Useful advice if you're a Pinoy student going to the US

*I will add to this list from time to time.

1. Bring a tabo.
This was the advice of my friend when he heard that I was leaving for the US. I looked at him in disbelief, and he shook his head, saying that I will certainly need one and that it was almost impossible to find one, especially if you're headed for states that have a very small Asian population. (He had studied before in Virginia.) He told me that he was able to find one in an Asian store. Now, I have been to an Asian store here and haven't found anything resembling a tabo (water dipper). I had taken his advice, and stuffed the tabo in my suitcase, filling it with socks so as not to waste space.

2. Buy your brooms from the Asian store.
This was the second piece of advice of my said friend, and I think he's right, if you're looking for a reliable walis tambo. I haven't bought a broom (I can borrow a vacuum cleaner from my neighbor), but I've seen the "brooms" in stores, and I trust the cleaning skills of the old walis more. You can decide against this of course; it doesn't help that the only walis I've seen around here had coarse, dark stalks.

3. Buy a water filtration system for your apartment.
This doesn't sound as complicated or expensive as it sounds, and I'm not sure whether it depends on what part of the US you're in. But we bought a Brita water dispenser for our apartment because the tap water is hard water (high mineral content) and frankly tastes bad. So just remember to ask other students about the water quality in the area you'll be staying in.

4. Don't trust Americans when they say a place is "within walking distance."
Walking distances are very relative and subjective, so remember to ask a Filipino (or other international students) for his opinion! "Walking distance" to an American may be a 20- to 30- minute walk for us. So think about this before renting an apartment that you haven't seen for yourself that's within "walking distance to campus", or when budgeting transportation costs.

5. If you have a driver's license, get an international permit.
This way, you can have the option of driving your own car when the distances between establishments are farther than what you've expected, and you find public transportation such a hassle. You don't even have to buy a car; you can check out other alternatives, such as ZipCars (http://www.zipcar.com/). ZipCars are vehicles that can be rented by the hour or by the day for a very good price, and are usually located in university parking lots.

Pinoy Food Online!

It's such a relief to know that Filipinos in the USA who are suffering from homesickness can be comforted by the knowledge that Lucky Me pancit canton, Milo, Knorr soups, Alaska evap and tuyo can be delivered right to their doorstep!

http://www.philamfood.com/

I found the above link the other night and was amazed at the inventory. Sunsilk shampoo, chicharon, Fita biscuits, La-La fish crackers, Vcut/Oishi/Piattos chips and Eng Bee Tin hopia can be found here! There are other Filipino sellers on Amazon and other online groceries, but I think this store has the most variety and the cheapest prices outside of shipping.

I haven't actually ordered yet as the prices are more expensive than local brands, but if I suddenly crave for a taste of champorado or Fibisco chocolate mallows, I know that I can have them delivered straight to my door.

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We have nearly finished three weeks of orientation (yes, THREE weeks!) and have readings and homework all piled up. School hasn't even started!

Already, we've had two mock interviews per student. Career nights, career fairs and career development sessions have also filled up our schedules. You can just feel the pressure and the stress. We have been given two books that will be useful in our career hunt. Two books! I haven't finished one yet.

We've had communication skills workshops and math workshops. We've toured the campus and spent our breaks listening to notable speakers. We've had impromptu gatherings and socials. Our inboxes have been flooded with emails from various departments, reminding us to order business cards, pay our accounts, buy our books, answer surveys, look at possible internships and submit that resume to the career website.

All this, while the sun sets at 9 PM and each day grows colder. It's nearly the end of summer. It's nearly the start of school!

Meet Wharton Alumni in Manila!

Just sharing to everyone --

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Greetings from the Wharton MBA Admissions and Financial Office!

We are pleased to announce that many of our alumni from all over the world will be hosting presentations and events this summer. We hope that you will be able to attend our alumni-led presentation in Manila on September 6, 2012.

Register today and discover our distinctively collaborative environment, innovative approach to learning, global access and the diversity of talent that will place you at the leading edge of new ideas. Experience this first hand as our very own alumni share their experiences with you.

Please click here for a full list of presentations in the coming months, click on the 'Admissions Receptions: International tab.

We look forward to meeting you!

Best Regards,
The Wharton MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Team