Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
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Here you will find a list of forms that will be required of you during your year in the U.S. There may be additional
forms requested of you via email that are not on this list.
BSMP FORMS
The forms listed below all pertain to the regular academic year. For Intensive English Program information
regarding forms, please see the section below called BSMP Intensive English Forms.
Program Forms
The forms below can all be found at the following link on the IIE website: http://www.iie.org/Programs/BrazilScientific-Mobility/Current-Students/Materials. Noted next to them are the email addresses to which the
completed forms should be sent.
Initial Travel Itinerary FormBSWB_Spring@iie.org or BSWB_Fall@iie.org
Health Insurance Confirmation FormBSWBinsurance@iie.org
Report of Arrival FormBSWB_Spring@iie.org or BSWB_Fall@iie.org
Change of Address FormBSWBimmigration@iie.org
Student Report InitialBSWBreports@iie.org
BSMP Funds Deposit Authorization Agreement FormBSWBpayment@iie.org
Blank W-9 FormBSWBpayment@iie.org
Student Report Mid-ProgramBSWBreports@iie.org
Travel Validation FormBSWBimmigration@iie.org
Final Departure Report FormBSWBImmigration@iie.org
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METRIC CONVERSIONS
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Cities are served by both public and private bus systems (some of the larger ones have subways, as well). Buses frequently
require exact change unless the passenger holds a monthly or weekly pass purchased earlier, while subways are entered
with tickets or tokens that can be purchased at the time of travel. It is convenient to purchase a supply to avoid waiting in
line each time you travel. There is less need for a private car in these areas unless you intend to travel outside the city
with some frequency. Indeed, they can often be more trouble than they are worth, given the scarcity of parking spaces in
urban environments.
AUTOMOBILES
Drivers License
Only tourists may use the drivers licenses of their own country for up to one year; international students are expected to
apply for a license in the state in which they reside. You may not be issued automobile insurance if you do not have a
valid United States drivers license.
To obtain a license, visit the local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you have a valid license from home, the
driving test required of new drivers will probably be waived, but you will be asked to take a written test proving you
understand the road rules of the U.S. The DMV will give you a book outlining these rules.
Car Rental
There are many car rental agencies all over the country, and they can be found at all major airports. Cars can be rented by
the day, week, month, or year; usually the fee is based on the duration of the rental and, in some cases, a mileage charge.
Gasoline is sometimes included in the fee; sometimes it costs extra. You must present the agency with a valid drivers license.
Most agencies demand a credit card before they will rent a vehicle; those that accept cash usually ask for a substantial
deposit and return any excess when the final bill is settled.
Many car rental agencies require the purchase of insurance, and it is not uncommon for the rental to be refused or
heavily surcharged for drivers younger than 25.
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should be aware that pedestrians always have the right of way. You should also note that making a right turn against a
red light may be illegal in some urban areas.
LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL
The United States is covered with a network of air routes, and service is frequent to most destinations. Because distances are great,
and because of the value placed on time, Americans frequently choose air travel, despite its relatively high cost. You can
easily obtain information on flights and costs by telephone or on the Internet and even reserve a seat that can be paid for
when you arrive at the airport to board your flight. Most planes have both first-class and coach- or economy-seating areas.
Special low-cost fares, known as super savers, are sometimes offered, although they may carry some restrictions as to
the length of stay and the days of travel. The lowest fares usually must be purchased at least 7 to 21 days in advance and
require that you stay over a Saturday night. Bus transportation from the airport to the city center is usually available and
less expensive than taxis.
Many suburban areas are served by commuter rail lines that reach 50 to 60 miles outside major cities. The use of trains for
more extensive trips had declined until a decade or so ago, but the railroad is making a comeback to some extent. The
passenger service is provided by AMTRAK, which runs trains across the country but to a limited number of cities. A few of the
trains travel through particularly impressive scenery and are popular with tourists. Most trains offer two classes of service,
first class and coach, and some provide sleeping accommodations. AMTRAK also offers a Euro rail-style pass especially for
international travelers. A 15- or 30-day USA Rail Pass is available for regional or nationwide travel. This pass is only available for non
-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens. Rates are higher for summertime travel. USA Rail Passes may be purchased at any
AMTRAK station. Be sure to bring your passport with you when you reserve the tickets. The AMTRAK telephone
number is 1-800-872-7245 and their website address is www.amtrak.com.
The least expensive mode of transportation is the bus, and those that provide long-distance service can be remarkably
comfortable - with reclining seats, air conditioning, and rest rooms. Greyhound is the largest bus passenger service
provider in the U.S. (www.greyhound.com).
Airlines, train, and bus companies sell passes that permit extensive travel within a given time period well below the
usual cost and permit those with limited funds to see a good deal of the country. The companies themselves (see the
telephone directory) or travel agents can tell you current prices and conditions, but some of these passes must be
purchased before you leave home.
If you find yourself in an airport with any kind of problem, you should seek a representative of the Travelers Aid Society.
This organization has desks in airports (and some railroad stations and bus terminals) across the country, operated by
staff ready to assist with emergencies of all kinds, including illness, lost tickets, lack of funds, and language problems.
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BRAZIL
SCIENTIFIC
MOBILITY
PROGRAM
IIE New York City | 809 United Nations Plaza | New York, New York 10017