International Affairs @Penn

International Student & Scholar Services

International Programs

Important Information
for New International Scholars

Entry Into the United States

When you arrive at a port of entry in the US, you will be required to present your form DS-2019 and your passport to the immigration officer. The officer will stamp the form and return the pink copy to you. The immigration officer will also issue a completed I-94 Arrival-Departure Record. The I-94 card is an extremely important document. It indicates your visa type and the date when your permission to remain in the US expires and must be kept in your passport. The notation "D/S" (duration of status) is normally stamped on the I-94 card by the immigration officer. Certain J-1 scholars are subject to the two-year home country residence requirement, which is explained on the back of the pink copy of your DS-2019 form. You should be familiar with this requirement. Any questions you might have should be addressed to the US Consulate or to this office.

While in the US on a J-1 visa from the University of Pennsylvania, you may only perform the employment specified on your DS-2019 form. There are certain minor exceptions, such as a lecture given at another another institution, but you must first receive permission from ISSS before accepting such an offer. Persons holding J-1 status may may not change categories, i.e. from a "research scholar" to a "student." If your DS-2019 does not arrive in time for you to obtain a J-1 visa before your departure, do not enter the US on a B-2 tourist visa as you cannot receive a salary, honorarium or compensation of any kind in this status.

Arrival In Philadelphia

All new scholars from abroad are strongly urged to arrange their travel schedule so they can arrive at least one week before their appointment date in order to find suitable housing, become acquainted with the campus, the surrounding area, and the language. Please do not plan to arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, if possible, as most city and University facilities, including ISSS, are closed. Also, Monday, September 3, is Labor Day, a national holiday; and most University offices, government agencies, and many businesses will be closed.

The easiest way to travel to Philadelphia is by plane. When making your reservation, try to fly directly or find a connecting flight to the Philadelphia International Airport.

Travel from Philadelphia International Airport to the University

The easiest way to travel from the airport to the University is by taxi ($25 plus 15% tip). There are also various private shuttle services, including Deluxe, Lady Liberty, and Supper Shuttle, which will take you from the airport to the University City or Center City areas for about $10. Advance reservations for these shuttle services are not required. After you pick up your luggage at the luggage claim area in the terminal, go to the ground transportation desk and ask for assistance or contact these companies directly by calling their numbers. The shuttle service operator will tell you when and where to meet the van. In addition, there is train service from the airport to 30th Street Station, which is near the University of Pennsylvania. The R-1 Airport train costs approximately $5 one way. From 30th Street Station, you can take a taxi to your destination.

Travel from New York's JFK International Airport and LaGuardia Airport or New Jersey's Newark Airport to the University

Unless you are familiar with New York City or Newark, or have friends there that can assist you, it is not advisable to travel into these cities to get the bus or train to Philadelphia. This is often more expensive and can be very confusing. As at the Philadelphia Airport, there are private shuttle companies that provide door-to-door transportation from the above airports to Philadelphia. Be sure to check the cost and the destination before you use this method of transportation. We know of one shuttle service that has daily service from JFK or Newark to Philadelphia: Dave's Van. When you exit the US Customs at the airport, go to the ground transportation desk and ask for assistance, or contact the the company by calling their free number, 1-800-255-2378. The shuttle service operator will tell you if a space is available and when and where to meet the van. While waiting for the van, you may meet individuals who offer to drive you to Philadelphia. Do not take their offers. Always make certain that your transportation is arranged with a reputable company.

Traveling In the United States

Helpful Advice

If you have any problem with traveling in the US, ask people of authority for advice. In the airports and bus stations of large cities, the Traveler's Aid Society can provide some assistance.

