International StudentOrientation

We are glad you’re here!

August 2014Sangamon Auditorium

Contact us

International Student Services & ProgrammingHRB 52 (217) 206-6678 iss@uis.edu

www.uis.edu/internationalstudentservices/Sarah Jome, Director

Tracy Rakes, Office AdministratorErika Suzuki, Program CoordinatorZehra – GA, Kat – Student Worker

Culture & Culture Shock

How can I get help or learn more?

Talk to someone– Advisor, faculty, roommate, counseling center……

Call home Get up/out – join something Read email newsletters Read website and send us 1 email Eat well and exercise What else????

Getting Used to American Culture

Education System Weather Time & Appointments Dress Greetings Informality Individuality Personal Space Medical Care/Insurance Dating

Smoking Pets Smells Helping Alcohol Getting around Shopping Tipping Food Homework & tests

Getting Started International Student Services Check-In– Get Orientation Schedule– Complete Check-in Form– Copy documents

Undergraduate Placement Tests– Math and English Proficiency

Course Registration – meet Academic Advisor and follow their advice

Immunizations, meet new friends

Where to get information and help……

Health Services Counseling Center Student Health

Insurance – Human Resources

Campus Police Brookens Library Card Services Residence Life

Food Services USFSCO CTL ESL Career Development

Center Diversity Center Host Families ………

Programming International Student Services programs International House (in Bluebell Court)– For juniors, seniors and graduate students

Student Life (uis.edu/studentlife) Campus Recreation (uis.edu/campusrec) Your Resident Assistant, Housing, Department, Library…

Contact us

International Student Services & ProgrammingHRB 52 (217) 206-6678 iss@uis.edu

www.uis.edu/internationalstudentservices/Sarah Jome, Director

Tracy Rakes, Office AdministratorErika Suzuki, Program Coordinator

Jeannie Capranica, Program Manager

Immigration

5 Main F-1 Immigration Laws

1. Keep immigration documents up-to-date2. Be a full-time student3. Understand employment restrictions for

your status4. Update address5. Carry immigration documents

Keeping documents up-to-date

Passport – how to extend Visa – when is this an issue? I-20/DS-2019 – school, level, major, money,

travel I-94 - https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html Other?

Being a “full-time” student

Undergraduate - 12 credits Graduate – 9 credits, 8 hours + GPSI ESL – Fall, Spring, Summer On-Line courses

Employment - Jobs

On-Campus – GA/GPSI, Student Worker– Up to 20 hours per week during semester– F-1s with UIS I-20

Off-Campus – after one year– CPT – internships for credit, quick– OPT – $380, 90 days, 1 year

Social Security Number, Taxes, I-9s

Update Address

Nessie – Your UIS computer interface– Will automatically update SEVIS

AR-11 form if you leave UIS or F-1 status

Carry Documents

In town In Illinois Outside Illinois Outside U.S.

Law # 6 – follow other laws– Alcohol, driving, dating…

D/S = Duration of Status Duration = length of time Status = good F-1 relationship with the U.S.

government How? By following the F-1 laws. D/S = as long as you have a good

relationship with the U.S. government, your documents don’t expire early and you can enjoy the benefits of your status

What are “benefits of F-1 status?”

Be in the U.S. legally Transfer Extend Change level of

study Change major Sometimes have a

reduced course load

Employment– On Campus– Curricular Practical

Training– Optional Practical

Training– STEM extensions

Change status sometimes we can help you

“reinstate to status“

How can you find out how to apply for these benefits?

uscis.gov uis.edu/internationalstudentservices email newsletters advising from International Student Services

Repeat after me….

I understand that I am responsible for knowing and followingthe immigration laws for my status!

Safety Personal Safety

– Lock doors, walk in groups, don’t flash wealth– Blue Safety Lights– Campus Police – 206-6690 & 206-7777– 911

Money– Cash, PIN numbers,

Weather – Winter and Summer– Snow & ice – frost bite, heat stroke

Driving– School buses, getting a driver’s license, etc.

Health Care & Insurance

Money & Banking

Other

Housing Food Programming Email newsletter Prayer room