1

Todays seating

West East

Pre-departure meeting AY 2015-2016: USA undergraduate

3

Studying in the US

WELCOME

• Congratulations

• This year we received close 1500 applications for exchange

• USA is still the most popular destinations

• 220 + students undergraduate and graduate

4

Studying in the US

PROGRAM FOR TODAY

• Application process

• Visa procedures

• Student presentation

• Educational Structure

• Course selection/preapproval

• Networking/matchmaking

5

Studying in the US

GUIDELINES

• All info will be sent to your CBS mail account…

• Check your account regularly

• Check your spam filter too…

• My door (email) is open !

6

Studying in the US

APPLICATION PROCESS

I have nominated almost all of you (USC, Moore and Madison)

What are the next steps?:

• Application to host institution

• Admission to host university

• VISA

7

Studying in the US

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• You will receive EMAILS from partners (or me) soon • Applications: snail mail, online or via e-mail. • Follow the instructions given to you• Some applications need to be endorsed by CBS (me)• Correspond directly with host university, but don’t spam them• Before worrying, please consult the other students, who are going to

the same university, consult the travel reports and READ the application material

• Go ahead and send - don´t wait if you have the application material • Use courier; save receipt; take copies; mail everything to yourself

8

Studying in the US

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Which documents do you have to submit with your application form?

• All universities have individual requirements and procedures and NOT all universities require the same documents

• Pay attention to the deadlines, requirements and procedures from YOUR OWN host university.

• NB: Read the instructions given to you by your host university!

9

Studying in the US

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (most likely):

• Application form – hopefully online• Transcript • Proof of language skills • Financial statement: documents that prove your solvency such as SU,

bank statement, Lånekassen, grants or endorsement from parents.• Motivational letter/essay• Proof of Insurance• Course selection form • Letters of recommendation (s)• Photo page from passport

10

Studying in the US

WHAT IS A TRANSCRIPT

• Updated (most recent one)

• NO prints from e-campus (not considered an official document)

Official, only if made by your study secretariat:

• English, on letterhead paper and signed

• Your diplomas can be certified at the International Office

11

Studying in the US

LANGUAGE TEST RESULT

• We don’t keep copies

• Screen dumps won’t do

• Send the original

• or a certified copy (preferable)

• NB: International Office can certify your copies

12

Studying in the US

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION

You are required to documentthat you have a sufficient amount of funds to support yourself while abroad

• Official letter from a bank – amount of money in your bank account or a line of credit (kassekredit).

• Governmental Grant (Studielån)• Lånekassen, • Endorsement from parents• Private

scholarships/loans/foundations • Official letter from the SU Office at

CBS

• The documentation should be in English and the amount in USD

13

Studying in the US

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

• Letters of recommendation are sometimes needed

• Many professors are busy, so do it immediately if your university requires a letter of recommendation

• Draft the letter yourself, and ask one of your professors to sign it

• Be honest and modest

• It is not just a formality, but a common element used in the US

14

Studying in the US

INSURANCE AND HEALTH FORMS

• Insurance is MANDATORY during your stay in the US.

• Often a part of the application for admissions

• Some universities request that you submit a Health/Medical form. If so, get an appointment with your doctor - this can sometimes be a long and frustrating process.

• You are required to arrange your own insurance against illnesses, health, accidents, travel, repatriation, etc.

• Studenterforsikring.dk – www.studenterforsikring.dk• Gouda Rejseforskinring - www.Gouda.dk • Europæisk Rejseforsikring - www.europaeiske.dk

• Many universities offer insurances or require you to purchase their insurance ((e.g. MA, TX and PA)

15

Studying in the US

VISA

• You NEED a visa

• For exchange visitors and students: two types J-1 and F-1.

• Apply • Admission• Visa documents: DS 2019 or I-

20• VISA interview at U.S. Embassy• Passport with visa to the U.S.

16

Studying in the US

VISA - J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

• DS-2019

• Permission to enter the U.S. 30 days or less prior to your program start date

• Can stay in the U.S. up to 30 days after the visa expires

• May be permitted to work on campus

17

Studying in the US

VISA – J-1

• Two-year Foreign Residence Requirement

• Exchange program was financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. Government Agency the government of the exchange visitor’s nationality (including SU)

• Cannot apply for H, L, K visas and immigrant status for two years

18

Studying in the US

VISA - F-1 Student Visa

• I-20

• 2-year rule does not apply

• Permission to enter the U.S. 30 days or less prior to your program start date

• May stay in the U.S. up to 60 days after the visa expires

• May be permitted to work on or off campus

19

Studying in the US

APPLYING FOR A VISA

• Go to the U.S. Embassy’s website: denmark.usembassy.gov

• Visas > Non-Immigrant Visas > How to Apply

• Read the Visa Application Check List carefully and follow the instructions

• Book appointment

20

Studying in the US

21

Student presentation

22

Studying in the US

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE

• Four year degree

• Freshman and Sophomore: general education

• Junior and Senior: specialize

• Most students get jobs based on their bachelor’s degree

23

Studying in the US

SELECTION OF COURSES

Your host university will send or inform you about:

- Any list of courses available (incl. course descriptions, time-tables, credit and unit information, etc.)

