Study in USA

The Bureau of International Information Programs of the
U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly electronic

journal under the eJournal USA logo. These journals
examine major issues facing the United States and the
international community, as well as U.S. society, values,
thought, and institutions.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE / May 2010
VOLUME 15 / NUMBER 5 Twelve journals are published annually in English,
http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html followed by versions in French, Portuguese, Russian, and
Spanish. Selected editions also appear in Arabic, Chinese,
and Persian. Each journal is catalogued by volume and
International Information Programs: number.
Coordinator Daniel Sreebny The opinions expressed in the journals do not necessarily
Executive Editor Jonathan Margolis reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government. The
Director of Publications Michael Jay Friedman U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for
the content and continued accessibility of Internet sites
to which the journals link; such responsibility resides
Editor-in-Chief Richard W. Huckaby solely with the publishers of those sites. Journal articles,
Managing Editor Bruce Odessey photographs, and illustrations may be reproduced and
Contributing Editor Nadia Shairzay translated outside the United States unless they carry
Production Manager Janine Perry explicit copyright restrictions, in which case permission
must be sought from the copyright holders noted in the
Designer Chloe D. Ellis
journal.
The Bureau of International Information Programs

Photo Editor Maggie Johnson Sliker maintains current and back issues in several electronic
Cover Design Diane Woolverton formats, as well as a list of upcoming journals, at
Graphics Designer Vincent Hughes http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html.
Reference Specialists Stephanie Joyce Comments are welcome at your local U.S. Embassy or at
Martin Manning the editorial offices:
Nadia Shairzay
Editor, eJournal USA
IIP/PUBJ
Cover: © Joseph Pobereskin/Mira.com
U.S. Department of State
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0501
USA
E-mail: [email protected]
About This Issue
D
uring a November 2009 visit to China, citizens of the 36 countries in the Visa Waiver Program
President Obama issued an invitation to those need not apply for a visa at all for business or pleasure
gathered for a Shanghai town hall meeting. “I visits of 90 days or fewer.
hope that many of you have the opportunity to come and Of all the reasons for visiting the United States, the
travel and visit the United States,” he said. “You will be best one is to meet people. They might lead you up a
welcome.” little-known hiking trail for an exceptional view of Austin,
Every year tens of millions of people do visit the Texas. They might take you to the restaurant serving
United States. Some come to see the big cities or to the best lobster roll in Maine. Or they might give you
explore the nation’s vast natural beauty. Others come to a memory of some small kindness that you can share at
get an education, or to clinch a business deal. home.
The U.S. government and the American people are
glad to receive these guests. The Department of State is
working hard to speed and simplify the visa process, and — The Editors
eJournal USA 1
U.S. Department of State / May 2010 / Volume 15 / Number 5
http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.htm
See You in the USA

3 An Official Welcome Information for Tourists
Janice L. Jacobs, U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for Consular Affairs 10 I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa
More important than the money generated by
foreign visitors is the understanding fostered among 11 The Top 10 U.S. Destinations
people of different countries. Tanner Latham, Former Travel Editor of
Southern Living Magazine
Information for Students Overseas tourists make a few cities their top U.S.
destinations year after year for good reasons.
4 I Want to Apply for a Student Visa
16 10 Other Worthy Destinations
5 A Student Voice (India) Tanner Latham
Debarchana Basu Many foreign visitors miss out on U.S. cities loaded
with attractions.
6 A Student Voice (Morocco)
Ali Biaz 20 Avoid Visa Scams
7 The Problem with Top-Schools Lists 21 A Tourist Voice (China)

Burton Bollag, Former Correspondent for Wang Zheng
The Chronicle of Higher Learning
Top-school lists never capture the immense 22 What If I Need Medical Care?
diversity of U.S. colleges and universities, or
indicate the best fit between student and school. 22 How Long Will It Take to Get My
Visa?
8 A Student Voice (Iran)
Rodin Hamidi 23 10 Great American Sandwiches
Robb Walsh, Journalist and Food Writer
9 A Student Voice (Bangladesh) Unique and delicious variations of the sandwich are
Mohammad Nasim found in different parts of the United States.
eJournal USA 2
Information for Business Travelers
An Official Welcome
26 I Want to Apply for a Business Visa
Janice L. Jacobs
27 A Businessman’s Voice (Kenya)
Frederick Masinde Oyange More important than the money generated by foreign visitors
is the understanding fostered among people of different
28 I Want to Apply for a Temporary countries. Janice L. Jacobs is U.S. assistant secretary of state
Work Visa for consular affairs.
29 A Professional Voice (Nigeria)
T
Elizabeth Anche he renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow once
What to Expect said, “The really crucial link in the international
communication chain is the last three feet, which
30 Change in the Air is bridged by personal contact — one person talking to
Jane Levere, Transportation and travel another.”
journalist These last three feet — or about one meter — can be
Improving security, a sluggish economy, and the the distance between two business leaders talking about
Internet all have changed, and in many ways clients at an international conference, or the distance
improved, the experience of foreigners traveling to between two world leaders at the UN, or, quite often, the
the United States. distance between students in a classroom.
We gain invaluable knowledge about each other
32 Getting Around when we sit side by side: an understanding of our
Jane Levere languages, our culture, our food, and our ideas and
Many foreign visitors will find that methods of travel perceptions of one another’s countries.
within the United States often differ from those with America is a nation of immigrants, and we have
which they are familiar. always welcomed visitors from all over the globe. We
must dedicate ourselves to protecting what we have
33 Some Estimated Travel Times always known: that we are stronger as a nation when we
draw strength from the very best who come to our shores.
34 Getting Through Airport Security Our universities enjoy pre-eminence among
Jane Levere destination countries for international students and our
A first-person account. scientific institutions and commercial enterprises flourish
in a climate of open exchange across borders — we
35 Additional Resources are determined to preserve these crucial benefits to the
United States even as we work to strengthen security.
We are aware of the economic benefits to the United
States generated by international visitors. In 2009, 54.9
million international visitors traveled to the United States
where they spent $121.1 billion. But we also understand
that more important than the money is the understanding
fostered by visits. We know that the best advertisement
for America is America. Welcome to our shores! n
eJournal USA 3
Information for Students
I Want to Apply for a Student Visa

What do I need to do before I apply? between your country and the United States, you
A fter a college or university accepts you, and before
might have to pay a visa issuing fee. Check to see
whether your country has a reciprocity fee at http://
you apply for a visa, your new school needs to send
travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.
you the form (I-20 or DS-2019) required for the
either the student or exchange visitor visa you need
What are the main steps in applying
and a document enrolling you in the Student and
for a visa?
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS
is a Web-based information system that keeps track of First, you need to make an appointment for a visa
foreign students. You must pay a SEVIS enrollment interview by consulting the Web site of the nearest
fee; the fee for most students is $200 (as of May U.S. embassy or consulate. See http://www.usembassy.
2010). For more information on SEVIS, please see: gov/.
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/. For the interview you must assemble some
documents. These include: (1) a passport valid beyond
How long before my classes start your dates of travel; (2) the printed confirmation
should I apply? page of a properly completed visa application (DS-
160, completed online); (3) the visa-qualifying
You should apply early, up to 120 days before
document supplied by your academic institution
classes start. Visa processing times vary from country
(I-20 or DS-2019); (4) the payment receipt for the
to country, but student visa and exchange visitor visa
SEVIS fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm. photo, if not provided
applicants are given priority. Some visa applications
with the DS-160 application. (Note: You must fill
require additional processing, which could take up to
out the application forms and pay the application fee
60 days.
before seeking an interview. Find the Web site visa
Information about waiting times for scheduling
information specific to your country here: http://www.
an interview and processing your application is
usembassy.gov/.)
available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
At the interview you must demonstrate that you
wait_4638.html.
are a serious student who is well informed about the
school, has a well-developed plan of study, and knows
What kind of visa should I apply for?
about the subject you plan to study. You also need
You should apply for an F-1 visa if you want to to demonstrate that you plan to return home. This
study at an accredited U.S. college or university or means showing that you have a non-U.S. residence
to study English at a university or language institute. and no immediate intention of abandoning it, intend
You should apply for a J-1 visa if you are participating to depart from the United States upon completing
in an educational or cultural exchange program. You your studies, and have enough money for your first
should apply for an M-1 visa if you are enrolled in year of study.
a nonacademic or vocational program. For more See also Campus Connections [http://www.america.
information on these types of visas, please see: http:// gov/publications/ejournalusa/0809.html] and College
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1270.html. and University Education in the United States [http://
www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.html].
What will it cost to obtain a visa?
You must pay the SEVIS fee: $200 for F-1 and
M-1 visas and $180 for J-1 visas. You must also pay a Access this information on your mobile device at http://
nonrefundable visa-processing fee of $140 (as of June ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
2010). Also, depending on a reciprocal arrangement c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb4
5515fcc4079a.
eJ ournal USA
eJournal USA 44
A Student Voice (India)
Debarchana Basu
I am. Academia in the United States has offered me not

