Housing
Health Care
Learning English
Meeting Americans
American Higher Education
Resources for Families
Health Insurance
Personal/Property Safety
Campus & Community Resources
American Culture

Housing

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

University Housing provides comfortable and well maintained housing at reasonable prices. These residence hall communities promote academic and personal development, leadership development opportunities for students, and respect for diverse people, values and ideas. In addition, they offer easy access to campus facilities, 24-hour service desks, and live-in staff to help students.

The demand for on-campus housing greatly exceeds the capacity. If you plan to live on-campus, you must contact University Housing immediately upon your acceptance to the university. On-line application forms, along with detailed information about specific residence halls are available on the University Housing website at: http://www.ncsu.edu/housing/

Theme Residence Options

Several theme residence halls, such as the Alexander International Program, are available. Please contact University Housing for additional information.

Student Family Housing

E.S. King Village is NC State's student family housing complex of 295 apartment units. The primary goal of E.S. King Village is to provide a safe, well maintained and comfortable living environment with reasonable rental rates. Apartments are unfurnished but students may rent furniture at reasonable rates from the King Village Office.

Eligibility to live in E. S. King Village is contingent upon at least one member of your family being a full-time student at NC State and meeting one of the eligibility criteria. Additional information and application forms may be obtained at www.ncsu.edu/housing/eskingvillage/index.html.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

Raleigh is a rapidly developing city and securing affordable off-campus housing may be a challenge due to the current demand and expense of rental units. Therefore, it is important to work on securing accommodations as early as possible. The following suggestions will give you some ideas about locating suitable housing:

Internet: Use search engines such as Yahoo to locate websites on Raleigh and then search for apartment complexes in the area.  You may also wish to visit a general apartment finder website such as www.springstreet.com.

OIS Apartment File: The Office of International Scholar & Student Services (OIS) maintains a resource file of individuals either seeking roommates or trying to rent/sub-let apartment or houses.

Off Campus Housing Center: The University Housing Office maintains a self-help off-campus information center which displays apartment guides and off-campus roommate listings.

The Apartment Finder and Apartment Guide: These publications list off-campus housing facilities, descriptions and contact information in the area. They are often found outside grocery stores and at the Off-Campus Housing Center in Pullen Hall.

Classified Advertisements: Apartments for rent are advertised in local publications such as the News and Observer (the Raleigh newspaper).

Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards on campus, especially in Talley Student Center, the bookstore, and the Carmichael Gym carry flyers that advertise accommodations for rent.

Rental Agencies: Rental agencies locate apartments that suit your needs for a fee. A list of area rental agencies may be found in the Yellow Pages.

ROOMMATES

Sharing an apartment with others is an advantage in a high-priced city such as Raleigh. Roommates will reduce your rental and living expenses. However, the disadvantage is that you do not have complete privacy and are obliged to consult with others when making decisions that affect your living environment.

A lease is a legal contract that binds you to live in a given apartment for a specified time period. It is imperative to ask questions and get to know your roommate before you sign a lease. It is important to ensure that your lifestyle is compatible with that of your roommate in order to minimize misunderstandings and conflicts, because you will face penalties if you break your lease and move out. Keep in mind that living with a person does not automatically make that person your best friend. The most important thing to understand is that the person you live with should be a good roommate, nothing more and nothing less. So before you decide to live with someone and sign a lease, sit down and discuss expectations, lifestyles and ground rules in order to minimize future frustrations.

SELECTING AN APARTMENT

Sit down with your potential roommate and make a list of what is important to each of you in terms of facilities. As a general rule, a combination of the lists will provide a fairly good picture of you and your potential roommate's minimum space requirements.

SELECTING RENTAL UNITS

Once you decide on the type of unit you prefer, consult a variety of apartment guides that can be obtained from the Off Campus Housing Center, and make a list of apartments that interest you. Leases should only be signed after the apartment is inspected and they should never be signed after looking at a model apartment; whenever possible, insist on seeing the unit in which you will live.

CHECK OUT THE LANDLORD AND THE UNIT

Check out your prospective landlord with the Better Business Bureau of Raleigh to make sure that the person or company has a good reputation. Call (919) 872-9240 and basically say that you are considering renting an apartment and would like to know some information about the landlord's reputation. In addition, talk with tenants residing in the unit you like, or with other tenants in the building. Ask them about:

-What they like best/least about living there
-The dependability of the landlord
-Security and crime in the building
-The general environment of the building

TIPS ON INSPECTING UNITS

Make a list of units you are like. Look at as many of these units as your patience can bear. The search will give you a good basis for comparison. To keep the details of each unit straight in your mind, we suggest the following:

Dos and Don'ts

DO use an inspection report or a notebook to record the description of the unit and your specific reactions as you inspect the unit.

DON'T write notes on little, loose scraps of paper or on newspaper margins.

DO call to make appointments to examine units.

DON'T just show up at units. Many landlords live outside the area, and many managers are students with erratic schedules. Therefore, no one may be around to show the unit if you show up unexpectedly. For security reasons, we recommend tenants currently occupying a unit do not allow prospective tenants to look at the unit unless the owner or manager is present.

DO call the landlord or manager if you are going to be late or miss an appointment.

DON'T be late for an appointment.

DON'T show up unexpectedly after you have missed an appointment. It is inconsiderate to do either of these things and tends to give students a bad reputation.

DO allow yourself enough time to thoroughly inspect each unit. Carry a flashlight with you to check behind and under things. Be assertive, you are the one who will have to live in the unit once the lease is signed. Take good notes..

DON'T hurry from one unit to the next.

LEASES

Although most landlords are fair, you should be aware that some landlords may not be. It helps to be well informed about the renting process. Following is information to help you make an informed, wise decision when renting an apartment.

What is a Lease?

A lease is either an oral or written (and signed) contract between a landlord and tenant.  A lease is legally binding. A lease can benefit both the landlord and tenant because the obligations of each are written in the contract. It is difficult to break a lease so it is very important that you read your lease carefully to be sure you understand the terms specified.

Leases can be negotiated. If you would like to add or delete something you should discuss it with your landlord. Do not sign a lease with provisions you cannot obey because most provisions in a lease are legally binding. DON'T BE AFRAID TO BARGAIN WITH THE LANDLORD although it is rare that they will. Also, anything agreed to orally with the landlord, such as laying down new carpet, must be written into the lease for it to be binding.

