INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Here is a list of questions frequently asked by international students and some helpful answers.

1. What types of clothing should I bring?

You will want to have clothing for a variety of activities including going to class, playing sports and going to a concert or out to dinner. Recently several international students at DePauw said that they were surprised that most DePauw students are fashionably dressed. The students had been told before coming to America that students here dress very casually. DePauw, like many smaller universities, is an exception to this general rule. However, you should dress as you are accustomed to and how you are most comfortable.

2. In an emergency, how should my parents try to reach me?

While school is in session they should contact you directly at your living unit. You should send your parents your phone number when you move into the dormitory. Lesley Davis, Director of International Education or Prof. Ann Rambo, International Student Advisor at the International Center at (765) 658-4373, or Academic Affairs Office at (765) 658-4359, can be contacted during vacation periods in order to locate you. If there is no answer at these numbers, the university operator, (765) 658-4800 can take the message or locate a university official to help.

3. Should I prepare for courses before the semester begins?

It is not necessary to do any academic preparation for courses before the beginning of the semester. Textbooks for each course will be available at the campus bookstore before the semester begins. To prepare yourself for courses in general, read as much material in English of an academic nature as you can.

4. Where should I ask questions concerning immigration and student visa regulations?

While still in your home country, all questions should be addressed to the American Consulate. When you arrive, at the port of entry, there will be officials who can assist you. At DePauw, the International Student Advisor will handle questions or problems with immigration matters.

5. How do I secure an American driver's license and is it possible to rent or own an automobile while a student?

To obtain an American driver's license you must pass a written examination and a driving skills test. These are administered locally. You can obtain a Driver's Manual that explains all the rules and regulations. You must be 18 years of age. There are no driving schools or instructors available locally. Although you may legally drive in America with an International Driver's License, you must have your own national license as well. You should familiarize yourself with the American rules by reading the Driver's Manual.

You may rent a car if you are 23 years of age or older. You may purchase an automobile if you have a valid foreign or U.S. driver's license. In addition to the cost of the car, you must pay a registration fee ($80-$400) and purchase automobile insurance ($500-$1000). If you decide to buy a car, be sure to take someone with you who has knowledge of cars and of car dealers. Automobile prices and quality can vary greatly from one dealer to another.

If you do drive, and want to borrow an American friend's car, be sure you and the car are protected by the owner's automobile insurance before you drive the car. Auto insurance is vital. So is some valid form of permission to drive. In case of an accident, proof of insurance must be shown.

Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1. Nearly everything is closed.
Martin Luther King’s Birthday – Observed in mid-January. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Valentine’s Day – February 14. People send cards of affection or humor to sweethearts, family and friends.
Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February. In honor of all US Presidents and, in particular, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Easter – A Sunday in March of April. Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
Memorial Day – The Monday nearest May 30th. Graves were originally decorated in memory of dead veterans from all wars; graves of all dead are now remembered.
Independence Day – July 4th. In 1776 the United States declared independence from Britain. There is a parade in town and evening fireworks.
Labor Day – First Monday in September. This day honors the working person.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – September or October. Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement.
Columbus Day – The Monday nearest October 12. In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in the Western Hemisphere.
Halloween – October 31. Children wearing costumes may knock at the door saying “Trick or Treat”. They are asking for candy.
Election Day – First Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Banks, bars and all liquor stores are closed, which is also true for “primaries”, or party elections, in May.
Veterans Day – November 11. Honor is paid to veterans of all wars, and the end of World War I is remembered.
Thanksgiving- Last Thursday in November. In remembering the first US Thanksgiving, a feast of Pilgrim and Indiana friends in 1621, we also indirectly celebrate religious freedom. Visitors in the home are especially welcome at this time.
Christmas – December 25. Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. It is a family time and a season of gift giving. Santa Claus, the US version of St. Nicholas, is patterned after the description in Clement C. Moore’s poem, which begins, “Twas the night before Christmas…” Children expect Santa to leave gifts the night before Christmas while they are sleeping. During the early weeks in December, children may visit a costumed “Santa” in a shopping center to tell him their wishes. The “Holiday Season” usually means the time from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.

Equivalents
Weight
1 Kilogram = 2.2 U.S. pounds = 4 3/8 cups = 1000 grams
454 grams = 1 U.S. pound = 16 ounces = 1 cup
100 grams = 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

Capacity
1 liter = 4 cups + 3½ tablespoons = 1.06 quarts (liquid)
1 cup (liquid) = 2.4 deciliters
1 deciliter = 7 tablespoons
1 cuillere a café ou the (coffee spoon) = 1 teaspoon = 2 grams
1 cuillere a dessert (dessert spoon) = 2 teaspoons
1 cuillere a coupe (soup spoon) = 1 tablespoon

Length
1 meter = 1.0936 yards = 3.3 feet = 39.37 inches
100 centimeters = 1 meter
91.5 centimeters = 1 yard
30.5 centimeters = 1 foot
2.54 centimeters = 1 inch
1 centimeter = .3937 inches (approx 3/8 inch)
1 kilometer = .62137 miles (approx 5/8 mile)
1.6093 Kilometers = 1 mile
1 hectare = 2.47 acres
1.4 hectares = 1 acre

Temperatures (approximate)
0° Celsius = 32° Fahrenheit
5° = 41°
10° =50°
20° =68°
25° =77°
30° =86°