only the best in scholarship but also an inspiration to be a
genuine, honest, concerned world citizen.
In the linguistics program at Purdue, I have had the
privilege of being exposed to state-of-the-art research
facilities and libraries, interacting with eminent scholars
in the field, practicing independence of thought and
Courtesy of Purdue Marketing and Media pursuing original ideas thanks to endless support and
encouragement from the faculty and my peers. The
experience of teaching undergraduates, of exploring the
potentials of other young minds has been a rewarding one.
Graduate living over the years has been a myriad
of experiences: sharing apartments to living alone, new
friends, course-loaded semesters, midnight birthday
celebrations, and more. There were many memorable
firsts: the first day as an undergraduate instructor, first
The Loeb Fountain with University Hall in the background at Purdue
conference presentation, first credit card, first laptop
University.
(the bills came later!), a driver’s license, first bus trip to
Chicago, fireworks over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, my
Debarchana Basu came to the United States from India to first own car, Chinese buffet, and sushi, the first snow
study linguistics at Purdue University in Indiana. (and snowblading!), and my first visit to a Starbucks
coffeehouse deserve special mention. In making a home
T
he euphoric adrenaline rush after receiving the away from home, the new ways turned into habits. The
acceptance letter from Purdue University was journey so far has been eventful, the experiences priceless.
quickly replaced by agonized trepidations of the To you who dream of boarding that plane, buckle up;
dreaded last step: an early-morning appointment at the the adventure just begins and never really ends, making it
U.S. consulate in Kolkata, India. I had to take that step so beautiful and worthwhile. Good luck. Bon voyage. n
before boarding my first international flight to fulfill the
dreams of higher education in one of the most prestigious See also:
universities in the United States. • Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
After a month of frenzied packing and emotional publications/ejournalusa/0809.html]
adios to family and friends, I landed in Chicago O’Hare • College and University Education in the United States
International Airport on a gorgeous August afternoon after [http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.
travelling 22 hours over two continents and an ocean: html]
wide eyed, awestruck, tired, and excited. • U.S. Department of State Student and Exchange
After seven years, now I am on the verge of moving Visitors [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/
on, stepping back into the world with impressive degrees types_1270.html]
and the best of academic education. Beyond that I have
learned far more important lessons for life: a self-education
to be responsible, grow up, find myself, and realize who The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. government.
eJournal USA 5
A Student Voice (Morocco)
Ali Biaz
I have to admit that I quickly forgot these

unfortunate events. Life in Berkeley is very pleasant,
and everything is so easy compared to Paris or Rabat.
For instance, in only 24 hours I opened a bank account,
subscribed for a cell phone, and signed the lease agreement
for an apartment.
Besides that, almost all the shops are open on Sunday,
which is very practical but quite unusual for me.
Concerning the Berkeley campus, it is just impressive!
It is huge with so many different schools, libraries,
computer labs at the cutting edge of technology, and great
sport facilities.
The first thing that astonished me is that students
© Jon Arnold Images/DanitaDelimont.com
may come late to class. They casually enter and leave the
classroom many times during class. In France, students
respect the teacher’s lesson so they come on time and leave
the classroom only at the end of the lecture.
Concerning Californians, they are in general very
nice, open minded, and talkative, even if I am not totally
used to their habits yet. Indeed, I was used to shaking my
friends’ hands every day in France, and even many times
a day in Morocco. During my second day at Berkeley, I
The campus at the University of California, Berkeley shook the hand of one of my classmates whom I had met
Ali Biaz is a Moroccan national residing in France. He is the day before and he told me “I think we already met!”
studying for a master’s degree in financial engineering at the Another funny story occurred during the first party
University of California, Berkeley. I attended: A girl that I met before came to hug me.
I thought she wanted to kiss me like we usually do in
D
uring my first two weeks at the University Morocco and France to say hello. So I kissed her and she
of California, Berkeley, I experienced some seemed a little bit embarrassed.
unexpected, funny, and sometimes embarrassing I live currently a great experience, and I would just
situations. Allow me to share some with you. But first, let encourage any student to enroll in a program in the
me give advice to other prospective foreign students who United States. n
plan to study in the United States.
The first advice is to apply for the visa at least two See also:
months before the beginning of the program to be sure • Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
to be on schedule. I learned this lesson at my expense. publications/ejournalusa/0809.html]
Indeed, I applied for my student visa a little bit late, and, • College and University Education in the United States
unfortunately, I missed two weeks of classes. [http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1105.
My second advice is to check the weather before html]
coming! I was pretty sure that California was sunny all
year around so I left all my jackets and sweaters in Paris.
What a huge mistake! It rained almost every day during The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
the first week in Berkeley.
6
The Problem with Top-Schools Lists
Burton Bollag
Top-school lists never capture the immense diversity of U.S. are often used interchangeably, although colleges tend to
colleges and universities, or indicate the best fit between be smaller and offer mostly undergraduate degrees, while
student and school. Burton Bollag is a former correspondent universities also offer graduate degrees. Colleges are in no
for The Chronicle of Higher Learning. way considered inferior to universities.
Universities can be public or private. Private, non-
profit universities include some of the best-known
T
here are around 4,000 accredited universities institutions, such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
and other higher education institutions in the Public universities are founded and subsidized by one of
United States. They offer an immense range of America’s 50 states, and by some cities. They are often
educational experiences, from large research universities very large — with 20,000 students or more — and are
to small, friendly liberal arts colleges. This helps explain generally less expensive than private institutions, but out-
why the United States attracts more international students of-state and foreign students pay more than local students.
than any other country, says Allan E. Goodman, president At universities, professors may be involved in leading-
of the Institute of International Education, a non-profit edge research. But classes, especially for first- and second-
group promoting student exchanges to and from America. year students, tend to be large and may be taught by
“While elite U.S. programs are among the best in the graduate students instead of professors.
world,” Goodman says, “the unique strength of the U.S. At liberal arts colleges, classes are smaller and
higher education system is [its] diversity.” professors tend to have more time to spend with students.
There is no official ranking system to indicate Institutes specialize in a narrow field of professional
which institutions are better than others, though several studies, such as technology, art and design, or health care.
unofficial rankings are compiled by magazines and Many are private.
associations. However, educators urge caution in using a There are hundreds of colleges and universities
ranking table and emphasize that the best choice for one affiliated with a particular religious tradition, though most
student may be very different from the best choice for of them enroll students from all religious backgrounds.
another. The United States also has dozens of historically black
Institutions of all types are spread across the United colleges and universities, most of whose students are
States. Some students want a campus that will give them African Americans.
the excitement and rich cultural life of a big city such Community colleges offer two-year degrees in a wide
as New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Others value the variety of fields, and some provide intensive English-
tranquility and beauty of a rural setting, whether the quiet language instruction. They provide the least expensive
forests and snowy winters of the Northeast, subtropical post-secondary education. Students who successfully
Florida, the dry expanses of the West, or the Pacific coast complete a community college program can often transfer
with its seashore and nearby mountains. to a four-year college to continue their undergraduate
Some colleges have strong athletic programs in such studies. n
sports as basketball, American football, and tennis. Others
afford easy access to unspoiled nature, or are near oceans See also Campus Connections [http://www.america.gov/
or lakes where students can swim or sail. publications/ejournalusa/0809.html].
Many institutions have particular strengths in certain
academic areas, making them a good choice for students
interested in those fields. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
In the United States, the terms college and university
eJournal USA 7
A Student Voice (Iran)
Rodin Hamidi
obtain a masters degree in fine arts from a high-caliber
institution, and there are almost as many such schools in
New York as there are shopping malls in Dubai where I
currently live. The next step was to prepare documents,
Courtesy of Democracy Video Challenge

portfolios, transcripts, etc. — many of them for each of
the art schools I wanted to apply to.
For an international student, the process comprises
not only applying to the schools and universities and then
waiting impatiently for their replies, but also applying
for visas. I’m an Iranian citizen, and when one of the
universities I had applied to requested that I come for an
in-person interview, I realized that it would be impossible
Rodin Hamidi receives his Democray Video Challenger award from for me to receive a visa to travel to the United States in
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
time for the scheduled meeting and that I would probably
Rodin Hamidi is one of six 2009 winners of the Democracy lose that opportunity.
Video Challenge. An Iranian residing in Dubai, he has There are many emotional ups and downs, feelings of
applied for admission to a number of arts schools in New confusion, desperation, of not being able to plan ahead.
York. Applicants invest a lot of time, energy, and hope in the
application process, and university administrations and
I
found out what America’s real name is after having faculty members spend time and effort to determine
spent only two days there during my first visit — the whether you qualify as a potential candidate. In addition,
Land of Opportunity. Although I had always had there are other major questions that you must answer: If
an image of America in my mind, which was mostly I am accepted, how can I finance it all? Is it really worth
influenced by blockbuster movies, I never thought I would that much money?
one day have the chance to actually travel there. The expenses are mind-blowing, especially for non-
In September 2009, I finally had the opportunity to U.S. citizens who, in addition to living expenses and
visit the United States under the best of circumstances. I tuition, must also factor in travel costs. And facing these
was one of six people from around the world who won the problems, it’s you and your dreams.
global Democracy Video Challenge that year, and all my Again you calm yourself down and you look in the
travel expenses were being paid by the U.S. Department mirror, smile, and continue to have faith that there is
of State. The trip gave me the chance to visit several major a way. Regardless of what you are going through, it is
cities and meet people from various cultural backgrounds, important to keep yourself on track and to be productive
and, most exciting of all, to receive my award from in whatever you do. This was the biggest lesson I learned
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. during the time I was waiting for others to decide where
As a young artist, I had always dreamt of being in the my future would lead. n
city that is considered to be the heart of the art world, the
truly amazing Big Apple, New York City. When I arrived More information about the Democracy Video
in New York, I realized that it was exactly as I had always Challenge is available at http://www.videochallenge.america.
imagined it to be. Soon, I felt that this was a place where gov/ and http://www.youtube.com/democracychallenge.
I would love to live and to make the best of every minute
of my time there. I therefore started researching various
universities and art schools in the city. I had always The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
wanted to further my studies in art and cinema and to
eJournal USA 8
A Student Voice (Bangladesh)
Mohammad Nasim
I was accepted at the University of Texas at Dallas

for study beginning January 11, 2010. Once I received
the admissions letter and I-20 form from my university,
Courtesy of the University of Texas at Dallas

