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What You Need to Know...

Venturing to a new country for your education is an exciting opportunity to be cherished and valued. However, new environments, customs, new people, can all create challenges. I want you to be successful, so I offer you assistance in learning and succeeding in your new adventure!

Physical Health & Safety

  • Safety

    • Let’s face, it, the US can be a dangerous place. From political, racial, sexual and ethnic polarization to the simple fact that guns are abundant in the US, being situationally aware is of vital importance. Equally important is the need to understand what safety resources are available, from legal services to various levels of protection, and self-awareness, your personal safety should always be in your thinking.

  • Health proxy delegation: HIPAA, MPOA, Advance directives, Health proxy, DurablePOA

    • If you’re along in the US, you may want to make sure that during an emergency or situation where you cannot make effective decisions for yourself, someone you trust is designated to speak for you. 

    • In the US, such authority is not automatic based on relationships, but rather designated based on legal standing and documents. 

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Mental Health

  • Mental health resources: anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation

    • A new country, new environment, new demands, new expectations and influences… all sum to a set of challenges you may not be ready to handle on your own. Resources exit that can provide you with helpful, objective support, but you need to know both what they are and how to access them.

  • Drugs and substance use disorders

    • It happens. Substance abuse is a disorder, not an event, and a disorder that is openly addressed and treated in the US. It’s not something to hide or be ashamed of, but rather a serious medical problem that warrants help.

    • Many resources exist, both public and private, and on almost all college campuses, health service professionals recognize the importance of support to overcome substance abuse in a help and non-judgmental manner. 

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Relationships & Environment

  • Race relations and issues

    • The US has a troubled history with race, and that history is more prevalent in certain parts of the country. Generally, college campuses are more liberal and forward thinking than the country as a whole, but problems can emerge, and what is referred to as the “town and gown” social interface can create opportunities for racial tension

  • Immigration considerations

    • Immigration is one of the most hotly debated topics in the US today. As such, you need to understand not only your own visitor status but also, understand how your status fits into the overall immigration discussion.

    • Also, you should always, always, carry copies of your immigration documents with you, and keep your originals in a safe place.

  • Freedom of speech

    • While freedom of speech is enshrined in the US constitution, freedom to speak must be approached in a pragmatic fashion and be coupled with the understanding that freedom of speech is always a two-way street. 

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