The American Way
U.S. Currency
Social Security
Taxes

The American Way

Adjusting to a New Culture
Some new students experience "culture shock" when they first arrive. "Culture shock" is the name given to the feeling of disorientation and confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar setting and moves to an unfamiliar place.  Here are some helpful suggestions in dealing with culture shock.

• Remember that it is natural for you to experience culture shock. 
• Get plenty of rest to deal with the stress and jet lag that you may experience. 
• Try to relax. Take a nap. 
• Take time to think and/or talk through your own feelings. 
• Put little things that bother you in perspective. Is the problem really so bad? 
• Make an effort to be optimistic, but not to the point of avoiding negatives that should be expressed. 
• Make your new home environment as comfortable as possible. 
• Make friends as quickly as possible. If there are others of your nationality on campus, get acquainted. It will give you a support system. 
• Get in touch with a friend or family member at home. 
• Find someone whom you can talk with in your native language. 
• Try not to compare and search out "things like home." Things are different! Enjoy and explore those differences. 
• Always, always keep an open mind and a sense of humor! 

Notable Characteristics of Americans 
The American society is the most culturally diverse society in the world. Even with this diversity, it is possible, in general, to describe attitudes and practices that are common among Americans in general. The following remarks are only generalizations. Individuals who are exceptions to any or all of them do exist. 

Individualism
Most Americans see themselves as separate individuals, and only secondly as representatives of a family, community, or other group. They dislike being dependent on other people, or having others depend on them. Some people from other countries may view this attitude as selfish or self-centered. Others may view it as a healthy freedom from the constraints of ties to family, social class, or clan. 

Time consciousness
Americans place considerable value on punctuality. They tend to organize their activities by means of schedules. As a result they may seem to be in a hurry, always running from one thing to the next, and not able to relax and enjoy themselves. Foreign observers sometimes see this as being "ruled by the clock." In this country it is a way of assuring that things get done. 

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U.S. Currency

The American currency is based on the decimal system, where 100 cents are equal to one dollar, $1.00.  Currency is issued in the forms of bills and coins. Coins are metal and are either silver or copper-colored. They come in six different sizes: 1 cent, a penny, is made of copper; 5 cents, a nickel, is silver colored, and larger than a penny; 10 cents, a dime, is the smallest silver coin; 25 cents, a quarter, is silver-colored and larger than a nickel; 50 cents, a half-dollar or 50-cent piece, is silver and larger than a quarter, but not common; 100 cents, silver dollar, comes in two forms: the Susan B. Anthony silver dollar, which is the size of a quarter, and the older silver dollar, which is the largest coin (both are rarely seen in circulation). 

Bills are paper money. All U.S. paper money bills are the same size and the same green color. Denominations include $1 (commonly called a dollar), $2 (not commonly in circulation), $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and larger amounts. Paper money for these larger amounts is not usually seen in public circulation.

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Social Security

You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account, apply for a Texas driver’s license, or complete an IRS tax form. However, a Social Security Number (SSN) is required to work in the U.S. If you are employed by UST, the Payroll Office must have your social security number in order to issue a check to you. 

To apply for a social security card, you must present in person your passport, your I-94, I-20, and a letter from the International Student Advisor verifying your employment eligibility to the Social Security Office.

WARNING! Although a SS card is needed for employment, it is not a work permit! You are fully responsible for following all government regulations regarding employment in the U.S.. If you violate your student status for any reason (for example, drop below full-time hours without permission), your work authorization is canceled. You must quit your job immediately or be guilty of illegal employment. It is illegal to work without authorization for even one day! If you work illegally, even by mistake, you may face deportation or 30-day voluntary departure from the U.S.

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Taxes

If you receive permission to work and subsequently are employed, the following taxes may be deducted from your paycheck: Federal Income Tax, Medicare Tax, and Social Security Tax. Check with your employer to determine which taxes you will have to pay.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Returns
All international students are required to file federal income tax returns. All tax returns must be filed by April 15th for the previous year’s income. (Please check the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov) for the deadline as this may change on a yearly basis). If you had no wage income, you must file your return by June 15. Again, this deadline should be verified on a yearly basis. Be sure to keep a copy of every tax return you file.

**Mandatory Form 8843
International students and scholars must file Form 8843 to maintain their nonresident status. Even if students did not receive any type of income from U.S. sources, they are still required to file Form 8843.

Social Security and Medicare Taxes
International students are NOT subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Most students on Optional Practical Training, also known as OPT, have Social Security and Medicare taxes deducted from their paychecks. Students on OPT may file Form 843 and Form 8316 to receive a tax refund if they are unable to obtain it from their employers.  There is no set deadline for filing Form 843 and Form 8316 (see International Student Taxes www.istaxes.com for more information).

If you are an international student and nonresident alien for tax purposes and had Social Security and Medicare tax FICA withheld from your paychecks, you must first ask your employer for a refund. If you are unable to receive a refund from your employer, you must file Form 843 and supplemental Form 8316 to get a refund from the Internal Revenue Service.** 

There are several VITA sites that offer free assistance to international students. You may find the closest VITA site by calling 1-800-829-1040.

**Information retrieved from International Student Taxes, www.istaxes.com

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