I arranged my other supporting documents and applied
for a student visa in the last week of December 2009. I
had only two weeks before my classes would start. After
my visa interview, my application was sent for further
administrative processing. I thought this process would
take no more than two weeks. I did not realize that this
process can be time consuming. It took two and a half
months to complete, and only then was I issued a student
visa. The embassy could not waive or expedite this process
in any way.
The School of Management building at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Fortunately, I had permission from my professors to
Mohammad Nasim of Bangladesh is studying for a master’s start late as I kept them informed about my situation.
degree in finance at the University of Texas at Dallas. The second step was to purchase an airline ticket.
This can be difficult during peak travel seasons. Once the
T
raveling to the United States has always been traveler arrives in America at the airport or other port of
one of my dreams, whether for higher studies, entry, he or she has to meet an immigration and customs
vacation, or work. However, it is not like moving officer. This officer has the final say in admitting the
from one city to another in your home country. Traveling traveler to the United States. Secondary inspections are
to the United States requires one to follow several steps. often performed, and it may take several hours before the
The traveler must meticulously plan and prepare with traveler comes out of the airport.
adequate documents before making the final decision to In my case, I was very worried as I was entering
travel to the United States. the United States two months after my classes started.
The first step involves applying for the visa at a However, I carried the authorization letters from my
U.S. consulate in the traveler’s home country. There are professors and presented them to the officer at the border.
different visa classifications including student (F1), visitor At the end, I had no troubles going through immigration
(B1/B2) and work visa (H1B), and the traveler must and customs because I carried all valid documents.
apply for the correct visa depending on the purpose of My personal recommendations to travelers who plan
the trip to the United States. This process is very rigorous to go the United States in the near future include applying
and involves completing and submitting several forms in for the visa way ahead of time, carrying all necessary and
the U.S. consulate and facing the consular officer for an valid documents, and being confident and honest during
interview justifying the reason for traveling by providing the consular interview and at the port of entry. If you do
valid documents. all these things, your travel experience to the United States
Some of the documents that are required and usually should be a pleasant and smooth one. n
requested by the consular officer include a valid passport,
bank statement, admission letter (for students), and work
authorization letter (for workers). Travelers must apply The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
for the visa well ahead of time as certain visa applications
require further administrative processing and security
clearances. Obtaining these can be lengthy.
eJournal USA 9
Information for Tourists
I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa

Who may apply for a tourist visa? For the interview, you must bring several
documents: (1) a passport valid beyond your dates of
You may apply for a tourist (B-2) visa if your travel travel; (2) the appointment confirmation sheet; (3)
is (1) recreational (including tourism, visits with the completed visa application form(s); (4) a receipt
friends or family, unpaid participation in cultural or for the visa application fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm. photo.
sports events, or other pleasure reasons) or (2) for You must also bring evidence showing why
medical treatment in the United States. you are taking the trip; that you intend to leave the
You must apply for a visa unless your country United States after your visit; and that you have
participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and sufficient funds to meet your needs during the trip.
your visit will take fewer than 90 days. In that case, Check with the U.S. embassy in your country to see
you must have a passport that can be scanned by an whether other documentation is necessary.
electronic reader. A new regulation requires that VWP If you are traveling to the United States for
travelers apply for electronic travel authorization. Find medical treatment, you should also present (1) a
more information at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/ medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining
without/without_1990.html#epassport. why you must be treated in the United States; (2) a
letter from a physician or facility in the United States
How long before my trip should I showing willingness to treat your condition and
apply? describing in detail the nature, expected duration, and
Apply at least two months before you plan to travel. cost of the treatment; and (3) a statement showing
This allows for the time it takes to obtain a visa who will pay for your transportation, medical, and
interview, time for visa processing, and time for any living expenses. This statement must include proof of
additional administrative processing (rarely needed). the ability to pay these expenses.
Wait times vary by embassy and time of the year
— for example, many visa applicants want to travel What will it cost to obtain a visa?
during the U.S. summer (June through August), You must pay a nonrefundable visa processing fee of
so the delay then may be longer. Country-specific $140 (as of June 2010). Depending on a reciprocal
guidance is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/ arrangement between your country and the United
wait/wait_4638.html. States, you might also have to pay a visa issuing fee.
Check to see whether your country has a reciprocity
What are the main steps in applying fee at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.
for a B-2 visa?
The first step is to make an appointment for a visa More information on visiting the United States
interview at the U.S. embassy or a U.S. consulate in for tourism or medical treatment is available at http://
your country. You must then pay a visa-processing travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html.
fee and fill out the visa application form(s) required
in your country: typically the DS-156 and, in some
countries, the electronic form DS-160. Forms are Access this information on your mobile device at http://
available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/ ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
forms_1342.html. (Note: In most countries, you must c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb4
fill out the application forms and pay the application 5515fcc4079a.
fee before seeking an interview. Find visa information
specific to your country at http://www.usembassy.gov/.)
eJ ournal USA
eJournal USA 10
10
The Top 10 U.S. Destinations
Tanner Latham
•Ten Top Destinations Visited By Overseas Visitors

◆ And 10 Other Great Destinations
◆
Seattle
Boston
●
New York
Philadelphia ●
● ◆
Chicago Washington
●
San Francisco
● St. Louis
◆
Las Vegas Asheville
● Nashville
◆
Santa Fe ◆
Los Angeles ◆
● Atlanta Charleston
◆ ◆
Honolulu New Orleans

● Orlando
Austin ◆ ●
◆
Miami
●
Vincent Hughes
Overseas tourists make a few cities their top U.S. destinations nations. It commands the world’s attention. Every chef
year after year for good reasons. Tanner Latham is the former who opens a restaurant here, every designer who presents
travel editor of Southern Living magazine. a line of clothing, and every artist who hangs work in
a gallery feels the buzz of excitement that threads each
E
very year most of the millions of overseas visitors square block of the Big Apple. Visitors have the pleasure
(that is, excluding those from Canada and Mexico) of absorbing that energy, whether they are bombarded by
coming to the United States spend most of their the grandiose flashiness of Times Square or given the soft
time in a few places, the top 10 listed here in order of sell by artists presenting their crafts in Union Square Park.
popularity. Some of those places are for plunging into the www.nycgo.com
hustle and bustle, and some are for escaping it.
Los Angeles
New York City
Los Angeles is best defined by two of its most famous
New York has Wall Street, the theater district, the neighborhoods. Hollywood offers glitz, glamour, and
Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, world-class flashes of immense fame. This is where one finds the
museums, and street vendors offering foods of the world’s world’s most famous movie stars. Visitors enjoy brief
eJournal USA 11
© Rene Mattes/Hemis/Corbis
© Shutterstock Images
© John Brown/Photolibrary/Getty Images
© AP Images/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Clockwise from top left: The Statue of Liberty and

Lower Manhattan in New York, Universal Studio in
© Josh Anon/Jaynes Gallery/DanitaDelimont.com
Los Angeles, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

near Orlando, the Golden Gate Bridge at San
Francisco, and a lifeguard station in Miami Beach.
12
access to celebrity when walking down Rodeo Drive and But Orlando is not merely a destination of dreams,
the Sunset Strip, or even posing for pictures outside the fantasy, and costumed characters. Downtown visitors find
historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Offsetting that scene an interesting blend of architecture, from Victorian-styled
is the laid-back lifestyle found in the neighborhood of houses to high-rises. That area also features boutique
Venice Beach. Here, Oceanfront Walk — a magnet for shopping, diverse restaurants, and a burgeoning nightlife.
characters from every walk of life — is one of the best For those seeking a great natural space, Lake Eola Park
places for people-watching one will ever find. offers a pedestrian-friendly walking loop.
See also “Los Angeles French Dip” page 25. www.orlandoinfo.com
www.discoverlosangeles.com
Las Vegas
San Francisco
All of Las Vegas is a party. Imagine a giant adult
San Francisco is a city defined by the breezes blowing theme park full of the brightest lights and the most
in off the Pacific Ocean. The weather dictates every decadent, over-the-top buildings. One needs only walk
decision locals and visitors make. Golden Gate Park, down the Las Vegas Strip to see that vision realized.
with its walking trails, lounging beaches, and views of the Visitors here find everything from towering fountains to
iconic Golden Gate Bridge, attracts the most attention laser light displays to high-stakes casino games to variety
on a day when the sun is shining, even if there’s a hint of shows headlined by perfectly choreographed performers.
cool in the air. On foggy days, one might venture inland Sleeping is the last of any visitor’s priorities. Those tourists
to catch a ride on the ever-dinging cable cars or schedule looking for a slightly less-flashy Vegas experience venture
architectural tours, especially those including “The Painted to Fremont Street downtown where many of the casinos
Ladies,” the oft-photographed and -filmed Victorian and feature a more old-fashioned vibe.
Edwardian houses lining the city’s steep hills. www.visitlasvegas.com
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Honolulu
Miami and Miami Beach
While the city of Honolulu bustles with business,
Like an up-tempo dance song, Miami and Miami museums, and the Foster Botanical Gardens (a terrific
Beach pulse with a constant beat, no matter the hour of spot for a picnic), the city is best known as the jumping-
the day. South Beach in the sunshine attracts some of the off point for Hawaii’s island of Oahu. Most visitors
most beautiful people and even features a string of Art congregate at Waikiki because of its glorious swimming
Deco-designed lifeguard stations. Ocean Drive after dark beaches, shops, restaurants, and abundance of outdoor
— lit with bright neon reds, greens, blues, and pinks — activities — from surfing lessons to catamaran sailing.
transforms into a sleek, chic scene found nowhere else on Speaking of surfing, most locals and visitors ride their
the planet. The Hispanic culture is ever-present, reflected boards in the waters around Haleiwa, a beach town on the
in the cuisine and neighborhoods such as Little Havana, North Shore. Those interested in U.S. naval history visit
where men speak Spanish, lightheartedly ribbing each the USS Arizona Memorial honoring those killed during
other while smoking cigars and playing dominoes on Calle the December 1941 attacks on Pearl Harbor and the USS
Ocho (8th Street). Missouri, a battleship decommissioned in 1992.
See also “Florida Cuban Sandwich” on page 24. www.gohawaii.com
www.miamiandbeaches.com
Washington
Orlando
Washington, D.C., encompasses the spirit of the
The Greater Orlando area is the land of ultimate United States. Visitors find here a convergence of
escape. It is where imaginations run wild. Even the most history, American pride, and the buzzing, never-stopping
creative visitors could not conjure the whole worlds machine of American politics. The city hosts some of the
thriving here in the Universal theme parks and at Disney country’s greatest museums (from the National Air and
World, or any other attraction bearing the Disney label. Space Museum to the National Gallery of Art). Though
eJournal USA 13
seems most apt. With more than 70
unique neighborhoods — from Anderson
on the North Side to Hyde Park on the
South Side — each embodies an identity
unto its own. This city, hugging the shores
of Lake Michigan, also features wonderful
shopping opportunities for visitors,
especially on the “Magnificent Mile” strip
of boutiques and designer stores running
along Michigan Avenue.
www.explorechicago.org
Boston
Boston truly is the jewel of New
England. One of the best ways for visitors
to encounter the city is via its dynamic
chain of parks, such as Boston Common,
featuring the family-friendly Frog Pond.
The nearby Public Garden hosts its own
pond with swan boat tours, which have
been in operation since the 1870s. The city
honors its key role in American history,
but it never focuses solely on the past.
© AP Images/J. Scott Applewhite
For example, Faneuil Hall, where great

