SEMINAR OUTLINE

This is a broad description of the course.  We do not spend equal time on each section.  We concentrate on those issues of special interest to our attendees. 

1.      Introduction

• The challenges facing newcomers
• An overview of seminar course

2.      Immigration

• Business Visas
• Investment Visas
• Work Visas
• Green Cards
• Methods to acquire temporary and permanent residency
• Ideas and strategies to structure business ventures

3.      Employment

• The U.S. job market
• Seeking employment
• Preparing resumes, job interviews
• Understanding retirement, health and other benefits
• Tax deductions:  Why?  How much?
• Alternatives to full-time employment

4.      Business

• How to buy or start a business
• The service, manufacturing and retail sectors
• How to get cheap or free business and legal advice
• Important sources of appropriate information and guidance
• Tips and techniques to seek out opportunities
• Importing and exporting
• Franchises

5.      Housing

• Getting started
• How to buy a house:  The offer, escrow and financing
• Leasing or buying:  How to do both
• Difference between fixed and variable rate mortgages
• How to shop for a mortgage
• Equity lines of credit
• Mortgage brokers or apply yourself
• Evaluation of housing

6.      Education

• The Public School System
• School districts
• Course options
• College preparation
• Admission tests
• Foreign students studying in the U.S.A.
• Childcare alternatives

7.      Buying

• Smart shopping:  Techniques and sources for getting the most for   your dollar
• How to buy a new or used car
• Which cars to avoid and how to get the best deals
• Warehouse and shopping clubs
• Consumer rights
• Internet shopping

8.      Banking and Credit

• Selecting a bank
• Loans and scams
• Obtaining credit cards and building credit
• Credit Bureaus
• Types of loans
• Negotiating deals and credit terms

9.      Investments, Taxes and Asset Protection

• Sources of investments information
• Investment alternatives
• Stockbrokers
• Social Security
• Income taxes
• Death taxes

10.    Health and Insurance

• Health insurance programs
• Healthcare alternatives
• Life insurance
• Property insurance
• Vehicle insurance

11.    Communications

• The U.S. telephone system
• The U.S. Mail service
• Private couriers and parcel services
• Television networks and cable T.V.
• The Internet, E-mail and technology

12.    History, Holidays and Government

• The history of the U.S.A., explored through the national holidays     and related customs
• The U.S. Constitution and Government