Vicky Elkins’ Cultural Care Au Pair Site - Memphis

Tennessee Driving License

Posted by: velkins on December 31, 2006

The Tennessee Department of Safety began issuing a “Temporary Driver License” (TDL) on October 1, 2007 to foreign nationals residing in Tennessee whose legal, temporary presence has been authorized by the federal government. 

A representative of the TN Department of Safety stated that is legal to drive with the International driver licenses only for 30 days after the foreigner arrived. After that time, the foreigner must drive with the Temporary Driver Licenses. http://www.tennessee.gov/safety/driverlicense/tdl.htm

Why are the documents called “Temporary” Driver License and ID?The Driver License and ID are designated as “Temporary” because the expiration date will be the same as the expiration date of the foreign national’s authorized stay in the United States. 

Who is eligible for a TDL/ID?
Qualified applicants for a Tennessee Temporary Driver License or ID-only license must:

* Be a foreign national residing in Tennessee.
* Provide documentation from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing a temporary legal presence and specific period of authorized stay in the country.
* Provide two forms of proof of identity and two forms of Tennessee residency.
* Provide a social security number, if issued.
* Pass all required knowledge, skills and vision testing.
* Pay appropriate fees.

What specific documents are required for a TDL/ID?

Applicants will also need to provide the department with:

• Two (2) acceptable proof of identity documents. 
• Legal proof of name change (i.e. certified marriage certificate, certified final divorce decree, etc.) will be required if the name on the identification documents does not match the federal document used for proof of temporary legal presence.
• If the applicant wishes to have the Temporary Driver License issued in a name different that what appears on the federal documents proof confirming that the name change has already been submitted to the federal agency will also be required.
• Two (2) proofs of Tennessee residency.
• Proof of social security number (or sworn affidavit if no SSN has been issued).

How long is the TDL/ID valid?The Temporary DL and ID are valid for the same period of the applicant’s authorized stay in the U.S but no longer than 5 years, and if not defined, for one year.

How is the TDL renewed?
At time of renewal, an applicant must provide updated proof of legal presence and extension of authorized stay as well as current proof of Tennessee residency.

How much does a TDL/ID cost?In most cases, a TDL is $19.50 and an ID-only license is $9.50. 

Where can I apply for TDL/ID?Temporary DL/ID applicants must apply in person and complete any required testing at one of the 50 full-service driver license stations across the state.  Check the department’s website, www.tennessee.gov/safety, for the closest location and station hours.

What tests are required?First-time, or original, TDL applicants are required to pass a knowledge, road skills and vision test.  Exceptions exist if you have previously passed the testing requirements.  Tests are administered at all full-service driver license stations across the state. Since the ID-only license is not valid for driving, no tests are required for a Temporary ID.
 
What language is the driver license test given?The department offers the driver license knowledge test in English, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.  Applicants may use a translation dictionary during the knowledge test, but interpreters are not allowed to assist with any part of the testing process.  During the road test, the applicant must speak and understand enough of the English language to communicate with the driver license examiner.

Driving Licenses Testing Center

• 6340 Summer Av.                   (901) 543-7920
• 3200 E. Shelby Dr.                   (901) 543-7920
• Mall of Memphis                       (901) 543-7920
• 5019 W Union Rd Mlngtn         (901) 874-0800

If you click on attachments, you will find the driving manual in English and Spanish, and a list of documents that you need to take in order to request your Certificate of driving in Tennessee.

For more information go to the Department of Safety Web site that you can find in my “Helpful Links”

Driving Schools in Memphis

Posted by: velkins on December 30, 2006

If you need to improve your driving skills, you may be interesting in attending to the follow driving schools:

Shelby County Driving School

(901) 872-7230

(Offers only private classes for adults $250 for 6hrs of driving classes. 2 hours for 3 days. Gives a certificate for passing the course)

Drivers Education Administration

(901) 327-0187

(Offers Adult driving classes $300 for 9 days of classes, 7 days behind-the-wheel-driving. Gives a certificate for passing the course)

Max Maxwell Driving School

Memphis, TN

(901) 755-6777

(Offers only private classes for adults $350 for 6hrs of driving classes. Gives a certificate for passing the course)

Driver’s Education Administration – Memphis - 327-0187

Driver’s Licenses Testing Centers – www.state.tn.us

Summer Ave. – 543-7920
E. Shelby Drive – 543-7920
Mall of Memphis – 543-7920
W. Union Rd. Millington – 874-0800

Most of these places provide private lessons, but in Collierville, I know that at the Parks and Rec Dept., they offer group classes three times a year (Oct., Jan., and May) which are less expensive.  The private lessons run about $45 an Hour for 6 hours total. ($270-up to $350) and offer books on rules and regulations and provide a certificate of completion upon passing a competency test and completing the workbook.

