NETMAT FALL 2013

Nobody Ever Told Me About That!

Berkeley International Office (BIO)2299 Piedmont Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94720

http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu

What will we cover?• The Boring (but important) Stuff: Immigration,

Taxes & Contracts

• Alcohol & other Party Pointers• Rules of the Road• Other Important Tips for Success!• They did what? General U.S. Cultural Trends• Getting into the Cal Spirit!• Final thoughts

BerkeleyInternationalOffice (BIO)

DISCLAIMERWe already told you about some of this stuff before so I apologize in advance if we keep repeating the same thing over and over. But that’s just the way things go here in America. Did you notice the extra tiny print? Great job on paying attention! That’s called the “fine” print. Always read it!

Register Full-Time &

Stay Registered Full-time


Please, please, please…

Update Your Address in BearFacts


bearfacts.berkeley.edu

Employment Rules


On Campus• 20 hours per week

during the semester• Unlimited during

vacation periods• J-1 : On Campus

Payment Authorization from BIO

Off Campus• You ALWAYS need work authorization

from BIO• Check our website and come see us!

Maintain your health insurance


Things can get very expensive here

Taxes


• YES, you have to file a tax report even if you did not work

• We have tax software FREE for you to use (available in March)

• UC Employees : You should register for a Glacier account or you will be taxed 30%

When signing a contract or lease,

remember …


• They are usually enforceable by law

• Read the whole contract including the fine print

• Don’t sign if you are not clear

• Be brave, ask questions!

Alcohol & Party Pointers…


When you go out…


alcoholedu.berkeley.edu

please Party Safe

Alcohol


Do not try to use a fake I.D.


Getting caught = maximum 6 months jail time &/or $1,000

Open Container Laws


not allowed

=

If you get stopped by police, be polite, respectful & courteous


Don’t have or keep any guns and weapons (even in your home)


Rules of the road


Even on a bicycle….


Remember you get a FREE Bus

Pass!


Other tips for success…


Recycling:

Pay attention

to the different

bins

Waiting in line


a single line


Download software for FREE! @ Software Central

ist.berkeley.edu/software-central/

Protect your data, your identity & your personal belongings

from theft



1. Start out with a friendly salutation2. Don’t use all CAPS. UNLESS YOU ARE SHOUTING!!!!!3. Use a personal tone, but be short & to the point4. Avoid using emoticons in professional emails5. End with a “Best” or “Sincerely” or “Thank you!”6. If emailing BIO, please include your name and student ID7. Allow at least 2 business days to receive a response8. If emailing a request to multiple people, please use the CC:

function


Prepare for the strange things Americans might do…or say…


1. Individualism : rely on yourself & focus on self-improvement2. Equality : less emphasis on social status3. Informality : casual dress, casual hellos, casual friendships

Top 5 American Values/Trends

4. Punctuality : rush, rush lateness = rudeness5. Directness : honesty &

openness


Get into the


Don’t wear RED

on Game Day!!!


Remember… Study hard

Have fun

Take advantage of this experience

Expect some culture shock & adjustment

And…


BIO is here to help!


Now, you know!!!

Education

NETMAT FALL 2013