Welcome Packet Chicago

Chicago City Center

174 N Michigan Avenue 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Tel (312) 236-3208 Fax (312) 236-3246

Chicago Center Hours Monday Thursday 8:30 a.m. 9:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

www.intrax.edu

Welcome to Chicago!

Transportation from the Airport

If you have requested Intrax to arrange your airport pick-up: you must submit your arrival flight details to your agent or Intrax at least 1 week before arrival. You will then receive an airport pick up confirmation form. If you submitted your arrival details but have not received a confirmation, please contact us immediately. If you have any changes to your arrival flight (delay/cancellations/etc), you must call the Chicago Limousine Service: 1-800-601-1180 (if calling within the USA) or 1-312-735-6111 (if calling outside of the USA) and talk to a representative or leave a message with your full name & new arrival flight details. Intrax is not responsible for any missed pick-ups if you do not call and follow these instructions. You will be charged for a missed pick-up. Upon arrival, go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Then call the Chicago Limousine Service 1-800-601-1180 (toll free from a pay phone) & tell the driver your name and terminal. In case of an emergency, please call the Intrax emergency line at 1-312-259-3144. If you are arranging your own transportation: such as a taxi or shuttle bus, please follow the signs from baggage claim. From OHare: CTA Blue Line trains provide frequent service from O'Hare Airport to downtown in only 4550 minutes. The Blue Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CTA's O'Hare station is centrally located in the airport between Terminals 2 and 3. The Washington station is closest to Intrax. Continental Airport Express offers daily shuttle service from O'Hare International Airport between downtown Chicago and north suburban locations from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Departures are about every 5 to 10 minutes. The fare to the city is approximately $25-35. An information counter and pickup is located in the baggage claims areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and outside U.S. Customs in Terminal 5. To contact Continental Airport Express, call 312-454-7800 or 800-654-7871 www.airportexpress.com Omega Airport Shuttle offers hourly service between O'Hare International and Midway Airports from 7 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and hourly service between Hyde Park to O'Hare International Airport from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Allow at least 1 hour for travel time between O'Hare International and Midway Airports. Exact times and locations are available in printed schedules located in the information booths on the lower level of each terminal or on the Omega Web site. Pickup is located at bus/shuttle center door number 4. The one-way fare between O'Hare International and Midway Airports is approximately $16-$20. To contact Omega Airport Shuttle, call 773-483-6634 www.omegashuttle.com Taxicabs are available on a first come, first serve basis from the lower level curb front of all terminals. Shared ride service is available. There are no flat rates because all taxicabs run on meters. Expect to spend approximately $55 to $70 for a taxicab ride to downtown Chicago. Please remember that a tip (approximately 15%) will be expected by your driver.

1 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

From Midway: CTA Orange Line trains provide frequent service from Midway Airport to downtown in only 30-35 minutes. The Orange Line operates seven days a week, from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. CTA's Midway station is conveniently located just east of the airport. A skybridge with escalators, elevators and moving sidewalks connects the airport to our station. The Clark/Lake station is closest to Intrax. Continental Airport Express offers daily shuttle service between Midway and downtown Chicago and north suburban locations from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Departures are about every 15 minutes. The fare to the city is approximately $25-$35. An information counter is located opposite of the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The pickup location is located in front of the main terminal building. To contact Continental Airport Express, call 312-4547800 or 800-654-7871. Omega Airport Shuttle offers hourly service between O'Hare International and Midway Airports from 7 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Allow at least 1 hour for travel time between O'Hare International and Midway Airports. Exact times and locations are available in printed schedules located in information booths at each airport or on the Omega Web site. Pickup at Midway Airport is located at door M1. The one-way fare between O'Hare International and Midway Airport is $16-$20. To contact Omega Airport Shuttle, call 773-483-6634. Taxicabs are available on a first come, first serve basis from door M5. Shared ride service is also available. There are no flat rates; all taxicabs run on meters. Expect to spend approximately $40-$50 to downtown Chicago. Please remember that a tip (approximately 15%) will be expected by your driver.

Registration, Placement and Classes

Once you arrive in Chicago, please feel free to visit the school- even before you begin! On your first day, youll need to be at the school by 8:30 am. We are located on the second floor at 174 N Michigan Avenue (see below map). Please bring with you the following items: Passport Balance of all fees and tuition for the session I-20 (if applicable) I-94 (white or green card which you received at your point of entry) ORIGINAL financial certification (F-1 students) Proof of medical insurance (unless you are purchasing from Intrax)

After you complete registration, we will give you the Official English Placement Test to determine your level of proficiency. (You will receive your English placement level and class assignment on the 2nd day of school.) Following the placement test will be an orientation about Intrax Chicago and the community.