Lease Term

Most leases are for periods of one year. Unless a tenant violates a provision of the lease, s/he cannot be evicted until the end of the term unless the lease contains a clause stating that the landlord can end the lease with notice. If a tenant vacates an apartment before the end of the term, s/he can be liable for all the rent payments through the end of the lease.  The tenant can also be charged for the costs to re-rent the apartment (such as the administration and advertising costs).

What should be included in a lease?

First of all, the lease should be in writing. A written lease could save everybody a lot of problems. It doesn't need to be a fancy document, but it should address all the issues that are important to both the landlord and tenant. At a minimum it should include:

-The names of the landlord and tenant(s)

-A description of the leased premises (Example: "123 Broadway, Apt. 2, Raleigh, NC, 27695")

-The duration of the lease

-The amount of the rent and when it is due

-How much is required for a security deposit

-Rules & Regulation

Most often, landlords have preprinted forms. These are typically long, wordy documents with lots of scary looking legal language. However, a lot of it makes sense if you read it carefully. If you don't understand something, ask the person who gave you the lease, but do not rely upon that person for an accurate explanation. Your best option is to go to Student Legal Services on the 4th floor of the Talley Student Center where an attorney will review the lease for you. If you disagree with something, see if it is possible to negotiate. Most importantly, if the form lease doesn't address an issue at all, write in your own provision with both parties dating and initialing the change.

Before you sign a lease . . .

Carefully read any lease you are asked to sign; take a copy of the lease, read it and think about it for at least 24 hours before you sign it. Be wary of dealing with landlords who won't allow you to take a copy of the lease with you. Use your common sense--don't assume that because a clause is in a lease it must be valid and permissible. You are the one who has to live with the lease, so if you don't like it, either don't sign it or negotiate a change with the landlord. The staff at the Student Legal Services can answer any questions about the lease's content.

If a clause seems unfavorable, unreasonable, or unfair, imagine yourself in the situation in which the clause would be applied. Then negotiate, compromise, or look for another apartment.

Some leases have pre-printed costs on them for cleaning, bounced checks, late rent etc. Make sure that you know and understand these charges. In addition, most leases have clauses that include attorney's fees if the tenant breaks the lease.

RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following information was adapted from the Landlord and Tenants brochure published by the N.C. Bar Association. You can also find information about landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities at www.jus.state.nc.us/cp/tenant.htm.

TENANTS

 As a tenant you have an obligation to:

-Pay rent as specified, and do other things, as required by your lease

-To keep your rental unit in sanitary condition

-Not to cause damage to the property, excluding normal wear and tear

-To comply with any obligations imposed upon tenants by the applicable building and housing codes

-To replace the batteries in the smoke detector, to notify the landlord if the detector needs to be repaired or replaced and to not cause any willful damage to the smoke detector.

-Vacate the premises by the date specified on the lease agreement and leave the premises in good, clean condition.

As a tenant you have the right to:

-Exclusive possession of the property you are renting for the term specified in the lease agreement, as long as you are fulfilling your duties and paying rent as specified in the lease agreement. However, your landlord has the right to inspect your apartment in a reasonable manner at a reasonable time.

-If the landlord is not abiding by the lease agreement, you have the right to: complain to him; complain to appropriate authorities; exercise your rights under law or the rental agreement which you have signed; join with other tenants to secure your rights.

-If the landlord fails to carry out his duties after reasonable notice, you have the right to move out of your rental unit and go to court to seek relief from paying rent for the remainder of the lease period.

-Tenants may not withhold rent in order to force the landlord to fulfill his duties without court permission.

LANDLORDS

Landlords have the right to:

-Rent their property for whatever amount they choose, to whomever they choose, and set any terms in the rental agreement as long as they are not contrary to local, state, or federal laws. However, landlords may not discriminate against a tenant or prospective tenant based on his/her gender, race, color, ancestry, country of birth, religion, handicap or familial status. In addition, the landlord may not raise the rent during the term of the lease.

-Evict tenants who violate any provision of the rental agreement, such as the non-payment of rent

-Enter, inspect, repair, or show rental property at reasonable times with reasonable notice

-Have the rental property returned to them in the same condition, with the exception of normal wear and tear, as it was when the tenant leased it.

Landlords have the duty to:

-Comply with current housing and building codes

-Make repairs and do whatever else is necessary to ensure that the rental premise is habitable

-Maintain safety in common areas of the property

-Repair and maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other facilities and appliances (supplied by the landlord) in working and safe condition.

-Provide and install battery operated electrical smoke detectors and place new batteries in the smoke detector at the beginning of the lease.

-Perform any additional duties that are required by the rental agreement, building and housing codes, and federal and state law.

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Health Care

• Only registered students are eligible for treatment at the Student Health Center. Students who are not registered for the summer, but who are registered for the fall semester, may pay a fee to receive service during the summer months.
• Spouses, children, and other dependents are not eligible for treatment at the Student Health Center regardless of whether they are covered by health insurance.

• The Student Health Center is located on West Campus at the corner of Dan Allen Drive and Cates Avenue.
• The Center is operational from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 12 noon on the weekends during the fall and spring semesters. Summer hours run from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on weekdays, and no weekend service is available. Hours will vary during semester breaks and university holidays.

• Medical Clinic: diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic care for acute or chronic illnesses and injuries
• Urgent Care Clinic: treatment of severe or sudden onset injuries or illnesses
• Gynecology Clinic: treatment and services for women's healthcare needs
• Allergy Clinic: provides immunotherapy for allergic individuals and vaccinations for preventable illnesses such as influenza and hepatitis.
• Radiology Clinic
• Pharmacy: prescriptive and non-prescriptive medication at competitive prices
• Medical Laboratory
• Health Promotion: health educators who provide outreach and individual consultations on topics ranging from stress management to relationship violence.
• Physical Therapy
• Travel Clinic: review immunization records, explain health risks for various countries, provide disease prevention information, etc.

• When necessary, the Student Health Center doctors will refer patients to community healthcare providers.

• Students must be currently enrolled at the university in order to use the Health Service Pharmacy. The Student Health Center pharmacy provides medications at a lower cost than other pharmacies.
• Prescriptions must be written by providers in the health service.
• If a patient is referred to a physician outside the health service, the prescription from that physician may be filled at Student Health.
• Payment for services may be via cash, credit card, checks or billed to student accounts or third party insurance cards.
• Cold Care Medications are available in the pharmacy for a nominal charge.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• For Students & Scholars


Healthcare in the United States in very expensive and all international students and scholars are required to purchase a comprehensive medical insurance policy either through the university or a healthcare provider that is approved by the Office of International Scholar & Student Services (OIS).

