ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

ARRIVAL INFORMATION
International Students (F Visa)
And
Exchange Visitors (J Visa)
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Office of International Affairs
Umdoia-international@umich.edu
1-313-583-6600
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN–DEARBORN
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Country Code is 1
Dearborn Area Code is 313
Office of International Affairs .................................................................................................................... 313-583-6600
Admission, Undergraduate ........................................................................................................................ 313-593-5100
Admission, Graduate Departments:
General Information ............................................................................................................................ 313-593-1494
Accounting and Finance ...................................................................................................................... 313-593-5460
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Applied & Computational Mathematics (MS) ..................................................................................... 313-593-1183
Automotive Engineering (MSE) ........................................................................................................... 313-593-5582
Business Administration (MBA) ........................................................................................................... 313-593-5460
Computer Engineering (MSE) .............................................................................................................. 313-593-5420
Computer Information Sciences (MS) ................................................................................................. 313-436-9145
Education (endorsements vary) (MA) ................................................................................................. 313-593-5091
Electrical Engineering (MSE) ................................................................................................................ 313-593-5420
Engineering Management (MS)........................................................................................................... 313-436-9145
Environmental Science (MS)................................................................................................................ 313-593-1183
Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) ................................................................. 313-593-5361
Information Systems & Technology (MS) ............................................................................................ 313-593-5361
Liberal Studies (MA) ............................................................................................................................ 313-593-1183
Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) ........................................................................................ 313-593-5582
Mechanical Engineering (MSE) ............................................................................................................ 313-593-5241
Performance Improvement and Instructional Design (MA) ................................................................ 313-593-5091
Psychology/ Specialization in Health Psychology (MS) ....................................................................... 313-593-1183
Public Administration (MPA) ............................................................................................................... 313-436-9135
Software Engineering (MS)....................................................................................... .......................... 313-436-9145
Special Education (MEd) ........................................................................................... .......................... 313-436-9135
Teaching (MA) .......................................................................................................... .......................... 313-593-5091
College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters ........................................................................................................ 313-593-5293
College of Engineering and Computer Science .......................................................................................... 313-593-5510
Counseling and Support Service ................................................................................................................ 313-593-5430
Registration and Records ........................................................................................................................... 313-583-6500
College of Education, Health, and Human Services ................................................................................... 313-593-5435
School of Management .............................................................................................................................. 313-593-5460
HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS OFF CAMPUS
Government
Secretary of State...................................................................................................................................313-943-2468
Registration for Cars ..............................................................................................................................313-292-5810
Social Security Office (Dearborn Branch)...............................................................................................313-278-9412
Social Security Office (Toll free) ......................................................................................................... 1-800-772-1213
Banks
Comerica ................................................................................................................................................313-277-2700
Community Bank of Dearborn ...............................................................................................................313-274-1000
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Dearborn Federal Savings Bank .............................................................................................................313-565-3100
U of M Credit Union ............................................................................................................................ 1.734.662.8200
Insurance
AAA.........................................................................................................................................................313-582-6900
Aetna .................................................................................................................................................. 1-800-872-3862
All State ..................................................................................................................................................313-561-8989
State Farm ..............................................................................................................................................313-278-6020
Transportation
Taxicab
– Colonial Cab Co ................................................................................................................................313-581-2323
– Dearborn Red Cab............................................................................................................................313-562-6060
– Lorraine Cab Co................................................................................................................................313-582-6900
Smart Bus ...............................................................................................................................................313-933-1300
Car Rental ...............................................................................................................................................313-846-5000
Driving Schools
Sears Driving School ...............................................................................................................................248-548-8000
A & A Driving School Inc.........................................................................................................................734-422-3000
Others
Ameritech Telephone Number Inquiry ..................................................................................................313-555-1212
Post Office .......................................................................................................................................….1-800-275-8777
Chamber of Commerce, Information on Dearborn ...............................................................................313-584-6100
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ARRIVING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN
All new international students must check in with the Office of International Affairs shortly after their
arrival. When you settled into your housing, your next stop must be the Office of International Affairs. It
is very important that you report to the office with your passport, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019 as soon as
possible after you arrive. The staff will:
• ensure that copies of your immigration documents are on file and that you attend orientation or
receive orientation materials
• assist you with registering for your courses
• help orient you to your new environment
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES
All students are assigned an academic advisor in their academic department to help them select courses.