Educational Component

Posted by: velkins on December 29, 2006

The US State Department, which regulates the aupair programs, wants to ensure that you have an opportunity to study during your aupair year.

You must get at least six academic credits or the equivalent of 72 hours of class time if they are non-credited classes. In Memphis, most aupairs go to the University of Memphis and Southwest for English and computer classes.

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN 38152-3060 

(901) 678-2007

www.memphis.edu

Intensive English for Internationals

125 Patterson Hall

Memphis, TN 38152-3510

Phone: 901.678.2107

Fax: 901.678.2747

Email: iei@memphis.edu

http://iei.memphis.edu/contact2.shtml

(This College offers English Courses that are non- credit courses. They are not very expensive and most if our aupairs take these classes)

Continuing education non-credit course in the University of Memphis

http://www.coned.memphis.edu

Southwest Tennessee community College

Memphis, TN 38103-3322 

(901) 333-7822

Macon Cove Campus

5983 Macon Cove

Memphis, TN 38014

(901) 333-5000

www.southwest.tn.edu

(This College has campuses in different areas around Memphis. Check the Web site and see which one is closest to you. This College offers English as a Second Language Course. This is a course with credits, which make it very expensive. This college also offers non-credit courses in other areas go to:

http://www.southwest.tn.edu/ceed

University of Tennessee Memphis

Memphis, TN 38103-3400 

(901) 448-5500

http://www.utmem.edu

Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University

650 E Pkwy S

Memphis, TN 38104-5568 

(901) 321-3000

http://www.cbu.edu

Rhodes College

2000 N Pkwy

Memphis, TN 38112-1690 

(901) 843-3000

http://www.rhodes.edu

University of Phoenix

Cordova, TN 38018

http://www.phoenix.edu/index.asp

You can find course information and schedules for each of these programs on the following websites:

Silver Bay: www.culturalcare.com/silverbay
C.W. Post: www.liu.edu/cwis/CWP/aupair
 

Travel Outside of the USA

Posted by: velkins on December 28, 2006

Before you travel out of United States, you need to check this information:

§         Check if a visa is needed for the country the aupair is traveling to www.embassyworld.com

§         Send DS-2019 to Cultural Care Aupair Boston for signature preferably 6 weeks before travel

§         Signature is recommended for travel also to Canada & Mexico

§         Bring passport with visa, signed DS2019 on trip, and I-94.

§         Don’t travel outside US during your 2nd year unless you have renewed visa in passport issued in your home country first. An exception for this requirement exists for Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands. Please contact Cultural Care Au Pair Operations at Toll free 1-800-448-5753 or Email us at aupair.operations@culturalcare.com for additional information

Aupair Medical and Travel Insurance

Posted by: velkins on December 27, 2006

All aupairs receive a basic medical and accidental insurance as part of the Cultural Care program. However, medical treatment in the USA is very expensive. Therefore, it is very highly recommended that all aupairs purchase extended insurance. Aupairs have full coverage during 12 months. If an aupair decides to stay the 13th month, they has to purchase additional insurance, which will cover them during the 13^th month.

 If you need to go to the doctor

• Au Pairs can now find a doctor using the Aetna website www.aetna.com/docfind Go directly to DocFind. Be sure to provide your zip code and to select “Aetna Standard Plans” and “Open Choice PPO Plan” as your health plan type or call Chickering insurance company at 1-800-783-7447 (toll free).
• Bring your Erika insurance certificate at all times.
• NO DEDUCTIBLE for au pairs who go to a doctor or hospital within the network (applies to basic and extended insurance)
• The deductible should be paid at the first doctor’s visit. Sometimes you may also have to pay for the visit. Make sure to get receipts and all medical reports so you can file a claim later.

In Case of Theft

• Be careful with your property so that it doesn’t get stolen. Never leave things unattended!
• Go to the police and report the theft.
• Fill out a claim form and attach the receipts of the stolen goods, the police report and a copy of the Erika insurance certificate and send to your Claims Agent.

Baggage Delay

• If your baggage gets delayed, you muct report it to the airline first.
• Try to get reimbursement from the airline.
• Fill out a claim form and attach the documentation from the airline, receipts of purchased items and a copy of the Erika insurance certificate. Send everything to your Claims Agent.

If You Need to Interrupt your Program

• Always contact your Emergency Assistance Company to find out if you are covered.
• If your interruption is covered the Emergency Assistance Company will help you with all arrangements.

Liability

• If you have damaged something and you are liable to pay for the damage, you must first check if another insurance covers.
• If not covered by another insurance, fill out a claim form and attach the documentation fromthe home owners insurance, and estimate of the costs, receipts, and a copy of the Erika insurance certificate and sen to your Claims Agent.
• If you have sent in all required documentation with your claim forms, you should expect an answer within 3-4 weeks. For questions, contact the claims agent directly.

