There are many resources available to help you prepare for study in the United States. The U.S. Department of State EducationUSA advising centers offer pre-arrival resources and orientations. Find the advising center closest to you. Check out the EducationUSA glossary to become familiar with vocabulary you will encounter at universities in the U.S.
In order to best prepare you for your arrival at Georgia Tech, the Office of International Education has compiled a series of videos that address a variety of topics that are essential and of interest to international students and scholars. These videos do not replace FASET, Graduate Student Orientation, Scholar Orientation, or the International Welcome Series. However, they are offered as a resource to new students and scholars so that they can begin to get acclimated to GA Tech and the U.S. while abroad. Even continuing students can learn something new from watching these videos.
The first few weeks in the U.S. will be very busy. Therefore, viewing these videos prior to arrival will enable you to "get ahead" before even stepping foot on GA Tech's campus.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to attend OIE's Welcome Series sessions and events to learn more and get your questions answered. Please be aware parts of the Welcome Series are mandatory for new international students. For dates, times, and details visit OIE's Welcome Series website.
Video Table of Contents:
Arriving in the U.S
Smooth Transitions (Academic and Cultural)
Staying Safe in the U.S
Staying Healthy in the U.S
More GA Tech Videos (Buzzport, GT Offices/Centers, and Graduate Studies, etc).
Community Organizations
Arriving in the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
This video demonstrates what to expect when entering the U.S. Be prepared for your arrival in the U.S. by learning about CBP's entry procedures for international visitors.
Smooth Transitions
Academic Transitions:
The U.S. academic system is different than systems around the world. An understanding of these differences and knowledge of campus resources is essential to academic success. Watch these three videos to get acquainted with the U.S. higher education system, what to expect in an American college classroom, the role of the university professor, and much more.
Successful Interactions with Faculty and Staff
Academic Expectations
A Student's Role in the U.S College Classroom
Cultural Transitions
This forty minute movie examines the challenges and achievements experienced by international students after arriving in the U.S due to differences between their culture and U.S American culture. Topics discussed in the movie include: language barriers, lack of cultural knowledge, friendship building, time, space, religion, dating/relationships, rules of law and hygiene/appearance. Through live action scenes and interviews with international students, Cultural Transitions provides insight and guidance to international students experiencing culture shock or even minor difficulties adjusting to life in the U.S.
Staying Safe in the U.S.
Georgia Tech Police Department and Campus Safety
GA Tech's Police Department (GTPD) strives for excellence and integrity in providing a safe and secure environment and instilling confidence in the Georgia Tech community. GTPD enforces laws and campus policy, serves the public, prevents and detects criminal activity, and reduced the fears of the public through community interaction and education. Visit the GTPD site to learn more about the role of the GTPD on campus, what to do in an emergency, general safety tips, and resources available to keep you safe.
Staying Healthy in the U.S.
U.S. Healthcare Overview
At some point while at GA Tech, you will likely need to seek medical care. Therefore, you will want to know what to do and what to expect before you get sick or need urgent care. Like the U.S college classroom culture, the U.S healthcare system is unique and can be very complicated. Watch this video by International Student Insurance, to learn about the U.S healthcare system, healthcare providers, and health insurance so that you are prepared before medical assistance is needed.
Mental Health Awareness
College is stressful for all students, but it is can be especially stressful for international students as they are also adapting to a new culture. To succeed in your academics, you need to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Watch this video by International Student Insurance, to learn more about mental health in the U.S. context.
More GA Tech Videos
Buzzport
GA Tech's Online Portal is called Buzzport. Through buzzport you can register for classes, update your addresses, check your e-mail, and much much more. Watch this video to learn more about these features and how to use it.
Graduate Studies Video Series
Graduate Studies offers a collection of videos to help graduate students familiarize themselves with the Institute and all it has to offer. Even though the intended audience is the graduate population, all students can learn something from these videos.
Office of the Registrar
Office of the Bursar
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Campus Services
Stamps Health Services
Counseling Center
Career Services
Videos exclusively for graduate students:
Q&A with Provost Rafael L. Bras about Graduate Student Life at Tech
Overview of Requirements for Graduate Students
Georgia Tech's YouTube
GA Tech's YouTube channel contains a variety of videos that can help you learn more about GA Tech.
Community Organizations
AMIS
AMIS (pronounced ah-mee’) is a French word that means “friends” and symbolizes the organization's mission of friendship and hospitality. AMIS connects international students and scholars at colleges and universities with local families and individuals who want to serve and socialize across cultures. AMIS wants to make international students’ time in the United States a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. With the support of churches, civic and service organizations, and corporations, AMIS connects students with Atlanta families and individuals in a number of different ways, providing students with opportunities for meaningful and personal relationships. For more information visit AMIS' website.