Personal Safety While Traveling in the US

When you arrive in any US city, you must take precautions so that you will not become the victim of crime. Common crimes, such as robbery or assault, are unfortunate aspects of today's society. While certain situations cannot be prevented, no matter what precautions are taken, there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of crime:

  • Do not carry or display large amounts of money or jewelry. Always carry traveler's checks, redeemable for cash at most banks and stores, or use major credit cards, such as VISA, Mastercard, and American Express.
  • Be careful with your personal belongings. Always keep money, jewelry, and valuable documents safely secured. Do not leave them in your luggage, in a "storage locker," or in a locked car.
  • Do not go out alone at night. If you must go out alone at night, take a taxi to and from your destination.
  • If approached by someone demanding to take your money, do not resist. Turn over your money, then notify the police as soon as possible.
  • Be careful when accepting help from strangers; they may not be trustworthy. Ask a police officer or other person in authority for information.
  • Beware of "con artists" - these are individuals who offer you money or the opportunity to make money in exchange for some small service or assistance from you. Never, under any circumstance, give money to such a person. You will end up losing your money. If you have trouble, notify the police immediately.

When you arrive on campus, ISSS will provide you with additional information about safety precautions and Penn's safety resources.

Mailing and Shipping

When you move to your permanent address, notify the post office immediately so your mail can be delivered directly to you. ISSS should also be notified of address changes. ISSS cannot accept packages. You must make other arrangements for shipping your personal belongings.

Personal and household effects should be mailed whenever possible, rather than shipped. Benefits to be gained in mailing are ease of clearing through customs (often without even appearing in person at the post office), and saving on shipping charges. Used personal and household effects may be subject to duty. If you do ship anything by sea or air freight, try to have your things shipped all the way to the port of Philadelphia, as shipping things to other ports will necessitate additional brokerage and forwarding charges.

Temporary Housing

You must make a reservation for temporary accommodations for your first few days at Penn. Accommodations are in demand at this time of the year, so reserve early. If you have not made arrangements for temporary housing before your arrival, you may be able to find accommodations at one of the following places. Special rates are sometimes available specifically for University affiliates - you must tell the staff that you are newly arrived at Penn in order to get them. Rates are subject to change. Please confirm your rate when making your reservation.

International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Telephone: 215-387-5125
Children cannot be accommodated.

Sheraton Hotel
36th and Chestnut Streets
Telephone: 215-387-8000

Penn Tower Hotel
34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard
Telephone: 215-387-8333

The Inn at Penn
3600 Sansom Street
Telephone: 1-800-222-8733
Fax: 215-222-4600

The Inn at Penn is a luxuriously appointed, full service hotel located at Sansom Common in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's bustling campus.

Permanent Housing

Some scholars choose to live in University residences (on-campus); others choose to live in the neighborhoods that surround the campus (off-campus). There are a variety of factors to be considered when making this choice: proximity to campus, costs, security, personal and family lifestyles, and transportation. Housing on or near the Penn campus is always in great demand and can be difficult to obtain. University housing is limited and not always available. If you decide to live in University housing you must make an application well in advance of your arrival. You cannot be assured a place unless you have been notified in writing by the Assignments Office.

On-Campus Housing

Penn's Housing and Conference Services offers furnished, short-term and extended-stay accommodations at the heart of campus. Visiting scholars may rent apartments from approximately $150 to $400 per week. Larger guest suites are also available. Utilities are provided and included in the rent. You will need to provide your own linens, lamps, kitchen utensils and appliances if you live in an apartment. Laundry facilities are available in each building. Telephone service is not included. You must make arrangements to have a phone installed. You will find more information about on-campus housing at Destination Penn - Conference Services.

Off-Campus Housing

Throughout the city of Philadelphia and its suburbs, housing varies greatly in price, convenience, security, quality, and location. The University's Office of Off-Campus Living, located at 4046 Walnut Street, can help you identify suitable housing. Each week, this office compiles computerized listings of available rental units categorized by size and location. Copies of these listings can be mailed or faxed to you.

For further details contact:

Office of Off-Campus Living
Telephone: 215-898-8500
Fax: 215-573-2173
Email: farcas@pobox.upenn.edu

or write to them at:

Office of Off-Campus Living
4046 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6177, USA

Remember that it can take several days or longer to find housing. In the meantime, you will need temporary accommodations. You must arrange for this before you arrive in the US.