The most widely used plan is underwritten by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and endorsed by the University Health Advisory Committee. Brochures describing this NCSU Student Insurance program are available at the Student Health Center, OIS, and on the plan administrator's, Hill, Chesson and Woody (www.hillchesson.com).

This plan requires students to initially visit the NCSU Student Health Service (if they are in the Raleigh area and require medical care). For insured students, benefits are also provided at 100% for prescriptions filled at the Student Health Service pharmacy, up to a policy year maximum of $400. Students and scholars who require the services of a physician outside of Student Health, will be referred to the appropriate medical care provider.
 

• For Spouses & Children


Though it is not required, OIS strongly encourages students and scholars to purchase comprehensive health insurance for their spouses and children. Insurance plans for dependents are available through Hill, Chesson and Woody.  Refer to www.hillchesson.com or call Hill, Chesson and Woody  at 919-645-0240 for additional information.

HEALTHCARE AND INSURANCE TERMINOLOGY

At times, insurance terminology seems to be another foreign language. The following terms may give you a better understanding of your insurance policy.

BlueCard: When you enroll in the Blue Cross & Blue Shield insurance program, you receive the "BlueCard".  This card shows that you are covered 24 hours a day regardless of where you are in the world.

Deductible: The portion of money that you are responsible for (example:. $100 policy year deductible means that you are responsible for up to $100 of medical cost for a given year and beyond that the insurance company will cover a large percentage of the bill).

Premium: Monthly payments to the insurance company

Preferred Care Provider: A physician who is a part of your insurance company's "preferred" list. Generally, if you visit a preferred care provider, your doctor will file all the insurance claim forms and your portion of the bill will be lower than if you had visited a physician who is not on the company's select list.

Referral: When doctors from the Student Health Center refer you to an outside physician.
 

I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

 If you are a:

• Student or Scholar:


- Visit the Student Health Center if you are in the Raleigh area and have paid the Student Health Center fee for the current semester. If you need to see an outside doctor, the Health Center will provide you with a referral.

- If you are not in the Raleigh area, or if the Student Health Center is closed, you should visit a doctor in the community.

- If at all possible, you should visit a doctor who is on the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Preferred Care list because the insurance company will cover a larger portion of your medical bills than if you were to visit a non-preferred doctor.

 - The Preferred Care list is available on the Hill and Chesson website (www.hillchesson.com). If you are traveling and want to find Preferred Care providers in other states, please call 1-800-810-BLUE .
 
 

• Insured Spouse or Child:


- Spouses and children cannot use the NCSU Student Health Center.

 - Take your spouse or child to the nearest Preferred Care Provider. Again, seeing a doctor on the Preferred Care list. This way,  the insurance company will cover a greater portion of your spouse's or child's medical bill.
 
 

• Uninsured Spouse or Child:


Uninsured dependents may be taken to any of the hospitals, emergency clinics, or doctors.

 - Keep in mind that you will have to pay for any medical care. Generally, it is cheaper to visit emergency clinics than the hospital emergency rooms.

 - Refer to the Raleigh Yellow Pages for a list of hospitals, physicians and emergency care clinics in the area.
 

Internationals are NOT eligible to participate in many of the free or reduced-cost programs such as public housing, free medical care, or Welfare programs that are funded by the state and federal governments. Despite the popular misconception, having a child in America does not make internationals eligible for government or state aid. Many administrators of these state and federal aid programs are not aware of restrictions on internationals, so make sure that you consult with an advisor at OIS before you accept any form of government or state aid.

When an international person accepts this type of aid, they become "a public charge" and therefore violate their visa status. If Immigration and Naturalization Services become aware of this violation, the international may be refused a visa to re-enter the United States the next time s/he leaves the country. In addition, becoming a public charge may cause problems in the future if the international applies for a Green Card.

Therefore:

 - Either pay out of pocket for your healthcare or have your insurance company cover your bills.

 - If you hear that another international couple had a baby at very low cost at Wake Medical Center, simply by completing some paperwork, do not do the same with the hope that you would not be discovered.

 - Make sure that you are aware of what you are signing. There have been cases where international students have applied for free care accidentally.

THE CENTER FOR HEALTH PROMOTIONS

The Center for Health Promotions (www.fis.ncsu.edu/health/hpromo/index.html), located at 2102 Student Health Center, is open from 8:30 a.m. -  5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telephone numbers are 515-WELL (515-9355).

A large variety of brochures and other educational materials are available on the following areas:

• Alcohol & Drug Abuse
• Stress Management
• Sexuality Education
• Sexual Assault & Violence
• Nutritional Education

Learning English

English Conversation Club: Meets weekly on Fridays, 3:30-4:30 pm, in Daniels Hall. Students/scholars and spouses meet in small groups with native/fluent speakers for conversation. Idioms are introduced each week and a short newsletter "Connections" is available. Call 515-2961 for details and exact room location.

Global Speak: This is an international conversation partners program that matches Americans with internationals. Sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership, ethics and Public Service. Pairs meet approximately one hour per week for conversation. Applications are available from the Office of International Scholar and Student Services or by calling 515-9248.

Language Lab: The Foreign Languages Technology Center has interactive multimedia software for use when practicing English. Ask the lab attendant for ELLIS software and s/he will help you get started. Call 513-2463 for more details.

Intensive Summer English: NC State University offers a one-month intensive English institute every summer. Courses include TOEFL preparation, pronunciation, listening, speaking, and grammar. Go to http://continuingeducation.ncsu.edu/text/smrinst02.html for more details.

English courses for international students: NC State University offers special English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) courses for international teaching assistants and international students during the fall and spring semesters. Call 515-9299 for more details.

English courses for international spouses and scholars: ESL courses provided by Wake Tech are available on the main NC State campus. Call 515-2961 for more information. NC State Continuing Education also offers evening courses for advanced speakers for a nominal fee.

OFF-CAMPUS:

Wake Tech ESL: Wake Technical Community College offers free English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) classes throughout Wake County, Brooks Avenue Church of Christ (6 blocks from NC State campus), and West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. Most sites offer Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. These classes are basic skills classes for adults ages 18 and up and help persons develop their language skills to live in the United States (speaking, listening, writing, reading).

Wake Tech EFL: Wake Technical Community College offers academic English-as-a-Foreign Language classes (EFL) on the main campus of Wake Tech (near Fuquay-Varina, about 20 minutes from Raleigh) with such classes as Composition, Listening, Reading, and Grammar. Internationals must usually pay out-of-state tuition for these courses. Call 662-3395 for more information.

Wake Tech Continuing Education: Wake Tech offers continuing education classes in a variety of areas including computers, arts and crafts, foreign languages, etc. for fees ranging from $50-$100 (average around $60). Call 662-3252 for details. These classes are excellent for persons with advanced English skills who would like to learn specialized vocabulary and take classes with Americans.

Forest Hills Baptist Church: Located at Dixie Trail and Clark Avenue, Forest Hills provides free English conversation classes on Wednesday evenings, 6:00-7:45 (Sept.-May) for all levels taught by volunteers. They also offer Sunday morning Bible study classes, 9:30-10:45 am, for internationals who want to practice English and learn more about Christianity. Child care is provided for children under 3. Call 828-6161 for details.

NCSU Women's Club: Volunteers teach free English conversation classes for wives and families of students, refugees and employees. Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:30-11:30 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Clark Avenue. A nursery is provided for young children. Call Art Aronson at 781-1089 for details.

Wake County Literacy Council: Volunteers provide free tutoring and small group classes in English. Call 787-5559 for details.

ESL Summer Camp: The Raleigh Recreation Department offers an ESL Summer Camp. Call 831-6640 for details.

Resources:

• Library - The campus and public libraries have limited ESL resources.
• Bookstores - Area bookstores have ESL resources as well as reading groups.
• Internet - There are numerous ESL resources on the web. Go to www.tesol.org

Meeting Americans

• Join a community club or organization. There are many different social, religious, recreational, athletic, professional, business, environmental, and political organizations in the Raleigh area. Many organizations are listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone book (look under Organizations). Organizations of possible interest may include Newcomers Club, Raleigh Ski and Outing Club, Optimist Club, Woman's Club, and many different ethnic and international groups. Area bookstores (such as Quail Corner, Borders, Barnes & Noble) also have reading groups and other programs in which you can participate.

• Join a campus club or organization. NC State has numerous international student groups, as well as over 200 student organizations representing areas such as politics, arts, religion, sports, professional and honor societies. Examples include Language Clubs (English, Spanish, German, French, etc.), Habitat for Humanity, Outdoor Club, Juggling Club, Graduate Student Association, etc. For more details, check on the website at www.ncsu.edu/campus_life.html.

• Volunteer in the community. Volunteerism (work without pay) is quite popular in the United States. It's not only a wonderful way to meet other people, it also is a way for you to use your abilities to help others and to gain new skills and experiences for your resume. Here are some groups where you can give of your time and energy: 10,000 Villages (a non-profit international craft store in Cameron Village near campus), YMCA/YWCA, Big Brother/Big Sister Programs, nursing homes, Soccer Club, Raleigh Little Theater, area hospitals, senior centers, Habitat for Humanity, area homeless shelters/soup kitchens. For more information, call OIS at 515-2961, the NC State Center for Student Leadership, Ethics, and Public Service at 515-9248,l the United Way at 460-8687.

• Participate in an exchange program. Participate in programs in which you can share information about your country with Americans, meet Americans, and practice your English! These programs include: English Conversation Club (every week), Culture Corps, Exploris Fellows Program, International Friendship Program, and Global Speak. Information on all of these programs is available in the OIS or at www.ncsu.edu/oisss/programs.

• Take a class. In addition to your regular classes, you may be interested in taking a craft class from the Craft Center on campus, or taking a continuing education class offered by Wake Technical Community College (which offers classes on anything from cooking to computers to fixing car engines). This is a wonderful way to meet Americans interested in similar topics.

• Participate in a musical group. Do you play a musical instrument, sing or dance? There are numerous musical groups on campus and in the community which you can join. There are also informal groups of people who meet to play folk music. Contact the Music Department, 515-2981.

• Go to special events in the community. Regularly read The Independent, Spectator, or the Friday section of "What's Up" in The News & Observer to find out about special events, festivals, films, concerts, etc. in the Raleigh area. The Farmer's Market, City Market, State Fairgrounds, and area museums often have interesting weekend events. Don't be shy about talking to persons you meet at these events.

American Higher Education

American higher education is divided into two parts: Undergraduate (bachelor's degree--B.A. or B.S) and graduate (masters and doctorate degrees, i.e. M.A., M.B.A., M.S., Ph.D). Undergraduate education consists of approximately four years of study which is a combination of general requirements and a specialization (major). Graduate education consists of anywhere from 2-6+ years of study which generally includes 1-2 years of coursework followed by research/dissertation.

 Classroom Etiquette:

• It's very important to ask questions during class and to participate in class discussions. Please don't be shy! Raise your hand and ask questions -- this is not considered to be rude.
• If you having difficulties in class, plan to talk with the professor during his/her office hours or make an appointment to talk with the professor about the class. You may also want to arrange for a tutor.
• Always bring your notebook, textbook, and other materials with you to class.
• Don't be late for class. Plan to arrive at least 5 minutes before class starts.
• Go to every class. Attendance counts in American education! If you need to miss a class, it's usually best to discuss this with the professor ahead of time.
• Try to sit near the front of the class -- especially in large classes.
• It's usually OK to bring drinks or snacks to class (but you may want to ask first to make sure!).
• You do not need to stand up when you answer questions or when the professor enters the room.
• Know the honor code (do not lie, cheat, or steal).

• Be sure to turn in your assignments on time (on the due dates).
• Plan ahead on exams and research projects/papers. Work ahead on your assignments -- don't wait until the day before the due date to get started.
• Undergraduates: Allow 2-3 hours of study time for every hour of class. Graduates: Allow at least 4 hours of study time for every hour of class.
• Use the writing and tutorial services on campus when you need extra help with class.
• Don't think of yourself as alone in the class. It is often helpful to form a study group and study with other persons in the class. Early in a course, be bold and introduce yourself to a few classmates; then make an effort to develop the most promising of these meetings into friendships.
• Study environment is very important. Make sure you have adequate lighting, work space, quiet and are free from distractions. The library is often a good place to study (of course!). People also study at places like coffee shops (especially for study groups).
• Take careful notes during professors' lectures but only write key points (not every word). This material may appear later on exams or will need to be used in research papers. At the end of each class, review the key points of the lecture from your notes. If you miss a class or don't understand a lecture, borrow your classmates' notes to copy into your own notebook.
• Be very careful about the plagiarism rules (do not copy from other sources and say you wrote the material; give credit and always footnote materials in your papers).
• Do not cheat on exams and tests. It is not an acceptable practice in the US to give/take information during exams/tests.
• Plan your time wisely. Many students use "student planners" or "daytimers." Prioritize your tasks.
• Keep up with assigned readings. Use the "5-R Rule:" Read selectively, Recite, "Rite" (write key points or outline), Reflect and Review.
• Long and arduous study periods are not effective. Give yourself rewards (free time, a movie) for accomplishing tasks.
• Don't spend ALL your time studying -- be sure to enjoy American culture by "getting out in the community" and making the most of your time in the United States!

• Meet with your advisor often.
• Professors and advisors are usually quite friendly and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask questions or talk with them about the class.
• If you are having difficulty with a professor or advisor, please come talk with an advisor in OIS.
• You may meet with professors during their office hours (no need for an appointment during these hours) or make an appointment for any time other than office hours. Make a list of questions to ask before meeting with your professor/advisor.
• Always be respectful of the professors, their time, etc.

There are several different kinds of exams; your instructor will likely tell you  well ahead of time what types of questions will be asked. Choose a method of preparation which suits the type of exam you'll be taking.

For Problem-Solving Exams:

Go through past homework assignments, lecture notes and your textbook. Then,

* Copy out problems.
* Mix them up.
* Solve as many as possible.
* Check your answers.
* For any you do not answer correctly, try to find similar problems and keep working on them.

For Short Answer Exams:

 After reviewing your lecture notes and textbook,

* Make a list of important terms.
* Write down a definition of each term as it was used in the course.
* Think of examples or illustrations of each term.
* Figure out the term or concept's relevance to the course.

For essay Questions on Exams:

Review old essay assignments and exams and select a number of topics that seem central to the course. Then,

* Write thesis statements containing the subject and three main points.
* Write an outline for each thesis statement (the more detail -- facts, figures, illustrations, quotations -- the better).
* Write as many essays for each of these as possible, only giving yourself as much time for each as you will have on the exam itself.
* Look over your trial essays, paying attention to areas that could be improved.

For Objective Tests:
(multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions)

* Study concepts and examples, as well as facts.
* Study your texts and notes by actively looking for the kind of material that can be answered objectively (i.e.: dates, names, precise details).
* Get old copies of exams in the same format. Look for patterns in questions and answers throughout certain disciplines.

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Resources for Families

EDUCATION

Wake County Public Schools
Administration Building
3600 Wake Forest Rd.
P.O. Box 28041
Raleigh, NC 27611-8041
(919) 850-1600

The Wake County Public School System features and extensive school choice program. More than 25 magnet schools offer distinct themes, such as classical studies, creative arts and science, extended day, gifted and talented, international studies, language arts/communications, Montessori, year-round, a pre-international baccalaureate program, a center of accelerated studies and a gifted and talent high school. Some Wake County also offer English as a second language (ESL) programs. Wake County students' SAT scores are consistently above the state average.

CHARTER SCHOOL RESOURCES

Charter schools are independent public schools that are run by their own boards. There are a number of charter schools in the Triangle, which are listed in our annual Education Directory each October.

For more information about charter schools in North Carolina, contact:

N.C. Department of Public Instruction's Office of Charter Schools

(919) 715-2237 (www.dpi.state.nc.us/charter_schools/maincharter.html)

There are also several organizations in the Triangle which can provide information and support for charter schools:

North Carolina Charter School Resource Center

 4711 Hope Valley Rd., Suite 321, Durham, NC 27707 · (888) 461-8824

North Carolina Association of Charter Schools

Please call the NC Charter School Resource Center for contact information.

HOME SCHOOLING

Parents who plan to educate their children at home most be in compliance with state regulations regarding home schooling. For their requirements and guidelines, contact the office below:

Governor's Office, Division of Non-Public Education

530 N. Wilmington St. Raleigh, NC 27604 · (919) 733-4276

For information and support from homeschooling parents, contact:

North Carolinas for Home Education

419 N. Boylan Ave. Raleigh, NC 27603 · (919) 834-6243

State of North Carolina Home School Requirements

• Certify that the person providing academic instruction holds at least a high school Diploma or its equivalent.
• Maintain attendance records on each student.
• Maintain immunization records on each student.
• Operate a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, at least nine calendar months of the year.
• Administer a nationally standardized test or an equivalent measure of achievement in the areas of English, grammar, reading, spelling and math to every student each year, and maintain the results on file for one year, subject to inspection by a duly authorized representative of the state.
• Notify the Governor's Office, Division of Non-Public Education, when the school closes.

Child Care Services Association helps families select quality child care and help child care providers improve their quality.

http://www.childcareservices.org

Contact information:

Headquarters in Orange county (NC):
Child Care Services Association
PO Box 901
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-967-3272
919-967-7683 (fax)

Wake County (NC) Office:
Child Care Services Association
319 Chapanoke Road, Suite 114
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-779-2220
919-256-3489 (fax)

Durham County (NC) Office:
Child Care Services Association
2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite 100
Durham, NC 27707
919-403-6950
919-403-6959 (fax)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Emergency Numbers
Fire, Police, Ambulance: 911
Poison Control Center: (800) 848-6946

Physician Referral
Wake County Medical Society · (919) 821-2227
North Carolina Medical Society · (919) 833-3836
WakeMed Referral Service · (919) 250-8900

PARENT SUPPORT

La Leche League
General information · (919) 755-6400
Durham · (919) 490-7954
Apex · (919) 469-1614
Cary · (919) 467-5326 · (919) 481-2117
Garner · (919) 779-3999
Raleigh · (919) 676-3187 · (919) 787-5412
Wake Forest · (919) 556-0710

Moms Club Of Garner
(919) 550-9056 · (919) 779-0314

A support group for part-and full-time at-home moms and their children. Meets once a month for business meetings and several activities are planned between monthly meetings aimed at the children's interests.

MOMS Club of Garner East
Meets 2^nd Tuesday of every month
Capital Church HWY 70 Garner
For more information call:
Samantha 661-5141

Moms Club Of North Raleigh
(919) 269-7461

Offers support for stay-at-home moms, playgroups for children and activities for both moms and child.

DAILY CHILDREN'S EVENTS

Schedules may change thoughout the year. Please call for updated times and for additional information.

Barners & Noble Booksellers. Children's programs and storytimes. Call stores for specific times and dates. 5400 New Hope Commons, Durham, 489-3012; 760 SE Maynard Rd., Cary, 467-3866; 4325 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, 782-0030.

Borders. Children's storytimes each week. 1751 Walnut St. Cary, 469-1930; 8825 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, 468-1080.

Kids Town. Play area for kids ages 6 months to 7 years. Special program weekly, including art programs on Tues. Café area for Parents. $. 1313 Buck Jones Rd. Raleigh, 468-1080.

Learning Express. Toy store with children's programs, activities and special events. Call stores for specific times and dates. Wellington Park Shopping Center, 6460 Tryon Rd. Cary, 859-1989; Harvest Plaza, 8801 Leadmine Rd. Raleigh, 870-8181.

Morehead Planetarium. Daily schedule changes often; call for show times. Closed Mondays. $. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 549-6863.

Museum of Life and Science. Daily activities include animal feedings.

Magic Wings Butterfly House; Carolina Wildlife Center; Tree House nature room; Loblolly Park outdoor play area; aerospace, earth science and life science exhibits; Megamaze; Ellerbee Creek Railroad; Free Super Science Presentations & more. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1-5pm. $. 433 Murray Ave. Durham 220-5429.

North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences. Special programs and classes for children and ongoing exhibits. Meet the animals, Mon-Thurs, 10:30-11:00 & Fri, 12pm; Nature Fun Theater, Fri, 10:30 & 11:30am; Live! At the Museum, Mon-Thurs, 11:30am & 2pm; Fri, 2pm; Saturday Storytime, Sat, 2:30pm. Museum hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 1-5pm. Bicentennial Plaza, Raleigh. Call to verify times and pre-register for some programs, 733-7450.

Not Just for Kids Bookstore. Special events & programs for kids, including Sat storytime at 10am. Ages 3-7. 156 S. White St. Wake Forest. 554-1972.

Quail Ridge Books. Kids' programs some Saturdays 10am; monthly forum of children's literature meets 3rd Tues. of the month. 3522 Wade Ave. Raleigh, 828-1588.

Wake County Public Libraries. Public libraries throughout Wake County offer story times and other children's activities on various days. Call 250-1200 or 856-6868 for the library nearest you.

Zany Brainy. Reading groups, activities, story times, special guests and games. Call stores for specific times and dates. Pleasant Valley Promenade, Raleigh, 781-6255; New Hope Commons, Durham, 489-3319.

FAMILY FUN

Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (919) 469-4061 · year-round sports, arts & crafts, fitness programs, community events and park facilities for all ages.

Raleigh Department of Parks and Recreation (919) 831-6640 · Arts and crafts classes, nature programs, and exercise programs for children and adults.

YMCAs and YWCAs.

Capital Area YMCA.
AE Finley, North Raleigh · (919) 848-9622
Cary Family · (919) 469-9622
Central, downtown Raleigh · (919) 832-6601
Garner Family · (919) 832-6601

Fall, spring and summer resident camping: Camp Sea Gull ·(252)149-1111; Camp Seafarer ·(252)249-1212

Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities with before and after year-round schools programs, summer day camps, sports programs, leadership opportunities, fitness for youth, adults and seniors.

YWCA of Wake County
554 E. Hargett St. · 834-7386
1012 Oberlin Rd. · 828-3205

Offers quality, affordable classes, programs and services for women and their families, including child care, camp, fitness and facility rentals.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Carolina Parent

Carolina Parent is a free monthly magazine, published as a resource for parents in the Triangle. This is the primary source of information for area families with children from the ages of newborn through teens. Pick it up at over 600 convenient locations in the Triangle (at public libraries, Harris Teeter and Hannaford grocery stores, Blockbuster Video, doctors' offices, preschool and daycare centers, etc.). Call 956-2430 for more information.

Citysearch.com

This internet resource is the "ultimate guide" to the Triangle area. Contains information on theaters, restaurants, music venues, flea markets, book stores, art galleries, movies, etc. Go on-line to www.trianglecitysearch.com 
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Personal Safety (and Property)

Your perception of your own security in a situation is an important tool in reducing your vulnerability to attack. There are some common situations and environments you may encounter which may make you feel vulnerable. Below are some relatively simple ways to reduce the risks in those situations and improve both the perception and reality of your own safety.

Some General Advice
 

• Attackers often avoid people who look secure, confident and strong. Plan to take a protective skills or self defense course this term - you will learn how to assert yourself in ways that will intimidate a would-be attacker. (The Women's Center on campus offers an excellent SAFEskills workshop each semester, 515-2012.)
• Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. If you suspect you are being followed, indicate your suspicion by looking behind you. If you are on foot, cross the street, change directions or vary your speed. In a commercial or residential area, head for a place where there are other people as soon as possible.
• Follow your instincts. If your intuition tells you that you are at risk, try to leave the situation quickly. For example, if you see someone suspicious in a parking lot, leave the area. Call Campus (515-3333) or Raleigh Police (emergency only: 911).
• Try to stay in well lit areas, and use routes that are frequently traveled by others.
• Avoid walking alone through isolated areas. Avoid shortcuts through parking lots, parks and deserted spaces.
• Always lock your doors (apartment/house door, car door, etc.) -even when driving or when you're at home!
• Never leave items unattended.
• Avoid going around alone after dark, especially after 10 pm.
• Don't hitchhike (ask strangers for rides).
• Only open your door to people you know.
• Always wear a seatbelt when you're traveling.
• Never leave children alone-anywhere!
• Always have your keys ready before you get to your car or house. Always keep one hand free.
• Don't talk to strangers on the street, especially those who ask for money.
• Don't keep valuables in your car or in your backpack (C.D.s, purses, money, etc.).
• Know where the "unsafe areas" of town are. Be very careful in downtown Raleigh at night and in shopping mall parking lots (night or day).
• Always be alert and suspicious.
• Don't hesitate to call the police (emergency phone number: 911 or on-campus: 515-3333) if you feel threatened by someone or if you experienced/witnessed a crime.
• Remember that police officers are your friends and they are here to help you.