All students must consult with their academic advisor about their course selection before the
registration. An advisor list is included in the orientation packet. The University Catalog lists all courses
at the University of Michigan–Dearborn as well as academic policies and procedures. The Catalog is
available on the web site: http://www.umd.umich.edu/catalog/ . Schedule of Classes
(http://www.umd.umich.edu/rr_registration/) lists the courses of the upcoming semester. The
information about registration, adding courses and dropping courses and tuition due date is available on
the web site: http://www.umd.umich.edu/rr_academic-calendar/ . If you are a new arrival student, you
are required to complete an International Student Physical Presence Form
(http://www.umd.umich.edu/internationaloffice/) before you can register your classes. To complete a
physical check-in, you will need to present an I-94, a valid passport and visa, emergency contact
information, and the current U.S. address. This procedure can be taken place in the Office of
International Affairs or during the new student orientation. After successfully complete the physical
check-in procedure and the meeting with the academic advisor, you will be able to register classes on
line by using UMCONNECT ( https://websis.umd.umich.edu/PROD/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage).
OBTAINING A UNIVERSITY PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARD
The M-Card is your University ID. This photo ID gives you access to University programs and services.
After you have registered for classes, you may obtain your M-Card at the Information Desk in the
University Center. You will need to present the yellow confirmation of the courses that you have
registered for and your passport to receive your identification card.
REMAINING IN GOOD VISA STATUS
F-1 and J-1 students must meet certain obligations in order to maintain legal immigration status.
Maintaining status is necessary in order to receive the benefits of F-1 or J-1 status such as employment
and can be crucial to a successful application for a change or adjustment of status. Failure to maintain
your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with the United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (USICE) and could lead to deportation from the U.S.
Maintain full-time enrollment
Immigration law requires international students to pursue a full-time course of study during the fall and
winter semesters. Summer is the only time that you can choose not to enroll or to enroll part-time. Do
not withdraw, drop a class, enroll part-time, or discontinue studies without consulting an
international student advisor first. Although your academic department may approve a change in your
enrollment, the change could cause you to jeopardize your legal immigration status.
Transfer or change of degree
Students who transfer schools, or students who change degree levels or change of the major, must be
sure that an international student advisor processes the new I-20 or DS-2019.
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Address changes
Please notify the Office of International Affairs about your change of address. The Office of
International Affairs will update your SEVIS record. You also need to inform the Office of Registration
and Records to update your address. . It must be done within 10 days. Not only is this a requirement of
the USCIS, but we cannot inform you about programs or changes in the immigration laws if we do not
know how to contact you.
Passport
Keep your passport valid (at least 6 months beyond)
Health insurance
International students are required to maintain health insurance. F-1 and J-1 students and their
dependents must have health insurance prior to registration. If your Form I-20 or DS-2019 was issued
by the University of Michigan (Dearborn), you will automatically be enrolled in the U-M International
Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan through the end of your date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 so
that you can be certain that you are covered by adequate health insurance.
http://www.umd.umich.edu/internationaloffice/
Unauthorized employment
U.S. immigration laws restrict international student employment. Employers don’t know all the rules, so
it is up to you to be informed. Information on the rules is available at the Office of International Support
Services. Talk to an international student advisor if you have questions. Unauthorized employment
might be easy and convenient now, but it could be a problem later.
Program completion date
The program completion date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is important! You must apply for an extension at
the Office of International Affairs at least a month before the document expires if you will not complete
your program by that date. Keep in mind that the document is not valid after you complete your
degree unless you apply for and receive employment authorization for F-1 practical training or J-1
academic training. F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completion of academic program or
practical training. J-1 students/scholars have a 30-day grace period.
Travel
Request a signature before you travel. An international student advisor must sign your I-20 or DS-2019
before you travel outside the U.S. Although a signature is valid for a year, USCIS prefers that you get a
new signature if more than a semester has passed.
Seek good advice
Immigration rules are subject to change. Friends may not have up-to-date information and many rumors
that you hear may not fit your situation. Remember to check information with an international student
advisor in the International Office 780 Town Center Drive, Suite 108, email: umdoiainternational@umich.edu, phone # 313 583 6600, Fax # 313 583 6725.
