on wages, hours, and other items that are generally maintained as an ordinary business practice.

  

  Wages required by the FLSA are due on the regular payday for the pay period covered. Deductions made from wages for such items as cash or merchandise shortages, employer-required uniforms, and tools of the trade, are not legal if they reduce the wages of employees below the minimum wage or reduce the amount of overtime pay due under the FLSA.

  

  In order for the FLSA to apply, there must be an employment relationship between an employer and an employee. The FLSA also contains some exemptions from these basic rules. Some apply to specific types of businesses and others to specific kinds of work.

     _{S O C I A L A D J U S T M E N T}

  One consequence of traveling to another country is culture shock. The stress of a new situation, confusion due to language difficulties, and a lot of small cultural differences add up to culture shock. You might feel depressed, be homesick for your country and family, have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and avoid contact with others. If you experience these symptoms, try talking to someone. Talk to the Student Advisor, a friend, or the staff at WWCE’s Corporate Office. It also helps to participate in activities you enjoy. Write a letter to your family back home. Take a walk in the park. Read a book. Watch a movie. Eat a good meal at a fancy restaurant. Visit a museum or an art gallery. Play a game with some friends. Try to do some type of physical activity that will lift your spirits. You will soon be over this period, and will be able to enjoy your _{R U L E S & R E G U L A T I O N S} stay!

  1. You will check-in with WWCE Work & Travel within three days of arriving in the USA, by calling and speaking with a team member between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program, loss of insurance, being reported to the U.S. immigration authorities, and an early return to your home country. Further information on check-in is included in the Work & Travel Participant handbook.

  2. You will report to the employer confirmed by WWCE by your program start date listed in section #3 of the form. Failure to do so for any reason, including not being able to secure a visa in time will result in dismissal from the program.

  6. You must notify WWCE and the US Immigration Service using form AR-11 within 3 business days in case you change your address. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

  The US Monetary System is a decimal system, with one dollar equal to one hundred cents. One dollar is written as $1 or $1.00. One cent is written as 1¢. One dollar and twenty-five cents would be written as $1.25. Dollar amounts are written with a comma every three digits, so one thousand dollars would be written as $1,000.00. _{Coin Figure on Front Value (Cents) Value (Dollars) Color}

  F I N A N C E S US Monetary System

  10. If you provide false or misleading information on your Work & Travel Application or Job Confirmation form, your application will be cancelled, and you will forfeit your application fee.

  9. As a Work & Travel Student, you are subject to the U.S. Criminal Justice system. Failure to obey laws may result in criminal prosecution, fines, jail sentences, or other penalties. WWCE may not be able to assist you under these circumstances.

  You are expected to return home at the conclusion of the program.

  8. A J-1 summer work & travel visa cannot be extended.

  7. You must participate in a post-arrival orientation. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

  5. If you decline to use the housing provided by WWCE, you are responsible to make your own travel and housing arrangements, and must give your travel and housing plans to your local representative at least four weeks prior to arrival in the United States. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

  3. You will not work beyond the program end date listed in section #3 on your DS-2019 form.

  4. You must bring enough money to the U.S. to cover your food, housing, and other personal expenses for at least one month. This is a minimum of $600. WWCE is unable to loan money to you.

  3. If you are terminated or voluntarily end your program early, you must leave the United States immediately, that is, within a reasonable amount of time. Once you are terminated from the program, you are at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security, and it is up to them to determine what a reasonable amount of time will be.

  2. Even if you receive a J-1 Work & Travel visa, you may be denied entrance into the U.S. by a Customs and Border Protection Officer, especially if you are not reporting to the port of entry of your confirmed placement. If this happens, you will be dismissed from the program without refund.

  1. A DS-2019 form enables you to apply for a J-1 Work & Travel visa. The United States Embassy or Consulate may deny your application for a visa. WWCE cannot change their decision.

  You understand that:

  6. Within 30 days of the program end date listed on your DS-2019 form, you will return to your home country.

  5. You are physically capable of performing the tasks required as outlined in your job description.

  4. If you would like to change employers, you will obtain written authorization from WWCE before changing employers. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

  Penny Lincoln 1 cent ^{0.01 Copper} Nickel _{Dime Quarter} Half Dollar _Dollar ^{Jefferson Roosevelt Washington Kennedy} _Anthony ^{5 cents 10 cents 25 cents 50 cents} _100cents ^{0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50} _1.00 ^{Silver Silver Silver Silver} _Silver

  Paper currency is used for amounts of $1 or more, and coins are used for amounts under $1. The most common coins and their dollar equivalences are shown below. Because the Susan B Anthony dollar coin is similar in color and size to the quarter, it is easily mistaken for a quarter. To remedy this problem, Congress recently authorized the US Mint to issue a new dollar coin. The new coin will be similar in size to the current coin, but golden in color and with a distinctive edge. In any event, the dollar and half dollar coins are not in common use. Paper currency is most often circulated in the following denominations: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Occasionally you will encounter a $2 bill. The denomination of all currency is clearly marked on the bottom of both sides of the bill, and on all four corners. Some stores will not accept bills larger than a $20. Several bills were recently redesigned to make it more difficult to counterfeit, so you will see both the new and old bills in circulation. All currency is green and printed using special paper. The slang term for a dollar bill is a “buck,” so $20 might be described as “twenty bucks.” Each denomination includes a picture of a famous American statesman on the front. The following table describes the images on the various denominations. _{Denomination Portrait on Front Illustration on Back $1.00 George Washington Great Seal of the United States $2.00 Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence}

