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Letter from Your International Student & Scholar Advisor
Dear Students,
As the air begins to chill and the leaves begin to fall, I am reminded that we are already well into mid-term season. I hope that you first year students are adapting well to the academic pace and constantly changing climate, and that you upper class students are taking full advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that you have this year.
The Slater International Center has had a few upgrades this past summer including the installation of new kitchen countertops and floors as well as a new dishwasher. I hope to see all of you at Slater using the kitchens to cook up some recipes from home and, of course, sharing them with us!
In addition, we have a few staff changes. We are pleased to announce that we have a new full-time staff member, Elizabeth Siwo-Okundi, who is our MasterCard Program Coordinator and will be working specifically with our MasterCard Foundation Scholars and the broader community of students of African descent. Her office is located in the basement of Slater. Please stop by to say hello and welcome her to Wellesley.
We will sadly say goodbye to Ying Chen but wish her well in her next position at Clark University! We are in the process of searching for her replacement and hope to have a new staff member in place soon to continue to support you in all that you do. Please do stop by to say goodbye to Ying and thank her for all of her good work.
This newsletter will highlight upcoming events as well as reminders related to immigration, travel, and on-campus resources. Be sure to check our website for more detailed information on many of these topics. Also, like our Facebook page and join our LinkedIn group to stay connected with all of the latest Slater information, news, and events.
We look forward to seeing you often at Slater this semester!
Cheers,
Karen
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Walk-In Hours
Mondays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wednesdays, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
If you are unable to come to Slater International Center during walk-in hours, appointments can be made by emailing Slater Center or calling 781-283-2082 (no same day appointments).
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Events and Programs
Global Tea Series
Slater International Center
Join us for our weekly informal gatherings focused on intercultural exchange, learning, and support. Each week we will chat about different topics and hear from special guests. Tea and cookies always served!
- Hosted by Korean Students' Association
- Friday, 10/14, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Hosted by Active Minds
- Friday, 10/21, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Hosted by Al-Muslimat
- Friday, 11/04, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Hosted by Ethos
- Friday, 11/11, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Hosted by Mezcla
- Friday, 11/18, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Hosted by Amnesty International
- Friday, 12/02, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
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October
Slater Culture Show Friday, 10/28, 6:00-8:00 pm
Alumnae Auditorium
Every year, the Slater International Student Organization organizes a culture show to showcase the culture and heritage of Wellesley's international student population through performance. The show is not only a celebration of diversity on the Wellesley campus, but it also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures around the world.
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November
Working in the U.S. #2 Wednesday, 11/02, 4:30-6:30 pm
Library Lecture Room
An information session for F-1 International Students. If you are graduating this winter or spring, and you are interested in working in the U.S., you should attend this session. This is a repeat of the first "Working in the U.S." information session held earlier this semester.
Immigration Attorney Visit Thursday, 11/10, 5:30-7:00 pm
LCW 413
Are you an international student interested in working in the U.S. after you graduate and complete your OPT? Come hear an overview of common visa options from an immigration attorney!
Diwali Celebration TBD, 6:00-8:00 pm
Alumnae Ballroom
Are you an international student interested in working in the U.S. after you graduate and complete your OPT? Come hear an overview of common visa options from an immigration attorney!
Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, 11/24, 4:30-8:00 pm
Slater International Center
On Thanksgiving Day, representatives from the Slater E-Board will host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Slater. More information to come.
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December
Travel Signature Day Wednesday, 12/07, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Slater International Center
Slater staff will be available all day to sign your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 for travel. No appointments necessary. You must bring all of your immigration documents (i.e. passport, Form I-20/Form DS-2019, and Form I-94) with you. If Travel Signature Day is not convenient for you, you can stop by Slater during Walk-In Hours for a travel signature to beat the crowds.
End of the Semester Gathering Thursday, 12/08, 5:00-7:00 pm
Slater International Center
Join the Slater E-Board and Slater International Center Staff in celebrating the end of the semester and hear updates on what’s happening at Slater! Snacks will be served.
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Important Immigration Reminders
Declaring a Major/Updating your Form I-20
If you have recently declared or changed your major, you must request a new Form I-20 to reflect your new major. The Department of Homeland Security requires that your immigration document reflects the most accurate and up-to-date information about your program of study.
Working in the United States
If you are thinking about doing an internship over the summer, of if you are graduating in May, you should start learning about your employment authorization options. As an international student, you will need authorization to work off campus. Attend our "Working in the U.S. Workshop" and "Immigration Attorney Visit," and refer to the employment section on our website for more information.