OBTAINING A MICHIGAN DRIVER’S LICENSE OR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD (STATE ID)
Michigan Driver’s Licenses and Personal Identification cards are obtained from the Secretary of State
Office. http://www.michigan.gov/sos/
It is not possible to apply for a Michigan Driver’s license for at least 2 weeks after your initial entry into
the U.S. The immigration and other paperwork is not processed. Michigan Personal Identification Cards
are issued to Michigan residents who do not possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and wish to have
identification. ID cards are processed at any Secretary of State branch office. The Michigan Personal
Identification Card takes up to three weeks to arrive in the mail.
Please note: in Michigan your passport or student ID are not acceptable forms of ID; you must have
either a Michigan Personal Identification Card or Michigan driver’s license to prove your identity. This
type of identification is required to install telephone lines, electricity, and obtain other kinds of services.
Location of Secretary of State Branch Offices near Campus:
Dearborn: 5094 Schaefer, Dearborn, MI 48126 Telephone: 313-476-4538
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Dearborn Heights: 25700 Joy Road, Redford, MI 48239 Telephone: 313-476-4538
Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday); 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Wednesday)
If you are unable to get a Social Security Number, you must get a Letter of Ineligibility from the Social
Security Administration in order to apply for a Michigan Driver’s License.
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
A Social Security number is intended to record accurately your earnings in this country. International
students in F-1 or J-1 status have permission to work on campus and are therefore eligible for social
security numbers. (Note: there are limitations to this permission. Consult an international student
advisor for details.)
If you do not have authorized employment in the U.S., you cannot get a social security card.
Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security system
through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act or what is generally referred to as the FICA tax.
However, F-1 and J-1 employees are usually exempt from the FICA tax (as are student employees).
Social Security numbers are required for:
• Employment: You must have a Social Security number in order to work in the United
States.
• Fellowships: If you are going to receive a fellowship or scholarship payment from the
University.
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•
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms: All students who are non-resident aliens for tax
purposes are required to fill out an Internal Revenue Service form every year, even if
they have no U.S. income.
Social Security numbers are not required for:
• Seeking and securing an employment.
• Registration of classes.
• Banking: F-1 or J-1 holders do not need a social Security number to open a bank account
or for most other financial transactions. The bank may ask F-1 or J-1 holders to fill out
Internal Revenue Service form W-8 to prove that they are exempt from the requirement
of providing a Social Security number.
• If you do not have authorized employment in the U.S. or income, you cannot get a social
security card.
How to apply for a Social Security card
To apply for a Social Security card, please go to the Michigan Social Security Dearborn office:
19853 Outer Drive, 2nd floor
Dearborn, MI 48124
Telephone 313-278-9412
The Office is located in the Eastpoint Building, near the corner of Michigan Avenue and Outer Drive.
Office hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends and national holidays.
You will need a letter from the Office of International Affairs, your passport, I-94 card and I-20 or DS2019 when you apply. It often takes several weeks to receive your card. After you receive your Social
Security card, be sure to notify the hiring department administrator.
For more information on Social Security cards, telephone 1-800-772-1213 or go to the Web site:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627-88859--,00.html
MONEY MATTERS
U.S. currency and coins
The medium of exchange in the United States is the dollar ($). Paper currency or bills commonly in
circulation are in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Coins are:
Name
Metal
Value
Penny
Copper
1 cent
Nickel
Silver
5 cents
Dime
Silver
10 cents
Quarter
Silver
25 cents
General banking information
Most people in the United States have an account at a bank or credit union, either checking or savings or
both. Opening such accounts can help you manage your finances and keep your money safe. You use a
checking account to pay bills and a savings account for money you do not plan to use for several months
or longer. With a bank account, especially a checking account, you need to make sure you record each
transaction properly. Each month you will receive a statement from the bank that you can use to
balance your checkbook and add in all necessary monthly bank fees.
Some things to consider when choosing a bank and opening an account are convenience of location,
hours of operation, minimum amount required to open checking and savings accounts, minimum
monthly balance required, monthly service charge, and interest accrued on accounts.
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Bank or credit union
Banks and credit unions represent the two most common types of financial institutions for the ordinary
person. Each has its advantages, so you should think about what features you value the most before
choosing. Whatever your decision, make sure the institution is FDIC insured.
