Your Arrival
On the plane, before you arrive in the U.S., the flight attendant will give you a Customs Declaration and Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94). It’s a good idea to complete this form during your flight so that, if you have any questions, the flight attendant will be able to help you.
Remember: Make sure you have the address of your host family with you. You will need to provide the address on your I-94.
After you get off the plane, you will pass through several check points and will be asked to show both your I-94 form and your passport. If you’re traveling on to another airport, you might need to show your ticket as well. Clearly and respectfully answer any questions that you are asked. You may be asked some general questions about your visit. For example, you might be asked the reason for your visit and how long you will stay.
If you checked any bags, you will need to collect them in the baggage claim area. Look for your flight number on the display boards to see which carousel your luggage will arrive on. Once you have your bags, you are ready to go!
But wait, will anyone be there to pick you up? Yes, either your host family or Community Coordinator will be waiting to pick you up. Once you have finished your introductions and loaded up your bags, you will be off to your new home.
When you arrive, your family will no doubt show you around the house and help you to get comfortable with your new surroundings. Depending on how tired you are, you may want to spend some time getting to know them right away or you may just want a nap! If you are very tired, let your host family know that you are excited to spend time with them and get to know them better but you have traveled a long way and you are exhausted. They will understand and you will have plenty of time to spend with them over the next couple of weeks before you start school and during the rest of your program.
If you didn’t meet your coordinator at the airport, you will meet them sometime within the first two weeks of your time in the U.S. They will hold an orientation for you and your host family to help you get off to a good start. Before the orientation is over, make sure that you have the correct contact information for your coordinator. They will be available to help and support you during your time in the U.S.
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