RELOCATION CONSULTANT
& GUIDE

Relocation can be a hassle....

• Finding a place to live can be frustrating.
  
• How can I obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license, or find the right doctor, church, school?
  
• New students at Penn State University can sometimes find it overwhelming -- a certain percentage drop out of school within the first few weeks of arrival due to frustration, depression -- the feeling of helplessness.
  
• Foreign students arriving in the USA can easily be overwhelmed by the change in culture.
  
• The newly employed sometimes need help to settle in: find a home, stores to shop, schools for kids.
  

If you are just visiting the area a local guide can make your visit more efficient -- especially if you are limiting your stay to only one or two days.
If you are considering attending Penn State University -- the sheer size of the place can be very intimidating -- and having a guide take you through the campus, the academic departments, the sports program and the surrounding community can make it easier for you to decide if this is the right school for you.

Services & fees:

• One day local guide:
  Students & parents visiting Penn State University, new employees or new residents in the area:
  I will greet you upon arrival in State College, give you a tour of the University campus, town (Borough) of State College, surrounding communities of Patton, Ferguson, Harris and College Townships, local shopping and take you to lunch or dinner in a local restaurant. Most importantly -- I can answer your many questions about the University and the surrounding community. If you are visiting different schools to consider your options -- then it is important to make your visit worthwhile. As an independent consultant/guide I have no personal stake in your final decision. I am not a Penn State employee. I am your personal consultant/guide. I have lived here 29 years, have two kids and worked with more than 12,000 students in my extensive teaching career. If you are here for only one day -- then you must make efficient use of your time. Let me help you.
  COST: $345 for a single day visit for a family (up to four people). Each additional person add $75.

• Short or Long term consultant/advisor/guardian:
  I can serve as a local "guardian" to your university student if you are a long-distance or out-of-state parent. Concerned about your student's health and welfare? Do they get homesick? Are they shy? Having a bad experience with a roommate? I can be on-call for both parents and students. The first few days and weeks of school always require the most guidance. If study habits or exams cause concerns -- I can be there for assistance. If roommate problems cause anxiety, or perhaps conflicts with landlords or professors -- a friendly ear to listen or having an advocate to assist with problems can be very useful. I can help your student make the most of their university experience.
  (Fee schedule below -- long term or short term rates).

• Foreign students or employees:
  I can assist you in the transition to American culture, as well as basic needs such as communicating with your landlord, employer, or neighbors. The first week of arrival can be easier if you know who to contact, what to ask for, how to do it....etc. Simple things such as how to get telephone service, where to pay the electric bill, where to shop for certain food, how to find a doctor -- etc., can all be made easier with my guidance. Do not let culture shock keep you from making the most of your experience here.
  (Fee schedule below -- long term or short term rates).

Services that I cannot provide -- I am not a real estate agent, psychologist nor an attorney.

• I can help you find a place to live -- but I cannot serve as a real estate agent. I can help you find an apartment or home to rent. I can show you all the neighborhoods in central Pennsylvania to purchase a home or condominium -- but I cannot help you actually make the purchase. For this service you need a licensed real estate agent -- and I can recommend many in the area to help you with the purchase of a new home. Or, for example, if you are visiting State College I can be your guide for the day -- taking you to different apartment buildings or complexes so you can find a suitable place to live. With my services you can make a single day's visit much more efficient -- get a tour of the area, find a place to live, get an overall view of the University and/or the community.
  

• I cannot solve all of your personal problems. I can listen and advise -- but sometimes professional help is the better alternative, and I can recommend such services if or when these are needed. I can be supportive and help you contact the right services that you might need -- from doctors and hospitals to lawyers and government services -- particularly important if a crime has been committed against you.
  

• I cannot provide you with any legal advice, I am not a lawyer. But I can help you find an attorney if you need legal representation for any reason (contracts such as buying a house, driving under the influence of alcohol, landlord problems, etc).
  

Resident of State College area for 29 years, homeowner, parent, businessman, educator.
A graduate of Central High School of Philadelphia, I studied and wrestled at Penn State University.
I am a Health and Physical Education teacher by training, BS, MAT, Ph.D/abd. Since 1971 I have been a teacher in public schools and universities in Pennsylvania, Missouri and West Berlin, Germany. In Pennsylvania I have taught at Hempfield HS (Landisville), Neshaminy HS (Langhorne), State College, Bald Eagle, Bellefonte and Penns Valley School Districts in Centre County. In Berlin, Germany I was the Department Chair and Director for Sport and Student Activities at the bi-lingual John F. Kennedy School -- a German public school. I am formerly an Instructor at Penn State University in Physical Education where I specialized in teaching Personal Defense courses as well as wrestling, weight training, fitness and games, racquetball, tennis, football and other sports. I am also a professional Olympic Games and sport historian, resarcher, writer, consultant, graphic artist, owner of a rare book business, and founder of two non-profit educational corporations (Philadelphia Amateur Wrestling Club and the International Institute for Sport and Olympic History) I am the United States representative for a British Publishing Company. I never did make the US Olympic Team but I did take 2nd and 4th place in regional qualifying tournaments, or as they say -- close but no cigar.

During my career I have done a lot of advising and consulting to students, parents and professionals on issues related to education as well as personal issues. I am not associated with Penn State University and do not recruit for their sports teams. It is possible that, after speaking at length with you, I might advise you to attend a different university or school.
Contact me via telephone or email:
(814) 321-4018 or