Program Features

Ravi

“Your care and support through my transition into the US and my university environment enabled me to focus on my academic pursuits. Plus your ongoing counsel ensured my decisions were supported by wisdom and knowledge I needed as a young adult in a new culture.”

Ravi Rajagopal, India. Sr. User Interface Designer Cisco Systems, U.S.A

The Priority One program will assist both parents and, most importantly, students in effectively undertaking a cross-cultural learning endeavor.   A family that chooses to participate in this program will gain a sense of security that their son or daughter will receive tools to succeed in adapting to life in the US and have the supportive counsel they need in making important life decisions.

A Priority One student will receive service in the following areas of transition and acculturation during their educational career.

Transition

  • Airport pick-up service.
  • Participation in First DaysUSA – Washington Welcome!
  • Advise student regarding his/her purchases for dormitory life.
  • Provide initial transportation for shopping trips to retail outlets when necessary.
  • Provide assistance in mobile phone service purchases or international calling needs.
  • Assistance in the process of opening an individual bank account and provide instruction for use.
  • Assistance in obtaining a Social Security card when appropriate.
  • Provide university and community orientation during the first semester.
  • Assistance in obtaining a driver’s license.
  • Assistance in the review of any contract for purchase of a vehicle.
  • Assistance in the review of any apartment or house rental agreement.
  • Ensure accommodations during university vacation periods.

Acculturation

  • Provide pre-departure “Introduction to U.S. Culture” materials for review in preparation of departure.
  • Provide one phone number to call locally for all questions during acculturation period.
  • Conduct highly focused, individual counseling sessions during the first semester to facilitate student’s acculturation.
  • Assist Priority One student who seeks opportunities for host family involvement in the local community.
  • Make available to student a two-day trip for U.S. cultural orientation during first year.

Plus

  • Provide appropriate assistance in emergency situations.
  • Provide recommendations on trustworthy local medical care, dental care, automotive service, dry cleaning, or other necessary service companies.
  • Provide parents with student progress reports each semester. (This does require student’s signature on an “Information Release Form.”)
  • Provide information and advice for future graduate or professional studies or preparation for returning home during student’s last semester.

* Note: ELI 360 and its owners cannot –

  1. Replace parents (we respect parent’s guidance.)
  2. Guarantee a student’s GPA or behavior.  No matter how much care or assistance is provided by ELI 360 or its partner universities, it is ultimately the sole responsibility of the student to do his or her school work and obey all of the rules and policies of the university as well as those of the local, state and national authorities.