WEEKLY UPDATE – Nov. 18

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a holiday when people gather with their loved ones on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a time to enjoy a traditional meal and be thankful for the good things in life. The tradition of Thanksgiving started almost 400 years ago in the early days of the British colonies. When we think of Thanksgiving, we usually think about spending time with family and being grateful, but it’s also important to remember the challenges that Native Americans faced, like disease, war, slavery, and genocide brought by colonization. Learn more about the history of Thanksgiving in the Reframing Thanksgiving article posted by Gleeson Library and this resource from the U.S. State Department. 

Express your gratitude by organizing a Friendsgiving (a casual, alternative gathering with friends for those away from home). Potluck-style gatherings, where everyone brings a dish to share, are quite popular for Friendsgiving, and they add a fun, diverse, and cost-effective touch to the celebration.

The ISSS office will close early on Wednesday, Nov. 27, but ISSS will be available remotely until 4 p.m. ISSS will remain closed on both Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for the university holiday.  

The ISSS Office will also be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Wednesday, Jan. 1, for winter break. The submission deadline for requests to be processed before winter break is Friday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. If you submit your request after Dec. 13, it is not guaranteed that your request will be processed before the break.

Tune in as we discuss the goals and stories behind IEW, with guests sharing insights on building a sense of belonging, embracing unique cultures, and forming lasting bonds across borders. In this episode, guests Marielle Lyons, Louise Li, and Noel Hermilio Aispuro will share their perspectives as students in multicultural, international education programs, their experiences as IEW veterans, and their insights from both attending and planning events—including some first-time programming experiences!

Are you interested in learning about your options for remaining in the U.S. after completing your studies? Watch the recording of our workshop, where an immigration attorney provides detailed information on employment pathways available to F-1 students, with a particular focus on the H-1B Work Visa. This workshop covers essential steps, timelines, and tips to help you navigate your options for extending your stay and advancing your career.

Watch Now » 

Wednesday, Nov. 20
5:30–6:30 p.m. PST | Online

Join us for an inspiring virtual panel where students who studied or conducted research abroad will share their unique experiences! Hear about their most memorable moments, the challenges they faced, and how these experiences have shaped their personal and professional journeys.

Register Now »

      Friday, Nov. 22 | 6–9:30 p.m.        McLaren Complex

Join us for Culturescape, an annual celebration hosted by the International Student Association in partnership with ISSS and multiple cultural clubs across campus as part of International Education Week. This year’s theme, Taste of Traditions, offers a night of global flavors, performances, and cultural experiences that showcase the diversity of our community!

Register and Buy Tickets Now »

Health Promotion Services (HPS) is offering resources to support student wellness. All students can take the wellness check, a confidential assessment tool that can help you figure out different areas you can improve to achieve whole body health and wellness. After you take the wellness check, you can schedule a wellness coaching appointment. 

Learn More »

For students planning to travel during the winter holiday season, ISSS will be hosting Travel Signature Days from Nov. 27 – Dec. 4. During this period, any travel signature requests submitted via MyISSS will be processed and ready by the end of the day on Dec. 10, so that students have the necessary documentation for a smooth return to the U.S.

Join our team and help support international students while gaining skills in customer service, social media, content design, and video editing. Perfect for a USF student with a passion for serving the USF international student community. Apply now to make an impact on campus!

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of the ISSS website, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.

Thank you for reading the weekly ISSS newsletter! To submit content for future newsletters, please complete the ISSS Newsletter Intake Form by 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week before the newsletter's release. While all submissions will be reviewed, inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed.