ISSO Newsletter: Summer 2012
The ISSO sends out a monthly web-based newsletter. It contains the latest information about immigration and ISSO services, as well as important reminders about work authorization, visa applications, and more. Please read it! View the ISSO newsletter archive here.
Newsletter Contents:
- ISSO Summer Hours
- Immigration News and Reminders
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. for Summer?
Planning on working OFF-campus this Summer?
Graduating Soon?: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
Check your Documents: Is your I-20 or DS-2019 expiring?
Reminder: You must update your address with the ISSO! Students currently on Post-Graduation F-1 OPT are required to report employment information! - Moving Back Home?
Pre-departure Checklist and Shipping Belongings
Reverse Culture Shock? (from Gannett) - ISSO Summer Program Schedule
- Events for Graduating Students
Reception for Graduating International Students, May 17
Graduation Eve Dinner, May 26- August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!
International Grad Orientation Volunteers Needed
International Grad Student Organization Fair- EISS Summer English Program
- Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO (summer hours)
- Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours
- August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!
ISSO Summer Hours
While the ISSO will remain open all summer, our office hours will change slightly. Beginning Friday, June 1st, the ISSO will close one hour early on Fridays--at 3:30 rather than 4:30 PM. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, August 6th. Please plan your visits to our office accordingly.
All of us at the ISSO hope you have a terrific summer!
Immigration News
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. for the Summer?
Make sure you have the correct Re-Entry Documents!!!
If you will be leaving and re-entering the U.S., PLEASE be sure that you have all
the documents for re-entry as described on these web pages:
- Documents you need to have to re-enter the U.S.
- If you need to apply for a new visa stamp, please read this web page.
Planning to work OFF-campus this summer? F-1 Students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. Read about F-1 work authorization here or view our powerpoint on off-campus work authorization here.
J-1 students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. If your DS-2019 form was issued by Cornell, you may read about J-1 student off-campus work authorization, known as "Academic Training," and download an application from our J-1 Academic Training web pages. If your DS-2019 is not issued by Cornell University, you must contact your sponsor (whoever issued your DS-2019) to discuss whether or not Academic Training is allowed.
Graduating Soon?: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO! If you are graduating from Cornell this May or August, and you plan to stay in the U.S. to either work or to pursue another degree, please come to the ISSO to discuss your plans. In order to maintain your valid immigration status in the U.S., there are specific procedures you will need to complete in order to do any of the following:
- to work while in F-1 status after you graduate
- to work while in J-1 student status after you graduate
- to go on to another degree at a Cornell
- to go on to another degree at a different school
Check with the ISSO advisor on duty about any of the above or any other plans you may have after you graduate.
Check your Documents: Is anything expiring?
Please take a moment to check your documents. If your I-20 or DS-2019 is about to expire and you know you will need more time to complete your academic, please come to the ISSO to complete an F-1 Program Extension or a J-1 Student Program Extension. It is very important that you do so before your current documents expire!! If your I-20 or DS-2019 is due to expire in May and you intend to remain at Cornell next semester, you should do an extension NOW. If you fail to complete an extension, you will be out of legal immigration status.
If it also very important that you keep your passport current. If it will expire in the near future, make plans to extend or renew it. If you aren’t making a trip home soon, contact your country’s consulate here in the United States for instructions on extending your passport.
Reminder: You must update your address with the ISSO! Anyone in F-1 or J-1 status at Cornell MUST update your address with the ISSO when you move by filling in our on line address form. If you haven't updated your address with the ISSO since moving, do it now!
Students currently on F-1 OPT are required to report employment information! All students on OPT are required to update the ISSO with employment information. You will need to fill it again if you change your address or your employment status.
Please fill out the form linked here: OPT Report Form
Moving Back Home?
Pre-departure Checklist and Shipping Belongings
Click here for our Departure Checklist.
Click here for a list of shipping resources.
Reverse Culture Shock? (from Gannett)
Airplane pilots say that the most difficult parts of flying are the take-offs and landings. Similarly, International students often say the cultural adjustment process that occurs after arriving in a new country and when returning home are the most challenging aspects of studying abroad.
In a few weeks, you may be returning home for a visit or to resume your life with family and friends. While it is exciting to see familiar people, places, and things, it’s not uncommon for students to experience a form of “reverse culture shock.” Your time abroad naturally impacts your behavior, opinions, perspectives, and values. Some of these changes may not yet be apparent, but it is likely you have already become aware of many of the ways in which your experience has influenced your life. Likewise, your vision of life at home may no longer match the reality you will face when you return.
