1. Life and Customs in the United States
The United States is home to over 300 million people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. We like to think of the U.S. as a salad bowl—people from all walks of life coexist together while maintaining their own identities and unique traits. Because of this, it is difficult to define life and customs in the U.S. in an all-encompassing way.
When you arrive, you will most likely land in one of the larger U.S. cities near Morgantown, such as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington D.C. Cleveland, or Cincinnati. From there, you will travel to Morgantown. Along the way, you may see other cities, small towns, and farmlands that stretch for miles. As you approach Morgantown, you can expect to see rolling hills and signs of WVU pride on all sides. While Morgantown is nestled in the hills of West Virginia and is surrounded by small towns, multiple larger cities can be reached within a few hours by car. In these larger cities, you will have access to foods, experiences, and influences from all over the world.
Life in Morgantown can take whatever characteristics you choose. Some people come to Morgantown for the stimulating intellectual environment found among our researchers and academics. Others come here to indulge in the vibrant night life. Others still engage in creativity at all levels, from art to music to theater and beyond. No matter what you enjoy, Morgantown has something to offer you.
We realize that traveling to the U.S. for the first time can be daunting, as the culture and the people may be different from those you are used to. At ISSS, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about life in the U.S. and U.S. customs you can expect to encounter. We are happy to welcome you to our country, our community, and our campus.
2. Local Community Resources
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i. The Mountain Line Transit Authority operates several routes in and around Morgantown. The Mountain Line is free for all WVU students, faculty, and staff with a valid WVU ID. More information can be found here.
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ii. The Personal Rapid Transit (commonly called the PRT) provides transportation to and from university locations. More information can be found here.
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iii. Taxi Services: 1. Motown Taxi is a taxi service that operates in Morgantown. More information can be found here.
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i. Hospitals: There are two main hospital systems in Morgantown. Each have emergency rooms open 24 hours a day. For specialized, non-emergent care, please call or visit the hospital websites.
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ii. Urgent Care 1. Urgent Care centers should be used for non-emergency illnesses or injuries. No appointment is necessary in these centers. a. WVUMedicine Urgent Care has 2 Morgantown locations. They are open daily from 7:45am-8:00pm. More information can be found here.
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i. Evansdale 1. 390 Birch Street, Suite B 2. 304-599-2273
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ii. Suncrest 1. 301 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive 2. 304-559-2273 b. MedExpress Urgent Care has 1 Morgantown location. They are open daily from 8:00am-8:00pm. More information can be found here.
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i. Morgantown MedExpress Urgent Care 1. 956 Maple Drive 2. 304-291-5805
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iii. Routine Health Services
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There are many options for routine health services in Morgantown. Both WVUMedicine and Mon Health provide primary care services, as do many independent physicians in the Morgantown area. Please consult with your primary caregiver at home to decide on the best healthcare option for you while you are in Morgantown.
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iv. As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are required to maintain adequate health insurance coverage while you are present in the United States.
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Minimum coverage must include: a. Medical benefits of no less than $100,000 per accident or illness b. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 c. Medical evacuation benefits of $50,000 d. A maximum of $500 deductible per accident or illness e. A waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable by the current industry standards and f. Coverage for activities inherent to the exchange program
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Additionally, the insurance policy must meet one of the standards listed below. a. The insurance policy must have one of the following ratings: i. A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above ii. Fitch Rating, Inc. Rating of “A-” or above iii. McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poors’ Claims-paying Ability rating of “A-” or above or iv. Weiss Research, Inc. Rating of “B+” or above b. The insurance policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; c. The insurance policy must be part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees on a group basis by a designated sponsor; or d. The insurance policy is offered through a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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ISSS recognizes that ensuring quality education is important to our exchange visitors with children. There are a number of schools in the Morgantown area. Please consult this website to receive more information about local schooling options.
Both the Morgantown Public Library system and the WVU Library System boast comprehensive library services. Please visit the links above to find a library location and to learn more about the services provided.
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i. There are many banks in Morgantown. Below is a list of some of the banks available to you. You are welcome to search the internet for a bank that meets your preferences and needs.
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PNC Bank—this bank has 3 Morgantown locations a. 455 Suncrest Towne Center, Ste 101 b. 1550 University Avenue c. 62 Morrill Way, Suite 311
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United Bank—this bank has 5 offices in the Morgantown area a. 154 Fayette Street b. 40 Hurley Street, Waterfront c. 689 Fairmont Road d. 1750 Earl Core Road e. 101 Venture Drive
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Huntington Bank—this bank has 4 Morgantown locations a. 201 High Street b. 3120 University Avenue c. 312 Cheat Road d. 208 Giant Street, Suite B
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BB&T—this bank has 4 Morgantown locations a. 493 Spruce Street b. 466 Chestnut Ridge Road c. 1806 Earl Core Road d. 1000 Mid Atlantic Drive
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