isss.umd.edu

Sept 10, 2024

ISSS EVENTS

Networking: LinkedIn, Terrapins Connect, & More

Sept 13, 3 - 4p.m.

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This session will review the best US networking strategies for international students and discuss leveraging LinkedIn, UMD—Terrapins Connect, and other strategies.  

International Coffee Hour

Sept 12, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

McKeldin Library Steps 

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International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students/scholars (both domestic and international) and meet UMD staff and faculty while enjoying coffee, tea, and snacks! International Coffee Hour takes place Thursdays from 2:30pm - 3:30pm at various locations around our beautiful campus.

English Conversation Partners

Sept 16 - Nov 22

More Info Here

English Conversation Partners is starting up for the fall semester. The ten week session will start the week of September 16th and runs through November 22nd. You will choose a small group to meet with at the same time weekly. Sign ups for participants have begun and will end today! To register as a participant, fill out this form. Any questions? Email ecp@umd.edu.

ISSS Announcements

ISSS Design Contest Winner: Philana Hin

We are thrilled to announce sophomore Philana Hin, a neuroscience major in the pre-health track, as the spring 2024 ISSS Design Contest winner. Her innovative and culturally inspired creation captured the essence of our office. Thanks to Philana’s creativity, ISSS has a branded sticker that was shared with the new international students during the Fall 2024 Welcome Week, and that will continue to represent our office in the future! 

Here’s what Philana said about the creation process: 

“Participating in this sticker design contest felt like a meaningful way to connect with students beyond words alone. Although I’m not an international student, I wanted to capture the sense of exploration and welcome of adapting to a new cultural landscape. I chose to use a stamp as one of the main focal points of the design to frame the balance between leaving one home and arriving at another. I hope the design is a small gift for international students, representing their bond with UMD regardless of where their future takes them!”

In your Final Term? Consider OPT

If you will be graduating at the end of the Fall 2024 term, it may be a good idea to start thinking about the application procedure for Optional Practical Training (OPT). For Post-Completion OPT, students may Apply no earlier than 90 days and no later than 60 days from the completion of your academic program. More information on application procedures here. For other Final Term reminders, please review here.  

International Student Support Fund

We understand that many international students may face unexpected crises in their home countries, which can significantly impact their academic experience and well-being. To support you during these challenging times, ISSS is offering emergency support funds specifically for F-1/J-1 students affected by such crises. If your home country is currently facing a difficult situation that jeopardizes your ability to continue your studies or maintain stability, we encourage you to apply for these funds. Your safety and academic success are important to us, and we are here to provide the assistance you need to navigate these hardships. Click here for more details on the application process and eligibility requirements.

J-1 Visitors: Volunteer at the 2024 New York City Marathon

The Department of State is pleased to announce an opportunity for  BridgeUSA exchange visitors to volunteer at the 2024 New York City Marathon. The event, featuring runners from around the world, will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This is a unique chance to embrace the American spirit of volunteerism and experience the thrill of cheering on 50,000 runners in the world’s biggest marathon. To volunteer with NYRR you must first create a profile at NYRR.org. Once you have activated your account, log in to your dashboard to register for the volunteer opportunity of your choice. The registration deadline for marathon volunteers is  September 30.

Around Campus

GRadulting Workshop Series

More Info Here

The GRadulting Workshop Series is weekly hour-long workshops on a variety of topics relevant to UMD graduate students. They take place throughout the spring and fall semesters on Tuesday afternoons via Zoom or in person. Free lunch is provided for in-person events. Practical information is presented by experts from both on- and off-campus, and many workshops are recorded for those who are unable to attend in person.  

Free HIV/STI Testing

Sept 25, 1 - 3p.m.

Come to the ground floor of the University Health Center between 1pm and 3pm on Wed 9/25 for free rapid HIV testing. A test counselor will perform a quick finger prick to draw a drop of blood and deliver your results in a few minutes. HIV testing open to students and non-students. A limited amount of gonorrhea and chlamydia testing spots (results within a week) will be available for students only. This event is first come, first served. There will be free safer sex giveaways and sexual health resources!

For questions or accommodations, contact Miriam Levitin: miriam64@umd.edu.

ATLAS Monthly Speaker Series

Oct 7, 11 - Noon

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Join a panel of U.S. Department of State experts and UMD faculty as they discuss navigating the challenges and opportunities of academic research and fieldwork in Africa, including the impact of social and political unrest. This event is open to students and faculty involved in or interested in research and teaching in Africa, offering a chance to share insights and experiences.

Winter 2025 in Puerto Rico

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International undergraduate students, are you ready to take part in an unforgettable educational journey in the U.S. nation-island of Puerto Rico? Join other Terps and apply for the Winter 2025 Program, where you can explore pressing global issues such as colonialism, gender inequality, and climate change while experiencing the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean archipelago. We invite all international Undergraduate students to apply for this interdisciplinary educational experience. You can earn three 200-level credits in SPAN, LASC, or AMST. Credits will also count for the Sustainability Studies Minor.  

Do you have an event or announcement that would be of interest to the UMD international community, or know an international Terp moving Fearlessy Forward?  We invite you to share by clicking here.

ISSSNews is a weekly e-newsletter sponsored by International Student & Scholar Services with the purpose of communicating news and updates on immigration regulations, opportunities and events of interest to the international UMD community.