How did you become interested in working with international students? I have engaged and been around different cultures and learned multiple languages throughout a good chunk of my life. I have studied in Germany and I have traveled and find each culture and language unique and fascinating (I am a linguistics nerd). After I received a Master’s in German Pedagogy and Culture from UW, I worked with international students through an exchange company where I would place high school students…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Campus Spotlight: CIRCLE and ISS
The UW is home to nearly 8,000 enrolled international students from all over the world with an almost-even split of undergraduate and graduate students. From pre-arrival through graduation and beyond, our international student population is supported by two offices on campus: the Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) and International Student Services (ISS). We asked CIRCLE and ISS a few questions to understand how international students can best receive support from both offices. How does your office…
Campus Spotlight: Office of International Student Advocacy
The Office of International Student Advocacy (OISA) is the newest office established by the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) in 2021. The ASUW is the student government at the University of Washington. At ASUW, elected and hired employees represent student voices on campus, organize programming, and provide resources for students to make the most of their college experience. As a part of the ASUW, OISA is committed to serving, representing, and celebrating our diverse international student community…
Jeff Shih Student Loan
UW international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Jeff Shih Student Loan. The loans are made possible through a generous gift from Jeff Shih, a Seattle and San Francisco businessman and are intended to help international students in financing their education and completing their degree objectives. Eligibility: Graduate students must be enrolled for 5 credits or more during the quarter in which they receive the loan. Undergraduate students must be enrolled for 6 credits or more…
Watch Out for Scams
A growing number of international students have reported receiving scam phone calls or emails over the last several months. Scams can be difficult to identify, but you can certainly prepare yourself to avoid falling victim to one. What is a scam? A scam is a fraudulent attempt to get a person’s personal information or money. This is often done by impersonating a government official, company, or other trusted entity. Scams targeting international students have impersonated USCIS, CBP, SEVP, the Social…
Preparing for Travel this Winter Season
The holiday season has begun, and many of you have made plans to travel internationally over the next month or so. Here are some quick tips to ensure you have no problems returning to the U.S.. Tip 1: Check your I-20 When will your I-20 expire? If your I-20 is expiring at the end of the Autumn 2023 quarter and you need additional time to complete your studies, you must apply for an I-20 Extension before it’s expiration. You can…
Taking an Alternate Vacation Quarter
Most students take a vacation quarter during the summer. However, sometimes you may want to take a vacation quarter a different quarter to take a break from studies or go home and visit family. In this case, you will need to apply for an Alternate Vacation Quarter. What is a vacation quarter? Immigration regulations allow one vacation quarter each year. This is an annual exception to the full-time enrollment requirement. Most students are eligible for and take their vacation quarter…
Making Academic Progress
F and J international students are expected to make academic progress during their studies, but what exactly does this mean? The UW issues I-20s and DS-2019s for the average time it takes students to complete your degree program. During this time, you should maintain full-time enrollment and work towards the completion of your program by the end date listed on your document. We encourage you to discuss with your academic adviser your degree plan so that you can complete your…
All about Social Security Numbers
Written by Jennifer Oppliger A Social Security Number (SSN) is a number that identifies U.S. citizens and other selected residents. Noncitizens can generally only receive SSNs if they are employed in the U.S. An SSN is used to track your annual income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in charge of the SSN application process. How do I apply for an SSN if I am working on-campus? Receive an on-campus employment letter. Submit an “SSN/ITIN Support Letter” request in MyISSS….
Surviving and Thriving: Your First Year at UW – A Guide from a Seasoned Husky
Written by Jessica Jie Wang, UW Senior Welcome to the pack! How does it feel for the first week of school? Excited? Overwhelmed? I felt the same way in my first week/month at UW as there were so many things on the checklist to be done and so many “surprises” (good or bad) happening every day. As I reflect on my experience, I’d like to share some personal insights and tips to help you make the most of your first year…