Filing an Insurance Claim

•  Use Erika Notification of Claim Form (Click on attachment below to get the claim form)
• Au Pairs must submit copies of receipts, doctor’s bills, etc. with claim form to Chickering Claims Administrators:

Claims handling while in the USA/Canada, regardless of nationality.

P.O Box 15719

MA 02215-1201 Cambridge, MA

USA

erikasvc@chickering.com

(+1) 617-218-8400 (business hrs) 

800-783-7447 (toll-free in USA and Canada)

Any questions regarding insurance please contact Chickering directly at 1-800-783-7447 (toll free).

Insurance for Extension Au Pairs

• All au pairs are automatically covered under the basic insurance.
• Any au pair who wishes to continue with the extended insurance or purchase for the first time must submit:
  • $425 for a 12 month extension
  • $319 for a 9 month extension
  • $212.50 for a 6 month extension. before their last legal working day of their first program year.
• Anyone who purchased the 13th month insurance before extending will have it honored at the end of their second year.

Aupair Deposit

Posted by: velkins on December 26, 2006

Important information about your deposit:

• All au pairs pay a deposit

ü      Two countries do not get a deposit back as the deposit is used towards their return flight; Australia and South Africa

• Some nationalities can get the deposit back in the USA
• In general, these countries can only get the deposit back in their home countries:

ü      All Latin American countries

ü      Poland

ü      Russia

• All au pairs must return the deposit release form in order to get the deposit back (if eligible) signed by the LCC
• Au pairs are mailed a Deposit Refund form 3-4 months before their year is up
• A voided check must accompany the request if requesting the deposit back in the USA
• Do not forget that in order to get your deposit back you need to complete your educational component and attend most of your aupair meeting with your LCC (you can only miss two meetings).

Extension Program

Posted by: velkins on December 25, 2006

We offer au pairs the opportunity to stay in the USA for an extended period of time. You can choose from 12-month, 9-month, and 6-month Extension Program.

Deadlines 

• Au pairs extending with the same family: both host families and aupairs must submit their extension enrollment online by 60 days prior to the end of an au pairs’ first year.*
• Au pairs extending to a new family: au pairs must apply online by 75 days prior to the end of the au pair’s first year and the au pair must be placed with a family by 45 days prior to the end of their first year.*
• *Even when an au pair or host family misses the deadlines mentioned, it still may be possible to extend. Please contact Cultural Care Aupair

Educational Component 

• An au pair MUST complete his or her education in their first year by the last legal working day to be eligible to extend 9- & 12-month extensions: 6 credits or 72 hours must be completed in their extension program term, host family pays up to $500 6-month extensions: 3 credits or 36 hours must be completed in their extension program term, host family pays up to $250.
• Au pairs can not “carry over” extra educational credits earned from their first year into their extension term. All education for the extension term must be earned during the extension term.

Finance 

• $198 Extension Process Fee: non-refundable payment due when sending in Extension Enrollment Au Pairs going to a new family will be charged $198 before matching can begin. All payments will be charged or deposited upon receiving it.
• Host families keeping their au pair are only eligible for the discounted program fee if the au pair whom they are extending with arrived to the family’s home more than 4 months before the end of his or her first year legal departure date.
  • 6-month program fee with discount: $2625
  • 9-month program fee with discount: $3810
  • 12-month program fee with discount: $4995
• Extended payment plan option available with additional fees

Travel 

•  Au pairs can travel outside of the continental U.S. during their second year as long as they travel to the US embassy in their home country to renew their J1 visa before attempting to reenter the US. An exception for this rule exists when traveling to Mexico, Canada, and adjacent islands. Au pairs should contact the Operations Team immediately if they are thinking about traveling. Phone: 1-800-448-5753 Email: aupair.operations@culturalcare.com

Vacation 

• 9- & 12-month extensions: 2 weeks of paid vacation required (14 calendar days)
• 6-month extensions: 1 week of paid vacation required (7 calendar days)

Monthly Meetings 

•  9- & 12-month extensions: 2 missed meetings excused
•  6-month extensions: 1 missed meeting excused

TrekAmerica

Posted by: velkins on December 24, 2006

TrekAmerica is a group Travel Company specializing in soft adventure vacations. It covers the US, Canada, Mexico and Alaska. TrekAmerica knows that Au Pairs are budget-minded and that is why It will have a new Au Pair promotion each month!

Monthly promotions will be posted on our Au Pair Club website: www.trekamerica.com/aupair

Top 10 Reasons to Choose TrekAmerica

1. Security and safety in traveling within a small group

2. Fulfill your educational requirement while having fun on over 30 tours!

3. Wide variety of tours and diverse groups (typically 5+ nationalities per tour!)

4. 10% discount on tours for aupairs

5. More than 30 years experience planning adventure holidays

6. Professionally trained American tour leaders

7. Included activities on every trek

8. New 15-passenger vans with CD players

9. No single supplements

10. Honor Cultural Care Au Pair insurance during 13th month