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International F-1 Orientation Spring 2010
Welcome to Bergen Community College, we look forward to meeting you!
Please know that you MUST attend international orientation. It is a MANDATORY orientation taking place on Thursday, January 21st from 9am-5pm. You should be in the country by January 20th at the latest, because if you do not attend orientation, a hold will be placed on your registration record, and you will not be able to register for classes for the fall 2010 semester. Be sure to bring COPIES of all of your immigration documents (I-20, I-94, Visa and Passport) with you to orientation, as we need this for your immigration file. We will also need to know your local address. Please note that a hold will be placed on your registration record, and you will not be able to register for classes for the fall 2010 semester, if you do not bring these photocopies.
The orientation will be a wonderful experience to help you to acclimate and acculturate to life at BCC and to the United States. We will bring you through all of the steps that you must take to be able to register. You will meet fellow international and US American classmates, and it will help you to understand your immigration status as an F-1 international student. The International Orientation Team (I-TEAM) will also be at orientation to welcome you. The I-TEAM is made up of international students, just like you, to help you to feel comfortable, and to help you in any way possible! To see information on some of our I-TEAM members, please go to the Student Testimonials Page!
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Pre-Arrival Information
Medical Documents
Bergen Community College maintains a safe environment and must comply with New Jersey State Law requiring students to have certain immunizations and/or tests. Your student Medical Record, including up-to-date immunization records, physical examination, must be submitted to HS-100 by the end of your first semester. For more information on your required immunizations, please visit HS-100, or refer to the flyer that you will receive in your admission package.
Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance. All health insurance fees are paid with tuition and other fees at the time of registration. It is recommended that International Students also have additional health insurance, as the cost of health insurance in the USA is extremely expensive. For additional International Student Insurance, please visit:
Climate/Weather
The northeastern coast of the United States has a varied climate, warm summers (June, July and August), cold winters (December through Mid-March), pleasant autumns and springs. Snow often falls during the winter and rain comes during any season of the year.
Because our weather changes from season to season, it is important that your wardrobe be sufficient, especially during the winter months. A warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf, umbrella, raincoat, windbreaker and waterproof boots are recommended. Sweatshirts and heavy sweaters are also recommended. During late spring, summer and fall, lightweight coats or jackets are appropriate. In all cases, casual clothing is recommended, as it is comfortable and durable.
Special Request
If you have any native costume from your home country, or special artifacts that you wouldn’t mind traveling with, please bring these items with you. BCC holds different events on campus that celebrate diversity; your items would help us to represent your country/culture!
Getting to Bergen Community College
If you are driving, visit http://www.bergen.edu/pages/1690.asp for directions. For a camps map, visit http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2864.asp.
To arrange for your own transportation to BCC from local airports (Newark Liberty in New Jersey or John F. Kennedy Airport or Laguardia in New York City), you can choose from the following services. The most recently available fares are provided, but verify the current fare when arranging your ride. Note: Car services must be reserved in advance. When calling, be sure to indicate the day, time, airline, flight number and airport at which you will arrive: Newark, JFK (Kennedy), or Laguardia Airports. You will need to provide a credit card number to reserve the taxi at the airport. Upon arrival, you will telephone the taxi/limo service and they will dispatch the taxi to your arrival terminal. Please note that the "1-800" telephone numbers given below are for toll-free calls inside the U.S. Please use the other number listed to call from overseas. These services are not affiliated with Bergen Community College.
Whether taking a taxi or limo, the rider is responsible for paying any road tolls, in addition to the ride fare noted. A gratuity (tip) is also expected. For tolls, add approximately $11 if not specified otherwise; if short-term parking is needed, approximately $7 will be added if necessary; plus gratuities (approximately 15% of the ride fare). All rates and additional costs are subject to change – confirm costs with driver when entering vehicle. We suggest that you arrive in the USA with some USA currency for expenses such as these.
Limousine/Taxi Services:
Air Brook Limousine Service
1-201-843-7272
includes tolls
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A-1 Airport Car Service
1-201-907-5010 or
1-800-262-1077
includes tolls
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Teaneck Taxi
1-201-836-8282 or
1-800-324-2444
includes tolls
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State Shuttle Service
1-973-729-0030 or
1-800-427-3207
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Bus and train information can be found at the following websites:
Banking
During the first month of classes, banking services will be available for all students through a Resource Fair at BCC. You will have the opportunity to open an account, apply for a credit card and obtain checks. You will find out more about this resource fair as a part of International Orientation.
Entertainment
To find out what is happening on campus check the Office of Student Life in A-115 and the Student Life calendar (Office is located in the Pitkin Education Building). Check out the flyers posted on bulletin boards around campus, and the campus newspaper, The Torch is also a good source of information for campus happenings.
For entertainment off campus in New Jersey or New York, check the local New Jersey or New York newspapers. The Friday edition and the Sunday Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times gives a listing of events.
The university is not able to provide temporary or residence housing to students or family members. However, there are many hotels near campus for a temporary place to stay, and resources to find a place to live.
Off campus housing information
Student life
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© 2009 Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, 201-447-7100 |
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