• Banks: advantages include broader services in general, specialized services for investors,
nationwide (and sometimes international) branches and ATM networks, and currency exchange
services.
• Credit unions: advantages include higher interest rates, lower monthly fees, better customer
service in general, and discounts for home or car insurance. The University of Michigan Credit
Union has a branch office on the Dearborn campus. It will be possible to open an account
during the Orientation process.
What you will need to open an account
• Passport with your signature on it.
• Current address and telephone number
• Check(s) or U.S. cash to deposit
Credit cards
A credit card can be a convenient money management tool in the U.S. The four most widely accepted
credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. You may apply for a credit card
from your bank or through the many offers that will come through the mail. Beware of accepting too
many credit cards. Most cards have annual fees and very high interest rates on unpaid balances. Be
disciplined; use your cards when you need to, but use them wisely.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are computerized machines through which you can make deposits or withdrawals at any time.
ATMs are located at the banks themselves and at other locations such as supermarkets. Withdrawals
and deposits made at the ATM will be subtracted automatically from your savings or checking account.
Be sure to save the transaction receipts and keep accurate records so you do not overdraw your
account.
Better than credit
You may find a debit card, such as the Visa Check card, preferable to a credit card and easier to obtain.
Credit cards allow you to borrow money from the card issuer for everyday purchases. If you pay your
monthly statement in full and on time, you will not be charged for the loan. But if you pay only the
minimum each month, or pay late, you will be charged a high interest rate on the loan and high fees. A
simple purchase may end up costing you several times the original price and take many months to
repay. Debit cards pay for your purchases with the money you have in your checking account. They give
you the convenience of a credit card without the debt.
Bank fees and how to avoid them
Fees are extra expenses banks charge their customers for using certain services. Bank fees include
account maintenance fees and ATM fees, among others. Most of these fees can be easily avoided if you
learn to manage your money well.
• Know the minimum balance for different checking/savings accounts.
• Look for arrangements that provide free checking accounts or even free checks.
• Balance your checkbook.
• Avoid using ATMs that charge fees.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses
It is quite possible to live in Dearborn without owning a car. Buses operate throughout the city. A bus
schedule and additional information can be found at the following Smart Bus Web site:
http://www.smartbus.org/
Smart Commuter Bus Services
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You may call the toll free number to reserve the bus service within Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and
Inkster areas. The service includes taking you to visit a friend, to the University, to a restaurant, to a
grocery store, to a doctor, etc. The service is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30
pm.
The reservation must be made 48 hours ahead. Same day reservation is accepted sometimes.
The toll free number is 1-866-962-5515, choose #1 option.
Before you call, please have the following information on hand:
1. Your name
2. Your phone number
3. The address that you would like the bus to pick you up
4. The address that you would like the bus to drop you off
5. The cross street names of the location that you would like the bus to pick you up
6. The time that you would like the bus to pick you up
7. Would this be a one way trip or a round trip
8. If it is a round trip, you need to provide the return time
9. The cost is $2.00 one way.
Car Rental
Enterprise Rent-a-Car: 4950 Greenfield, Dearborn, MI 48126 Phone: 313-584-9500 Website:
enterprise.com
Others: Hertz- Dollar
Taxis
When you need to take a taxi (or cab), it is best to call the taxi at least 30 minutes before you need to be
picked up. The following are a few cab companies in the Dearborn area:
• Colonial Cab Co
313-581-2323
• Dearborn Red Cab
313-562-6060
• Lorraine Cab Co
313-582-6900
Trains
Trains are not a major mode of transportation in the U.S.; however, some students find the train a good
way to see the country during vacation periods. Telephone Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245 or visit their Web
site at http://www.amtrak.com/ for information. There is a convenient train station in Dearborn, MI.
Cheap bus to Chicago: www.megabus.com
Automobiles
Cars are the most convenient form of transportation. However, this mode of transportation requires an
ample supply of money to pay for the car, insurance, driver’s license test, car registration, fuel, and
repairs. Michigan law requires that every driver obtain a driver’s license by taking both a written and a
driving skills test. See the section on “How to Obtain a Driver’s License.”
