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International

This site is intended to help familiarize those who arrive at the University of Delaware from abroad with the area and its local customs. To learn more about each topic listed, click on the picture icon for access.

A. Of Interest Prior To Your Arrival

Living Accommodations
Security
   Schools
Transportation from the Airport
Local Weather

B. Of Interest Upon and After Your Arrival

Alcohol
Area Clubs, Memberships
Area Travel and Transportation
Banking and Credit Cards
Cell Phone Use
Driver’s License and Driving
Language Education
Medical Care
Rental Cars
Sales Tax
Security
Shopping
Smoking
Social Security Number
Socializing, Host Families, Mom’s Club
Taxis
Tipping Recommendations
University of Delaware ID Cards
US Holidays and Customs

Check out other areas of the UDCN website for more information on a wide variety of subjects.
If you are new to the area and would like to connect with one of our members, click here. (new comer welcome page)
Please let us know if there is information you were looking for on this site which you could not find.

Living Accommodations

The INNternationale (www.theinnternationale.org) is a residence and conference center within walking distance of the University of Delaware, which provides a long- or short- term option to live.  The INNternationale can accommodate a limited number of children, six years or older.  To learn more, visit the website or call (302) 377-8846.

The University owns houses which may be available for rent.  Visit www.udel.edu/RH/index.html for more information.

There are several resources available to help you locate apartments and houses for rent (local newspaper, internet, real estate agents, UD’s Human Resources Department, etc.).  If you would like to connect with a UDCN member, click here.  (volunteer info form)

If you are bringing children who will attend local schools, be sure to review the information on our Schools page.  Your choice of school may dictate where you will reside.

If you do not drive, you should consider your location of residence with regard to the availability of public transportation, which is limited.  Visit our Transportation page.

Please let us know of other options for housing that you may be aware of.

Security

When we travel in foreign countries, we often have a false sense of security.  Every city and town has areas which should best be avoided, especially at night.  Speak with your local acquaintances to find out more.

The number to call in case of an emergency, anywhere in the United States, is 911.

Under www.udel.edu/PublicSafety/polserv_safetytips.html you will find the guidelines provided UD students.

Home security tips are given under www.cityofnewarkde.us/index.aspx?NID=380

Following are a few safety tips to follow:

• Lock the doors and windows of your home.

• Find out who is at your door before opening it.

• Make sure that the entrances to your home are well lit.

• Stop the delivery of your newspaper and mail when you travel

      www.holdmail.usps.com.

• Carry a well-charged cell phone when walking or driving alone.

• Walk in well lit and populated areas, and take well-traveled routes when driving.

Schools

If you are relocating with children to Newark, DE, from abroad, be it on a long term basis or as a visitor, you will need to know about our local school system, options and prerequisites.  For an overview of the options available to you, please see our Schools page.

It is important for you to know that in order for your children to attend a Delaware school

• You have to provide proof of vaccination.  For more details visit

      www.christina.k12.de.us/registration/Procedures.htm.

• You must meet enrollment deadlines.

• You may have to reside in a certain area in order for your children to be eligible to attend the school of your choice.

Transportation From The Airport

When arriving at the Philadelphia International Airport, the most convenient means of transportation to Newark is via Delaware Express (www.delexpress.com).  You must reserve in advance.  You have the choice between a ‘town car’(a sedan, exclusively for you, seating 3-4 people and delivering you to your residence), or a shared limousine which accommodates several independent parties and will drop each off at a designated location.  Check out the price for each option based on the size of your party.  Delaware Express also services other airports on the East Coast.

If you will be staying at the INNternationale (www.theinnternationale.org), you can reserve airport transportation directly via its website.

Rental cars are another option.  Check out the Philadelphia airport website for a listing of rental car companies:  http://www.phl.org/rental_cars.html.

Local Weather

The State of Delaware is a great location weather- and otherwise, with relatively mild winters.  Until mid-March the mean low temperatures are around -5 C/22 F.  Day-time temperatures of 17 C up to the mid 20s C (60 F to mid 70s F) are common in April and May, generating a spectacular display of spring flora.  The summers, especially July and August, can be quite hot and humid with mean temperatures up into the 30s C (high 80s F), to be followed by a long mild fall, with stunning foliage.

The area is known to experience occasional heavy snow storms, known as Nor’easters.  The 2009/2010 winter, the harshest in over 100 years, brought four of these.  Hurricanes may impact the coastal areas and bring rain to rest of the state.  While the summers can be quite hot and humid, air-conditioning is available almost everywhere.

