Welcome to Sonoma State American Language Institute!
Dear Student,
Welcome to the Sonoma State American Language Institute (SSALI)! It is my pleasure to write an introduction to our Orientation Handbook. The purpose of this handbook is to help you become familiar with the SSALI program. Please take some time to read the information presented here. You will learn a lot about the SSALI program, including our academic expectations, living in the US, immigration information, and much more. Having a good understanding of the program and its policies will contribute to your overall success at SSALI.
SSALI provides international students with a strong academic program in a supportive, family-like environment. In order to have a successful learning experience, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities that will be presented to you. You will have the opportunity to study using a curriculum based on intensive language learning, which will allow you to improve your communication, reading, writing, and grammar skills for academic, professional, and social situations. You will also have many chances to speak English in a comfortable, non-threatening environment and with native speakers. You will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to achieve all of your English language goals.
Thank you for becoming part of the SSALI family. I hope you have a wonderful and enriching learning experience with us!
Berta Hodges
Director, Sonoma State American Language Institute
Sonoma State University
FIRST STEPS
Þ Before you arrive
· Obtain your I-20 and pay your SEVIS feehttp://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/
· Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for F-1 visa.
· Email Debra when you receive your visa. Let her know if you are coming to SSALI. You must let her know if you want a host family.
· Email Debra when you make your plane reservation. Let her know if you want an airport pickup.
· If you want an airport pick-up, contact Debra.
· If you will live with a host family, email them, introduce yourself and let them know when you will arrive at their home.
Þ After you arrive
Come to the SSALI office to pay your tuition and fees.
REGISTRATION AND TUITION INFORMATION
Spring and Fall Tuition $ 4000.00
Student Health Center $ 165.00
Homestay Placement (ISP) $ 200.00
Student ID $ 5.00
Late Registration Fee $ 50.00
Late Advising Fee $ 50.00
Late Testing Fee $ 75.00
Open University $ 280.00/unit
TB test $ 55.00
Discounts
California resident: 25%
Third semester enrollment full time 10%
VISA AND IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
Þ Passport
Don’t let your passport expire. We recommend keeping passports valid for a minimum period of 6 months into the future.
Þ Change of Address
Please notify Debra immediately of your U.S. address. ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) requires that SSALI has the current address of each student.
Þ Re-Entry to the U.S.
If you want to temporarily leave the U.S. and return to SSALI to continue your studies, you must request a re-entry signature on the back of your 1-20 before you leave. See Debra or Berta.
Þ Program Extension
If you want to study beyond the date of completion listed in item #5 on your I-20, you must apply for a program extension. Please see Debra at least one month before the end date on your
I-20.
HEALTH INSURANCE/MEDICAL INSURANCE
Þ Health Insurance
Foreign students are required to have full coverage health insurance to cover major medical expenses. Medical care and hospitalization in the U.S. can be very expensive, but SSALI offers an excellent and affordable plan at the time of registration.
Þ On campus – Student Health Center
For some medical problems, you can go to the campus Health Center to receive free or low cost care. In fact, whenever possible, go to the SSU Health Center first for any medical problem! The doctors there will advise you and give referrals if necessary.
Þ Immunizations and health records
All SSALI F-1 students are also required to take a TB blood test upon arrival at a cost of $55 and provide proof of MMR and Hepatitis B vaccinations upon arrival to SSALI.
LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES
There are many fun and interesting things to do in your free time. In the SSALI office there are binders with information on transportation and things to do in Sonoma County. Here are a few suggestions:
Þ What can I do at SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY?
· Exercise - SSALI students can use the swimming pool, the fitness center (exercise and nutrition classes, exercise equipment) and the recreation center (pool tables, rock-climbing wall) www.sonoma.edu/campus.rec
· SSU Film Institute and Special Lecture series
· Festivals and concerts at noon on SSU campus
· Concerts and theater events
· JUMP (Volunteer organization) www.sonoma.edu/as/JUMP
· Enjoy a concert at the world-class Green Music Center (gmc.sonoma.edu)
Þ What can I do in ROHNERT PARK and SANTA ROSA?