• If you will be walking somewhere late at night, wear clothing and footwear that will enable you to move quickly, if you need to.
• NC State offers an escort service at night; use it if you feel uncomfortable walking alone. Remember to take the phone number (515-3000) with you when you intend to be on campus at night. If you forget the number, you can pick up the phone at any "blue light" on campus or use the phones in elevators.
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of campus emergency "blue light" telephones and pay telephones.

• Carry emergency cab fare. In a threatening situation, you then have the option of calling a taxi to take you home.
• Use the buddy system. When you are with a friend at a bar, pub or party, plan to watch out for one another, and to leave the event together or in a group.
• If you are persistently harassed in a bar or pub, report the person harassing you to a staff person.

• Avoid using bank machines when the campus is deserted or when you are alone. If you need to bank at night, use machines located in populated buildings or near well-lit and busy streets.
• Be aware of other people around you before you use the bank machine.

• When you know you will be returning to your car late at night, try to park it in a well lit area.
• Before getting into your car, visually check the interior.
• Have your keys in your hand, so that you don't have to search for them when you reach your car.
• Try not to park on levels of a parking garage that will be empty when you return.
• Know your nearest safe exit route from a garage.
• Back your car into a parking space in a garage. This gives you greater visibility and allows you to drive away more quickly if you are being approached by a stranger.
• When you leave your car, walk briskly and confidently. Do not be distracted.
• If you are worried about becoming a target, vary your routine. Park in different spots at different times.

• If you enter an elevator and the person riding with you makes you feel uncomfortable, leave.
• Get off before the door closes, or leave at the next floor. You don't need to feel guilty for protecting yourself.
• In elevators, stand near the control panel with your back against the wall. If you are threatened, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible.

• Never prop open doors, even for a brief time. It may save you a few extra steps or a few moments, but it places the safety of everyone in your building at risk.
• Lock your room, lab or office door, even if you are leaving only for a few minutes.
• If a tradesperson, repair person or courier requests admittance to your building, office or room, ask for identification. If you are not satisfied with the person's credentials, direct him or her to someone in authority for assistance.
• If someone unknown requests entrance to your building or office, or attempts to enter a locked area with you, refuse them entry. Tell them, "I'm sorry, but we are very concerned about security in this building." If they persist, direct them to someone in authority. Report any unauthorized entry to University Public Safety (515-3000).
• Be especially aware of maintaining security in your building or residence during holiday or vacation periods, or during quiet times, when there are fewer people around.
• Use the buddy system. If you are going to work or study late at night in a University building, try to locate yourself close to someone you know. Or, let someone else know where you are and when you expect to leave.
• You can also let the University Public Safety know if you are working late at night after the building is closed.

• There's safety in numbers. You might set-up a runners' club in your college, residence or department, or simply run with a partner.
• Use routes familiar to you. Find out the locations of pay telephones along the way, as well as emergency phones, police stations, and 24-hour businesses.
• Avoid running in deserted or poorly lit areas.
• Listen to your instincts, and be willing to vary your route if you sense that you are at risk. Stay as alert as possible to your surroundings. If you are wearing ear phones, remember that it is harder to evaluate the safety of the environment.
• Don't wear jewelry. Do carry some form of identification in case of emergency.
• Consider wearing a personal safety alarm device to summon help in an emergency.

Medical Insurance

Health and medical insurance are requirements of every nonimmigrant student's academic program in the US. All students in F-1 or J-1 status must purchase and maintain the North Carolina State University Student Medical Insurance Plan. If you would like to see NC State Universities Policy Statement on Required Accident and Sickness Insurance for International Students please click the link: OIS Insurance Policy

You may also request printed information from OIS

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Campus and Community Resources

VISIT NC: You can receive a free book about places to visit in NC. Call 1-800-VISIT-NC. You can also request a Calendar of Events for NC, a state map, and other NC information.

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American Culture

Individualism
Americans value independence. They generally believe that the ideal person is autonomous and self-reliant. This may mean that they prefer to spend less time with their friends than in other cultures. They often dislike being dependent on other people, or having others dependent on them. Other cultures may view this as "selfishness" or as a healthy freedom from the constraints of ties to family, clan or social class.

Informality
Americans tolerate a considerable degree of informality in dress, relationships between people and methods of communication. In some cultures this may reflect a "lack of respect" and in others it reflects a healthy lack of concern for social ritual. Because of this informality, Americans frequently use first names. This is true even when people first meet. Address people of your own approximate age and status by first name. If the other person is clearly older than you, you should say Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. (for both unmarried and married women), and the last name. Unless a teacher or someone else with a title tells you to use his or her first name, address that person using his or her title and last name. Titles are not used with first names in the U.S.; i.e. "Dr. Bob". And titles are usually not used without the last name i.e. "Teacher."

Making Friends
You may find that American students smile easily and are not hesitant to talk, but this is not an automatic commitment to friendship. In this mobile society where Americans are taught to be self-reliant, friendships are often transitory and established to meet personal needs at a certain time. Many Americans have "friends at work," "friends at school," and so on, but only a few very close friendships. These friendships are usually the result of repeated interactions between individuals who find they share similar views and a variety of experiences together.

Casual friendships are especially common among college-age students who are trying to establish personal autonomy and are coming into contact with a variety of people representing different values and life-styles. Don't confuse friendliness with friendship.

This is not meant to discourage international students from attempting to establish friendships with Americans. Most Americans readily accept new people into their social groups. One of the best ways to meet Americans is to go to concerts, sporting events and church activities, or to join a special interest group on campus.

The American Concept of Time
In the U.S., it is the custom to appear at the exact time set for an appointment or a social engagement. For example, if you are invited to a dinner at 6:30 p.m., the host and hostess expect you to arrive at that time. When you are late, your hosts may be annoyed, even angry.

For business, for most meetings involving a group of people, for a date or for a dinner invitation, punctuality is very important. For many other social events, such as large informal parties, time is more flexible.

Many Americans organize their activities according to a schedule. As a result, they always seem to be running around, hurrying to get to their next "appointment." This fast pace of life may be overwhelming for many people from other cultures.

