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    • ISSO Newsletter: April / May 2009

    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:

    1. ISSO Summer Hours
    2. Immigration News and Reminders
      Leaving the U.S. for the Summer? Travel Reminders
      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!
    3. Moving Back Home? Find Departure & Shipping Tips Here
    4. ISSO Summer Program Schedule
    5. ISSO Job Opportunity (August 17th only)
    6. August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!
      Undergrads: PREPARE Volunteer Sign Up Info
      International Grad Orientation Volunteers Needed
      Attention International Student Org. Leaders!
    7. Reminder from Gannett: Going Home...Reverse Culture Shock
    8. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    9. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    ISSO Summer Hours

    While the ISSO will remain open all summer, our office hours will change slightly. Beginning Friday, June 5th, 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 10th. Please plan your visits to our office accordingly.

    All of us at the ISSO hope you have a terrific summer!



    Immigration News


    Leaving the U.S. this Summer? Travel Reminders

    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:


    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 come to one of our workshops on off-campus work authorization.

    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:

    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!



    Moving Back Home? Find Departure & Shipping Tips Here:



    Click here for our Departure Checklist.

    Click here for a list of shipping resources.



    ISSO Summer Program Schedule


    July 3-5, Friday-Sunday
    Trip to Boston, Massachusetts
    Reserve a space on line Tuesday, June 9, beginning at 7 AM.

    July 25 Saturday
    Day Trip to Niagara Falls, New York
    Reserve a space on line Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 7 AM.

    Note: There will be no weekly International Coffee Hour during the summer. International Coffee Hour will resume when classes do, on Thursday, August 27, 2009.



    ISSO Job Opportunity (August 17th only)


    The ISSO is looking for several graduate students who have a good driving record, to work on August 17th to pick up and assist incoming international students participating in PREPARE pre-orientation program.

    General Goals: The central responsibility of the Van Drivers for the PREPARE international pre-orientation program is to pick up, drop off, and move new international students to ensure that the new student arrival and room check-in program runs smoothly and effectively.

      Qualifications:
    • Safe driver holding a valid New York State drivers license
    • Status as a student with significant overseas or cross-cultural experience.
    • Strong communication skills and good command of the English language.
    • Openness, motivation, and a desire to help others.
    • Experience as a PREPARE driver or driver of large groups preferred.

    Application Procedure: Please request complete job description and submit an email indicating your interests and qualifications related to the Van Driver position by Friday, June 19, 2009 to Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu



    August Orientation Coming Soon: We Need Your Help!



    Undergrads: PREPARE Volunteer Signup Info

    Attention undergraduate students...Are you an international student who would like to welcome new international undergraduates to Cornell? Or are you an American student who has had experience living in another culture and knows how it feels to dive into something so different? Then use your experience to help welcome new international students to Cornell!

    The ISSO is looking for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate volunteers for PREPARE 2009 in August!

    PREPARE is a four-day, intensive pre-orientation program for new international undergraduates, where participants and volunteers have the opportunity to meet one another and help each other acclimate to life at Cornell. Over 200 new students, plus 55 volunteers will participate in PREPARE.

    Volunteers are crucially important, and are expected to attend all events throughout the program. They may not be OCs for the university orientation, as conflicts of time and commitment often arise.

    PREPARE will run from August 17-20, with a mandatory training session for volunteers on August 15-16. Volunteers who have on-campus assignments for the fall will be allowed to move into their rooms beginning on Friday, August 14.

    Students who want to volunteer for PREPARE will be required to sign up online. The deadline is May 15, 2009. Please only sign up if you are able to make a firm commitment to volunteering.

    Get involved! Help new international students! Have fun! Sign on to the PREPARE Team!

    Questions? Please contact Adriana Rovers at apr6@cornell.edu.


    International Grad Orientation Volunteers Needed

    International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 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 Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu. There will be a volunteer information meeting in mid-August. More details will be provided during the summer.


    Attention International Student Organization Leaders!

    There will be an International 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 22nd 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 Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu.



    Reminder from Gannett: Going Home...Reverse Culture Shock


    Airplane pilots will tell you that the most difficult parts of flying are usually the take-offs and the landings! Similarly, for many International students, the cultural adjustment process experienced when arriving in a new culture and then returning home can be just as challenging.

    As an International student, you may have expected to experience some homesickness and adjustment issues when you arrived at Cornell, but you may not be prepared to experience a similar adjustment process when going home to friends, family and a culture with which you are very familiar. This adjustment process is important whether your time away was short or more extended residence in another country.

    You may not be aware of the full impact your experience at Cornell has had on your behavior, opinions, perspectives or your values. Likewise, the vision you held in your head of life at home may not match up to the reality you now see when you return. Just as it may have taken time to acclimate to a new culture, it may take time for you to feel like you are fitting in again at home.

    Some International Students have reported the following after returning “home":

    1. Boredom: The return to home and old routines may seem dull compared to the stimulation and challenges you experienced while away. Think positively. Remember the things you like about both cultures and continue to work toward integrating these into your life. Try to see the old routines in a new way…how they were started, what they mean. Are there things you can add to the old routines to make them more meaningful now?
    2. 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 quickly stop listening or may even seem disinterested. Remember, those who have not traveled or shared similar experiences will not have a frame of reference to help them understand your stories. This is a time when you can be reflective. Identify the things you have learned and the changes you underwent during your time at Cornell. 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 might be more receptive to sharing perspectives.
    3. Others Don’t Understand: Even what may have been a significant experience for you, may be difficult to convey when you try to share it with others. Be patient. Your family, friends and colleagues will need time to understand your experiences and new perspectives, and you will need time to fully appreciate how their lives may have changed too.
    4. Relationships have changed: Just as you have gone through changes while away from home, friends may have moved away, changed social circles, or jobs; and family relationships may have changed in your absence. Try not to take these changes personally, and give yourself time to re-establish your connections. Be open to the possibility of new supports and friendships.
    5. Uncertainty on how to apply new knowledge and skills: You may be feeling very enthusiastic and excited about sharing your new knowledge with others or be eager to start making changes when you get home. But upon return you become frustrated if opportunities to do this are not present or if others are hesitant to accept your “new ideas.” For some, your perspective and suggestions may feel like a threat to existing traditions or practice. Focus on using your new skills and knowledge for yourself. As others observe, they may become more curious, start asking questions and be interested in hearing more about what you have learned.
    6. “Home” Sickness: It often comes as a total surprise, to feel homesick for Ithaca and Cornell, when you return to home. Before you leave Cornell, talk with your colleagues and friends and make plans to stay connected. You will find it can be very helpful to continue to share your experiences and to 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. 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, 2:30-4:30 PM at the ISSO. More information below.

    Submitted by:
    Janis Talbot (jit1@cornell.edu) 255-4782
    Health Educator, International Student Health Advocate http://www.gannett.cornell.edu



    Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO


    Fiat Payakkakom, a counselor from Gannett Health Services, is available at the ISSO each Thursday during the semester. Come to the ISSO from 2:30-4:30 PM for free and confidential counseling and consultation. No appointment is necessary! Graduate students, undergraduate students, and family members are welcome to come talk to him 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 Counseling and Psychological Services and a schedule of available times for off-site, walk-in consultations visit: http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/CAPS/offsiteSupport.html.



    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 5th-August 7th! Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 10th.

    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.