· Performing Arts Center (R.P.) - theatrical productions, concerts
· Golf (R.P.) - driving range and golf courses
· Bowling - Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa
· Shopping (S.R.) - 3 major malls: Downtown Plaza, Coddingtown, and Montgomery Village
· Wednesday Night Market (S.R.) - shopping, food, music, May to October
· Dance clubs in Cotati (next to Rohnert Park) and Santa Rosa
Þ What can I do in SONOMA COUNTY?
· Wineries - tours and tasting
· Bodega Bay - beach, restaurants
· Russian River - fishing, boating, swimming, hiking in redwood forests
· Lake Sonoma - hiking, picnicking, camping, boating
· Hot air balloons, hang gliding, hot springs
· Charles Schulz museum
· Ice skating
· Hiking and biking
· Petaluma outlet mall
HOUSING OPTIONS - HOME STAY PROGRAM
International Student Placement (ISP) offers students the unique opportunity to live with a local family.
Living with a family
o Be part of the family by participating in family activities.
o Follow the rules of the family.
o If you are not going to be home for meals, call your host parents and tell them.
o Many American families have pets that are part of the family. Tell SSALI if you are allergic to animals before you are assigned a host family.
o Water – California is experiencing a very serious shortage of water. You must take short showers (no more than 5-7 minutes). Do not waste water. Only do your laundry when it is necessary.
o Give a 2-week notice if you want to move.
Food
o Your host family provides breakfast and dinner on weekdays and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
o Breakfast usually includes cereal, milk, toast, and coffee or tea.
o American families are very busy. You may be expected to make some of your own meals, especially breakfast or lunch.
o Communicate with your host family if you don’t like the food or if there are certain foods you don’t eat or don’t want to eat.
o Go to the store with your host family and pick out some of your favorite foods.
o Help your host family make meals.
Money
o Pay your host family on time!!
What is a homestay? What can you expect?
What a Homestay ISN’T / What you CAN doTaxi service / Ride your bike, walk, take the bus.
Families who are only white, native English speakers / Americans are immigrants. They come from many different countries, cultures and languages.
A restaurant where you order what you want for each meal / If you are allergic to a certain food or don’t like a certain food, discuss it with your host family.
Hotel / Notify your host family if you will not be home for dinner, if you are leaving for the weekend, or if you want to have guests.
Þ Before you arrive in the United States
· When you get your visa and have an airline reservation, you must notify ISP so that a host family can be assigned.
· Communicate with your host family – introduce yourself by email. Tell them when you will arrive.
Þ Homestay Options
· Room and Board – (16 meals/week) $875.00
· Room only - $700.00
· The student pays these fees directly to the host family.
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
The SSALI office does not provide assistance in obtaining on-campus or off-campus housing. However, if you wish to have this type of housing, please visit these websites:
Þ Dormitory rooms on campus - Usually dormitory rooms are not available to SSALI students. However, if you wish to live in a dorm and apply to the waiting list for dorm rooms, review this website: www.sonoma.edu/housing
Þ Apartments and Roommates - For off-campus housing, you can find listings and roommates at: www.ssu.och101.com
ORIENTATION
The one-semester Orientation class is mandatory for all new students. In this class you will learn about:
· Health insurance and the health center
· The SSALI program
· Academic Standards and SSALI policies
· The SSU campus
· Things to do around SSU
· Culture shock
· Homestays
· Conversation partners
· Shopping and eating
· Bike and traffic rules and safety
· Visa and immigration issues
BANKING AND FINANCE
When you arrive you should find a bank and make sure you have a credit/debit card and an ATM card. It is not a good idea to carry around a large amount of cash.