  $5.00 Abraham Lincoln Lincoln Memorial _{$10.00 Alexander Hamilton US Treasury Building $20.00 Andrew Jackson White House $50.00 Ulysses S. Grant US Capitol Building} $100.00 Benjamin Franklin Independence Hall “Paying Cash”

  The term “paying cash” means that the method of payment is in currency and/or coins rather than credit cards, checks or any other form of money.

  

Money Orders and Cashier’s

Check

  Money orders and cashier’s checks are usually used to make payments if you do not have a checking account or if the merchant or seller does not accept personal checks. Money orders can be bought at some markets or convenience stores. Cashier’s checks can be purchased at your bank. There is a small fee charged for money orders and cashier’s checks.

• First ID: Passport with photo, Alien Registration receipt card, Student I.D., Student Visa or I- 551 form.
• Second ID: Letter of reference from WWCE, letter from existing bank customer (customer for at least 18 months), utility bill in the student’s name, International Drivers License, Student ID card, or Certificate of foreign status

  Opening a Bank Account

  When you first arrive, it is a good idea to open a bank account whether it is a checking account or a savings account. You may want to choose a bank that is either near your work location or near to where you live. Bank locations can be found in our local telephone directory. When you arrive at the bank, you will want to speak with the “New Accounts” person to find out about the different account options. Opening balance requirements and monthly fees are different at each bank. You may want to ask them about wiring money from your country to the U.S. Each bank sets its own limit and charge for wiring and transferring of funds. Some of our students have recommended CITIBANK because it has worldwide offices. This would enable you to do banking out of an account that your family may also access in your home country.

  Non U.S. Resident New Account Requirements

  2 forms of identification required:

  Other possible requirements:

• Provide Permanent Foreign address.
• College student Identification.
• $100 to open an account.
• Monthly checking fee for unlimited check writing. (Approx. $6)
• Bank visit fee. (Approx. $2 per visit)
• Must be 18 years of age for checking account OR 16 years of age if you are working.

  Checking Account

  A checking account enables you to write checks for your purchases, bills, and other daily activities. It isn’t safe to send cash through the mail. It also isn’t safe to carry large amounts of cash. You should pay for most of your purchases using a check or credit card. When you open a checking account, you will be given a checkbook containing checks and a “recorder” in which to keep an ongoing list of the checks you have written. Additional checks can be ordered in a variety of designs for a fee.

  Insufficient Funds / “Bounced Check”

  If there are insufficient funds in your account to cover the check, the check will “bounce” and your account will be overdrawn. This means that the bank will refuse to honor the check and will return it to the depositor. In addition, the bank will charge you a bounced check fee of $15 to $35, so it is important to make sure you always have sufficient funds in your account to cover any outstanding checks. If the payee tries to deposit the check again (sometimes their bank will do this automatically), you will be penalized with a second bounced check fee for the same check.

  Many international students expect the bank to pay checks even when their account is overdrawn, and get a rude and expensive shock when they discover that the US banking system handles overdrawn accounts differently. If you want your bank to honor checks even when your account is overdrawn, you must ask for overdraft protection. There is an extra fee for this service, and the amount your account is overdrawn up to a limit is treated like a short-term loan. (You pay interest on the balance due.) This feature can be expensive, but not as expensive as the service charges from bounced checks. Of course, you won’t need this feature if you carefully balance your checkbook and make sure that you always have sufficient funds in your account.

  Monthly Bank Statements

  At the end of the month the bank will mail you a statement showing all deposits and withdrawals from your account, as well as the current (ending) balance of the account. Some banks may return to you any cancelled checks. Other banks will send you a copy of your cancelled checks only if you request specific ones. Cancelled checks are checks you wrote that have been processed. They are stamped (cancelled) to indicate that the money has been withdrawn from your account. Cancelled checks should be saved, since they provide proof of payment. This is especially important when you need a receipt of payment, such as for the security deposit on your apartment. You should reconcile the statement against your checkbook to make sure there are no errors on a monthly basis.

  Check Deposits

  When you deposit checks into your account, there is a waiting period of a few days before you can withdraw the money. The length of the waiting period depends on the bank upon which the check is drawn. Local banks will have a shorter waiting period than out-of-town banks. This delay is to protect the bank in case the check bounces.

  Writing Checks

  When writing a check, the amount of the check is written twice, once using numerals and once using words. If you were writing a check for $23.35, you would write the words as “Twenty-three and 35/100 dollars,” where the word “and” separates the dollar amount from the cents. You would write $23.00 as “Twenty-three and NO/100 dollars.” Draw a horizontal line through any leftover space, to prevent someone from adding extra digits to the amount.

  Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Card