給夏大新鮮人的一封信

 先向你說聲恭喜，你來到了一個如人間仙境的好地方！

剛來的你，不知道未來是否會像我們當時一樣，常常叫苦連天，鎮日想家。夏威夷的好，是住越久越能體會的！希望我們提供生活學業上的若干訊息，讓你可以在最短的速度，體會出夏威夷天邊常掛那道彩虹的美好，當你運氣好的時候，天空是可以同時出現兩道彩虹 的喔。單憑好運是很渺茫的事情，強烈建議下面的資訊有空瀏覽一下，不敢保證你一帆風順，但至少不會輸在起跑點！

           祝  身心愉快 學業順利

一群夏大台灣同學會的老骨頭 筆

 夏威夷環境簡介

originally written by Ben Lin, & later modified by Chenling Chou & Later modified by Dorinda Liu

(Note: all the information listed here is subject to change.)　

強烈建議人在台灣找好房子，再來夏威夷，這裡靠近校區、價格合理的房子非常難找，關於這個請參考本網站 "生活智慧王-住在夏威夷 "。

• 腳踏車、枕頭、棉被這些家用品：找到房子之後便要添購一些家用品之類的東西Ala Moana Shopping Center裡的Sears, JC Penny或是Liberty House百貨公司或是較平價的K-Mart超市中都可以買到。

• 家電用品(電視音響)：可至Ala Moana Shopping Center二樓的Shirokia或Daiei購買。Ross,裡頭除了平價的衣服外也有一些家用品.

• 電腦用品：可至Ala Moana Blvd上的CompUSA或是Office Max選購。

• 一般雜貨及相片沖洗：到Safeway or Longs Drugs。

行

　　搭夏威夷當地的“The BUS”公車 : 只要到學校UHM campus center ID or ticket office, or Foodland, or 7-11 都可以買到本月公車月票，公車路線圖在行政大樓或是 Campus Center都可以免費索取. 如果你住 East Weast Center, 一樓大廳也有的拿. 美金$40的月票（大學生及成人）可以讓你在一個月內無限次數搭乘公車，不然成人(大學生算成人不可投學生票)搭乘一次需美金$2.00，如有需要，可以在上車時向司機索取轉乘票 (transfer ticket)，在限時 (約兩個小時) 的時間內可用來轉乘公車無須再付費。如果不確定下車地點可以在上車時麻煩司機告知，公車上前兩排是殘障專用位，公車路線及時間可自行打電話到848-5555詢問，注意此地大部分站牌上都沒站名和停靠公車的號碼，如要搭乘計程車需打電話叫車，電話請參考本地電話簿. Or call city taxi at 524-2121，如果要考夏威夷當地的駕駛執照須通過筆試及路考，詳情參考本地電話簿 and look for driver license。

說實在的, 到書店買份地圖 or bus guide是很有幫助的. 希望大家求學愉快!

• 到Ala Moana的公車：搭 Express A或是6號, 18號。路上還會經過 WarMart, WalGreen, 和Daiei

• 到K-Mart 超市的公車：搭 Express A或是6號，到Ala Moana轉 19號或是20號公車，切記Ala Moana 有兩個搭19/20公車處，兩個方向相反，一個去Waikiki，一個去Airport，你要選擇往Airport的那個公車站搭車即可。

出國前建議去辦一張國際駕照，雖說夏威夷是幾個小島的州，偶爾親友來訪，會需要租車載大家兜兜風。

育

• 文具：在Longs Drugs、 Safeway、  UHM campus bookstore、或是King 和 University Ave交叉口的韓國文具店"藍小熊"裡可以買到。不用擔心文具用品，這裡都買的到。價格和樣式上，台灣比夏威夷優質多了，如果你的行李箱有空位，多買些也無妨。