orators stumped their protests before the
American Revolution, now anchors a
pedestrian-friendly market full of shops
and restaurants. Boston Harbor, the site
of the Boston Tea Party, now features the
A full moon over Washington, D.C., illuminates the Lincoln Memorial (foreground), the
popular HarborWalk, a trail that winds
Washington Monument (center), and the U.S. Capitol (background). around the waterfront.
See also “New England Lobster Roll”
urban, the city has always preserved its green, natural
on page 25.
spaces. One finds surprising solitude on the trails winding
www.bostonusa.com. n
around Roosevelt Island, which sits peacefully in the
middle of the Potomac River. And, of course, one of the
See also:
greatest attractions is the National Mall, America’s front
• Snapshot USA [http://www.america.gov/publications/
yard. Spread a blanket on the grass and relax surrounded
ejournalusa/0606.html]
by monuments honoring some of the country’s most
• Outline of American Geography [http://www.america.
important leaders.
gov/publications/books/outline-of-american-geography.
www.washington.org
html]
• USA Map with Facts in Brief [http://www.america.gov/
Chicago
publications/ejournalusa/0708.html]
Known for its professional sports teams, world-class
restaurants, and fascinating architecture, Chicago stands as
the most prominent city in the Midwestern United States. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
Of all of Chicago’s monikers, “A City of Neighborhoods”
eJournal USA 14
Courtesy of Tim Brown
© AP Images/Michael Dwyer
© Richard Nowitz/National Geographic Stock
© George Rose/Getty Images
Clockwise from top left: Japanese cherry trees at the Tidal Basin in
Washington, D.C., the USS Constitution (launched 1797) in Boston
Harbor, the “Cloud Gate” sculpture in Chicago, Waikiki Beach in
Honolulu, and the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
© AP Images/Lucy Pemoni
15
10 Other Worthy Destinations
Tanner Latham
Many foreign visitors miss out on U.S. cities loaded with Auburn district; the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum;
attractions. In addition to the United States’ most-visited and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, residence
cities (see “The Top 10 U.S. Destinations,” page 11) here are of the famed novelist who penned Gone With the Wind.
10 other favorites. Tanner Latham is the former travel editor www.atlanta.net
of Southern Living magazine.
Seattle
T
he United States offers a lot more attractions for
When most people think Seattle, they think clean
overseas visitors than the 10 cities they mostly
and green. The city takes great pride in constantly being
visit. Good food, art, and music, as well as riveting
ranked as one of the most environmentally friendly cities
history, can be found in all regions. Here are just a few
in the United States. And with high annual precipitation
destinations worth a visit.
levels, its parks and natural spaces sport a fresh look.
Visitors gravitate to Pike’s Place Market, one of the oldest
Philadelphia
continuously operated farmers markets in the country.
Much of America’s early story is told in Philadelphia, Street musicians, antique and gift shops, cafes, and
Pennsylvania, through tours of such historic sites the fresh fish (famously tossed by the vendors) all help
as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of create the market’s appealing ambience. Another popular
Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated destination is the Space Needle, part of Seattle Center,
and the Liberty Bell was rung, according to tradition, a 30-hectare urban park developed for the 1962 World’s
to summon citizens of Philadelphia to a reading of the Fair. Pioneer Square, 20 square blocks of Victorian
newly adopted Declaration of Independence. But even Romanesque architecture, offers a plethora of art galleries
within the city’s historic district, visitors find modern and museums.
cultural attractions and art galleries filled with works by www.visitseattle.org
local artists. Philadelphia’s architecture blends 18th- and
19th-century styles with contemporary structures. One of Asheville
the city’s great assets is its walkability: Just about all of the
Backdropped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and
major tourist attractions stand concentrated in an area of
possessing an easy-going lifestyle, Asheville, North
about 2.5 square kilometers.
Carolina, stands as one of the greatest mountain
www.philadelphiausa.travel
towns east of the Mississippi River. Here, visitors find
See also “Philly Cheesesteak” on page 24.
a healthy dining scene driven by available produce
and meats from local farms. The cuisine seems to be
Atlanta
perfectly complemented by a strong craft beer industry,
Atlanta offers an urban experience with lots of whose brewers compete to offer the best ales, pilsners,
hospitable southern touches. The pace is steady, but not and porters. Boutique shops fill the hilly but walkable
so fast that one could not enjoy a cold glass of sweet iced downtown streets. Nestled amidst modest neighborhoods
tea on a hot afternoon. The city is the crossroads of the lies America’s largest privately owned home, the Biltmore
South, and some might even argue it’s the crossroads of Estate, a 19th-century 250-room French Renaissance-
the United States. It owns, after all, the busiest airport styled chateau open for tours. In July every year the city
in passenger traffic in the entire world. That translates hosts Bele Chere (“beautiful living” in an ancient Scottish
into international influences on the cuisine and culture dialect), the largest music street festival in the South.
that a visitor might be surprised to find in the heart of www.exploreasheville.com
the state of Georgia. Notable destinations include the
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in the Sweet
eJournal USA 16
© AP Images/Elaine Thompson
© AP Images/Jessica Griffin
© Susan Pease/DanitaDelimont.com
© Walter Bibikow/Corbis
Clockwise from top left: A kite flyer near the Space

Needle in Seattle, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
in Philadelphia, Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, the
Cornell Hurd Band at Jovita’s Restaurant in Austin, and
the Biltmore House near Asheville.
© Will van Overbeek/National Geographic Stock
17
Austin New Orleans
Austin, Texas, is a city of surprising diversity. At any The vibe of New Orleans, Louisiana, stays as smooth
given shop, restaurant, or music club queue, you’ll find as the live jazz played nightly down on Frenchmen Street.
authentic, boot-wearing cowboys mingling with tattooed Visitors here can’t help but find themselves in the French
rockers. Traditional politicians (Austin is the capital of Quarter, the cultural heart of New Orleans. The district’s
Texas) dine in the same Tex-Mex establishments as avant- focal point is Jackson Square, a beautiful park made
garde painters. The University of Texas-Austin keeps the more colorful by the artists and street musicians. Visitors
city lively and energetic. And down on South Congress discover that the New Orleans cuisine — a blend of
Avenue, amid boutique hotels and folk art shops, a visitor several influences, including French, Cajun, and Creole —
will find one of the best live music scenes in the United is like no other in the world. Louisiana provides a sales tax
States. This beautiful city also features incredible natural refund for international shoppers on purchases made at
spaces best enjoyed via the water sports on the Town Lake nearly 900 tax-free stores across the state.
water reservoir. Perhaps the best way to appreciate Austin See also “New Orleans Poor Boy” on page 24.
is by watching the sunset from a restaurant patio on Lake www.neworleanscvb.com
Austin.
www.austintexas.org Santa Fe
The stunning southwestern light and landscapes
Charleston
have long attracted artists and visitors to Santa Fe, New
When visitors imagine the American South, their Mexico. Life here revolves around the Plaza, the heart of
visions resemble Charleston. This historic city on the the city that feels more like an intimate village. Museums,
South Carolina coast and its residents exemplify Southern shops, restaurants, and boutique inns all lie within steps
hospitality. To experience that welcoming spirit, one need of here. The Palace of the Governors daily hosts American
only to walk the cobblestone streets in the historic district Indian artisans who sell their artwork, from jewelry to
and encounter the longtime locals. King Street is the paintings. Santa Fe is the second largest art market in the
artery of the city, and wonderful antique shops, boutiques, United States, and those interested in fully experiencing
historic homes with vibrant gardens, and restaurants that scene need only stroll Canyon Road, home to about
orbit it on the surrounding blocks. The food scene here 100 galleries.
is strong thanks to inventive chefs supported by a nearby www.santafe.org
culinary school.
www.charlestoncvb.com St. Louis
For an authentic introduction to St. Louis, Missouri,
Nashville
begin in Forest Park. Developed for the 1904 World’s
The American country music industry is not the Fair, the park now draws locals and visitors alike to
only draw to this city, but Nashville, Tennessee, known its numerous attractions, including the St. Louis Art
affectionately as “Music City,” attracts some of the world’s Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History
best musicians. Visitors can hear them perform in famous Museum. All these attractions and many more in St. Louis
large venues such as the Grand Ole Opry House at the are free. From there, visitors can get an expanding sense
Opryland USA theme park and Ryman Auditorium. But of the city by exploring the surrounding neighborhoods
they’ll also find them atop stools at any number of clubs such as the Italian markets and restaurants of Little Italy
along Music Row, an area just southwest of Downtown. and the restaurants and bars comprising The Loop. Of
The Country Music Hall of Fame offers a comprehensive course, a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch along the
history of the genre. Some of the city’s other great Mississippi River is a must for any visitor.
museums include the Cheekwood and Belle Meade www.explorestlouis.com n
mansions, and President Andrew Jackson’s home, The
Hermitage.
www.visitmusiccity.com The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
eJournal USA 18
© National Geographic Stock
© Jamie and Judy Wild/DanitaDelimont.com
© Franz-Marc Frei/Corbis
© Thomas E. Hooper/National Geographic Stock
Clockwise from top: East Bay Street historic

