The Portland Handbook, relocation guide for Portland Oregon

The Portland Handbook, 2nd edition A relocation guide for international residents . . . and everyone else
>Home >Table of Contents >Links >Testimonials >Updates >Contact Us >Order Your Copy	Table of Contents	1 Basics
		2 Culture Shock
		3 Language
		4 Financial Matters
		5 Finding Your Home
		6 Making Your House a Home
		7 Making Portland Your Home
		8 Health Care
		9 Education
		10 Safety
		11 Local Transportation
		12 Long Distance Travel
		13 Legal Matters
		14 Shopping
		15 Holidays
		16 More Information

	Chapter 1 Basics This chapter provides basic information to help newcomers understand the everyday tools they will need to use in the United States. Topics include the U.S. postal system, measurement (with conversion formulas), the telephone system, date and time and address formats, etc. This chapter also has facts and history of the state of Oregon, and a description of the physical layout of the Portland Metropolitan Area.
	Chapter 2 Culture Shock This chapter addresses the difficult emotions of moving to a new place, often called Culture Shock. It gives recommendations on how to make the transition easier for yourself and your family. It also offers observations on American culture and social rules.
	Chapter 3 Language American English has its own unique characteristics and pronunciations. Topics in this chapter include acronyms and abbreviations, slang, idioms, regional pronunciation, etc. It also gives local resources for children and adults to learn (or improve) their command of English.
	Chapter 4 Financial Matters This chapter gives an explanation of the credit economy in the United States. It explains financial institutions and discusses the services offered by them. Topics include checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, automatic bill payment, ATM's, loans, banking hours, etc.
	Chapter 5 Finding Your Home This chapter covers the complex process of finding a place to live. Topics include the characteristics of neighborhoods within the metropolitan area, how to find available housing options, making the choice between purchasing or renting, and the technical aspects of renting or purchasing a home.
	Chapter 6 Making Your House a Home This chapter provides resources that will assist anyone in establishing a home in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Arranged alphabetically, the topics include finding appliances, setting up a computer with internet access, getting news from your home country, setting up your local and long distance telephone services, finding a veterinarian for your pet, etc.
	Chapter 7 Making Portland Your Home This chapter addresses the social aspects of moving to Portland. Topics include business and social organizations, library resources, sports and fitness activities, getting tickets to movies or concerts, finding opportunities for volunteering your time, etc.
	Chapter 8 Health Care This chapter provides an overview of the U.S. medical system and health care insurance. Topics include health care terminology, selecting a physician, health insurance regulations and forms, discussion of emergency and urgent care, having a baby, etc.
	Chapter 9 Education This chapter presents education options for children and adults. Topics include public and private schools, how to evaluate a school, ESL (English as a second language) programs, colleges and universities, admission requirements, registration processes, etc.
	Chapter 10 Safety This chapter gives an explanation of the American attitude towards safety. Topics include bicycle and helmet laws, home security, fire safety, personal safety, disaster preparedness, etc. It also gives resources to local law enforcement offices.
	Chapter 11 Local Transportation This chapter provides resources for getting around in the metropolitan area. Topics include Portland area road and bridge names, getting a drivers license, driving rules, having your car repaired, using a taxi, public transportation (both bus and train), bicycles, etc.
	Chapter 12 Long Distance Travel This chapter gives resources for traveling within the United States and outside its borders. Topics include airline tickets and reservations, parking at the airport, travel in the U.S. by train or bus, Internet resources for travel information, etc.
	Chapter 13 Legal Matters This chapter presents an overview of legal requirements of living and working in the United States. Topics include immigration and green cards, state and federal tax responsibilities, social security numbers, home country registration of children born in the US, etc.
	Chapter 14 Shopping This chapter covers the fundamentals of shopping in the United States. Topics include the U.S. consumer mentality, descriptions of store-types and what can be purchased from each, clothing size conversion charts, coupon clipping, local resources for international foods, outdoor farmers markets, etc.
	Chapter 15 Holidays This chapter discusses the dates of importance in the U.S. calendar and how they will be celebrated. Topics include an explanation of federal holidays, traditions of Christmas, Kwaanza and Hanukkah, Valentines Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday, etc.
	Chapter 16 More Information This chapter is a listing of books and websites that can be useful for further reference. Topics include tourism and guidebooks for Portland, websites for exploring the Northwest, and a full index to the entire Portland Handbook.