For a monthly summary of climate information for nearby Philadelphia, PA visit www.worldweather.org/093/c00805.htm.

Be aware of daylight saving time, when we move the clock one hour forward on a weekend in March, and move it back one hour on a weekend in October.  Check the local newspaper or broadcasts for announcements of these events.  They do not necessarily occur in synchrony with those of other countries.

Alcohol

No one can purchase alcohol in the US under the age of 21, and alcohol cannot be offered to minors, even in the privacy of one’s own home.
The laws concerning alcohol, including where it can be purchased and consumed, differs from state to state.
In the State of Delaware alcohol cannot be purchased in grocery stores, but in liquor and wine stores only for the purpose of off-premise consumption.  It is served in those restaurants and bars which are in possession of a state issued liquor license.

Area Clubs and Memberships

There are several university and area clubs you can join to socialize and to participate in club events. 

University of Delaware Women’s Club (UDWC) was founded in 1945 and offers a             variety of events to socialize and pursue special interests.
Visit (www.udel.edu/WomensClub) for more information.

International Women’s Club (IWC) in Wilmington provides women from foreign
countries and those with interests in cultures outside the US the opportunity to
socialize, to get to know the Tri-State Area and partake in a variety of events (www.iwcdelaware.com).

The area hosts a number of cultural groups and clubs;  for example:

Chinese American Community Center (http://caccdelaware.org/default.aspx)

Delaware Saengerbund and Library Association (www.delawaresaengerbund.org).

Associated with the university and for students are the Cosmopolitan Club for foreign students, a German, a Japanese and Slavic Club, and possibly more. 

As other clubs become known, they will be included here.  Your input is welcome to expand the list.

Public libraries, bookstores and children’s stores may offer a story time for pre-school children and programs for elementary school children.  Call for times and program information.  Consult with the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington for special courses they may offer.

Be sure to also check UDCN(www.[socializing]).

 

Useful tips with regard to American etiquette:

• You may receive written invitations which include a ‘RSVP’.  This means that you are expected to reply (by a certain date if provided) whether or not you will accept the invitation. 

• It is customary to call or write after a dinner party to thank your hosts.

• If you are invited to a ‘potluck’ dinner or lunch, you are expected to bring a dish;  arrange with your host what you will contribute.

Area Travel and Transportation

See our Transportation page.

Banking and Credit Cards

You will find that doing business with your local bank and paying bills in the US may be very different from what you are used to.
The university partners with PNC Bank.  You can open a checking and/or savings account at one of a number of local banks.  Check the yellow pages of the telephone books for listings.  Be sure that you understand the fees charged.

Payments are made in three ways:  in cash, via check or with a credit or debit card.  It is most common to use a credit or debit card for purchases and to pay bills.  When paying by credit card or when writing a check at a store, you may be asked to present a picture ID for verification.
You may want to obtain a credit or debit card from your local bank, as you may be charged an additional 1% fee when using the credit card issued in your native country.  
If you are a short-term visitor to the area, a local bank may be willing to issue you a debit card but possibly not a credit card. 
The proper use and protection of one’s credit or debit card is essential.  Information on how to prevent and detect identity theft can be obtained from (www.cityofnewarkde,us/index.aspx?NID=557). 
It is essential to understand the terms under which the banking institution issues its credit and debit cards in order to avoid unnecessary charges.  These charges can be quite high.

Cell Phone Use

• In the airport’s customs area, the use of cell phones is not permitted.

• The use of cell phones while operating a car differs from state to state, and changes to  local and statewide laws are announced periodically:  In the State of Delaware a hands-free legislation will go into effect on January 2, 2011.  Currently restrictions for minors apply.  The new law will also ban the use of pagers, PDAs, BlackBerry devices, laptops and games.  Drivers will not be allowed to browse wirelessly or read, write or send messages while driving.  Effective January 01, 2010, the city of Wilmington, Delaware has imposed a ‘hands-free use only’ law.  The ban on hand-held phones also extends to texting and e-mailing. 

• Bans on hand-held mobile phones while driving are in place in 29 states, including California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Utah and Washington.

Driver’s License and Driving

If you arrive in Delaware as a temporary visitor from abroad, you can drive with the use of a valid International Driver’s License.