• 英漢電子辭典：應該要在台灣事先買好，美國確實很難買到，去China Town還是可以買到，但是價格貴多了，機款也是不是最新的。

樂

    這是最不用擔心 的一點，夏威夷有很多戶外活動，特別是水上運動。

保健

    請自備常用藥品，如腸胃藥，美國醫藥用品非常貴，而且有些藥必須有醫生處方簽才買得到。 買處方簽的藥，請到Long Drugs即可買到。美國醫藥費用昂貴，購買海外醫療方面的意外險，是可以考慮的。

通訊

當地公共電話Hawaiian Telecom 一通要50 cent。

• Verizon (賣電話, 呼叫器…什麼都有), 以及位於Ala Moana Blvd旁的Sprint Store., Hotel street與Alakea street交叉口的VoiceStream (本地唯一公司使用與台灣相同的GSM系統, 但不同頻), 或是Alakea street與Queen street交叉口的AT&T都是可以去申請行動電話的公司. T.Mobile, 這是另一家手機公司

其他

　　Ala Moana Shopping Center乃是夏威夷最大的購屋中心. 三層的建築內有許多家百貨公司及商店超市. From UHM campus, take No. 6, 18, or Express A bus. From other places,前面註明Ala Moana CTR的公車都有到.  回程 No. 6 & 18 公車都有開到學校 East West Road ( go into UHM campus ONLY BEFORE 6:30pm, Mon-Sat)     Ala Moana 開到晚上九點

駐檀香山台北經濟文化辦事處 (類似台灣大使館, 管簽證及留學生事宜還有文件證明的地方), 電話：595-6347, 緊急聯絡電話351-8818. Mon. – Fri. 8:00 – 11:30am, 1:00 – 4:30pm. Sat. 8:00 – 11:30am.

作者Ben Lin, 2000-2001 夏威夷太平洋大學(Hawaii Pacific University)台灣同學會會長。 Chenling Chou擔任 2001-2002 夏威夷大學 (U. of Hawaii-Manoa) 台灣同學會會長 。Dorinda Liu擔任 2005年夏威夷大學(U. of Hawaii-Manoa) 台灣同學會資管部長。

What you need to do when you arrive

(資料來源: Chenling Chou提供)

1.     Report your arrival to the UH International Student Service office (ISS) with all your official documentation, and purchase student insurance. ISS is on 2F of Student Service Center (near campus center).  Information about medical insurance is available at ISS. Be sure to tell them your email address, so you can be on the ISS mailing list.  Also, attend ISS orientations and important workshops.  Visit ISS regularly to keep yourself updated about scholarship opportunities and activities.

2.     Report to International Student Office to apply for the Social Security Number(SSN) at the Federal Building (downtown).  After you have SSN, you can apply for Hawaii State ID.  You can receive discount at some restaurants or tourist attractions.

3.     Go to Campus Center to get your UH student ID, get a campus map, and bus schedules.  UH bookstore within campus center.

4.     Make appointment, and obtain a “health card” at the Student Health Center.  Please note that TB shots may be required for new students.

5.     Talk to your academic advisor, and discuss your classes for upcoming semester.

6.     Contact the English Language Institute (ELI), and take the English placement test.  (if your TOEFL score is higher than 600, you are exempted from the taking the test).  EFL program: http://alaike.lcc.hawaii.edu/LanguageArts/eli.html

7.     Register for your class and pay tuition before the deadline. Get the “Schedule of Classes” brochure from Student Service Center. It’s a gray brochure.

Course registration website: http://www.pae.hawaii.edu/  or 808-296-6723.

Please read carefully about the deadline of tuition payment, the deadline and

percentage of refund if dropping a class, and the deadline of dropping a class without

“W” (withdraw) on your transcript.

8.     Open a checking account at one of the local banks because you need to do a lot of transaction with checks. You can open an account with your passport if you have not got SSN. American Savings BANK is on campus, near the campus center, open M-Fri, 8am-4pm=> bring your passport and maybe I-20 to open an account for the first time.

Local banks: American Savings (one branch on UH campus, near Sinclair library),

First Hawaiian Bank (branches on South King St., and in Manoa Market place), Bank

of Hawaii (branches on University Ave., and in Maona Market place ),  Federal

Credit Union (a branch on UH campus, and a branch on South King St.).  For more

information, check out http://www.nfsn.com/business/Hawaii/usbanks.htm

9. Go to the Help Desk on the ground floor of KELLER HALL (near Hamilton library) to ask questions about your UH email account, free Internet access and computer-related matters.

