What We Do

Cultural Transition Program

Tech Valley Connect is launching a comprehensive program in January 2012 to help assimilate international professionals and their families into U.S. Culture in the Capital Region.  This Cultural Transition Program contains informational workshops covering relevant topics such as;  an overview of U.S. customs, culture and traditions, in addition to focused tutorials on what many may find so different from their own home cultures.   Through the Cultural Transition Program, families will be connected with key partners from the local community who represent various ethnic cultures.

Cultural Transition Workshops (2-hour sessions)

includes Welcome Kit & 1 year subscription to monthly Newcomer’s Almanac

Three sessions covering:

  1. U.S. Culture, Customs and Traditions
    1. U.S. History Overview
    2. Encountering Cultural Differences
    3. Business Etiquette/Social Subtleties
    4. Household
      1. Grocery stores; ethnic, organic
      2. School culture
      3. Children – what to look for (post Columbine and other cultural heads-ups)
      4. Understanding Free Speech after 9-11
  2. Need to know
    1. Introduction to regional ethnic affinity groups and resources.
    2. Financials
      1. U.S. Banking
      2. Understand Credit History – how to build one
      3. International exchange
    3. Insurance
      1. Home
      2. Auto
        1. Defensive Driving – Snow
        2. What to have in car in case of emergency
        3. AAA
      3. Emergency Closing
  3. Municipalities
    1. Emergency Services/Information
      1. Urgent Care Locations
      2. Police
      3. Fire
    2. Healthcare
      1. Hospitals – Physician Groups-Specialty Affiliations
      2. Medical professionals – identifying who you need
      3. Insurance
    3. Court System
      1. Traffic Violations
      2. U.S. Civil Rights
    4. Laws/Government
      1. Political Correctness
      2. Sensitivity (Post 9-11)
      3. Taxes; Home, Sales, School, Income etc.
      4. Seatbelts, Cell phones, Corporal punishment, Jay walking (upstate vs. NYC) and more…

 

Welcome Kit and Monthly Newcomer’s Almanac & English Practice Worksheet

Welcome Kit – quick and easy guides for acclimating in the U.S.

Brochures with overviews on:

  1. Finding A Home In The US
  2. Telephones In The US
  3. Using The US Medical System
  4. Buying Or Leasing A Car In The US
  5. US Culture And History On Videotape
  6. Connecting to the World

Laminated cards and charts giving useful information:

  1. Trouble On The Road – what to do if; a police officer stops you or if you get into an accident
  2. Clothing Sizes Conversions
  3. Restaurant Vocabulary And Tip Chart
  4. Metric Measurement Converter
  5. American Holidays – meaning, observation, what’s closed
  6. Cooking In An American Kitchen –  referencing measurements,
    temperatures and useful information
  7. Emergencies Card –  directions in both English and the native
    language to use when calling for emergency services

Monthly Newcomer’s Almanac & English Practice Worksheet

This 8-page monthly newsletter offers a unique collection of information, advice, and cultural interpretation. It is written by Anne P. Copeland, Ph D., a clinical family psychologist and founder of The Interchange Institute. Those who have moved to the U.S. for work or personal reasons have found the blend of practical tips and thoughtful analysis of American culture a lifeline during their transition.  Individuals, couples, and families will find it a critical piece of their assimilation process. The English Practice Worksheets attached to each newsletter make it an English-learning tool as well as cultural support.

Language classes will be offered through the Capital Region Language Center on subjects covering (separate pricing):

  • Accent reduction
  • Slang, Idioms & Acronyms
  • Maintenance for Children
  • English as a Second Language

For more information or to sign up for the Cultural Transition Program, please call 518-283-1812.

Copyright 2011

Other Relevant Community Links:

Chinese Community Center: http://www.cccalbany.org/CCCCMS/

Indian Resources in the Capital Region:  http://albanydesi.com/index.asp

Tricity India Association:   http://www.triciany.org/

Hispanic Federation:  http://www.hispanicfederation.org/

German American Club of Albany:  http://www.germanamericanclubofalbany.com/

Time Warner International Programming: http://timewarnercable.com/socal/learn/programming/international.html

Cultural Transition Program