Before You Leave Home

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to departing for the U.S., all participants are required to attend a pre-departure orientation.
At the orientation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, and learn more about life and customs in the U.S. You will receive information about insurance, program rules, and emergency procedures.

Travel arrangements must be made for your international round-trip flight to and from your home country, as well as domestic transportation to and from your employer community.
Do not assume that your employer will pick you up (look for this information in your job offer).
Once you have confirmed your international flight, AWA must be notified of international flight information no less than 10 days before you leave your home country.
Based on the start date of your job, you should plan to arrive at your employer location at least 2 days prior to the start of work.
AWA does not arrange international or domestic travel!

If your employer is not arranging your housing, make your own temporary arrangements before you leave and bring enough money with you to pay for them.
If your employer is arranging your housing, bring enough money with you to pay your deposit and first month of rent.
If you are arriving on a weekend or holiday, make a hotel reservation, bring enough money to stay there for a few days, and contact your employer during the next regular business day.

Your final task before departing for your work assignment will be – you guessed it – packing! You may use the packing list in the Student Handbook for suggestions on what to bring.
Be sure to check your job offer for information on uniform requirements and what is not included in your housing.
Make two copies of ALL important documents and travel itineraries. Leave one copy at home with a trusted family member and keep one copy in a safe place once you are settled into your program housing. The originals you should keep on you at all times.

Research your employer’s community on the internet using website links provided in your job offer and/or the Resources Page on this website.

In the months prior to your arrival, remember to check your email frequently for updates and helpful information from AWA and your employer.