district in Charleston, a storefront in Santa
Fe, Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French
Quarter, Garth Brooks and Little Jimmy
Dickens at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,
and the Gateway Arch along the Mississippi
© AP Images/John Russell
River in St. Louis.
19
Avoid Visa Scams
How can I be sure I’m getting correct Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA),
information about my visa? or other services. These impostor sites may request
money or personal information. Never provide
The U.S. Department of State’s visa services office personal information or send money without making
advises visa seekers to use only U.S. government sites. sure you are using an official U.S. government site.
Most U.S. embassy and consulate Web sites have There are also fraudulent sites related to the
the “.gov” suffix. Pages on these sites are updated Diversity (DV) Lottery Program that may request
frequently. money to complete lottery forms (see the Federal
The best way to ensure that you receive legitimate Trade Commission warning http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/
and up-to-date information is to use U.S. government edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt003.shtm.) The only official
Web sites. Department of State Web sites http://www. way to apply for the DV lottery is directly through
state.gov/ and http://travel.state.gov/ link directly to the official U.S. Department of State Web site during
all U.S. embassies and consulates. Forms on these the specified and limited-time registration period.
sites are available free of charge. Additional or related
forms are available from Department of Homeland How do I report a fraudulent site?
Security sites including www.uscis.gov, www.cbp.gov,
If you want to file a complaint about a visa-
and www.ice.gov.
related scam, go to the multi-nation consumer
protection Web site hosted by the U.S. Federal Trade
What about other sites that provide
Commission at http://www.econsumer.gov/english/.
visa information?
See also U.S. Department of State Fraud Warning
Many non-governmental Web sites (containing [http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1749.
the suffix “.com,” “.net,” and “.org”) provide html].
legitimate information on immigration or services.
However, some sites may not provide up-to-date
information. Additionally, some fraudulent sites — Access this information on your mobile device at http://
ow.ly/105IH or http://m.america.gov/17365/show/8d43be0
including sites that display U.S. flags or buildings
c84ff61ca84bf3bea6778225c&t=6ba0099020d1861fbcb4
— may seem to offer U.S. visas, work permits, green 5515fcc4079a.
cards, electronic travel authorization through the
eJournal USA 20
A Tourist Voice (China)
Wang Zheng
Needless to say, I was

elated when resting on MIT’s
[Massachusetts Institute of
Technology] green campus lawn in
Cambridge, when I marveled at the
magnificence of the Washington
Monument in Washington, when I
tasted delicious lobsters dipped in
sauce at Fisherman’s Wharf in San
Francisco, and when I was exposed
to the technology of Microsoft
Corporation and Boeing’s passenger
airliners in Seattle.
© Paul Hardy/Corbis
I became overjoyed so easily,
and, lighthearted, I spent all my
cash down to the last dollar in my
pocket. Beautiful memories remain
Times Square, part of the New York City nightscape. in my mind, and perhaps many
regrets. I didn’t go on a shopping
Wang Zheng is a teacher and blogger in China. This essay spree to the biggest outlet mall in America, or drive a
was translated from the Chinese. “Big Wasp” (the Chevrolet Camaro) cruising down the
East Coast along U.S. Highway 1, or go to the Kennedy
I
was nervous as I set foot in America as a traveler, but Library in Boston to study the second lost mysterious
soon my excitement vanished like what the man in the symbol. I missed watching President Obama land on
movie The Terminal experiences in JFK International the White House lawn in Marine One just before I left
Airport. This is such a strange yet intimate world that I Washington.
grew thrilled and took a deep breath of the summer air, Fortunately, America is a place you can revisit time
much less humid than the air I had left in China. and again. It’s more of a passion than any sentiment that
My 26-day itinerary was filled with activities ranging can be expressed in writing over and over. n
from a movie tour to a big enterprises tour and even a
cuisine tour. See also U.S. Department of State Visitor Visas
My perception of America, gained over 30 years by [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1265.html].
reading The Window of the World magazine, now began to
crystallize. This was a trip to witness America — enjoying
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
the Manhattan nightscape from the 86th floor of the policies of the U.S. government.
Empire State Building, partying with new acquaintances
at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, paying
homage to the statue of basketball player Michael Jordan
at the United Center in Chicago, and matching the palm
prints of movie stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in
Los Angeles.
eJournal USA 21
What If I Need Medical Care?
Each year millions of visitors travel safely and offset the potential costs of an illness or accident. You
enjoyably throughout the United States. Should may also wish to register with your country’s embassy
you become ill during your visit, your hosts, hotel, on arriving in the United States. Your embassy’s
employer, or consulate can direct you to the nearest Web site can tell you what assistance your consulate
physician or health care center. If you have a life- can, and cannot, provide. If you use medications or
threatening emergency, call the emergency number, medical equipment for a long-term condition, be sure
911, for assistance. to bring sufficient supplies or arrange ahead of time
Be aware that health care, dental care, and for re-supply in the United States.
emergency care are relatively expensive in the United If you are traveling on a temporary or exchange
States, with physician visits averaging $155 and student visa, you may be able to arrange for health
emergency room visits averaging $1,000 nationally, insurance through your employer or institution.
according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Travelers visiting the United States specifically for
Quality. medical treatment should obtain a B-2 tourist visa.
The United States does not require proof of For information on how to apply for this visa, see the
health insurance for visitors. However, the State article “I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa” on page
Department recommends that visitors have a health 6 or visit the State Department Web page at http://
insurance policy or obtain a temporary traveler’s travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html.
insurance policy before visiting the United States to
Access this information on your mobile device at http://
5515fcc4079a.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Visa?

You should apply for a non-immigrant visa as explain any additional procedures for students,
exchange visitors, and those who need an earlier visa
early as possible — between 60 and 120 days before
interview appointment.
you plan to travel. This time includes the wait time
Most applicants will receive their visas within
for (1) receiving an interview appointment, (2)
days of having their interview. For a smaller number
visa processing, and (3) additional administrative
of cases, additional “administrative processing” may
processing (rarely needed.) Also, if your passport and
be required to determine whether the applicant is
visa will be returned to you by mail, factor in that
entitled to the visa. Because U.S. officials cannot
time as well as when you make your travel plans.
always know ahead of time whether additional
For the current wait times for interviews in your
processing is required, it is very important for you to
country, please see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
apply as early as possible in advance of your planned
wait_4638.html.
trip.
In addition, it is important to review thoroughly
Please note that in several countries, visa services
all information on the Web site of the U.S. embassy’s
are limited or unavailable because of civil unrest, war,
consular section in your country for local procedures
or other reasons; more information is available here:
and instructions, such as how to make an interview
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1302.html.
appointment. Consular section Web sites will also
eJournal USA 22
10 Great American Sandwiches
Robb Walsh
Courtesy of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sandwich makers pile on the Italian meats and cheeses at the White House
sub shop in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Courtesy of Emperor Anton/Flickr

Like American cities, American cuisine is extremely diverse,
with substantial regional variation. Perhaps no menu item East Coast Sub
illustrates this as fully as the humble sandwich. Below are 10
great American sandwiches, each linked to a great American A submarine sandwich is made on a long roll that
city or region. Robb Walsh writes about food; he has twice won is sliced lengthwise and generously stuffed. The earliest
a James Beard Journalism Award. sub sandwiches were filled with layers of Italian sliced
meats (such as salami, mortadella, and seasoned hams)
and cheeses, and then topped with lettuce, tomato, and
T
he casual meal we call a sandwich takes its name peppers. The bread was lightly coated with an olive oil
from Englishman John Montagu (1718–1792), dressing. Later variations include hot oven-baked subs
the Fourth Earl of Sandwich. According to filled with meatballs in tomato sauce or Italian sausage
legend, the earl had his servant bring him meals consisting and peppers.
of meat served between two slices of bread so that the Legend has it the name came from East Coast
nobleman could eat at the gaming table. shipyard workers. Similar sandwiches are called grinders
During the Industrial Revolution, the sandwich in New England, heroes in New York, and hoagies in
served as a practical lunch that could be prepared at home Philadelphia. The sandwiches originated in Italian-
and carried to work. In the early 1900s, the sandwich American neighborhoods along the Eastern Seaboard but
skyrocketed in popularity with the introduction of sliced are now available all across the United States. Other local
bread. nicknames include rockets, torpedoes, zeppelins, and poor
Most of America’s beloved regional sandwich boys.
variations first appeared in the early part of the 20th
century. Here are 10 favorites:
eJournal USA 23
New Orleans Poor Boy Florida Cuban Sandwich
The poor boy The Cuban sandwich comprises Cuban bread stuffed
was named during with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard,
a streetcar strike and sometimes salami. A modern Cuban sandwich is
in New Orleans in always toasted in a sandwich press until the cheese melts.
1929. Sandwiches This gives the sandwich its distinctive flat shape and
made on baguettes wonderfully dense texture.
with leftovers such as But the original Cuban sandwich wasn’t toasted. The
roast beef trimmings sandwich first became popular around 1900 in Ybor City,
and gravy were given Florida, (near Tampa) and in Cuba, where it was called a
Frank Stansbury/oysterjubilee.com
away free to the mixto. It was the favorite lunch of cigar factory workers
striking workers, who and sugar mill employees.
were sympathetically After the 1960s, when Miami was flooded with
called “those poor Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro’s rule, the pressed Cuban
boys.” sandwich became ubiquitous in cafeterias and coffee shops
Soon restaurants there. It remains Miami’s favorite sandwich.
and stores all over
The world’s longest oyster po’ boy is
prepared for a street festival in New New Orleans Philly Cheesesteak
Orleans. began calling their
sandwiches “poor Invented at a Philadelphia hot dog stand in the
boys” (often pronounced po’ boys). Seafood poor boys 1930s, this hearty hot sandwich is made with thinly sliced
are the most distinctive variety. Shrimp and oysters were steak that’s cooked on a hot griddle with onions and then
abundant and cheap in New Orleans at the time, and the served on a split sub roll topped with cheese. Variations
sandwiches were often filled with fried shrimp or fried include steak with mushrooms, steak with green peppers,
oysters. You order a New Orleans poor boy “dressed” if and steak with extra onions. Provolone cheese is placed
you want lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or “undressed” inside the bread roll before the hot steak is added so
if you want it plain. it melts around the meat. Alternatively, the completed
sandwich can be topped with the bright orange processed
Gulf Coast Muffuletta American cheese spread called Cheez Whiz.
In the 1890s, Sicilian bakers in Gulf of Mexico port

cities sold their distinctive breads from pushcarts. The
round chewy Sicilian loaves called muffulettas were sold
whole or sliced in half lengthwise and stuffed with ham
and olives.
During the early 1900s Progressive Era, new sanitary
regulations outlawed street food vendors all across the
United States. Around 1905, Italian grocery stores in the
French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans began
to buy the round muffuletta loaves from local Sicilian
bakeries and stuff them with salami, mortadella, provolone
© AP Images/Matt Rourke
cheese, and olive salad. The grocers sold ready-to-eat

sandwiches to go and provided tables where customers
could eat in the store.
Today, muffulettas are mainly sold in restaurants
and cafes across the Gulf States. But the French Quarter
grocery store muffuletta remains the definitive version. Lunchtime patrons line up for Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
eJournal USA 24
Los Angeles French Dip
Like the Chicago Italian beef, the L.A.