Travel
If you are traveling outside the U.S. and plan to re-enter in F-1 or J-1 status, you must have your Form I-2o or Form DS-2019 signed for travel. For F-1 students, the travel signature is valid for one year and is located on page 2 or 3 of your Form I-20. For J-1 students, the travel signature is valid for the duration of your form and is located in the lower left corner of your Form DS-2019. Refer to the travel section on our website for more information. Please carry the following documents when you travel:
- Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019, with valid travel signature (12 months for currently enrolled students)
- Valid passport (at least six months into the future)
- Valid F-1 or J-1 visa
- Proof of financial support
- Current transcript or enrollment letter (optional)
If you need a travel signature, you must bring all of your immigration documents to Slater International Center during walk-in hours. If walk-in hours are not convenient for you, you may contact Slater Center to make an appointment.
Form I-94
Upon arrival to the U.S., an electronic Arrival/Departure document/Form I-94 will be created for you. Please print out a copy of your Form I-94 from the Department of Homeland Security website after each entry into the U.S. If you have problems retrieving your Form I-94, please see the handout on our website or contact our office for assistance.
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Fun at Slater
A collection of memories from the end of last semester and the beginning of this one...
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Senior Reception
Seniors celebrated the end of their time at Wellesley with family and friends. Food was served and music played as students shared memories about their last four years.
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Slater E-Board Turnover Meeting
With snacks, hugs, and laughter, our 2015-2016 E-Board celebrated the end of the year and turned over their positions to the 2016-2017 E-Board.
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Pre-Orientation
For the 2016-2017 school year, we welcomed 79 new international students from 32 countries. We're happy to have you at Wellesley, Class of 2020!
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MasterCard Foundation Retreat
MCF Scholars had a wonderful time picking apples and carving pumpkins. Fall is finally here!
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Voices at Slater
"I like the fact that everyone in Slater is ready to assist you through your every step. It makes you feel at home (a very diverse home)!"
-Dagmawit Assefa
Ethiopia
Class of 2020
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Other Reminders
Host Families
Reconnect with your host family this semester to learn more about North American culture and to share your culture with them too! They would love to hear from you.
Spending Time at Slater
Don't forget you can always spend time at Slater! Your Wellesley ID gives you swipe access and allows you to come relax, eat snacks, meet with friends, or watch movies 24/7. Just remember to follow the posted cleanup guidelines, and return all DVDs after use. Please be respectful of the Slater space.
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Resources
Going Global
Check out "Going Global," a Wellesley College resource that links students to a comprehensive database of international employment opportunities and country-specific information on industries and networks. It is recommended that you set up your own account to save searches and information.
Dining and Transportation Services
Dining and transportation services change during academic breaks. For more information, please contact Dining Services, Residential Life, or the Housing & Transportation office, or see the posted schedules for Thanksgiving Break below.
Slater E-Board
The Slater E-Board is a student organization closely affiliated with the Slater International Center. The organization encourages greater understanding among cultures and acts as an advocate for international students and scholars. Its members collaborate with other student groups and departments to coordinate and organize events that increase intercultural awareness and involve the diverse Wellesley community.
Meet our E-Board members for the 2016-2017 school year:
President: Lamisa Hossain (2017), Bangladesh
Vice President: Lia Camargo (2017), USA/Japan
Treasurer: Aryamika Bhatia (2019), India
Secretary: Amy Jin (2019), China
Alumnae Chair: Aditi Saha (2020), Singapore
Community Coordinator: Ginny Nie (2019), China
Cultural Chair: Emma Muschett (2019), Jamaica/United Kingdom
Media Chair: Daxi Sun (2019), China
Publicity Chair: Malak AlSayyad (2019), Egypt
Senator: Sarah Kasha (2020), France
Africa Representative: Demilade Adeboye (2019), Nigeria
Asia Pacific Representative: Sophia Leung (2019), Hong Kong
Caribbean Representative: Tempestt Morgan (2017), Jamaica
European Representative: Ortensia Palmonella (2019), Italy & Tara Wilfert (2019), USA/Germany
Latin American Representative: Daniela Kreimerman Arroyo (2019), Chile
Middle East Representative: Aida El Kohen (2019), Morocco
North America Representative: Iletze Porras (2019), Canada
South Asian Representative: Madhumalika Gupta (2018), India & Anya Prakash (2018), India
Please feel free to contact any of your E-Board members with issues or concerns.
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