2 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

Orientation
After the Official English Placement Test, you are required to attend orientation. During this informational session you will have the opportunity to have any question answered by the Center Director and the Chicago staff. The orientation includes a Center tour and discussion about: Federal and Immigration laws and regulations and institutional policies, including Visa, I20, Attendance and Vacation, refund and cancellation, transfer, etc. Class schedules Class levels Class expectations Textbooks School hours Computer lab use Transportation to and from school Orientation to the city Student i.d. card

You should bring a small amount of cash, a credit card, and/or traveler's checks to use for your personal needs. In the United States, it might be more convenient to have your money in a local bank so you can pay for your expenses more easily. We can guide you on how to open an account in a nearby local bank. However, it takes 10 days or more to have access to your money. Therefore, you should bring enough spending money for at least 2 weeks. You can also use credit cards, travelers checks and cash.

Neighborhood
FOOD & BEVERAGE 7-Eleven 174 N Michigan. (JUST DOWNSTAIRS!) A convenient store for all of your beverage and snack needs. Open 24 hours. Billy Goat Tavern 430 N Michigan, Lower Level (Just over the bridge.) Made famous by the SNL skit Cheezborger! Cheezborger! Cheezborger! Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers on a delicious bun with fresh toppings. Sun.-Sat. 6am-2am Garrett Popcorn Shop 26 E Randolph A Chicago tradition and great after-school snack. They have many types of popcorn including butter, cheese and caramel. Giordanos Pizzeria 236 S Wabash This is a great place to experience Chicagos famous stuffed pizza. M-F 11am-11pm Gold Coast Dogs 159 N Wabash Famous Chicago style hotdogs and hamburgers. M-F 10am8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm CVS 205 N Michigan Photo processing, pharmacy and postcards, as well as beverages and snacks. M-F 6:30am-8pm

3 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

Starbucks Coffee 202 N Michigan Coffee, cappuccino, espresso, etc. They also have a selection of bakery items. POST OFFICE Aon Center - 200 E Randolph: Postage Rates can be found at www.usps.com M-F 7:30am5:30pm BOOKS Harold Washington Public Library 400 S State M-Th 9am-7pm, F, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm A photo ID with your Chicago address is required to get a library card. A large selection of all types of media is also available. www.chipublib.org ENTERTAINMENT Chicago Cultural Center 78 E Washington M-W 10am-7pm, Th. 10am-9pm, F 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, 11am 5pm LUNCHBREAK Free programs M-F at 12:15pm. Check the schedule at www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CulturalCenter. BANKS Citibank 100 S Michigan (Michigan & Monroe) www.citibank.com Chase 206 N. Michigan Ave. www.chase.com M-F 9-6 Sat 9-1

Accommodation and Meals

Students living with a host family will be provided 14 meals per week (breakfast and dinner), and can purchase their own lunch at various delis or shops near the Chicago Center. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from Intrax. A monthly CTA transportation pass costs $85 to $95. Some Residence Clubs include breakfast & some do not include any meals. Students staying in Residence Clubs will be responsible for purchase and preparing their own meals in the Residence Club kitchen. Grocery stores and many inexpensive restaurants are available nearby.

Holidays
Intrax Chicago will be closed & no classes will be held on the following holidays:

4 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

2013 Holidays Tuesday, January 1 Monday, February 18 Monday, May 27 Thursday, July 4 Monday, September 2 Thursday, November 21 Friday, November 22 Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Tuesday, December 31

New Years Day Presidents Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving Holiday Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Years Eve

Climate and Clothing

You should bring casual clothes, comfortable walking shoes, rainwear, an umbrella, dress shoes and several nice outfits for special occasions. You may also want to bring personal belongings such as tennis rackets, golf clubs, music, camera, etc. The weather is often cooler than most students expect. Even in the summer, dont for get to bring a jacket and long pants, since the evenings are cool. You can check out the forecast at www.weather.com. Enter 60601 as the zip code. Summer: You should bring lightweight clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, a swimsuit, short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, sweatshirts and a summer jacket or sweaters are appropriate. Fall/Spring: Bring a few sweaters, lightweight pants, a jacket, and most importantly, an umbrella (or plan to purchase one here). Springtime ranges from cool to warm, with rain in April, but plenty of sunshine on other days. Fall is particularly beautiful in Chicago. Winter: For winter, you will need heavier and warmer clothing; a heavy coat (wool or otherwise), hat gloves, and winter boots are a must! It gets very cold and windy, especially while waiting for trains and buses. Snow boots will make it easier to walk in the snow.