Just as it took time to acclimate to life in Ithaca; it may take time for you to accustom yourself to life at home. This readjustment process is normal and can happen whether your time away was brief or extended over several years.
Here are some of the most common feelings International Students report after returning “home” and suggestions for ways to help with reentry adjustment.
- Boredom: The return to home and old routines may seem dull compared to the stimulation and challenges you experienced while away. Think positively. Bring to mind the things you like about both cultures and work toward integrating these into your life. Reflect upon the significance once held in your old routines. Try to see them in a new way. Are there things you can add to the old routines to make them more meaningful now?
- Disinterest from others: You probably have a lot you want to share with family and friends: experiences, thoughts, and feelings. However, you may find that they are not as interested as you had hoped. Remember, those who have not traveled or shared similar experiences will not have a frame of reference to help them understand your stories. When preparing to go home, spend some time being reflective. Identify the things you have learned and the changes you have undergone during your time at Cornell. During those first few weeks back home, keep a journal of your post-abroad experiences and thoughts. Look for people in your community who may have had similar exposure to another culture and who might be more receptive to sharing perspectives.
- Others Don’t Understand: What might have been a significant experience for you may be difficult to convey to others. Be patient. Your family, friends and colleagues often need time to understand your experiences and new perspectives; and you will need time to fully appreciate how their lives also might have changed.
- Relationships have changed: Just as you have evolved as a person while away from home, your friends and family probably have too. Friends might have changed social circles, jobs, or moved away and family relationships might have changed while you were abroad. Try not to take these changes personally; give yourself time to re-establish your connections. Be open to the possibility of developing new supports and friendships.
- Uncertainty on how to apply new knowledge and skills: You may be feeling enthusiastic about sharing your new knowledge and eager to start applying what you have learned when you get home. Try not to become frustrated if opportunities to do this are not present or others are hesitant to accept your “new ideas.” For some, your perspective and suggestions may feel like a threat to existing traditions or practices. Focus on using your new skills and knowledge for yourself. As others observe, they may become more curious, start asking questions and become interested in hearing more about what you have learned.
- “Home” Sickness: Many International Students are surprised to learn that being homesick for Ithaca and Cornell is a common feeling after returning home. Before you leave Cornell, talk with your colleagues and friends; make plans to stay connected. It can be very helpful to continue to share your experiences and keep your intellectual pursuits alive. Use the cross-cultural coping skills you developed. All of the things you did to acclimate to life at Cornell will help you re-adjust to your home country. It can also be helpful to stay busy, seek out others who may have traveled abroad to share experiences, join clubs and organizations to get back into the flow of life, and keep a sense of humor.
Another place to talk about going home - Let’s Talk: Speak confidentially with a counselor on Thursdays at the ISSO. (For all International undergraduate and graduate students, their spouses, partners and families.) More information is below.
Submitted by:
Janis Talbot (jit1@cornell.edu) 255-4782
Health Educator, International Student Health Advocate
http://www.gannett.cornell.edu
Summer Program Schedule
A note about trips: Dates and times are subject to change. Prices and other details will be announced via e-mail on the iPrograms-L and International-L e-lists.
Spotlight: Thursday, May 17
Reception for Graduating International Students
5-6:30 pm, in Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall. Attending? RSVP Online here! See details below.
July
3-5 Tuesday-Thursday
Trip to Boston, Massachusetts
Register for this trip, and purchase a ticket online beginning at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 5th. Once details have been finalized, trip information will be available at: issotickets.com
15 Sunday
Day Trip to Niagara Falls, New York
Register for this trip, and purchase a ticket online beginning at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 26th. Once details have been finalized, trip information will be available at: issotickets.com
August
13-16 Monday-Thursday
PREPARE pre-orientation program for incoming international students
18 Saturday
International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation
3:00-5:30 pm at the Auditorium in Statler Hall
Immediately following there will be an International Student Organization Fair and Welcome Reception 5:30-7:00 pm at Beck Center Park Atrium in Statler Hall.
21 Tuesday
International Student Orientation
2:00 pm in Willard Straight Hall, Music Room (next to International Lounge)
This session is for new international students who did not attend PREPARE or the August 18 international graduate orientation program.
23 Thursday
First International Coffee Hour of the year!
3:30-5:30 PM, Big Red Barn
Meet new friends over light refreshments and world music.
