Tag Archives: U.S.

How to Address an Envelope in the USA

The way people address mail around the world varies.  Here is an example to show you where to put the information when you are sending mail in the United States.

Other Mail Tips:

  • Use permanent ink, no pencil.
  • Print clearly and neatly.
  • Never mail cash. Money orders and checks are safer options.
  • Postage stamps can be purchased at the post office and some grocery stores. Your host parents may have a stamp they can give you.
  • One “Forever” stamp is enough to send a standard envelope with several sheets of paper inside anywhere within the U.S.
  • You place your stamped envelope in any big blue mailbox you see around town or at the post office. Find nearby post offices HERE.
  • Expect that it can take up to 5 days for regular mail to arrive. If you need to get something sent more quickly, look into faster options (Priority Mail, 2-Day UPS, FedEx).

What is a “self-addressed, stamped envelope”?

When you mail your DS-2019 in for travel validation, the first option is to send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. That means an envelope where you have written yourself as the delivery address and put a stamp on it. This allows them to sign your form and put it right into that envelope and send it back to you. This option is great when you send in your DS-2109 at least 3-4 weeks before your trip. If you have less time than that, you should select the 2-Day UPS option and pay the $15 to make sure you get it back in time.

How to Write a Check or Money Order

This question comes up from time to time and with the tax deadline approaching, I thought I would post a link with a great step by step tutorial.  Click on the image of a check below to go to the tutorial on About.com.

write_a_check_step5_sign_memo

Remember: Use pen and don’t leave extra blank space where someone can make changes.

If you don’t have a checking account and need to make a payment by check, you have two other options: money order or cashier’s check (bank check.) Money orders are available for purchase at your bank, the post office or the customer service desk of some retail stores (CVS, Safeway, WalMart.) You will be charged a small fee, $1.50-$5.  Money orders need to be paid for with cash (not credit cards.) You will fill out the money order similarly to a check and keep your receipt portion for your records.

If you are paying your taxes:

  • Make check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.”
  • Write this info somewhere on the check:
    • Your full name
    • Your address and phone number
    • Your Social Security Number
    • 2015 Form 1040 NR-EZ
  • Mail your tax forms (keep copies for your records) and payment to:

Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201–1303
U.S.A.

How to Address an Envelope

This is another common question, since the way people address mail around the world varies.  Here is an image of where to put the information when you are sending mail in the United States.

How to Address a Letter from the US Postal Service

How to Address a Letter from the US Postal Service

Here is the address to mail your tax return to:
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201–1303
U.S.A.

State Department Reception Honoring the 25th Anniversary of Legal Au Pairs in the U.S. & Au Pair in America

Click here to view the full program

Click here to view the full program

I was excited to take part in a very special celebration yesterday at the U.S. State Department. It was a reception honoring the 25th anniversary of the legal au pair program in the U.S. and Au Pair in America, the first au pair agency.

In 1986, The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) received designation from the State Department to sponsor a two year pilot au pair program and Au Pair in America was born.

Twenty-five years later and we have placed more than 87,000 au pairs from more than 60 countries worldwide with host families in 43 states.

APIA Director, Ruth Ferry (Asst. Sec. of State, Anne Stock & AIFS CEO, Bill Gertz)

Alexandra with her host mom, Donna.  Teresa with her host mom, Julie & I. I was very pleased theses au pairs and host moms from our cluster were able to attend this special event.

Asst. Sec. of State, Ann Stock.

Asst. Secretary of State, Anne Stock (Sen. Chris Dodd & AIFS CEO, Bill Gertz)