Spending time in USA [top]

If you are coming to USA on a dependent visa (H4 visa, F2 visa), you should prepare yourself and think about the options about how you are going to spend time in USA. Many people who come to USA after getting married, their BIGGEST problem is "how to spend the time in USA"!!

Whether some of them are engineers or doctors or with some other educational background, it is difficult to find an employer who will be willing to sponsor your H1 visa because these days H1 visas can take very long and very few employers are willing to wait that long. Those who dont have any professional educational background or an education background which are not much in demand as far as job scenario is concerned, they dont have a choice but to sit at home and prepare themselves to pass time...

It is better to prepare yourself before when you have time and in your own country where things are more under your control! Following are some of the options that you might consider doing while you are in India to prepare and build your lifestyle for USA.
The following are just the ideas that we have thought would be options but if you think of any other ideas you are welcome to discuss your ideas and send us an email.

• Education: You can convert to an "F1" full-time student if you wish to attend full-time course work, which means, a minimum of twelve (12) credits per semester in an educational institution recognized by the INS. See going2usa4 Education section for more details

Another option for those interested in continuing their education, is to attend community colleges. This way, you do not have to change your visa status. These colleges only give you what is the equivalent of a Diploma, instead of a Degree, but they often the serve the purpose of giving you career oriented education.

You should know that studying in USA is a costly affair, so plan accordingly. And since you are on H4 visa, you are not allowed to earn money even on campus by taking up a job. If you want to be on scholarship, your status will change and you will be on F-1 visa as mentioned above.

• Work: It is possible to convert to an H1 status, if you can provide proof, that you are qualified, have had prior experience in your field of expertise, and have a job offer from a company in the US. See our going2usa4 Work section for more details 
   
• Volunteer work: You can volunteer at your local community organizations, which gives you a chance to meet different kinds of people, and do a good deed at the same time. If you live in an area with a considerable Indian population, you can contact the local association, and offer your services. There are a lot of people who are very involved in social activities within their community, organizing shows for major religious functions, and arranging classes to educate their youngsters on their Indian heritage. They would welcome and greatly appreciate any help they could get. If you are unable to go to some place, online sites like Volunteermatch.com (for one) give you a chance to volunteer your talents and time without leaving your house. All you need to do is log on to the site and check the long list of available opportunities. Surely, one or two will match, then you just sign up for it.
   
• Learning technologies on internet: The Internet has a wealth of information, that would be useful to those who are interested. You can get information on practically everything under the sun, be it learning new technologies, traveling, childcare, entertainment, current news, fashion, cars, and what not.

  For those interested in the financial world, if you have the financial resources, there are number of Internet stock trading companies, that allow you to place trades over the Internet. You would have to set up an account, with a specified amount of money in order to start placing orders. Some companies even offer live stock prices, which means that you would actually see the orders and bids as they are placed at the Stock exchanges. Important! Please beware that you could lose a lot of money if you are not careful! 

  You can also listen to Indian songs, chat with your family online in India, with your friends.

Above listed are just some of the suggestions and ideas which occurred to us. Not necessarily that they are the best options for you.

Schools & Admissions  [top]

• Babysitters
  People who stay with children when the parent is absent are known as babysitters. When both parents leave the house for even a short time, children must have a babysitter. For reliable babysitters, ask other mothers in your neighborhood.
   
• Day Care Centers
  Day care centers provide care for children whose parents have to be away all day. A hot lunch and two snacks are usually included. Various programs and activities are provided. Ask for a description of the center's program (some centers also have a half-day option). For a list of centers, look in the yellow pages under child care or internet.
   
• Extended Day Care
  For late hours and working parents, there is extended day care, which is longer in duration than the normal day care. Again the fee and the timings vary from area to area. They also take children 3 months and older.

Schools

• Preschools and Nursery Schools
  In these schools (ages 3, 4, and young 5's), the main goal is not academic learning, but reading readiness, socialization and a broad range of other learning experiences. Usually no lunch is served as the program runs only in the morning or afternoon. Check the yellow pages for preschool programs in the area.
   
• Kindergarten
  At most public and some private schools children who are 5 years old by September 30 attend kindergarten. Children are required by Michigan law to attend kindergarten. Children learn reading readiness, social skills and basic elementary education. A child cannot enter first grade without completing kindergarten.

School System:

• Kindergarten (K.G.)/Pre School: Min age 5 years. At the end kindergarten, the child has to go through an assessment test to get admission in 1st grade.
• Elementary School: 1st to 5th grade education
• Middle School or Junior High School: 6th to 8th grade education is known as "Middle school". In few schools 5th grade or 9th grade may also be included in the Middle School. On the other hand in some places only 7th and 8th grade constitute the Middle School. These rules vary from school to school.
• High School: 9th to 12th grade education is known as High School. These 4 years are more commonly called by names such as:
  9th Grade is known as Freshman Year.
  10th Grade is known as Sophomore Year.
  11th Grade is known as Junior Year.
  12th Grade is known as Senior Year.
• Under Graduate College
• Graduate College

• Parent's Responsibilities
  
  You will need to register your child for school at the designated registration times. Contact the school your child will be attending for scheduling. If your child will be entering after the school year has already begun, go to the school and ask how you should register your child. Your child may need a TB test, proof of vaccinations, and doctor's physical check-up to register.
  Bring up any concern about your child's social, cultural, and educational adjustment. Call the school and ask for an appointment to discuss your concerns. You do not need to wait for the regular parent/teacher conferences to meet with someone from your child's school.

• Types of Schools

Public Schools
In all public schools, education including textbooks and bus service is free. There are public schools all over USA. Hot lunches are available for purchase or your child may bring a lunch from home. Lunch is also provided by the school at very low rates. Middle and high school students are allowed to take their books home. In some places elementary school kids have to leave their books in the school itself, but are given some printed material to help with the home work.

Related Link:
http://www.psk12.com/rating/index.php: Provides public school ranking in a state.

Parochial Schools
These schools are church affiliated and partially subsidized by the church and partially by the family. Children learn the same basic subjects as in conventional public schools but may also study religion. Usually children are required to wear uniforms and may be subject to more rigid guidelines. Some parochial schools separate the girls from the boys, but this is no longer the norm. Hot lunches are provided at the school and you may be asked to volunteer with various school activities. In order to enroll and/or learn more information about the schools available to you, look under schools in the yellow pages.

Private Schools
These schools are fully funded by families and outside donations. Private school education is comparatively expensive. They charge quite a lot on tuition and other fee The philosophy of the schools varies greatly so parents should visit the school and read about its philosophy before enrolling children.

Links to State department of education websites  [top]