January Newsletter

January 2009

WELCOME NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!

It has been an exciting and busy few weeks here at the OISS in preparation for all of our new international students. This semester we welcome approximately 70 new international students. This includes undergraduate exchange and transfer students, MBA exchange students and degree-seeking graduate students. Fifty of these students came from BC exchange partner schools. This is a record number of undergraduate exchange students coming for the spring semester...Continue

PREPARATION BEGINS FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANT RECRUITMENT

The Steering Committee for the International Assistant Program will begin their training and planning for the upcoming recruitment and selection process. Every spring the International Assistant Program sets out to draw applicants from all parts of the student body in hopes of recruiting more talented and committed students who will serve in the upcoming year as IAs...continue

THANKSGIVING DAY HOST PROGRAM

Even though Thanksgiving was over two months ago, the OISS would like to take this opportunity to thank all who participated in the OISS 17th annual Thanksgiving Day Host Program. In order to experience the traditional American holiday, interested BC international students were matched with BC faculty and administrators. This year we had many students and hosts that had not participated in the past...continue

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROFILE: LIGIA GOMEZ FRANCO

We conducted an interview to learn more about Ligia. Born in Bolivia, she is a doctoral student in the Lynch School of Education here at Boston College...continue

Upcoming Events

Fri. January 30:
Graduate Discussion begins

Wed. February 4th:
Employment Workshop

Fri. February 16:
Last Day for Undergraduates to Drop Course

March 2-6:
University Holiday: Spring Break

Wed. April 1:
Last date for master's and doctoral candidates to turn in dissertation/thesis for May graduation

Thurs-Mon. April 9-13:
Easter Weekend-No Classes

Mon. April 20:
Patriots Day-No Classes

RESOURCES

o The Connors Family Learning Center

o The Office of International Students and Scholars

o University Counseling Services

o Boston College Libraries

o Campus Ministry

o Student Life Calendar

o Office of International Programs

o Global Proficiency Program

o University Health Services

o Office of AHANA Student Programs and ESL Services

WORKING IN THE U.S.: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IMMIGRATION

Are you planning to work in the U.S. for a summer internship or after graduation? Confused about all of the immigration employment regulations? Knowledge of the legal aspects of the working in the U.S. will help you both in the job search process and navigating your career in the U.S. once you have secured a job.

As part of our Employment Series for International students, Wednesday February 4th from 4-6:20 in McGuinn 121 there will be a presentation by the staff from OISS and a special presentation by an immigration attorney about the legal aspects of working in the U.S.- This will be your ONLY chance this year to hear from an immigration attorney and ask any questions that you may have. Attendance is STRONGLY encouraged for those who are planning on working after graduation in the U.S.

NO RSVP required and you can come for all or part of the session.

REMINDERS

Traveling outside the U.S.? Don't forget to get your I-20 signed! Read more about immigration information...
Moving? Please remember that all international students and scholars are required to report any change of address within 10 days of the change. Don't forget to change your address!
Optional Practical Training: If you are graduating this semester, please make sure to apply for OPT by the
deadline.

Message from President Puja Lakdawala: The executive board of the Graduate International Students Association (GISA) presents 'An Afternoon over Tea'. Let us come together on a wonderful Friday afternoon to sip on some delicious teas from around the world and engage in healthy discussions. Murray Graduate Student Center Living Room, Friday, February 6th, 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Graduate Discussion Series: Every Friday 1-2pm graduate international students gather in the Connors Family Learning Center to share lunch and engage in discussion about a variety of themes and issues. These topics range from dating and fashion, to communication, traditions and customs. This semester even more topics will make their way into our weekly meetings, including finance and American Politics. What makes this discussion series so rich is the contributions of diversity, experience, history and interests each student brings. View this semester topis schedule...Continue.

Message from Patricia Lopez: International students make up a very small part of the BC community. Although there exists the IA program as well as a variety of different culture groups that international students can join, there is currently no organization to bring this otherwise dispersed group together. The International Students Club of Boston College (ICBC) is a group that will serve not only as a social group where international students and other BC students can meet, it will also attempt to raise awareness and increase knowledge of international issues on campus. There will be many entertaining planned events like International student night, an International cafe, and even an International ball. In addition to all international students, the group will also welcome any other interested BC students!

Upcoming cultural shows in Robsham Theatre:

Philippine Society of BC - Jan 31
Dance Organization - Feb 5 & 6
South Asian Student Association - Feb 7
Sexual Chocolate - Feb 8
Korean Students Association/Chinese Students
Association -Feb 13
Organization of Latin American Affairs - Feb 14

This space is waiting for your news!!! Contact us to contribute to the International Newsletter.

If you wish to cancel your subscription to this newsletter click here