New residents must obtain a Delaware driver’s license from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV; www.dmv.de.gov ) within 60 days after becoming a Delaware resident.

• The applicant must pass an eye test, and may be required to pass a written and road test. 

• New residents arriving from abroad must bring their International Driver’s License, a valid passport, car registration and insurance papers, as well as 2 proofs of residence in the form of electric, telephone or similar bills providing the name and local address of the applicant. 

• Have your I-129 working papers from your employer available as well as your Visa (with I-94) and social security number (if you have one); or if you are not permitted to work in the US bring the letter which verifies that you are not eligible to work.  

• Be prepared to know your height in inches and your weight in (US) pounds. 

• The DMV accepts the following forms of payment:  cash, checks, Money orders, Visa or MasterCard.  A driver’s license must be renewed every 5 years.

 

Every car must be insured, and proof of insurance together with the driver’s license must be in the possession of the driver.

Seat belts must be fastened while driving.  Speed limits must be followed, especially in areas marked as school zones.

Stop for school buses!  Traffic in both directions must stop while yellow school buses come to a halt, with their red lights blinking and a stop-sign ejected from the side of the bus, for the safety of students entering or exiting the bus.  If you are driving on a divided highway, moving in the opposite direction from a school bus, you do not have to stop when the school bus comes to a halt with red lights blinking.  Nevertheless, watch out for children coming off the bus.

Unlike some other countries, the police, with their overhead lights flashing, may stop a car and driver for driving violations.  Note that police may be driving unmarked cars, in which case you want to make certain that you are dealing with a legitimate police officer.  You are permitted to verify the officer’s identity.

Language Education

Site under construction:  Please check back for English As A Second Language options.

Medical Care

• Dentists and physicians are listed in the yellow pages of the local telephone book. 

• Medical health insurance companies have their own approved physicians. 

• Some physicians and dentists may not accept new patients.

• All physicians and dentists require that you make an appointment prior to your visit. 

• You must pay for your visit after your appointment unless your visit is covered by your insurance policy.

Check our Health Care pages for more information on:

• Major Regional Health Care Centers

• Urgent Care Facilities

• Insurance

• Finding a Doctor

Rental Cars

Several national rental car companies are present in the general area, but only Hertz  (302-738-8616), and Enterprise (302-266-777), have offices in the city of Newark.  You can check the yellow pages of the phone book under ‘Auto Rental’, for options in the general area around Newark.  Rates and rules may differ.  When you arrive in the US from abroad, you can reserve a rental car from one of these two companies prior to your arrival, use it until you are settled and then return it locally.   

For information on rental car pickup/dropoff at the Philadelphia International Airport, check http://www.phl.org/rental_cars.html.

Check for weekend (Friday through Monday) special packages.  Be aware, that both ‘weekend packages’ may require a 3-day rental.

Sales Tax

Many countries charge a goods and services tax (i.e. United States, Canada), a value added tax (i.e. European countries) or some other similar tax.  Most states within the US charge a sales tax, the percentages of which vary from state to state.  Sales taxes are charged on the sales of goods and services. 
Delaware is unusual in that it does not have a sales tax.   However, be aware that services, such as hotel accommodations, will charge a tax in addition to the base price.

Security

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Shopping

In addition to several large local grocery stores (Acme, Pathmark, ShopRite, Superfresh)
there are stores selling ethnic foods in and around Newark (Chinese, Korean, Mexican, etc.)  Check the yellow pages under ‘groceries’ and with friends and acquaintances for their recommendations.

For local general merchandise there are a number of chain stores including Kmart, Walmart, Sears, Kohl’s, Penney’s, etc.

For further information on shopping, see our Shopping page.  Keep in mind that, unlike neighboring states,  Delaware does not charge a sales tax.

Smoking

Smoking has been banned in many places across the US.  Smoking is not allowed on airplanes, buses and trains.  Airports and hotels offer designated areas and rooms.  Many states have banned smoking in restaurants, including Delaware, where no bars and restaurants are exempt.  Smoking is banned in hospitals, schools, museums and theatres.  Most workplaces do not permit smoking indoors.
Tobacco will not be sold to persons under the age of 18 or 19 depending on local law.

Social Security Number

Those who earn a wage in the US must be in possession of a social security card and number and must have a visa permitting employment.  For a first step in obtaining information on how to obtain a social security number please visit (www.udel.edu/oiss/information/misc.html).