Automobile Insurance
Michigan law requires automobile insurance if you own a vehicle. The automobile owner is financially
responsible for damage to property or injury to another person in case of an accident. These are the
types of automobile insurance:
Liability Insurance: The state requires that all car owners have at least liability insurance to protect the
owner from liability in the case of injury, death, or damage to others.
Collision Insurance: Compensates the policyholder in cases of an accident with another car.
Comprehensive Insurance: Covers losses from vandalism, theft, fire, or other specified hazards.
Medical Payment Insurance: Pays for medical expenses of the policyholder and passengers injured in an
automobile accident, regardless of fault.
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Most companies offer a package policy that includes both property and liability coverage. Most also give
you a discount if you purchase more than one kind of insurance with them (i.e., a policy for your car as
well as for your home).
The cost of automobile insurance varies from company to company. Rates depend on a number of
factors: the age and type of car, where you live, your age and driving record, how many people use the
car, their ages and driving records. The rates can increase if a driver causes an accident or is convicted of
certain traffic violations such as speeding. Compare rates and benefits before you decide on a company.
The following are some of the leading insurance companies in the Dearborn area:
AAA
All State
State Farm
22720 Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
313-563-7390
24355 Ford Road
313-561-8989
23499 Michigan Avenue
313-278-4062
TELEPHONE SERVICE
To order local telephone service:
AT&T
2480 S. Telegraph Road
Dearborn, MI 48126, Phone: 313-429-4512
Cellular Telephone Service
The following provide cellular telephone services:
Sprint PCS
Toll free number: 1-888-253-1315
Web site: http://www.sprintpcs.com
T Mobile
Toll free number 1-800-937-8997
Web site: http://www.voicestream.com
Verizon Wireless
Toll free number: 1-800-2-JOIN-IN
Web site: http://www22.verizon.com/
At&T Wireless
Local phone number: 1-313-429-4512
Web Site: http://www.At&T.com
To avoid commercial calls
You may call National Do Not Call Registry to register you cell phone number on the Do Not Call list
(because you pay the incoming calls on your cell phone)
The toll free number is 888-382-1222. You have to call from the phone number that you are going to
register for.
Post Offices
3800 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, MI 48120
23169 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-337-4700
Phone: 313-277-1324
SHOPPING
Fairlane Town Center
Explore the incredible Fairlane Town Center shopping mall that attracts more than 18 million shoppers
annually. The Town Center features an extensive spectrum of retail opportunities. Ten movie theaters
and more than 160 interesting shops and restaurants, including JCPenny, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Fields,
Saks Fifth Avenue, and Sears are just a few of the possibilities. Large sculptures, spacious open courts,
and a multi-tiered waterfall create an impressive atmosphere for easy on-stop shopping or leisurely
browsing.
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Experience and enjoy a wide variety of ethnic cuisines. Fairlane has more than 30 restaurants to satisfy
every taste. In and around the Town Center, you’ll find such eateries as Big Fish, TGIF, A&W, and Rio
Bravo.
East Dearborn shopping
Unique shopping is available at the many boutiques and specialty shops at Michigan Avenue/Schaefer
Road and surrounding area of East Dearborn.
West Dearborn shopping
In historic West Dearborn, you will find fashions to suit your style in stores like the 222 Shops, West
Village Shops, and other specialty shops.
Fairlane Meadows Retail opportunities continue with the Shops at Fairlane Meadows, a 300,000-squarefoot retail specialty mall that offers a wide array of shops. Featured names include Target, Kids ‘R’ Us,
and Best Buy.
Buying the right things at the right stores
The following is an example of where you can purchase various items:
Small household items
Medicine
• JC Penny
• CVS
• Kmart
• Walgreen’s
• Sears
Department stores
• Target
• Macy’s
Electronics and small appliances
• JC Penny
• Best Buy
• Lord & Taylor
• Circuit City
• Sak’s Fifth Avenue
• Sears
• Sears
(All of the department stores listed are
• Sprint PCS (for cellular
located at Fairlane Mall)
telephone service)
Grocery
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Down-filled jackets/ Snow boots, earmuffs,
and other cold-weather gear
• Sport or department stores
• Kmart
Wal-Mart
Asian Supermarket
Dearborn Heights
Kroger
Westborn Market
21770 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Greenland Middle Eastern Food
Store (25853 Ford Road,
Dearborn Heights)
Patel Brothers Indian Food Store
(28684 Ford Road, Garden City)
Randazzo’s Fruit and Vegetable
Market (24135 Joy Road,
Dearborn Heights)
Alcamo’s Market (Italian Grocery
Store 4423 Schaefer Rd,
Dearborn)
•
•
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Target
Wal-Mart (5851 Mecury Drive,
Dearborn)
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
313-982-6008
Website: www.thehenryford.org
Others:
Detroit Institute of Arts
Science Museum
African American History Museum
Dearborn Historical Museum
Ford Community and Performing Arts Center
Restaurants and clubs
All Dearborn shopping areas provide fine restaurants and safely lit parking areas.