Writing Numbers
In the United States, the number seven is written 7, not 7. Many people get confused when they see 7 and interpret it to mean capital "f". While in America it is better to get in the habit of writing 7 without the bar. Also, be sure to use "," and "." properly when writing numbers.

Writing Dates
In writing dates, always (unless specified otherwise) write out the month (January 11, 1986) or get in the habit of writing the month first, the day second, and the year last. When you write 11-1-86 to mean January 11, 1986, Americans will interpret it to mean November 1,1986.

Americans and Personal Cleanliness
Americans have a saying, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." Most Americans are very conscious of body odors and may seem fanatic about taking showers, brushing their teeth, washing their hair, and using many types of toiletries - such as deodorant, perfume and after-shave lotion - in excess. Most Americans shower, use deodorant, and change clothes daily. Americans are also very particular about the cleanliness of their homes, especially the bathroom.

Guidelines for Practical Situations
This section provides more specific information about the behavior that Americans usually expect in certain situations:

Meeting Americans: When two people are first introduced, there is a ritual greeting. The dialogue is: "How do you do?" "Fine, thank you. How are you?" "Fine, thanks." After the first meeting, a more formal "Good morning," or "Good afternoon," or a less formal "Hello" or "Hi" followed by "How are you?" is customary. The answer is usually "Fine," whether or not you are fine.

Men usually shake hands with each other the first time they meet. Men usually do not shake hands with women unless the woman extends her hand first. Women may sometimes shake hands with one another.

The use of "nicknames" is very common among Americans. A nickname is not the person's real name but a name given to the person because of a physical characteristic, a behavior pattern, etc. Americans may shorten your name if they find it difficult to pronounce. Being called by a nickname is not usually uncomplimentary. Instead, it may indicate that you are viewed with respect and even affection.

Talking with Americans: Americans are usually very verbal when they are with one another. Unless they are very close friends, "being quiet" is usually noticed. Long silences are usually uncomfortable to Americans. For this reason, Americans often "make small talk" or discuss "trivia." This type of conversation usually takes place before any serious conversation. This means that they will initially discuss things as the weather, sports and classes.

When Americans talk to one another they usually establish eye contact and keep a distance of about two feet. It is extremely uncomfortable for most Americans to talk with someone who stands "too close" to them and you will find them backing away from such a situation. Physical contact, other than shaking hands, for most Americans connotes sexual attraction or aggressiveness and this is usually not done.

Visiting Americans: You may receive a verbal or written invitation from an American to visit his or her home. You should always answer a written invitation, especially if it says "R.S.V.P." Do not say that you will attend unless you plan to do so. Remember, it is OK to say no to an invitation. It is acceptable to ask your host about appropriate clothing and if there is anything you can bring (i.e. food).

It is important to arrive on time for special dinners and parties. If you will be late by more than 15 minutes, call your host to explain. When you visit an American, especially for dinner, you will be asked what you would like to drink. You do not need to drink an alcoholic beverage and some homes will not even serve alcoholic beverages. If you have any dietary restrictions you should tell the host at the time you accept the invitation.

It is not necessary to bring a gift, unless it is a special occasion - a birthday or an important holiday, like Christmas. However, you may always politely ask your host if there is anything you can bring. It is also nice to give a small gift if you are invited as a house guest for an extended visit. When you are invited to someone's home, you may always ask if there is anything you may do to help in preparing the meal or cleaning up afterwards.

Most Americans consider it polite for guests to leave one or two hours after dinner unless a special party has been planned or you are asked to stay longer. It is a good idea to write a thank-you note expressing how much you enjoyed the evening as a formal way to express thanks. You may also call the person or say something when you see them again.

Potluck dinners: "Pot luck" dinners are quite common in American culture. This usually means that each guest or family brings part of the meal. The person organizing the dinner will tell you what part of the meal you are expected to bring. It is fine to bring a typical dish of your country.

Parties: Parties may usually begin late at night, often after 9:00 p.m., and continue for several hours. These are often very informal and it is not as important to be on time or to dress formally. Most students will wear jeans to these parties. You should ask the person having the party if there is something you should bring; American students usually like to drink beer and eat "munchies" - potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, etc. You may just be asked to "pitch in when the hat comes around," meaning that your host has bought the refreshments but expects the guests to contribute a few dollars when they come to the party.

Time Schedules: In general, you can telephone Americans between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. without awakening them. Most Americans, especially families, do not like to be disturbed during the evening meal, anywhere between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The office hours for most of the university are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most of the offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. Some of the city businesses close at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. and some stay open until 9:00 p.m. The large shopping malls are usually open until 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. Most stores in shopping malls are open on Sunday, but only from 1:00 to 6:00pm.

Tipping: Tips are not usually added to the bill in restaurants by your waiter/waitress. Nevertheless, they are expected and needed by employees who rely on them for a large part of their income. In restaurants, if the service is satisfactory, it is customary to leave a tip which is 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of the bill. You may leave this in cash on the table before you leave or add it onto the bill if you charge it. Tips may be larger, for example, 20 percent, in larger cities or more expensive restaurants or for exceptionally good service. Tips are not expected in "fast food" restaurants or cafeterias. Other acceptable places to tip include hairdressers and barbers (15 percent), taxi drivers (15 percent), coat room attendants in restaurants and theaters (25 cents) and bellboys in hotels and luggage carriers in airports and train stations (50 to 75 cents per piece of luggage carried).

Gifts: As a rule, gifts are given only to relatives and close friends. It is acceptable to give a gift to a host or hostess or to someone with whom you have a more casual or friendly relationship, but it is not required or even very common to do so. Gifts are not usually given to people in official positions; such a gift may be misinterpreted as a way to gain favor or special treatment. It is acceptable to give teachers a gift to show your appreciation, but it is better to do so after you have completed the course. Cards are more common to send and to receive.

Americans usually give gifts to family and friends at Christmas, birthdays, weddings, graduations and child-births. Gifts are also sometimes given to someone who has moved into a new house or is moving away. Greeting cards are given to acquaintances who are not close friends.

Gifts are not expected to be very expensive. More expensive gifts are acceptable between people who are close to one another. We usually give something which the recipient needs, wants or would enjoy.

Americans usually open gifts in the presence of the giver. A verbal expression of thanks is appropriate. If the gift is opened in the absence of the giver, a thank-you note specifically mentioning the gift should be sent. This is an important custom for most Americans, signifying that you truly like the gift.

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