French Dip is made with thinly sliced roast
beef served on a baguette. But the Hollywood
version of the sandwich is usually made with
freshly sliced medium to medium-rare roast
beef rather than the pre-shaved beef that’s
typically used in Chicago. The bread is spread
with Dijon mustard and lightly dipped in
meat juice. The L.A. French dip is often
© AP Images/Pat Wellenbach
served with a bowl of roast beef juice on the
side so that the diner can dunk the sandwich.
Buffalo Beef on a Weck
Around the city of Buffalo in western

Waitress Lesley Spencer displays a lobster roll with onion rings at a restaurant in Five New York State, the regional roast beef
Islands, Maine. sandwich is served on a kummelweck roll.
German-born bakers popularized this round
New England Lobster Roll roll topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds.
Kummel is German for caraway, and weck is the word for
Lobster rolls were made famous in Maine, but they roll in the southern German dialect. Buffalo bar owners
are common in all of the lobster-producing states of New made sandwiches on the salty German rolls thinking it
England and in the neighboring Maritime Provinces of would make their patrons thirsty. The rare roast beef is
Canada. A lobster roll is made with chopped lobster meat thinly sliced, and the kummelweck roll is dipped in meat
mixed with scallions or celery and mayonnaise seasoned juice. Horseradish, dill pickles, and french fries are the
with salt and pepper and served on a toasted hot dog roll. standard accompaniments.
The best lobster rolls contain the meat of an entire lobster.
Lobster rolls are so popular in New England, even fast- Texas BBQ Brisket Sandwich
food restaurants serve them.
Slow-smoked beef brisket is the favorite meat at Texas
barbecue establishments, and the most popular way to
Chicago Italian Beef
eat it is on a sandwich. There are two versions. A sliced
brisket sandwich is made on a hamburger roll that has
The Italian beef sandwich is one of several regional been spread with barbecue sauce. Thin slices of brisket are
variations on the roast beef sandwich. This one was made piled up on the roll. The meat is topped with onion slices
famous by Chicago hot dog stands. It’s made with thinly and dill pickle chips. A chopped brisket sandwich is made
shaved slices of garlicky wet-roasted beef mounded on a with a mixture of minced brisket and barbecue sauce and
long roll that has been dipped into the meat juice. The also topped with onion and pickle. The chopped brisket
sandwich can be ordered “sweet” (topped with sautéed variation resembles a sandwich made with minced meat in
peppers) or “hot” (topped with spicy pickle mix called a tangy tomato sauce called a “Sloppy Joe” in other parts
giardiniera). The bread can be requested “dipped” (lightly of the country. n
dunked in the meat juice), “juicy” (double-dipped), or
“soaked” (dripping wet).
eJournal USA 25
Information for Business Travelers
I Want to Apply for a Business Visa

Who may apply for a business visa? Check to see whether your country has a reciprocity
fee at
You may apply for a business visa if you are traveling http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html.
to attend a professional event or conference, to
investigate or survey potential business sites, or to What are the main steps in applying
negotiate a contract. For other examples of business for a B-1 visa?
travel, please see http://travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.
The first step is to make an appointment for a
pdf.
visa interview. Consult the Web site of the nearest
You must apply for a visa unless your country
U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for
participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and
the right procedure. You must then pay the visa-
you plan a visit of fewer than 90 days. Travelers from
processing fee and fill out the visa application form(s)
VWP program nations must have a passport that can
required in your country: the online form DS-160
be scanned by an electronic reader. A new regulation
is replacing the DS-156 in most countries. Forms
requires that VWP travelers apply for electronic travel
are available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/
authorization. Find more information on this page:
forms_1342.html. (Note: In most countries, you must
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.
fill out the application forms and pay the application
html#epassport.
fee before seeking an interview. Find visa information
specific to your country here: http://www.usembassy.
How long before my trip should I
gov/.)
apply?
For the interview, you must bring several
Apply at least two months before you plan to documents: (1) a passport valid beyond your dates of
travel, three months if the travel is for a scientific travel; (2) the appointment confirmation sheet; (3)
conference. This allows for the time it takes to obtain the confirmation page of the completed DS-160; (4) a
a visa interview and processing time for the visa; if receipt for the visa application fee; and (5) a 5X5 cm.
your visa will be mailed to you, include delivery time photo, unless you already uploaded a photo with your
in your travel plans. Wait times vary by embassy and DS-160 application.
time of the year — for example, many visa applicants You must also bring evidence showing why
want to travel during summer, so the wait times for you are taking the trip, that you intend to leave the
an appointment may be longer then. Country-specific United States, and that you have sufficient funds
guidance is available at http://www.usembassy.gov/. to meet your needs during the trip. Check with the
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html. U.S. embassy in your country to see whether other
documentation is necessary.
What will it cost to obtain a visa?
You must pay a nonrefundable visa-processing fee See also U.S. Department of State Business
of $140 (as of June 2010). Depending on a reciprocal Visa Center [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/
arrangement between your country and the United types_2664.html].
States, you might also have to pay a visa-issuing fee.

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26
eJournal USA 26
A Businessman’s Voice (Kenya)
Frederick Masinde Oyange
at every airport of transit and

arrival. The security screenings at
airports are more thorough than
the one at the embassy, and one
must have all the relevant travel
documents within easy reach for
this purpose.
I arrived in the United States
Courtesy of Maggie Sliker

and had my first cultural shock
on getting out of the airport as I
could not easily locate a taxi cab.
It took me some time to realize
that the elegant limousines were
Taxis line up to transport incoming passengers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport..
actually taxi cabs, unlike the
small old cars used at home. The
drive to the Maryland conference
Fredrick Masinde Oyange is a marketing manager for site was quite a sight to behold,
Undugu Fair Trade Limited in Kenya. particularly the countryside farmlands with modern
homes standing on well-kept garden lawns with U.S. flags
M
y first trip outside Africa was to the United hoisted. On arrival at the hotel, feeling jet lagged, I went
States in 1995 to attend a Fair Trade straight to sleep. When I awoke at eight o’clock in the
conference held in Maryland. This experience evening, the sun was still up prompting me to prepare
helped all my future travels as the conference issued myself for breakfast only to be informed that dinner was
guideline information well in advance to facilitate travel being served!
arrangements. I used this information as a checklist to Since this was a planned conference, it gave me
confirm all travel requirements prior to departure. the experience to be able to plan for my subsequent
I was quite excited about this trip. All my friends trips to the United States. Now I always make sure I
were happy for me and envious. The number one have all relevant travel information, including business
requirement that makes most travelers to the United States appointments, prior to departure. n
apprehensive is getting the entry visa. Since I had all the
necessary documents to support my visa application, I was See also U.S. Department of State Business Visa
confident that my application would be approved, and it Center [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_2664.
was joy when I was granted a five-year B1/B2 multiple- html].
entry visa.
With the visa in my possession, I was now able
to confirm my travel itinerary, air ticket, and travel The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
insurance. This was my first long air flight, a total of 26
hours connecting through Amsterdam and Detroit with
the final destination of Baltimore. My travel agent was
very helpful in offering the necessary tips on how to go
through airport connections, and which signs to look for
eJournal USA 27
I Want to Apply for a
Temporary Work Visa
Who may apply for an H-1B visa? consulate in your country. Information about waiting
You may apply for an H-1B visa if you are a times for scheduling an interview and processing your
application is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/
professional or student being sponsored by a U.S.
employer to work as a specialist in the United States. temp/wait/wait_4638.html.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, you must hold at least a You will need to fill out a visa application form
bachelor’s degree and the U.S. position must require (see “required documentation” on this page: http://
at least a bachelor’s degree. Only up to 65,000 H-1B travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html) and
visas are issued each year. Learn about the types of pay the visa-processing fee of $140 (as of June 2010)
temporary workers at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/ and, in some countries, a reciprocal visa fee (check
types/types_1271.html. on reciprocity fees at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/
fees_1341.html). For more information on fees, see
How long does it take to apply for http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html.
an H-1B visa? You must bring the following documents to your
Because the H-1B visa requires approval from interview: (1) a valid passport; (2) the receipt number
several U.S. agencies, you and your employer should printed on the approved Form I-129 petition; (3) the
begin the application process at least 120 days before confirmation page of the form DS-160 online visa
you plan to start work. application; and (4) one 5X5 cm. photo if you did
not upload it with your form DS-160. You must also
bring a receipt for the visa-processing fee and, in some
What are the steps in applying for
countries, you may also need to pay a visa issuance
the H-1B visa?
fee. Find visa information specific to your country
First, your sponsoring employer must file a here: http://www.usembassy.gov/.
petition (the I-129) and pay the associated fees. Once
this is completed, you must make an appointment See also U.S. Department of State Temporary
for an interview and apply for an H-1B visa by Workers Overview [http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
consulting the Web site of the nearest U.S. embassy or types/types_1275.html].