Bailey’s Pub & Grille
22099 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-277-3212
Website: www.baileyspubandgrille.com
Bd’d Mongolian Barbeque
22115 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-792-9660
Website: www.bdsmongolianbarbeque.com
Double Olive
22027 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-3595533
Ristorante Ciao
1024 Monroe, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-724-2426
Website: www.idine.com
Others: please see Dearborn Chamber of Commence recommendations:
http://www.wliinc2.com/cgi/foxweb.dll/wlx/dir/wlxdirectory?cc=DBMICC&LcCategory=dining
Tipping
Tipping is necessary for some services such as restaurants, hotels, taking a taxi, getting a hair cut, etc. In
restaurants, usually, tip about 15% to 20% of the bill for food and drink. Tip the person who parks the
car about $1. Tip taxi drivers and hair dressers about 15%.
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Armenian
St Sarkis Armenian
PLACES OF WORSHIP IN DEARBORN
Episcopal
Christ Episcopal
Baptist
Dearborn First Baptist Church
Unity Baptist Church
Gilead Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church
Islamic
Dearborn Islamic Mosque
Islamic Center of America
American Muslim Center
Lutheran- ELCA
St. Paul
Hope
Prince of Peace
Catholic (Byzantine Rite)
St. Mary (Romanian)
St. Michael the Archangel (Ukrainian)
Lutheran –Missouri Synod
Atonement
Emmanuel
Guardian
Our Redeemer
Catholic (Roman)
Church of the Divine Child
Sacred Heart
St. Alphonsus
St. Barbara
St. Bernadette
St. Clement
St. Joseph
St. Martha
Pentecostal
Christian Life Center
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
First
Cherry Hill
Dearborn Woods
Littlefield
St. Sebastian
Christian Science
First Church of Christ, Scientist
Church of Christ
Dearborn, East
United Church of Christ
Dearborn Congregational
St. James
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints
Dearborn Ward
United Methodist
First
Good Shepherd
Mt. Olivet
Eastern Orthodox
St. Clement Macedono-Bulgarian
Holy Trinity-Ukrainian
Non-Denominational
Warrendale Community
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CULTURE SHOCK
Every person who leaves his or her own culture to live in a foreign culture at first experiences
disorientation, confusion, loneliness, and anxiety. These feelings are part of what is known as Culture
Shock. For most people, adjustment to a new culture, or true bi-culturalism, takes place in three stages:
Honeymoon stage
Feelings of excitement, anticipation, curiosity and confidence outweigh the initial feelings of loneliness
and disorientation. The practical “business” of getting started in your new life and adjusting to the new
language and system keeps negative feelings suppressed.
Disillusionment
During this stage, you will realize that not only U.S. customs are different from those of your own
society, but U.S. values are different also. This realization often causes greater feelings of disorientation,
loss of self-confidence, irritation, and depression. Most people become very critical of their host country
and perhaps question their decision to leave their home.
In the U.S., these values are often in conflict with the values of foreign visitors:
• Importance of the individual: This value leads to a strong sense of privacy, both in space and
time. New foreign students can be confused and feel closed out from their lives. The U.S.
academic system reflects this in that students are expected to compete with each other. This
pride in independence and individualism can lead to behavior that is viewed as quite egotistical
and insensitive by people from societies that place a higher value on community rather than the
individual.
• Friendship: take the initiative to make friends.
• Time: North Americans lead very hectic, structured lives. Even their leisure time is scheduled
and filled with activities. Punctuality is highly valued.