Events for Graduating Students
Reception for Graduating International Students, May 17
Are you graduating in May or August 2012, or did you graduate in December 2011?
If so, we cordially invite you to the annual Reception for Graduating International Students. This reception for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will honor the contributions and achievements of all international students at Cornell. Graduating students are welcome to invite a spouse or partner, and a faculty guest.
The Reception will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 17th, starting at 5:00 PM, in the Memorial Room in Willard Straight Hall. Honorees and their guests will enjoy remarks by guest speakers including President Skorton, musical performances, and the chance to mingle with other international students about to embark upon the next stage of their careers! Light refreshments will be served.
If you can attend, please complete the on-line RSVP by Monday, May 14th, 2012. If you are inviting a partner and/or faculty guest, please RSVP for that person. You will then have the opportunity to print out a paper invitation to give to your guest(s).
If you have any questions please contact Adriana Rovers.
We look forward to honoring and celebrating with you!
This year, for the first time, graduating undergraduates and graduate students who do not have visitors joining them in Ithaca to celebrate the occasion can enjoy a full-course dinner May 26, 6:30-8 p.m., for $10.
Hosted by trustee Ezra Cornell '70 and co-sponsored by the Division of Human Resources and the Office of Alumni Affairs, the dinner is held in the same location as the annual Graduation Eve family dinner in Appel Commons.
Additional details, including registration information and a menu, are available at http://tinyurl.com/GraduationEveDinner or by contacting jenny.switzer@cornell.edu. The event will include live jazz and contemporary music.
August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!
International Grad Orientation Volunteers
International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 3-7:00 PM in Statler Hall. Graduate student volunteers are needed to help set up for the event, welcome new students, and generally be on hand to answer questions and share your experiences as a continuing student. If you are interested in helping out with this event or with the Graduate School’s ongoing orientation activities, please send your name and e-mail address to Elizabeth Shedd at ers82@cornell.edu. There will be a volunteer information meeting in mid-August. More details will be provided during the summer.
International Grad Orientation Student Organization Fair
Held in conjunction with the International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation, this event will showcase the variety of International Student Organizations available on campus. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 18 from 5:30-7:00 PM in the Park Atrium of Statler Hall’s Beck Center. Welcome new graduate students and recruit new members! If your organization is interested in participating, send summer contact information (name and e-mail) to Elizabeth Shedd at ers82@cornell.edu.
EISS Summer English Program
English for International Students and Scholars will be offered from June 25-August 3, 2012.
Cornell University's English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) is a summer program for native speakers of languages other than English. It provides full-time intensive English instruction as well as academic, social, and cultural orientation to the United States and its institutions. It is designed to prepare students and scholars for working and studying in the academic environment of a university in the United States or to use English professionally.
The program features small class sizes to enhance students' ability to learn English and to enable instructors to provide personal attention and encouragement. Core classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. weekdays, with additional afternoon electives, evening events, and field trips.
We welcome incoming international graduate students as well as undergraduates and professionals from abroad and visiting scholars.
Summer EISS participants are eligible to receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant [F-1] Student Status). Interested students should apply before April 25 to allow time for visa processing. See the website for details.
For more information and to register for the program, please visit http://www.sce.cornell.edu/exec/eiss/summer/index.php> or contact the Professional Studies office at cusp@cornell.edu <mailto:cusp@cornell.edu> or 607.255.7259.
Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO (summer hours) TBD
CAPS will continue to hold "Let's Talk" counseling sessions at the ISSO during the summer. Dates and times are to be determined.
A counselor from Gannett Health Services will be available at the ISSO to offer free and confidential counselling and consultation. No appointment is necessary! Graduate students, undergraduate students, and family members are welcome to come talk about:
- personal growth and challenges
- depression, anxiety and stress
- relationship issues
- family issues
- cultural, racial and ethnic issues
- sexual health concerns
- negotiating academic environment
- any other issues of concern
- referral and information
For more information about Counselling and Psychological Services and a schedule of available times for off-site, walk-in consultations visit: http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/cms/services/counseling/caps/talk/.
Have Immigration Questions?
Come to ISSO Office Hours
ISSO Advising Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9-12:00; 1:00-4:30
Wednesday 1:00-4:30
Remember! We will be closing at 3:30 PM on Fridays, from June 3rd-August 5th! Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 8th.
Advisors are available on a walk-in basis except from 12-1 P.M. daily, or by appointment. You may stop by to see us during office hours, check out our website, email us at isso@cornell.edu, or call us at 255-5243.