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Intercultural Student Programs Office
Admission Office Info
International Students
MK's & TCK's
Transition Orientation
Host Family Program
Activities & Events
- Fall 2007
- Spring 2008
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FAQ'S
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Intercultural
Student FAQ's:
(Frequently
Asked Questions)
Life on Campus
Can I work on campus if I'm an international student?
International students may get on-campus jobs, but may not work off campus.
There are a wide variety of on-campus jobs available at
Houghton, the most common or which include Admission Office
mailings, tour guides, custodial, food service, intramural sports,
maintenance, and the Physical Education Center. Getting a job on-campus
is not difficult and can be done as soon as you arrive for the
Transition Program.
How do I get a social security card?
Social Security cards are easy to
obtain and are necessary to receive payment for an on-campus job. They are
also important for other functions as well, such as getting a
New York State Driver's License. You must first have an
on-campus job before you qualify to get a social security card.
The ISPO will help arrange for you to get a social security card
during the Transition Program.
How do I open a bank account?
Opening a bank account here is
easy. Community Bank N.A. has opened a branch right here on
campus. All you need is a social security card, proof of
identity, and a $50 deposit. Community Bank N.A. also operates
an ATM Cash machine on campus so you can withdraw money from
another existing account at another bank for a small transaction
fee. Students are encouraged to have their paychecks from campus
employment automatically deposited into their bank account.
Where can I live during school breaks?
The residence halls are closed
during Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, February break, and
Easter break. International and TCK students are expected to
find their own lodging during these breaks. Students find a
variety of ways to spend their breaks including going to their
friends' homes, finding someone to stay with in the area
(professor, co-worker, church member, host, etc.), traveling for
fun, or even going home during longer breaks, such as Christmas.
Ultimately it is up to the student to find housing during these
breaks, although the ISPO will help you out if you have
exhausted all other ideas.
How does the Host Family Program work?
International/TCK students are
matched with a volunteer host family from the community when
they arrive here in Houghton. There are no expectations, rules,
or guidelines regarding your participation in the Host Family
Program. It is simply a resource to help connect students with
local families who can serves as a kind of home away from home
for students who are far from their families. There are a few
host family events during the year that are organized by the
ISPO, but for the most part you and your family will decide what
your interaction will look like. For more information see our
page on the
Host Family Program.
What intercultural events, activities, and clubs are there at Houghton?
The ISPO organizes a great variety
of exciting events & activities each year. Some highlights
include...
- Host Family dinners
- driver's license training
- coffeehouse events
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- shopping trips
- football matches
- other cultural holiday celebrations
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- movie nights
- trips to local attractions
- cultural church visits
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For a list of
this year's events see the
ISPO Activities & Events page.
See below for more info about the ISPO.
In addition, ISA is a student-led
organization that puts on many events throughout the year
including an international banquet, coffeehouses, trips to
ethnic restaurants, and other fun intercultural events. ISA is
one of the most active groups on campus and has a history of
strong leadership and active involvement. All Houghton students are
welcome to join.
What is the Transition Program all about?
The Transition Program
deliberately takes place before all other students arrive on campus
and is designed to help you navigate the complexities of a
cross-cultural college experience. Current and former students often
point to the Transition Program as a crucial part of their
adjustment to college and to learning to live in the U.S. Check out our
Transition Program page for more information.
Is the Transition Program required?
The Transition Program is
required for all first year international
and TCK students. Canadian students are welcome to
attend the Transition Program, but are not required to do so.
Canadians are, however encouraged to at least attend the second half
of the Transition Program. There is no cost for the Transition
Program
Will I have an orientation if I arrive during the spring semester?
Yes, although it will be much more abbreviated than the fall
orientation. There are usually only 1-2 intercultural students
arriving during the spring semester, so we are unable to provide the
full Transition Program for such a small group of students. However,
the ISPO will make sure that you have the resources, training, and
cross-cultural orientation that you need. We will also match you up
with a current intercultural student who can help you navigate life
on campus.
What resources are available to me for cross-cultural adjustment at Houghton?
There are lots of places you can go to at Houghton for help
adjusting to cultural differences here. First of all, there are
a lot of international and TCK students who are more than glad
to talk with you and who understand the cultural challenges of
studying and living here. Either ask a friend, or come by the
ISPO office and Brian will be glad to get you in touch with an
intercultural student who can help you.
Second, there are lots of professors and staff here who have
significant cross-cultural experience. Don't hesitate to stop by
your professor's office to ask questions or to get advice.
Likewise, Brian in the ISPO is here specifically to help you to
have a great experience here at Houghton and will be more than
glad to help you in any way.
There are lots of books, online resources, and other
materials to help you out. See our
Links & Resources page for
more information on these materials. If you need to borrow a
book, check the library or the ISPO office, which has a few
books on hand that may prove useful.
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