10. There are at least 3 cafeterias on campus for your to grab something to eat. one in campus center, another near library, and the big cafeteria is near undergraduate dorms.

Living on Oahu, Hawaii.

--Weather

Honolulu has no winter, and the mild temperature is usually about 20⁰C to 28⁰C, all year long.  Some beaches are open to public, for example, the Waikiki beach and the infamous North shore, where Baywatch is currently shooting their scenes.  In Hawaii, you will never get lost, because you either end up on the beach or the mountain side.  In either case, you just have to walk towards the opposite way of where you were coming from.  Weather report: http://www.hawaiicam.com/daily/weather/index.shtml

--Clothing:

T-shirts, shorts, or jeans are the common dress code if you are staying in Hawaii. In classroom setting, the similar dress code applies. However, be sure to have a jacket or sweater with you whenever you go to UH library because the air conditioning is very strong.    Also, it is wise to have some formal dresses or suits if you expect to attend conference or official meetings to attend.

--Housing:

Short-term housing

East West Center dorms: Hale Manoa, Hale Kuahine.

These two dorms are in great location on campus, on East West Road, near library, student health center, and Moore Hall) Short-term is 20 nights maximum. $25/night for single room, $33/night for double room. Need to find someone in EWC dorm to be your sponsor if you want to live as a short-term resident.

East West Center housing Reservations ( 8am-4pm, M-F): 1711 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848-1711, USA. Tel: (808) 944-7805, FAX (808) 944-7790, E-mail: housing@ewc.hawaii.edu  Hale Manoa reception desk 24 hours available: 808-9447960

- Youth hostel: YMCA, and YWCA (approximately $20 a night)

* Waikiki AYH, 2417 Prince Edward, Honolulu, (808) 926-8313

* Honolulu AYH (across from UH), 2323A Seaview Ave., Honolulu, (808) 946-0591

* YMCA Atherton Branch, 1810 University Ave., Honolulu, (808) 946-0253

* YMCA Atkinson Branch, 401 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, (808) 941-3344

* YWCA Fernhurst Residence, 1566 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, (808) 941-2231

Long-term housing

On-campus housing:

1. UH dorms: available to all students but require early registration with the UH housing

 2. East West Center dorms: Hale Manoa, Hale Kuahine

 Cost: $15/night for a single room, $21/night for a double room, minimum 30 nights. Ask for "Special housing program application form". Graduate students can apply for EWC student affiliate-ship and get discount on the dorm rents (become $12/night for a single room, $15/night for a double room).

Off-campus housing:

Cost: Rent runs between $300 and $500 for a single apartment, $400 and $600 for double apartments or shared housing. If you plan to have a car while here, you should be sure your apartment comes with a free parking space. Parking isn't easy in Honolulu. If the room is shared, then the rent will be halved; however, caution is advised for students who share rooms with others.

Suggestion locations: near UH or Manoa, Makiki, MaCully, and Waikiki.

Where to look for housing ads:

=> campus bulletin boards (in the Campus Center, the Student Services building, and near Hamilton & Sinclair Libraries)

=> local Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper (check the classified ad section)

--Dining:

On-campus dining plan:  Information about Marriot meal plan

GENERAL INFORMATION about UHM CAMPUS

GETTING TO KNOW DIRECTION

Pharmacies and grocery stores are located about half a mile mauka from campus at Manoa Marketplace or makai at Star Market on the corner of King and Beretania Streets.  (Mauka means “toward the mountains” and makai means “toward the ocean. Daimond Head means “east” and Ewa means “west”).