Listed below are examples of typical accommodations and the range of rental costs per month:

  • Efficiency apartments: $275-$825 per month
  • One-bedroom apartments: $325-$1,400 per month
  • Two-bedroom apartments: $435-$1,700 per month
  • Houses: $1,000-$2,000 or more, per month

Single rooms are usually furnished. Efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments generally include kitchen facilities, but most often are not furnished. Houses, unless rented from a faculty member on sabbatical, are usually unfurnished. Plan to pay $500 or more to furnish a small apartment. You need to pay 3 months of rent (security deposit, and first and last month's rent) before you can move into the apartment.

International House

Permanent housing is also available at International House of Philadelphia. Located within easy access of the University, International House is an independent, non-university facility which serves as a residence and programming center for the international community in Philadelphia. It provides an atmosphere in which friendship and understanding between people from many countries can be developed.

Single rooms and a few apartments are available. Rental rates start at about $505/month for a single room without a kitchen; apartments are about $895 per month. Children cannot be accommodated.

For further details contact:

International House
Telephone: 215-387-5125
Fax: 215-895-6536
Email: housing@ihousephilly.org

or write to them at:

Admissions Office
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Leases and Contracts

Most housing is rented on a contract or lease basis; that is, you agree to live in the unit for a stated period of time - most often 12 months. (You must also sign a lease if you live in University housing.) This means that you are legally responsible for all rent payments for that period whether or not you live there, unless some alternative arrangement is made with the landlord. It is occasionally possible to sublet, which means that the person renting the room or apartment in turn rents the unit to another person. Such an arrangement must be carefully investigated before agreeing to it either as a renter or subletter. A deposit and the first month's rent is almost always required when the lease is signed. The deposit is equivalent to one or two month's rent. This amount will be returned by the landlord in whole or in part when the contract is terminated. Damages, cleaning and/or repair charges will be deducted.

Before signing a lease, read it carefully and understand all of your obligations. If you have questions about the lease, check with the Office of Off-Campus Housing before you sign it. Obtain a signed copy for your own records. Do not rely on a verbal agreement. Make sure you have everything in writing. Be sure you understand fully what the lease says before you sign it. Once you have signed it, you are responsible for all of its terms.

Spouses and Children

Employment Opportunities for Spouses

Dependents of a J-1 visa holder have J-2 status. J-2 spouses and children are permitted to seek employment if their income will not be used to support the J-1 visa holder. J-2 visa holders can apply to USCIS for permission to work once they have arrived in the United States. ISSS can provide you with information on how to apply for work permission. Please note that working without permission will jeopardize your stay in the United States. J-2 visa holders are subject to social security taxes, federal income taxes, and where applicable, state and local income taxes. All J-2 visa holders are eligible to do volunteer work. Contact the Civic House at 3914 Locust Walk for various volunteer opportunities.

Schools for Children

There are two types of schools in the Philadelphia area: public and private. Public schools are free. Children usually are assigned to the school that serves the neighborhood where they live. Some parents choose to live in a certain neighborhood because of the reputation of its public school.

The three levels of education for children in the US are:

  • elementary school (ages 5-10)
  • middle school or junior high (ages 11-13)
  • high school (ages 14-18)

You may contact the School District of Philadelphia at 215-299-7000.

Some of the private schools in Philadelphia are sectarian. Two systems predominate:

  • The Catholic school system is the largest and has dozens of schools at every educational level. The tuition is moderate, about $2,000 per year.
  • The Society of Friends (Quakers) has a number of schools, again at all levels. Tuition is high, at $7,000-$10,000 per academic year.

In addition, there are other sectarian and nonsectarian private schools located throughout the city. To access a listing of private schools on the Internet, visit http://privateschool.about.com/

Remember to bring your children's vaccination and medical records, birth certificates, and school records. You will have to present these documents before your child can enter school or day care.