Course selection is either done in connection

with the application process or separate

(e.g. online system, etc.). Remember to sign up immediately, as courses quickly fill up!

However, a complete list of courses might

not be available until very late in the application

Process - maybe not even before arrival…

NB: The final selection is often done once you are there!

24

Studying in the US

SELECTION OF COURSES

• Prerequisites (forudsætningsfag)

• Course codes 1xx-4xx• Undergrad: all levels

• Number of credits: full time – be careful with definition at host university

• “Drop and add”

25

Studying in the US

CLASS FORMAT

• Start class by introducing yourself• The professor is an authority –

Mr./Mrs. • NO DISCUSSION, hand in papers

in time• Open door policy

• The level of abstraction in courses is significantly lower than at CBS, but the practical application is much better. Consequently, it is important not to underestimate the amount of homework that papers, assignments, cases etc.

26

Studying in the US

CLASS FORMAT (grades)

• Attendance – be there• Participation – be well prepared• Quizzes - read the book, study

the notes• Papers – show what you have

learned

• Mid term exam• Final Exam

27

Studying in the US

PRE-APPROVAL @ CBS

•Your Study Board must pre-approve your courses, they meet once a month•Your Study Secretariat can inform you about course requirements and pre-approval procedures Check out E-campus•Each study secretariat has its own procedures so focus on your own study program•Pre-approval and final credit transfer is an individual assessment based on course descriptions (fagbeskrivelser) and syllabi (læseplan og pensum) Where can I find inspiration and help?•Study secretariat, Academic Counselors, Check Student Travel Reports: E-Campus (remember to log in), check the spread sheet that I sent to you.

•CBS International Office is NOT authorized to give you pre-approval or transfer credit towards your CBS degree!

28

Studying in the US

HOUSING

• Most universities will help find housing

• Dorm is the norm; 2 students share a room

• Dorm rules: read them and obey them (can you have visitors?, is alcohol allowed?)

• Agree with room mate• Meal plan is part of the deal• No furniture or utensils. • Study at the library

• CO-OPS, apartments etc: contracts – read the small print

29

Studying in the US

SUBLETTING YOUR ROOM

• Housing Anywhere - renting out your room or apartment to incoming exchange students: www.HousingAnywhere.com

• Subletting your own dorm, apartment or room in Copenhagen?

• Need 400+ rooms for Fall for exchange students

• CBS has agreement – only forum for students with a student e-mail address   

30

Studying in the US

SECURITY AND HEALTH

• Be careful and always use your good judgment

• Emergencies: Hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorism, tsunamis, etc. Contact local Danish Embassy and the CBS Int’l Office

• Keep yourself updated on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s websites: www.um.dk

• For vaccinations: Please contact your own doctor or consult the Statens Serum Institute www.ssi.dk

31

Studying in the US

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Observe the locals and try to blend in.

• Get familiar with your surroundings – the area you live in/campus area

• Read your host university’s safety and security guidelines.

• Consult the International office at your host university for further guidance.

• Consult the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their travel guidance before departure

32

Studying in the US

CULTURE SHOCK

• Be aware of local customs and different ways of living

• When partying and drinking – contain yourself

• The local regulations and laws apply to you – and they might be more strict that you are used to!

• Be aware of university rules, e.g. exams rules, etc.

• Be aware of dorm rules and regulations – curfew

• Be polite and respect authorities• When frustrated - talk to your friends

instead of taking it out on people in public

• Not complying with the rules might have serious consequences!

33

Studying in the US

Culture Shock – in the class room

• Different ways of teaching – less interaction between student & professor

• Attendance is often mandatory – you have to show up for class!

• More confrontations hours – you spend more time in class!

• There are more and less interesting courses everywhere!

• At your host university things might get done differently!

• Remain positive and be patient!• Doing things differently is not

necessary a bad thing• You will be challenged, but that is

why you go on exchange

34

Studying in the US

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

• It is possible to apply for private funds

• https://e-campus.dk/cybercampus/legater

https://e-campus.dk/intl-office/after-cbs-nomination/scholarships-and-financial-support

• Documentation: use your nomination letter from CBS or the acceptance letter from your host university

35

Studying in the US

CBS AMBASSADOR

• You are a CBS ambassador – behave like one!

• You are our eyes and ears abroad – also in case of problems!

• You are our representative

• If you need to give presentations – please contact me or go to E-campus

• You have to write a travel report upon your return – take notes!

36

Studying in the US

CBS International OfficeDalgas Have 15, 2nd fl. (Pink end)

Walk in hours: • Monday: 10-12 • Tuesday: 13-15• Thursday: 13-15

CBS Contact person for USA:

International Programs Manager Scott Lewis – sl.intoff@cbs.dk

37

Studying in the US

Good luck & take care

• Try to be patient and • open-minded in your approach

• ”Do your homework”

• Remember that thousands of CBS students have gone through this process before and made it through to the other side

• I wish you all a great stay in the US!

38

Studying in the US

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/650639985059441/

• Informal matchmaking

• Exchange mentors – peer to peer

• CBS students and local students

• Networking