Student Newsletter - April 5, 2023

Coffee Talk is back for Spring 2023!

Coffee Talk (co-sponsored by CAPS & OISS) is a community support space tailored for international students & scholars (as well as spouses), those who have international experiences, and/or those who are interested in international students’ experiences. 

Join us in-person or virtually to:

Support each other in navigating cross-cultural adjustment to academics and living in the US, overcome imposter syndrome, homesickness, relationships, career, stress and anxiety, and other relevant topics.
Grow self-confidence and cultivate a sense of belonging on campus. 
Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students.
Take a break from studies and enjoy coffee, tea and snacks (for in-person attendees)

When: Every other Friday from 3:00 - 4:00 PM (April 7, April 21, May 5, May 19 & June 2)

Where: In-person at 630 Dartmouth (OISS) or attend virtually via Zoom; to receive the meeting link, please fill out this form.

More info:
https://www.northwestern.edu/counseling/workshops-outreach/caps-virtual-programming.html

Students who were in the U.S. in 2022...
Have you filed your 2022 taxes yet?

The U.S. tax filing deadline for 2022 is April 18, 2023! ALL international students who were in the U.S. for any period of time during the 2022 calendar year must file a federal tax return.

Even if you did not earn any income, if you were physically in the U.S. in F or J status anytime between January 1 – December 31, 2022, you are obligated to file a Form 8843 with the IRS (the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. tax authorities).

Also, if you earned any taxable US source income (at Northwestern or elsewhere) in 2022, you will need to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).

Learn more on the Taxes section of the OISS website.

VIRTUAL TAX WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY OISS

Friday, April 7 at 12:00 PM - See event details

SPRINTAX WEBINARS WITH INFORMATION FOR NON-RESIDENT TAX FILERS

Wed. April 5th at 12:00 noon (CST) - register here

Watch this Video

Understanding the difference between Sprintax and Turbotax

Now accepting applications!
2023 Graduate Peer Advisor (GPA)
Executive Board

The GPA Executive Board consists of 1-2 highly motivated members (graduate students) who want to grow their leadership skills and contribute to new international students’ experience.

Important dates:

Application Deadline: April 16 at 11:59pm
Graduate Peer Advisor (GPA) Training:
In-person training: June, September
Virtual training: August (dates to be determined)
Orientation: September 12-13, 2023 (To be confirmed)

See GPA Exec Board Application for more details and to apply!

Note - Application cycle for Graduate Peer Advisors will open soon. Details coming soon.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Virtual Workshop

OISS offers online workshops for F-1 international students interested in pursuing work authorization in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT). The Zoom workshop will cover OPT eligibility requirements, application timelines and application requirements, and more. All F-1 international students interested in applying for OPT are encouraged to attend.

April 6th at 12:00 noon - see event details and meeting link

Opportunities around campus

Wildcat Community Iftar Banquet

Wednesday, April 5th, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, Louis Room in the Norris Center

Muslims and non-Muslims of the Northwestern Community are invited to celebrate the coming of Ramadan! Northwestern students and community members are invited to break fast with the Muslim Cultural Students Association in a celebration of community and culture. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow Wildcats and enjoy delicious food together. Register for this FREE event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildcat-community-iftar-banquet-tickets-597259006767

Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA)
2023 International Panel and Student Reception

Tuesday, April 11th at 6:00 PM, Guild Lounge in Scott Hall

Members of Northwestern’s international student community are invited to join alumni panelists and special guests for the NAA’s annual International Alumni Panel and Student Reception on the Evanston campus. Learn from former international students about how to navigate your career path and how the NAA’s network of more than 260,000 alumni can support you as you pursue your personal and professional goals.

Complimentary food and beverages will be served, and all attendees will receive NAA giveaways. There is no charge for this event, and advance registration is required.

From Northwestern Career Advancement:

International Student Alumni Mentor Circle Events

Pursuing Global Opportunities |April 5^th at 6pm over Zoom
Are you interested in roles pursuing global opportunities? Whether you are planning to return to your home-country or hoping to live in a new country entirely, it is important to learn what the job search process looks like and how to be successful. Join NCA & NAA for this alumni mentor circle! You’ll hear from Lok Sze Leung as who, after completing her BA in Environmental Science, has worked in Hong Kong, mainland China, and now in Canada. Her professional experience evolved from banking to venture investments to now being a Manager of Strategy and Innovation at now at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership. This Mentor Circle is an informal conversation where your questions and participation are strongly encouraged.

Pursuing Business in the United States | April 6^th at 6pm over Zoom
Are you interested in pursuing business opportunities in the United States? It’s important to learn about navigating the US job search, tips on how to be successful, and life after graduation. Join NCA & NAA for this alumni mentor circle! You’ll hear from Ashna Gupta (’20 Economics & Learning and Organizational Change) who has experience in management consulting at Roland Berger and now works at a global investment firm, Carlyle Group. This Mentor Circle is an informal conversation where your questions and participation are strongly encouraged.

NCA Career Ambassador Position - Now accepting applications!

Apply to be an NCA Career Ambassador

Application deadline: Sunday, April 16, 2023, 11:59pm CT

Seeking current first-years, sophomores, juniors
Full job description and application link: NCA Career Ambassador | Northwestern Career Advancement | Handshake (joinhandshake.com)
Pay: $13/hour
Expected hours/week: 5-8
Dates of position: Academic year 2023-24, with approximately 6 hours of remote training over Summer 2023, exact dates TBD.

Fulbright Week Opening Reception & Keynote Address

April 10 - 14, 2023
The Northwestern community is invited to a reception celebrating our Fulbright community and the power of cultural exchange. This event kicks off Northwestern’s Fulbright Week, five days of opportunities to learn about Fulbright grants, make new connections and increase your chances of a successful application.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. D. Soyini Madison, Professor Emeritus of Performance Studies and Anthropology at Northwestern University, who lived and worked in Ghana as a Senior Fulbright Scholar conducting field research for her book Acts of Activism: Human Rights and Radical Performance. The reception’s opening remarks will be provided by Dr. Annelise Riles, Executive Director of the Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and Associate Provost for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. Learn more about Northwestern Fulbright Week and register to attend the opening reception and keynote in person or virtually.

Northwestern Univeristy Night at the Art Institute of Chicago

When: Thursday, April 13th, 5pm - 8pm

Where: Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue

All Northwestern Wildcard holders AND their guests will receive free admission to the museum.

Additional Information

Friday Wives Group

Northwestern international wives who are dependents of an NU international student or scholar are invited to weekly gatherings on Fridays from 1 - 2 PM. Children are also welcome, but no childcare is provided. Snacks, activities and opportunity to meet other wives. Location changes each week. Fill out this form to receive more information from the group.

Every Wednesday, 12 - 4 PM - OISS virtual advisement via Web-in Wednesdays