Day Care Services

In the United States it is common for both parents in a family to work outside the home and enroll their preschool children in day care centers, or arrange for a baby-sitter to look after them at home. There are several day care centers in the University area that look after preschool-aged children during the day. If you are looking for a good child care center, make sure that it is licensed by the state, has a low staff/child ratio, and provides an environment that encourages learning and personal development. The cost for full-time day care (usually 8:00 am until 5:00 or 6:00 pm) varies from $150 to $250 per week. Information about day care programs in the University area is available through the following resources:

Penn Children's Center
Telephone: 215-898-5268

Philadelphia Child Care Resources
Telephone: 888-461-5437

Health Care and Insurance

The cost of health care in the United States is very high and there is no national health plan. As a nonresident in the United States you are not eligible for financial assistance from the US government or from the University to pay for medical bills. Therefore, it is required that you (and any family members accompanying you) be properly insured for health care at all times. The J-1 Exchange Visitor regulations and the policies of the University of Pennsylvania require that you and your family members have adequate health insurance coverage. You should first purchase travel insurance prior to your departure that will cover any medical expenses you may incur in route or in the early days of your stay in the US. Then, if you will hold a salaried appointment at the University, please contact your academic department to determine what arrangements, if any, have been made for your health insurance. If you will not receive a salary from the University of Pennsylvania, ISSS has information on medical insurance provided by companies that specialize in protecting international visitors on educational exchange programs. ISSS cannot advise you about health insurance policies, but can provide you with brochures and contact information. If you purchase an insurance policy in your home country to cover you in the US, or if you are sponsored by an organization that is providing your health insurance, be certain the coverage meets the minimum requirements as described below. Bring documents describing the coverage and the claims procedures.

If you will be a J-1 Exchange visitor, US government regulations require that health insurance for you and your accompanying dependents include:

  • medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
  • repatriation of remains (in the event of death) in the amount of $7,500
  • medical evacuation (to your home country) in the amount of $10,000
  • a deductible or copayment (expenses that you pay yourself per incident or medical visit) of no more that 25%

All University employee health insurance policies and all policies available through ISSS meet or exceed these requirements. Please note that if you willfully fail to comply with these insurance requirements, government regulations require termination of your Exchange Visitor's Program.

The costs of medical insurance ranges from $170 to $250 per month for an accompanying spouse, and from $60 to $80 per month for each accompanying child. Dental care is generally not included in a medical insurance plan, nor are prescriptions, eye examinations or eyeglasses. You may wish to have these things taken care of before leaving your home country.

Please contact the following health insurance companies if you would like more information:

The Harbour Group
International Student and Scholar Medical Insurance
Telephone: 800-252-8160

HTH Students
Medical insurance designed for International Students and Scholars
Telephone: 800-767-0169
Email: info@hthworldwide.com

Money Matters

Money Exchange

Before leaving home, visit a bank in your country to learn the requirements for exchanging money and the value of your own currency in the United States. Know how much United States currency is worth in your own money before entering the country.

The basic unit of currency in the United States is the dollar, and is represented by the "$" symbol. Paper money is green and is referred to as a bill, or bills. The following are common denominations: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

Coins are worth less than a dollar and their value is described in "cents," which are equivalent to 1/100th of a dollar. Coins used in the United States are the penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), and half dollar (50 cents). There is also a dollar coin, but it is used much less often than its paper equivalent. Together, bills and coins are often referred to as "cash."

After arriving in the United States obtain several US coins and bills for tipping, telephone calls and miscellaneous expenses. There will be a bank for this purpose at most major airports. Be aware that many businesses will not accept credit cards for very small purchases, and that others, such as taxi cabs or small vendors, may not have the facilities to process credit card purchases at all. Such businesses may require cash for all purchases.

Currency Restrictions and Transfer of Funds to the United States

Before finalizing your plans to arrive in the US, please become familiar with your government's regulations regarding currency restrictions and the transfer of funds. Some governments restrict the amount of money that can be taken out of the country. Others may restrict funds until a letter confirming enrollment has been received from the admitting institution in the US. Also find out what letters, if any, are required from the University in order to authorize the transfer of funds.