5515fcc4079a.
eJ ournal USA
eJournal USA 28
28
A Professional Voice (Nigeria)
Elizabeth Anche
I got along very well with my host family and
admired Little Bit, a puppy that became like a little
brother to me. One striking thing about Little Bit is
that it is a diaper-wearing puppy whereas diapers are
considered as luxury for babies in my country! I discovered
Americans truly love pets. In Nigeria dogs watch over our
homes; Americans keep them as companions.
Back home I bury myself in work 24/7 with no
time for leisure, but I cherish the moments I had visiting
Courtesy of Martha Pope/IRIS Washington landmarks such as the White House and
museums that captured the past with accuracy such as the
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, an African American
cultural museum, and the Washington Memorial.
As a journalist, I was excited to be interviewed on
the Voice of America (VOA) while I did my internship
at Iowa Public Television (IPTV). I was involved in
Nigerian and Tanzanian students at an IRIS program.
producing a television program, Love For Quilting. As a
show of friendship and appreciation for my involvement
in the production of some of the program series, the
Elizabeth Anche is a journalist with Kaduna State Media orphanage at my Nigerian church got some quilting
Corporation in Nigeria. fabrics as gifts. At IPTV, I was lucky to witness the
transition of the station from analog to digital broadcast
M
y six-week stay in the United States, aka “God’s system, a feat Nigeria intends to achieve by 2012.
Own Country,” motivated me into knowing I I got some ideas on how to help Nigerians from visits
could actually make a great change in the lives to organizations such as ACCESS, a shelter for battered
of the people in my own country, Nigeria. women; Sisters on Target, an African-American women
As participants in the Women in Leadership program mentoring group; and Carrie Chapman Catt Center for
coordinated by the nonprofit organization Iowa Resource Women and Politics.
for International Service (IRIS), our team from Northern Back in Nigeria we translated the U.S. experience
Nigeria felt highly honored by the recognition given to by organizing an international conference on the role
us by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa at the of women in Nigeria’s future and by empowering
Capitol in Des Moines. indigent women in rural communities. This is what I call
I was really impressed by the level of community leadership transfer — American solutions exported to
participation, charity, and volunteer work to which most Nigeria with an African flavor. n
organizations and American families provide support.
This could be due to a tradition of an American respect See also U.S. Department of State Foreign Media,
for human dignity, which I immediately imbibed. Press and Radio Visas [http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
I experienced that respect first hand, hosted by types/types_1276.html].
American families in their homes to foster cross-cultural
relationships between them and foreigners.
eJournal USA 29
What to Expect
Change in the Air

Jane Levere
Improving security, a sluggish economy, and the Internet all Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia,
have changed, and in many ways improved, the experience of Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco,
foreigners traveling to the United States. Jane Levere writes on Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of
transportation and travel issues. Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
A traveler from a country participating in the VWP
D
igital fingerprinting, fluctuations in the dollar must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization
exchange rate, and a mass of online information (ESTA), an online travel authorization, established by
are some of the ways making travel to the United DHS. ESTA determines, before the traveler boards a
States in 2010 a different experience for international flight, whether the traveler is eligible to travel to the
visitors than it was earlier in the 21st century. United States under the VWP and whether such travel
These changes are evident even before the visitor poses any law enforcement or security risks.
leaves his or her country. When an international traveler arrives in the United
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security States, he or she must submit one of two documents to
(DHS) — a department of the federal government the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:
established by legislation in late 2002, after the September either a white Form I-94, if the traveler has a visa, or a
11, 2001, terrorist attacks — established a new series of green Form I-94W, if the traveler is a VWP participant.
biometric procedures for international visitors holding The CPB officer asks the traveler questions about his
non-U.S. passports or visas. or her stay, scans the traveler’s fingerprints, and takes a
Specifically, when these visitors apply for a visa, digital photograph. In addition, VWP travelers, who are
the officer interviewing them reviews their application not required to obtain a visa, will soon need to pay a fee.
and supporting documents and collects both digital The traveler keeps a portion of the I-94 or I-94W form
fingerprints and a digital photograph. after the CPB check and returns it to CPB upon departure
Rcently, the waiting time for these interviews has been from the United States.
significantly reduced. According to Geoff Freeman, senior
vice president of public affairs of U.S.
Travel, the trade organization for the Foreign Travel in the USA, 2000–2009
Millions of Visitors
U.S. travel industry, many prospective
60
visa applicants now wait fewer than
58
30 days for an interview, compared to
56
more than 100 days in the past.
The Visa Waiver Program 54
(VWP) — which exempts citizens 52
from countries that meet various 50
security and other requirements 48

from obtaining a visa for visits to the 46
United States of 90 days or fewer for
44
business or pleasure — applies to 36
42
countries. These countries comprise
Vincent Hughes
40
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
eJournal USA 30
visitors from any country
whose currency has
appreciated against the dollar.
Popular U.S. destinations
that previously were quite
expensive to visit, such as
New York and San Francisco,
are now more affordable.
The weak U.S. economy
has also created — for the
time being at least — a glut
of empty hotel rooms, which
has led to deep discounts on
many room rates, another
plus for international visitors.
Globalization has
Vincent Hughes
made the United States a
more attractive venue for
international trade shows.
Rossi Ralenkotter, president
In 2007 Congress authorized the expenditure of $40
and chief executive of the Las Vegas Convention and
million on a “Model Ports of Entry” program, designed
Visitors Authority, says the number of international
specifically to improve the arrival experience of foreign
attendees is up at the National Association of Broadcasters
travelers at the 20 U.S. airports with the highest number
convention and at the Consumer Electronics Show, both
of international visitors. The program aims to improve
events held in Las Vegas.
staffing, queue management, signage, and infrastructure at
The Internet, added Fred Dixon, senior vice president
the top 20 U.S. international airports and to hire at least
of tourism and convention development at NYC &
200 new CPB officers.
Company, also has made the United States a more
Changes in the global economy have also had a
accessible destination for international visitors. “There’s
significant impact on the travel experience of international
more information available than ever before, more
visitors to the United States.
booking channels direct to consumers, who can book from
There is far more air service, by U.S. and non-U.S.
their home, book from their phone,” he said.
airlines, to more U.S. destinations than ever before,
One top online tool to research travel in the United
spurred by the proliferation of airlines worldwide, and
States is the Web site www.discoveramerica.org. Developed
by their use of aircraft that can serve the new routes
in 2009 by U.S. Travel and the U.S. Department of
economically and efficiently. U.S. carriers such as
Commerce, the site offers information from American
American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Delta
Express, Fodor’s, Travelocity, Google, Weather.com, state
Airlines have aggressively increased their international
tourism offices, and destinations’ convention and visitor
service, particularly to Europe and Asia, while European
bureaus, among many organizations. This information
and Asian airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa,
is provided in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, and
and Singapore Airlines have added new U.S. routes, and
French. n
increased frequencies on routes already served. In addition,
“open skies” agreements, which lift restrictions on flights,
have been signed by the United States with the European The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
Union and Japan, increasing air service from both to the policies of the U.S. government.
United States.
While exchange rates fluctuate unpredictably, the
United States is a far less expensive place to travel for
eJournal USA 31
Getting Around
Jane Levere
the nationwide rail network, operate high-speed
Acela trains that connect Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington with
frequent, fast service. Amtrak also operates special
sightseeing trains throughout the western United
States, such as the California Zephyr and Coast
Starlight.
Companies such as Greyhound and Trailways
provide frequent, long-distance bus service across
the United States; regional operators such as
Megabus and BoltBus offer discounted fares on
certain popular routes.
Public transportation options vary widely in
U.S. cities. Extensive, frequent bus service and
subway systems are more prevalent in large cities
© AP Images
such as New York; tour-bus companies also offer

sightseeing tours in major U.S. cities.
Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains operate from Boston to Washington. Renting a car is still one of the best ways
to travel around the United States, says Wendell Cox,
Many foreign visitors will find that methods of travel within principal of Demographia, a public policy consulting
the United States often differ from those with which they company in Belleville, Illinois.
are familiar. Jane Levere writes on transportation and travel “It works marvelously well and is available anywhere,”
issues. Cox says.
Dan Kasper, managing director of LEC, an
G
etting around the vast United States differs from economic and financial consulting firm in Cambridge,
how one travels within some other countries. Massachusetts, adds that gasoline is much cheaper in the
While certain parts of the United States are United States than in many other countries. This makes
densely populated, other parts are not. This means that renting a car more affordable, he says.
public transportation options are more plentiful in certain “Given the expanse of the country and the fact that
cities, especially those with a large central core, while many places are not densely enough populated to support
geography and economics dictate greater reliance on public transportation, a rental car will let you get off the
automobiles in other regions. Going from one place to beaten path,” Kasper says. “It will give you flexibility to
another thus might mean taking an airplane, or a train, set your own pace and go where you want to go.”
or a bus, or driving an auto — or some combination of To rent an auto, U.S. rental companies generally
these. require foreign travelers to present a valid driver’s license
Many people travel from one region of the country and major credit card. n
to another, or even within the same region, on domestic
flights.
Although Japan, China, and many countries in The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
Europe have highly developed high-speed rail services,
such as Japan’s bullet train and the Eurostar, high-speed
rail service is not prevalent in the United States. Only
along the Northeast Corridor does Amtrak, which runs
eJournal USA 32
Vincent Hughes
Some Estimated Travel Times

