As I've stated before, one of the biggest questions anyone asks themselves when traveling is, "What should I pack?" For Chicago's weather during the spring semester (January - May), it's good to pack clothes ranging from warm jackets and boots for the winter months, to shorts and t-shirts for the warmer weather in May. Sometimes it's hard to predict what kind of weather Chicago will get during the year, but it can range anywhere from freezing temperatures and heavy snow in the winter, to hot and humid weather in the summer months. All of the buildings used for housing at North Park are equipped to have central heating, but most do not have central air conditioning, so be prepared for that as well when the warmer weather comes. You will also need to purchase your own sheets and blankets for bedding. This may be easier to handle if you wait to purchase them until after you arrive in the U.S. The sizes for sheets may be either "long twin" or "standard twin" sizes, depending on which dorm or apartment you are placed in.
It is also advised that students at North Park have their own computers, so having a laptop available would be good as well. North Park's systems work with both Apple and PC computers. Having Microsoft Office programs will also make transferring and editing documents between computers easier and more compatible. Depending on where you are housed on campus, you can access the internet via Wi-Fi connection or ethernet cable. However, if you do not have a computer of your own, North Park does have several computer labs throughout the campus that may be available to you. I would also recommend that, whether you have a computer or not, that you have some sort of flash drive on hand with which you can save, backup, and transfer documents between computers. Printers are also provided by North Park in the computer labs.
Airline security in the U.S. is also rather tight, so packing as light as you can will help you to get through smoothly. It's good to double check to make sure any of your medications, computers, and other essentials will go through alright. For more information about U.S. airline security, here's the link to the Transport Security Administration's website:
http://www.tsa.gov/
To learn more about North Park University academics, campus life, and more, here's the link to the North Park University website:
http://www.northpark.edu/
If you want to know more about exchange programs to North Park, their application process, and expectations, here's a link to the International Student Handbook:
http://www.northpark.edu/~/media/Files/PDF/Current%20Students/International%20Office/International%20Student%20Services/International%20Student%20Handbook.ashx
Dan Pihl, who went on the SVF program in 2011, has also put together a small guide for those coming from SVF to America that I have included here below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Guideline för all Svenskar
A fantastic,
fun-filled semester has just ended at Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola in
Jonkoping, Sweden; a semester made up of laughs, memories, experiences, and
unreal friendships that will last a lifetime has ended. Despite the tears and
sadness that may come, there are still many more experiences to be had, because
the time has now come to bring this energy and excitement to North Park
University in Chicago, U.S.A.
The adventure to
the United States will certainly pose new experiences for the SVF students as
well some challenges. It is important to note that there are some differences
between attending school as a student at SVF and North Park University. You
don’t need to worry and fret over these differences, but in order to have the
greatest and safest experience, you should take time to recognize and
understand these differences between each school. Major differences that will
be discussed include academics, residence life, and community expectations that
are to be fully met while attending North Park.
To
begin the dive into viewing the differences between attending school in Sweden
versus the United States, looking into the academics is a great place to start.
Coming to North Park University it must be known that there is quite a
substantial amount of work that you are expected to accomplish for each of your
classes. A major difference from
past experience that a Swede will find is that the level of work you may have
for the given depends on the types of classes that one registers for. Coming
over to the U.S. for many is a time to explore what one truly enjoys to do.
Work will vary depending if a person is taking a painting class as opposed to a
politics class. Despite what classes are taken, putting forth effort and
passion is encouraged as it was while studying in Sweden.
By
taking new and different classes here at North Park University, Swedes will
find they will not be in a lot of the same classes. Over at Södra Vätterbygdens
Folkhögskola, all Americans and Swedes are registered in the same four classes.
This made it quite easy to work together on difficult classwork, study for
tests, and take the same study breaks to go enjoy what the city had to offer. A
nice support system in the Collegelinjen was established. But in reality, not everybody has the
same interests in life. This will result in taking classes with other American
and Swedes who attend North Park and encourage the formation of new friendships
with new classmates.
This poses another
difference in that the entire SVF group will have different schoolwork and
timed classes making everybody’s schedules unique. It will be a challenge
getting the entire group together because people get caught up in the busyness
and chaos of everyday life. But coming to North Park University, you are provided
tools to explore the city that which surrounds you. Coming to the United
States, there is an expectation to succeed in academics but also there is the
aspect of ‘outside the classroom’ experiences that are to be learned from.
Whether this may include taking the train downtown, going to the movie theater,
the aquarium, or going to a Chicago
Cubs baseball game, these are all opportunities to not only explore the
city of Chicago but to spend some quality time with the SVF group.
To
grow more familiar with the differences between Södra Vätterbygdens
Folkhögskola and North Park University, it is important to take a look at the
topics of residence life and community expectations. Attending either school
requires all students to not only follow the provided rules but to be a
positive presence on campus. This means to get involved in clubs, intramurals,
sports, bible studies and ensembles. Swedes will quickly realize that there are
many different opportunities North Park makes available to all students to get
involved. But by participating in these activities, students are called to be
responsible in their day to day actions. It is a privilege to take part in
these fun activities making memories with friends but if one does not abide by university
rules, it can quickly be taken away. For example, the North Park University is
a ‘dry campus’ meaning that the consumption of alcohol is not allowed on campus
despite anyone’s age. This may come at a shock for Swedes who have been allowed
to drink previously for a number of years. To suddenly come into a place where
severe punishment will be given if any consumption occurs can be a shock to
some. But as foreign exchange students, it is crucial to be aware that you are
in another country and most abide by those rules. These rules not only go for
alcohol, but for all aspects of living as a member of the North Park community.
From the candle policy, to the number of people allowed in a room, to owning a
microwave, these policies are made for the safety of all students. Being a
member of the community, keep in mind that there are responsibilities to be
met. Fulfilling these responsibilities influences others and demonstrates
a level of respect for all members and care towards the community.
All Swedes will realize that their journey to the United
States will not only revolve around attending North Park University, but around
the entire nation. Experiences will be born whether traveling during Spring
Break, traveling to a friend or relative’s home, or traveling with a group of
friends after school is completed in May. Throughout one’s travels and
experiences, differences will become apparent. Here are some unique
characteristics of the United States that Swedes should become aware of.
·
People hold the doors
open for others out of courtesy.
·
The drinking age is 21
years old, meaning a person is prohibited to purchase or consume alcohol if
under this age.
·
Going on dates always
ends with the guy paying.
· People use their hands much more when eating (French Fries,
Hamburgers, etc.)
· People play many different sports other than Soccer,
Inndabundy, and Badminton
· Americans consume much more meat than Swedes. Americans
known for loving steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and tortilla chips, and
our foods smothered in gravy.
· Soda is consumed on the regular, it will be noticed that
foods are often fried when prepared and much larger portion sizes than compared
with Sweden.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope you find this information helpful, and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. :)
