Student Preparation for Departure to the USA
Medical Arrangements
••Insurance. Students purchase insurance for their time
here in the US. The policy does not cover pre-existing
conditions, medications not prescribed by physicians,
routine examinations, alcoholism, drug abuse or misuse
of medication, non-emergency dental treatment,
replacement of lost glasses or contact lenses, or
immunizations in home or host country. If students do
not have extra personal insurance for the above, they
will have to directly pay such costs themselves while in
the US.
••Any medical condition that a student has prior
to the YFU program will not be covered by
YFU insurance. Therefore, the student must pay
immediately in the US, the costs of doctor visits or
medicines related to a “pre-existing condition.”
••Students should check with the insurance company
of their natural parents for additional coverage before
leaving.
••Medical and dental examinations. All students are
required to have a medical and dental examination
before coming to the US.
••Medication. If a student must take medication
regularly, an extra copy of the physician’s prescription
with a full explanation of the dosage and use of any
medication is needed. Customs officials may want
to see this when the student enters the US. Keep
prescriptions in their original packaging.
••Eyeglasses or contact lenses. If a student wears
glasses or contact lenses, the prescription, as well as an
extra pair of glasses should be brought to the US.
Planning What to Take to the USA
••Pack lightly. It is wise to bring as little as possible from
home for the following reasons:
1. Airlines usually limit checked luggage and carry-on
baggage, even for international flights. Most also
airlines have luggage weight and size limits. If bags
exceed those limits, it will be necessary to pay for
excess luggage, or the airline will refuse to take all
additional luggage. It is the student’s responsibility
to pay any such costs.
2. Students are responsible for and carry all of their
own luggage.
3. Natural parents can send students more items
after arrival at the host family’s home. At the end of
the stay in the US, students may have more things
to take home and luggage may exceed the airline
requirements. If this occurs, items may have to be
mailed home in advance.
••Clothing. Weather may vary depending upon where
students are placed in the US, therefore it is difficult to
recommend exactly what to bring. Students may have
to buy some clothes while in the US, especially if it is a
different climate from the home country.
••Gifts. Gifts for the host family should be carefully
chosen. The cost is generally unimportant; it is the
thoughtfulness in bringing something from the home
country that is important.
Some suggested gifts to bring include:
••sample of the home country’s music;
••picture books of the country or region showing
geography, historical places, views of rural/city life,
etc.;
••a photograph album of family, friends, home,
community, etc.;
••special foods of the country/region, such as fruit
preserves, candy, etc. (Note: certain fresh produce,
seeds, and meat are not permitted through US customs,
please refer to the Customs and Border Patrol website);
or
••handicrafts of the country/region.
If the total value of the gifts is more than $100, an import tax
(duty) will be collected by US Customs when entering the
US.
Some things from home. Students should bring along a
few things that they enjoy and can share with others. Some
suggested ideas are:
••photo album of family, home, friends, country;
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