Estimated in-air flight time New York-Boston: 1 hour, 5 Estimated driving time New York-Los Angeles: 41 hours,
minutes 40 minutes
Estimated driving time New York-Boston: 3 hours, 56 Estimated in-air flight time Miami-Los Angeles: 6 hours
minutes Estimated driving time Miami-Los Angeles: 40 hours, 59
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Washington: 1 minutes
hour Estimated in-air flight time Miami-Chicago: 3 hours, 5
Estimated driving time New York-Washington: 4 hours, minutes
3 minutes Estimated driving time Miami-Chicago: 22 hours, 14
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Chicago: 3 hours minutes
Estimated driving time New York-Chicago: 12 hours, 45 Estimated in-air flight time Los Angeles-San Francisco: 1
minutes hour, 10 minutes
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Miami: 3 hours Estimated driving time Los Angeles-San Francisco: 6
Estimated driving time New York-Miami: 20 hours, 31 hours
minutes Estimated in-air flight time Los Angeles-Honolulu: 6
Estimated in-air flight time New York-Los Angeles: 6 hours
hours, 10 minutes
Sources: www.oag.com, www.randmcnally.com
eJournal USA 33
Getting Through Airport Security
Jane Levere
to the checkpoint, where both my
carry-on baggage and I are screened.
I take several plastic bins, in which I
place my handbag and tote bag. As
required, I also remove my shoes and
coat and place them in the bins. My
belongings go onto a conveyor belt,
where they pass through an X-ray
machine. Transportation security
officers monitor the X-ray machine
screen to insure my belongings do
not contain any prohibited items
or items that may pose a threat to
aviation security.
Another transportation
security officer directs me to enter
an advanced imaging technology
© AP Images/Jon Super
machine, also known as a body
scanner. This is a new screening
device used by TSA at several airports
nationwide. Once inside the scanner,
the officer asks me to raise my arms
The passenger goes through a body scanner such as this one at an airport in the United Kingdom. momentarily as the equipment
creates an image of my body. This
Jane Levere, who writes on transportation and travel issues, officer cannot see the image, which
describes her experience with airport security. For more is displayed on a screen in a remote viewing location; the
information on getting through airport security, visit www. image is reviewed by another officer who cannot see me.
tsa.gov. Once my image, which is blurred for privacy reasons, is
reviewed for any potential anomalies, it is automatically
To take a flight within the United States, I must deleted from the system, and I exit the scanner.
go through airport security, which is administered by In a matter of seconds, I am cleared to retrieve my
the Transportation Security Administration, part of the belongings from the conveyor belt, put my shoes and coat
Department of Homeland Security. back on, and proceed to the gate to wait for my flight. n
As I approach the security checkpoint, I am stopped
by a transportation security officer, who asks me to show See also http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm.
her my boarding pass and legal identification. I use my
driver’s license as identification, though international
travelers should use a passport. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or
Once the officer has reviewed these documents, I
proceed to another officer, who checks my documents
again. Along with all other passengers, I then proceed
eJournal USA 34
Additional Resources
Publications, Web sites, and films on traveling in the United States
Books and Articles Kerouac, Jack. On the Road. New York: Viking Press,
1957.
“The Best Sandwiches in America.” Esquire, February
16, 2008, www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches McKibben, Bill, Terry Tempest Williams, William
Least Heat-Moon. Three Essays. [by] Bill McKibben,
Bryson, Bill. The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-town [Arlington, Va.]: Nature Conservancy, 1993.
America. New York: Harper and Row, 1989. Contents: The Adirondack Mountains, New York; The
Colorado Plateau, Utah; and The San Pedro River,
Bryson, Bill. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America Arizona.
on the Appalachian Trail. New York: Broadway Books,
1998. Povo, Kelly. Roadsides: Images of the American Landscape.
Plymouth, MN: Crotalus Publishing, 2004.
Duncan, Dayton. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea;
an Illustrated History; with a preface by Ken Burns. New Priven, Judy. Hello! USA: Everyday Life for International
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Visitors and Residents. Bethesda, MD: Hello! America, Inc.,
Notes: “Based on a film by Ken Burns produced by 2005.
Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns, written by Dayton http://www.hellousa.com/bookstore.asp#hellousa
Duncan.”
Raban, Jonathan. Old Glory: An American Voyage.
“Destination America.” Smithsonian, vol. 40, no. 2, May New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981.
2009, pp. 55-66, 68-81.
Profiles: Big Sur, California; Pensacola, Florida; and Reader’s Digest Association. Discover America: A
Chicago Comprehensive Travel Guide to Our Country’s Greatest
Destinations. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest
Fried, Stephen. “America’s Greatest Train Rides,” Parade, Association, 2004.
March 28, 2010
http://www.parade.com/news/2010/03/28-greatest-train-rides- Ricciuti, Edward R. America’s Top 10 Natural Wonders.
in-america.html Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch Press, 1998.
Fry, Stephen. Stephen Fry in America: Fifty States and the Rothman, Hal K. and Sara D. Ewert, eds. Encyclopedia
Man Who Set Out to See Them All. Photographs by Vanda of American National Parks. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe,
Vucicevic. New York: William Morrow, 2009. 2004.
Heat-Moon, William Least. Blue Highways: A Journey Scheller, William. Train Trips: Exploring America by Rail.
into America. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1982. Rev. ed. Charlotte, NC: East Woods Press, 1984.
Heat-Moon, William Least. Roads to Quoz: An American Setterberg, Fred. The Roads Taken: Travels Through
Mosey. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2008. America’s Literary Landscapes. Athens, GA: University of
Georgia Press, 1993.
Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life.
Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2009. Spears, Grady and Robb Walsh. A Cowboy in the
Kitchen: Recipes from Reata and Texas West of the Pecos.
Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 1998.
eJournal USA 35
Steinbeck, John. Travels With Charley: In Search of Web Sites
America. New York: Viking Press, 1962. Government
Stern, Jane and Michael Stern. Roadfood. New York: U.S. Department of Commerce
Broadway, 2008. International Trade Administration
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
Sullivan, Robert. Cross Country: Fifteen Years and 90,000 http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/
Miles on the Roads and Interstates of America with Lewis
and Clark, a Lot of Bad Motels, a Moving Van, Emily Post, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Jack Kerouac, My Wife, My Mother-in-law, Two Kids, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Enough Coffee to Kill an Elephant. New York: Bloomsbury, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
2006. (SEVIS)
http://www.ice.gov/sevis
U.S. National Park Service. The National Parks: Shaping
the System. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the U.S. Department of State
Interior, 2005. Bureau of Consular Affairs
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Walsh, Robb. Sex, Death, and Oysters: A Half-shell Lover’s
World Tour. Berkeley, CA: Counterpoint, 2009. U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Weiland, Matt and Sean Wilsey, eds. State by State: A http://www.exchanges.state.gov/
Panoramic Portrait of America. New York: Ecco, 2008.
U.S. Department of State
Yaccarino, Dan. Go, Go America. New York: Scholastic EducationUSA
Press, 2008. http://educationusa.state.gov/
Reports U.S. National Park Service

http://www.nps.gov
Institute of International Education
Open Doors: Report on International Educational Exchange. Non-Governmental
New York: The Institute; with support from the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural AMIDEAST, America-Mideast Educational and
Affairs. Training Services
Open Doors Report 2009 AMIDEAST is a private, nonprofit organization that
Selected tables are available online: strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation
http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/ between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East
and North Africa.
U.S. Department of Commerce http://www.amideast.org/
International Trade Administration
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries American Park Network
International Visitation to the United States: A Statistical Comprehensive source of information on national parks
Summary of U.S. Arrivals (2009) and public lands, including visitor guides for national
http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_ parks.
table/2009_Visitation_Report.pdf http://americanparknetwork.com/info/about-us
36
Council on International Educational Exchange The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (2009)
(CIEE) Producer: Ken Burns/Florentine Films
CIEE is the leading U.S. non-governmental international Length: Six videos (700 minutes)
education organization. CIEE creates and administers Color
programs that allow high school and university students Summary: TV mini-series [six expisodes]
and educators to study and teach abroad. The history of the U.S. National Parks system, including
http://www.ciee.org the initial ideas which led to the world’s first national
parks and the expansion of the system over 150 years.
Council for International Exchange of Scholars http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464482/
The Council for International Exchange of Scholars
(CIES), the scholar division of the Institute of North America’s National Parks (2008)
International Education (IIE), is well known for its Producer: Topics Entertainment
expertise and extensive experience in conducting Length: Four videos (265 minutes)
international exchange programs for scholars and Color
university administrators. Summary: Explores some of North America’s most
http://www.cies.org celebrated landscapes in North American national parks,
including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Alaska’s Denali, and the
U.S. Travel Association grand canyons.
This association assists members with programs and
platforms to help promote travel to and within the United Over New England (2008)
States, especially through International Pow Wow, the Producer: Topics Entertainment
pre-eminent international trade show bringing travel to Length: Four videos (263 minutes)
America; DiscoverAmerica.com, the official U.S. travel Color
and tourism web site; and Discover America pavilions, Notes: Emmy-Award winner
exhibition showcases at travel trade shows around the Summary: Celebrates New England’s landscapes and
world. landmarks, from red barns, white steeples and village
http://www.ustravel.org/ greens to rugged coastlines, safe harbors and lighthouses,
all part of its distinctly regional character.
Filmography
America by Rail (2005) The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the content and
availability of the resources listed above. All Internet links were active as of
Producer: Topics Entertainment May 2010.
Length: Four videos (201 minutes)
Color
Summary: Tour the United States from Washington, D.C.,
to San Francisco by train in this railroad adventure which
explores America’s scenic beauty and legendary trains.
Videos include matching maps of the areas.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166967/
37

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The Bureau of International Information Programs of the

U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly electronic

The Bureau of International Information Programs

See You in the USA

7 The Problem with Top-Schools Lists 21 A Tourist Voice (China)

29 A Professional Voice (Nigeria)

I Want to Apply for a Student Visa

I am. Academia in the United States has offered me not

I have to admit that I quickly forgot these

Courtesy of Democracy Video Challenge

I was accepted at the University of Texas at Dallas

Courtesy of the University of Texas at Dallas

I Want to Apply for a Tourist Visa

•Ten Top Destinations Visited By Overseas Visitors

Honolulu New Orleans

© John Brown/Photolibrary/Getty Images

Clockwise from top left: The Statue of Liberty and

Los Angeles, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

For example, Faneuil Hall, where great

© George Rose/Getty Images

Clockwise from top left: A kite flyer near the Space

© Will van Overbeek/National Geographic Stock

© Jamie and Judy Wild/DanitaDelimont.com

© Thomas E. Hooper/National Geographic Stock

Clockwise from top: East Bay Street historic

River in St. Louis.

Needless to say, I was

How Long Will It Take to Get My Visa?

Courtesy of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Courtesy of Emperor Anton/Flickr

In the 1890s, Sicilian bakers in Gulf of Mexico port

cheese, and olive salad. The grocers sold ready-to-eat

Like the Chicago Italian beef, the L.A.

Buffalo Beef on a Weck

Around the city of Buffalo in western

I Want to Apply for a Business Visa

Access this information on your mobile device at http://

at every airport of transit and

Courtesy of Maggie Sliker

Access this information on your mobile device at http://

Change in the Air

(VWP) — which exempts citizens 52

from countries that meet various 50

security and other requirements 48

such as New York; tour-bus companies also offer

Some Estimated Travel Times

Reports U.S. National Park Service

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