UH CAMPUS CENTER

Personal articles, as well as books and supplies, are available at the University Bookstore, located on the lower floor of the UH Campus Center.  The bookstore is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday -- Friday, and from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. The bookstore phone number is 956-8252.  The Kampus Korner is a sundry store with pastries and other snacks, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday -- Friday, and is located on the main floor of the Campus Center.  Kahea ai Café, the main campus dining room (7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday -- Friday), is also located   on this level.  The copy center and Taco Bell restaurant (11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday -- Friday) are located on the ground floor.

POST OFFICE

The campus post office (located near the Campus Center) is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Phone 956-9778.  There is also a post office in the Manoa Marketplace that is open to noon on Saturday.

BANKS

American Savings Bank is located on campus, in Hemenway Hall near the Campus Center.  Banking hours in Honolulu are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays.  The phone number for First Hawaiian Bank, Manoa Marketplace Branch is 973-6481 and the number for American Savings Bank, UH Campus Branch is 973-6211. 

There are also ATM machines at the Campus Center on the ground floor on the Diamond Head side (eastern end) of the building, outside of Taco Bell.  Other banks such as Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank and First Hawaiian Bank are also located within walking distance of the EWC.

MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS from Hale Manoa (EWC dorm)

The East-West Center and the University of Hawai’i each have their own telephone systems.  EWC lines have a 944- prefix and UH lines have a 956- prefix.  To call outside on either system, dial “9” first.

Phones in Hale Manoa are restricted to local calls or non-operator assisted long distance calls.  Long distance calls may be made from your room if they are made through a pre-paid calling card.

MEALS

Meals can be purchased at the Paradise Palms Restaurant (7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday -- Friday, 956-7229) next to Hamilton Library.  One cafeteria is located in campus center, and another next to American Savings Bank in Manoa Garden, near Sinclair library.  You can find information about on-campus dining plan and purchase a Marriott dining card in campus center.  Vending machines are located throughout the university campus.  There are also several ethnic restaurants, convenience stores and major supermarkets near the corner of King St. and University Ave (South to UH), or in Maona Market place (north to UH).  They are within a 15-20 minute walking distance from UHM campus.

EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL INFORMATION

For emergencies dial 9 - “911.”

To reach UH Security:

           24-hour number:  956-6911 or 956-8211

UH Student Health Services Center (across the street from Hale Manoa dormitory) is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday -- Friday, 956-8965)

Honolulu has several hospitals and medical centers near our campus:

           Queen’s Medical Center          538-9011,  Straub Clinic & Hospital  522-4000

           Kaiser Permanente: Honolulu Clinic 593-2950,  Moanalua Medical Center   834-5333

TRANSPORTATION

UH campus “rainbow shuttle” is free.  You can get around UH campus by different route of rainbow shuttle.  Get on them from Varney circle in front of student service center.  You can get the route map from student service center.

City bus: Bus fare is $1.50. Be sure to ask for “transfer ticket”.  Monthly bus passes ($27) and bus schedules are available at the UH Campus Center, Star Supermarket, and at any 7-11 store in Honolulu.  For information on how to get from one place to another, anywhere on the island, call The Bus at 848-5555.

Taxi: Unlike other major cities, Honolulu does not have taxis widely available for “on-street” hailing except in Ala Moana and Waikiki areas.  Therefore, you’d better call the taxi company to get a taxi.

           Charley’s Taxi                 531-1333

           Sida of Hawaii                 836-0011

           City Taxi                524-2121

Car rentals may be made through several agencies located in Waikiki.  Several of these are:

           Alamo                                          947-6112

           Budget Rent-a-Car                    838-1111

           Dollar                                           831-2330

           Hertz                                 971-3535

ATHLETIC FACILITIES in lower campus

Use of University of Hawaii athletic facilities:  Your UH ID card will allow you to access the Pool, exercise facilities, basketball court, tennis court, and gym (weight rooms).  Please show your ID card each time you use the athletic facilities.

LIBRARY & COMPUTER FACILITIES

Hamilton Library

Sinclair Library

Wong Audiovisual Center (Sinclair Library). 

Keller Hall computer labs (PC and Mac)

CLIC Lab in Sinclair Library. 