United States Banking Services

United States banking connections should be established before you leave home. To transfer money to the US, you can instruct your home bank to issue a foreign draft on a US bank in Philadelphia. This is preferable to presenting a draft on a New York City bank. Clearance on a draft between banks in different parts of the US can result in a delay of up to three weeks in making funds available. Since there are expenses which must be met immediately upon arrival, you may want to avoid unnecessary delays. A few US banks have branches in foreign countries. These could be used if the US bank is located within the vicinity of Philadelphia. If not, all large US banks have what are called "correspondent" foreign banks with which they have established financial connections. In most countries you can find a local bank that has correspondent relations with a US bank in the Philadelphia area. A transfer of money from one correspondent bank to another requires obtaining a draft from the home bank and presenting it, with personal identification, to the US bank. The US bank will then give credit in US dollars. You may also request that your bank at home "wire" money to you once you have opened an account at a Philadelphia bank. Below is a list of Philadelphia banks that are close to campus and accept the transfer of funds from overseas:

Commerce Bank
119 South 38th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
215-387-1000

Mellon Bank East/PSFS
135 South 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
215-387-1900

PNC Bank
3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
215-387-5120

Sovereign Bank
3131 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
215-382-8005

United States Tax Obligations

Tax regulations for international visitors are quite complex and can be confusing. Generally, any person earning money in the US must pay some taxes. The taxes are usually taken out of the person's salary and include US federal income tax, social security tax (FICA), Pennsylvania state income tax and Philadelphia city wage tax. J-1 visa holders are not required to pay social security taxes for the first two years in which they are in the US; also some J-1 and H-1B visa holders may benefit from a treaty between their government and the US government which will reduce their federal income taxes. H-1B visa holders do pay social security and most other taxes. You will be required to submit an income tax statement to the Internal Revenue Service each year by the deadline of April 15th.

For more information on taxes visit Tax Information for International Students & Scholars

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, like most major metropolitan areas, has a cost of living that is high compared to other parts of the United States. In addition to housing costs, you must budget for food, transportation, medical insurance and other essential expenses. A single person will need a minimum of $1300 per month to cover the most essential of expenses. If you plan on having a car, please know that automobile insurance rates can be very high for international visitors, between $2,500 and $4,000 per year.

Here are some other costs that are often overlooked:

  • Overnight lodging upon arrival. Hotel charges in big cities are very high: anywhere from $90-$150 a night.
  • Tips on taxi fares and restaurant meals. Add 15% to the bill.
  • Winter clothing. If you do not have warm winter clothing, including a heavy coat and boots, you may need to spend between $300-$500 for such items.
  • Personal and household items. Even if you rent a furnished apartment, you will have to provide linens, towels, kitchen utensils, and other basic items.
  • Security deposit when renting an apartment off campus. You may have to pay three month's rent before moving into the apartment.
  • Health Insurance. There is no national health care plan in the United States and the cost of such care is extremely high - as much as $3,000 per day in some hospitals. Therefore, it is very important that you purchase a health insurance policy. Plan to spend $100 to $250 per person per month for such coverage. In addition to providing medical insurance for yourself, your family members must also have adequate medical coverage.
  • Deductions from your salary for federal, state and city taxes. If your salary is $20,000 you can expect to pay about $4,000 in taxes if you are not a beneficiary of a tax treaty. Your net take home pay would be about $1,350 per month.
  • State and local sales taxes added to the price of many items or services. These vary from state to state and range from 1% to 8%. Philadelphia sales tax is 7%.

Customs and Culture

Customs and culture in the United States may be very different from those to which you are accustomed. Prepare yourself for these differences by securing information at the nearest United States Embassy or Information Service Center, or, better still, by talking with persons in your home country who have visited the University or the United States before. There are over 120 countries represented in the student and scholar population at Penn. Several nationality groups have active clubs and sponsor events and activities throughout the academic year.

Climate

You should come prepared for changes in the weather: very cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. Winter temperatures can easily drop to 10°F (-12°C). Summers in Philadelphia can be very humid, with temperatures reaching 100°F (37°C) or higher.

Current weather conditions in Philadelphia may be found at the National Weather Service.

Clothing

Plan to wear warm clothing during the winter months (November-April). An overcoat is a necessity. Clothing for rainy weather is also needed. You may find it helpful to bring national costumes to wear to certain campus events and international celebrations or to speaking engagements around the city, but this is a matter of personal choice.

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