Socializing, Host-Families, Mom’s Clubs

You can be assigned a Host Family during your first year in Newark to help make you feel welcome and comfortable in your new setting.  Contrary to the ‘home stay’ programs for foreign exchange students, in this case the family or couple would be available to assist you in getting settled upon your arrival, to answer questions you may have, to meet with you periodically and introduce you to some of the local and national traditions or areas of interest, while at the same time gaining insight into your country and your culture.  A UDCN volunteer will contact you prior to or upon your arrival.  Let him or her know that you would be interested in being assigned a host family. Or contact us now [link]

If you arrive with small children and would like to meet and spend time with other mothers and their children, check the University of Delaware Women’s Club  website (www.udel.edu/Womensclub) for information on their Mom’s Club.  The Women’s Club also hosts an annual Fall get-together where you can meet other mothers. 

In addition, your UDCN contact can introduce you to other members of the local community.  UDCN hosts an annual Fall and Spring gathering to facilitate connections among new and established members of our community.

 

Check out our Special Interest Organizations page for groups (social, ethnic, political, etc.) which may also be helpful in establishing local contacts.

Taxis

While the use and presence of taxis is quite common in many countries, and in major US cities, this is not the case for the Newark area.  The yellow pages list First State Taxi, Emerald Taxi, and Elite Taxi Cab Inc. as those available in the Newark area.

Check out our Transportation section for other local modes of transportation.

Tipping

Tipping in the US is a complex and difficult topic, which few of us master with ease.
Tipping guidelines are published by local newsletters periodically and are offered on the internet.  While tipping should be a reflection of satisfaction with service received, it has often become an expectation by the recipient irrespective of quality of service provided.

Here are some guidelines:

Dining
Full service restaurant	15% - 20% of the total bill for good service. If you use a coupon, tip on the amount payable without coupon. If your party is large, a tip may have already been added to your total bill by the restaurant;  always check.
Partial service	10%
Sommelier	15-20% of total wine cost
Bar tenders	10-15% of total bill, 15-20% of pre-tax bill
Home food delivery	5-10% of total bill;  recommendations vary
Hotel
Maid	$1.00-$2.00 per night, standard room
Room service	10% - 15% of total bill; most hotels add a charge; always check
Bell Captain	$2.00-$3.00 per bag for delivery to room $1.00-$2.00 per bag for storage
Parking
Valet parking	$2.00-$5.00 when the car is delivered to you
Long-term parking, driver, airport	$1.00-$2.00 per bag, if the driver assists with bags
Skycabs, airport	$1.00-$2.00 per bag
Limos	15% - 20% of total
Taxi	10% - 15% of fare
Salon and Spa
Hairdresser	15% - 20% of total bill
Shampoo, apprentice	$2.00
Nails	15% - 20% of total bill

 

University of Delaware ID Cards

The UD#1 CARD is the official identification card issued by the university, and is available to students, faculty and staff, but also to spouses.  The card will be of use to spouses as a picture bearing ID-card, and when using the university fitness centers and library.  It will also make you eligible to obtain a udel.edu e-mail address.

The UD#1 CARD office is located at the Student Services Building, 30 Lovett Avenue.
For more information check (www.udel.edu/registrar/ud1card.html) or visit our [link]

US Holidays and Customs

We differentiate between

• Federal holidays

• Federal observances

• Other holidays

Federal holidays
State and local government offices, including the post office are closed.  The local newspaper announce the day(s) before, whether banks, libraries, museums, schools etc. will be closed.   Federal holidays which fall on a Saturday are observed the previous day.  Those which fall on a Sunday are observed the next day.

Federal holidays are

January 01	New Year’s Day
3rd Monday in January	Martin Luther King Day
January 20, the 1st January following a Presidential election	Inauguration Day
3rd Monday in February	Washington’s Birthday
Last Monday in May	Memorial Day
July 4	Independence Day
1st Monday in September	Labor Day
2nd Monday in October	Columbus Day
November 11	Veterans Day
4th Thursday in November	Thanksgiving Day
December 25	Christmas

The US does not observe Easter Monday or December 26 as Federal Holidays.

Note:  If we take the trouble to mention the difference between federal holidays and observances at the top of the page, we should probably at least define what they are, and then we can provide links.  For more information on the meaning of the above holidays, or information on federal observances, other holidays observed nationwide and holidays observed state by state, please consult the internet; for example (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_the_United States).