Travel and Transportation in the city

Chicago Transit Authority: The most convenient way to travel around the Chicago area is by CTA bus or CTA elevated train (called the el). The cost of public transportation is $2.25 for a oneway trip, $25-$30 for a one-week unlimited pass, and $85-$95 for one month of unlimited travel. Cash is accepted on some buses, but exact change is required. All buses and trains accept CTA passes, available at retail stores and vending machines throughout the city. www.transitchicago.com Taxis are also an available form of transportation within the city. The companies below provide service throughout the city and from the airports. American United Cab Checker Taxi & Yellow Cabs Flash Cab Company Yellow Cab Company (773) 248-7600 (312) TAXICAB (773) 561-1444 (312) 829-4222
5 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

Drivers Licenses
Can foreign nationals who are temporarily in the U.S. drive on their licenses from their home country? Yes. Bring your drivers license. There is more information about all Illinois driving rules and regulations at the Secretary of State website: www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Please keep in mind that issuing or denial of Drivers License is at the government officials discretion.

Safety Tips
Better safe than sorry CHICAGO You have selected one of the safest big cities in America for your English instruction. Chicago is the third largest city in the US, and it has maintained its reputation for Midwestern hospitality. Most Chicagoans are eager to assist visitors with directions, and very few of our students have problems with crime. By following the tips below, you will help us keep our status as a safe city. STRANGERS Chicago is a friendly city and most people you meet will be glad to assist you. At the same time, every city has people who take advantage of other people. We recommend that you use judgment when meeting new people. If you talk with a stranger, be cautious in giving them personal information. While sharing your name or home country can be harmless, you should only give your phone number or address to people you trust. Never give out the name, address, or phone number of your host family to a stranger. GETTING AROUND Always know where you are going; get precise directions before you depart for your destination. Before going to an unfamiliar area, ask a member of the school staff or your host family if the neighborhood is safe. If you are going to a questionable neighborhood, or traveling late at night, go in a group and travel via taxi. THEFT When riding on public transportation, dont wear expensive jewelry or carry valuables in the open. For example, if you have a nice camera, put it inside your backpack until you are ready to use it. Also, dont carry large amounts of cash. Use an ATM card, credit card, or travelers checks to access money as you need it. If you are a victim of theft, be sure to report the incident to your host family or the school staff so that they can assist you in making a police report. STREET SMARTS Be sure you know the US laws concerning smoking, alcohol, drugs and curfews. It is a good idea to carry a photo ID (or copy of your passport) and your insurance card with you at all times. If you are staying with a host family, you may also want to keep your hosts name, address and telephone number with you. Your student ID will have the name and address of the school. GOOD NEWS As in all countries, most of the people you meet in the US will be honest and kind. However, there are bad people in the world, and you may be at a higher risk if you do not understand the culture.
6 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013

If you do find yourself in a bad situation, surrender your belongings without a fight. Remember, material possessions can be replaced; you cannot. Be sure to use the school and your host family as resources. We are here to make your stay pleasant and safe SCAMS As in many countries, sometimes there are people who take advantage of people new to the city. If you think that someone is asking you to do something that doesnt make sense to you, please ask someone at Intrax for help. Under no circumstances should you cash a check or money order for someone you do not know no matter how good they make it sound! Some common online scams include: Apartment scams Someone will ask you to cash a check for them (either a potential new roommate, landlord, etc) they will tell you to keep a percentage of the money and send the rest back to them. Job scams Someone will pay you for a job online before you do the job and ask you to keep some of the money, cash their check and send back the rest. THESE ARE SCAMS! We are here to help you, so please let us know if someone asks you to do this. Remember that Intrax is here to help you. Be sure to ask the Center staff if you have questions or need assistance. We want to make your time at Intrax pleasant and safe.

See you soon at Intrax Chicago!

174 N Michigan Avenue 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60601

7 Intrax Chicago Welcome Packet 2013