• Acceptable behavior in public: The hectic schedules of North Americans “requires” them to do
things considered ill-mannered in other, more traditional societies. For example, many people in
the U.S. eat while walking or driving in a car. Public displays of affection, particularly between
young people, are common.
• Classroom expectations: In the U.S. professors are often more casual and friendly with their
students than in more traditional societies. Many expect students to challenge them and to
engage in intellectual debate with them and the other students. Most U.S. professors do not
hesitate to admit that they may not know the answer to a specific question that a student
raises.
Bi-culturalism
Finally, you have adjusted. You face each day more relaxed, self-confident, and happy. You are able to
view the U.S. culture more objectively and not feel threatened by the conflicting values.
To get to that point as quickly as possible, here is some advice:
• Be patient.
• Speak out in class. Even if your English isn’t
perfect, your thoughts will be valued.
• Expect to experience the stages of culture
shock.
• Be direct with people. Ask for assistance.
• Don’t try to “become American”; be
• Take the initiative in making friends.
yourself.
The majority of this material is from the ‘Cold Water; Intercultural Adjustment and Values Conflict of Foreign
Students at an American University,” a videotape by Noriko Ogami, distributed through the Intercultural Press,
Inc., P.O. Box 700, Yarmouth, ME 04096.
HOW TO GET USED TO A NEW COUNTRY QUICKLY AND COMFORTABLY
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Explore. Become familiar with your environment.
• Go on a campus tour.
• Talk to the office staff, faculty, and students in your department.
• Ask another student if he or she would show you around the department.
• Attend local events and seminars (See the Record and campus newspapers for listings).
Learn about cultural norms.
• Pay attention to other people’s behavior.
– How do they greet each other?
– How do people interact in professional settings (like offices), in the classroom, in a store, on the street?
– How do they line up for a bus?
– How do they line up for the check-out line in a store or in the bank?
Be slow to judge.
• Ask someone who knows the culture about your observations. Be sure to ask why people do what they
do.
• Compare how things are both similar and different than in your country. These comparisons may offer
you a new, insightful perspective on your own culture.
Go to events where you can meet new people.
• Speakers, workshops, and “brown-bag” seminars
• Intramural sports
• Student groups
• Conversation sessions in the Office of International Affairs
Be open to starting conversations.
• With other students
• With students and people in the community from your own country who have been in the U.S. for a while.
• UM-D staff and faculty
• Other people you meet out in the community (in restaurants, at church, while you’re shopping)
Read.
• Local newspapers
• Books about American culture and etiquette
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Office of International affairs (780 Town Center Drive, Suite 108)
Office of International Affairs provides assistance in many ways to international students and scholars
who are in the United States to further their academic or scholarly goals.
As an F-1 or J-1 international student/scholar, you must understand the immigration rules and regulations
that affect your stay in the U.S. The international student advisors can help you understand the most
important rules and procedures. The advisors do not work for the USICE. They are employed by the
university to assist you and to serve as designated school officials for the University of Michigan–
Dearborn. This gives them the authority to sign documents such as the I-20 and DS-2019. The advisors
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can provide information through individual appointments, written materials, on the Web site and through
immigration workshops held throughout the year.
The Office of International Affairs can also help with many other issues. If we do not know the answer,
we know where to send you to get the right answer.
Counseling and Support Services (2157 UC)
The Office of Counseling and Support Services is available to help students resolve barriers to the
learning process. In addition, this office serves as a vital link in the University of Michigan–Dearborn
“safety net.” The services provided advance the academic mission of the University by enhancing
personal development, problem solving and communications.
Services provided include:
• Personal counseling
• Training programs
• Consultation services
• Support services
• Outreach programs
• Housing Referral Service
Academic Support and Outreach Services (2170 UC)
The Office of Academic Support and Outreach Services provide tutoring services.
English Language Proficiency Program (237 FCN)
The OIA also provides English instruction through the English Language Proficiency Program (ELPP). The purpose
of the ELPP is to provide quality educational training in the English language and an orientation to the United
States culture for non-native speakers. This program prepares provisionally admitted students with intensive
academic English language support. In addition, the English as a Second Language (ESL) courses may be taken by
current students or members of the community for personal or professional enrichment. The ELPP offers small
classroom learning and provides an awareness of American culture and the diversity found within the surrounding
community through an array of internal and external programs.
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