There are many banks in Rohnert Park. Here are some suggestions:
Bank of America / Chase Bank / Exchange Bank / Wells Fargo6545 Hunter Drive / 201 Rohnert Park Expwy / 6290 Commerce Blvd / 5 Padre Parkway
588-2950 / 588-0200 / 584-7300 / 588-5580
TRANSPORTATION
Þ Bicycles
Inexpensive ($85 - $125) / More ExpensiveTarget (475 Rohnert Park Expressway West) / Breakaway Bikes (1451 Southwest Blvd)
Wal-Mart (4625 Redwood Drive) / The Hub Cyclery (7885 Old Redwood Hwy)
It is a good idea to get your bicycle registered. You can do this for free at Police and Parking Services.
Bike Repair: There is a bicycle repair shop on the SSU campus in the recreation center.
Safety: It is not legal to ride your bicycle AGAINST traffic!! You must ALWAYS ride your bicycle in the SAME DIRECTION as the cars! You should always wear a bicycle helmet. Remember to LOCK YOUR BIKE. Buy a U-lock and connect it to the frame of your bicycle.
Þ Buses
There are several websites where you can find information about bus schedules and about bus routes. Come to the SSALI office for bus schedules and we will help you.
www.511.org – use this to find any bus route.
www.sctransit.com – use this website is for Sonoma county Transit.
www.goldengatetransit.org – use this website for travel to San Francisco.
Þ Automobiles
How can I get a driver's license?
If you plan to buy or rent a car you must have a California driver’s license. An international driver’s license is valid for 30 days only. Be sure to carry your driver’s license from your country and your passport at all times until you have your California driver’s license.
The driver's manual is available at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in several different languages. For the DMV in Santa Rosa, call 542-2424. In Petaluma call 763-9883. www.dmv.ca.gov
Call and make an appointment to take a written test. Be sure to study the manual before you take the test. You will need to pay a fee. You may take the test in a language other than English, but you must be able to understand road signs in English. When you take the test, be sure to bring your passport.
The written test will have 46 questions. You need to answer 39 correctly to pass the test. If you pass, you will be given a "Driver's Permit." This permit allows you to practice driving only when there is a licensed driver over the age of 25 with you.
After you have practiced driving and feel confident, make an appointment to take your driving test. If you pass, you will get a temporary license. Your permanent license should arrive by mail 3 weeks later.
How can I buy a car?
You may want to buy a "used" car. Used cars can be found: 1) on the Internet (Craigslist is a good site: www.craigslist.org) , 2) in advertisements on SSU or SSALI bulletin boards, 3) in "Used Car Lots" (located along Santa Rosa Avenue and at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds), 4) at new car dealerships on Corby Avenue, and 5) from ads in The Press Democrat.
When you look at a used car, be sure to:
· Take someone with you who speaks English very well.
· Take someone who knows about car mechanics.
You may want to ask:
· What is the mileage?
· Has the engine been rebuilt or replaced?
· Are the brakes good? The tires? The transmission?
· Is there a warranty?
You will also need to fill out change of ownership and registration papers. Be sure to talk to the person who sells you the car about this.
Law requires that all car owners buy insurance. Look in the telephone book YELLOW PAGES under INSURANCE. Call at least three companies to find the best and most affordable policy for you.
PARKING
How do I park my car on campus?
Students must have a parking pass to park your car on the SSU campus.
Students can purchase a semester-long pass from Customer Service in Salazar Hall, or a daily pass from the machines located near most parking lots.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
Social security numbers are not regularly issued to SSALI students.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARD
When students register for classes at SSALI, They will be given an SSU ID number. Students must have a picture ID to get their SSU ID card
Students need this card to use
· the SSU library/computer labs
· the recreation center
· the Student Health Center
SSALI ACADEMIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
Below are the responsibilities of a SSALI student. It is our sincere wish that the time studying at SSALI will help students to attain their personal and academic goals.
Placement Policy