You can use the computing facilities at both the PC and Macintosh labs in Keller Hall room 204 (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday -- Friday, 956-8056) and the CLIC lab in Sinclair Library (8:30 a.m. - 7:45 p.m., Monday -- Thursday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. on Friday, and 12:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, 956-8702).  Web access is available at both locations.  Be sure to show your UH ID when you go there.

Useful Websites

        --UHM website

                http://www.hawaii.edu or http://www.uhm.hawaii.edu

        --UHM International Student Service website (ISS)

                http://www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa

                http://www.pae.hawaii.edu

                http://sece.hawaii.edu/

     http://www.hawaii.edu/career

--UHM student financial aids

    http://www.hawaii.edu/fas

        --Honolulu Advertiser (newspaper) (find housing or used car sales ads)

                http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com

http://www.voiceofpacific.com/ 

--Taipei Economic and Cultural Office at Los Angeles (provide information for

oversea Taiwanese immigrants and students)

                http://www.tecola.org/     Tel: 213-385-0512 (Cultural division)

        --Taipei Economic and Cultural Office at Honolulu (deal with passport matters)

                2746 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA

Tel: 808-595-6347

Non Immigrants

F-1: Student Visa/Status

1. F1 Visa - business: F1 visa holder generally you cannot own a business. A nonimmigrant (F1 included) generally cannot work unless one is paid the "prevailing wage". 

A-F1 student cannot engage in business because there are restrictions against off campus employment and against unauthorized employment. 

F-1 Off Campus Work & Nominal Payment: You need authorization for off-campus work. 

F-1 Practical Training: There is a 12 month limit on the duration of PT. Must complete training within 14 months of graduation. There is an O.I. (Operating Instruction) that any unused portion of PT cannot be used at a later time unless "reserved" in accordance with O.I. 

F-1 Expiration of: Usually F1 is valid for 60 days after expiration date. 

F-2 Visa procedures: a) adequate funds to support the applicant and family, b) Should show that applicant and family intend to return home after completion of studies. c) Strong papers to support the above. Temporary stay. However, one can apply to be immigrant Alien later.

2. F1 Multiple entry visa: There is a certain risk because the US Consular official is allowed the discretion under law to refuse a nonimmigrant visa (F1) if she/he suspects that the applicant may permanently reside in the US. There is a presumption under immigration law that all nonimmigrants are intending to be immigrants! Therefore, the burden is on the applicant to negate that presumption (Matter of Brantigan-a 1996 case). Appeals to the US State Dept. in visa denial cases are possible but it is expensive, time consuming and there is no guarantee of success. 
 

H1-B Status and Visa Issues

1. H1 - 6 year rule: The Immigration Act of 1990 (it's H1B provisions became effective on Oct.1, 1991) imposed the 6 year rule. Of course, like every rule there are certain exceptions. There are published cases which have held that the 6 year cannot be extended by changing employers, or at end of 5th year, or by changing from H1 to L status, etc. 

2. H1 - specific company & Return Transportation: The employer agreed with the INS (by signing LCA 9035) to pay for return transportation back to the home country. If the person failed for a new H1 and the old one has expired or one has left the old company, the person would be out of status. One should file for the new H1. 

3. H1B - Wage Determination: Depends on your local State Employment Service Agency to determine the prevailing wage or a survey.

4. H1B Wage & Location of Work: One should file a new LCA for an H1B petition for each site (even in the same State) if the cumulative total period for that site exceeds 90 days and for each set of functions because of the prevailing wage for H1B purposes depends on the job duties. 

5. H1B - Work Prior to Approval: INS has consistently maintained this postion that one can only start work in an H1B status after you get the new status but there is a 1982 case (Salehpor v. INS) which held otherwise. INS has maintained that the case is not valid. There is always the worst case scenario that one could get deported but as a practical matter, in most cases, the result of this scenario now is that at the time of adjustment of status, you would have to pay a much higher filing fee as a penalty for failure to maintain status unless this law changes & it may.

6. H1B - with Old Employer: Since an H1B is specific for a particular employer only, one is in violation of Dept of Labor regulations and INS laws by working for another employer. 

7. H1B - without Job Offer: You cannot get an H1B without an employer. Consular officials do not normally give it if they suspect you may have immigrant intent.

8. H1B - Visa Stamp vs. Status: Unless you are planning to travel you do not need a visa. You are in valid status at the time the H1B papers was approved. It is appropriate to obtain a new visa based on your new employment. US Consulates generally do not deny H1B visas unless the Consulate can show fraud or has reason to believe that you have committed documentation fraud in obtaining your visa/status. 

9. H4 - Visa for Dependent Spouse or Children: Your attorney is in a better position to assist you since he is familiar with your file. Generally, the minimum documents are your approval notice, Marriage and Birth Certificate. A letter from the employer is required and the content depends on your circumstances but it should not be very complicated for someone familiar with your file. 

10. H4 to F1: H4 spouse can attend school but needs to change status to F1. Generally, changing form one nonimmigrant visa to another is not a problem. 

11. Start Company while on H1. One can start a company or invest in or help create a company while one is on H1. 

The legal entity you help create is different in law. It is looked at as an individual entity. However, in order to work for the company in any fashion whatsoever, even as an unpaid volunteer, you will require a work visa (H1 or other relevant work status) since you are a non resident alien. It is advisable for you to consult an attorney for detailed clarification. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor and Foreign Residency Rule

1. J1 2 year Home Residency Conditions: Home stay applies generally only if: 

a) Received funds from the US Government 

b) Received funds from home country Government. 

c) You are on the skills list or 

d) are a medical student 

The 2 years home residency requirements apply to J-1 visa holders. Nothing can avoid the 2 years short of :(1) a waiver or (2) actually complying with the rule. The 2 year rule has no exceptions even if the person marries a US citizen unless one obtains the waiver. J1 waivers tend to be complicated and case specific. 

L-1 Intracompany Transferee

1. L-1 is an intracompany transferee (parent company can file for someone working in a subsidiary company. Legal criteria has to be satisfied), otherwise the qualifications are similar to an H1.  

Classes of Non-Immigrants

A-1 Diplomat & Consular personnel & their families 

A-2 Other officials and their families. 

A-3 Servants & Employees of above & their families 

B-1 Temporary visitors for business; 

B-2 Temporary visitors for pleasure 

C-1 TRWOV, Transit without visa.

D Alien Crewmen & Seamen 

E-1 Treaty Traders + Family members 

E-2 Investors + Family members 

F-1 Students 

F-2 Spouses and children of F-1 students

G-1 International Organization e.g., NATO, IMF, WHO, UN etc. 

H-1 Specialty Workers 

H-2 Temporary Workers 

H-2b Skilled Workers 

H-3 Alien Trainees 

H-4 Dependent spouses and children of H-1B holders

I  Foreign Information Media, e.g. radio, television, press, etc. 

J-1 Exchange visitors 

J-2 Spouses & children of J-1 holders

K-1 Fiances and Fiancees 

K-2 Their minor children 

L-1 Intracompany transferees, 

L-2 Their spouses & children 

M-1 Vocational Students 

M-2 Spouse/minor child of M-1 

N-8 Parent of international organization special immigrant 

N-9 Child of international organization special immigrant 

O-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, the arts, education,
       business or athletics 

O-2 Certain aliens accompanying them 

O-3 Spouse/minor child of 0-1 or 0-2 

P-1 Internationally recognized entertainers and athletics 

P-2 Reciprocal exchange artists & entertainers 

P-3 Culturally unique artists & entertainers

Q - Cultural Exchange

R - Religious Workers

W - Waivers (non-visa holders).

Information in this column should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an engagement of the Law Office of Carmen DiAmore-Siah. The information contained herein is of a general nature and may not apply to any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you require specific advice on any immigration issue, you should consult an attorney.

Your participation in any manner whatsoever (posting questions, reading or reviewing the contents of the information herein) confirms that you have read and clearly understood the above contents and agree to be bound by it. No part of this document may be disseminated without THIS and the above paragraph.