COFFEE TALK:  A WELCOMING SPACE TAILORED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS AS WELL AS THOSE WHO HAVE OR ARE INTERESTED IN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Location: OISS at 630 Dartmouth Place OR attend virtually via Zoom
Upcoming Dates: October 27 and Nov 10 from 3:00- 4:00 PM
More details and Zoom meeting link

• Connect and interact with other international students on-campus over coffee, tea, snacks, and fun games. 
• Support each other in navigating friendships, 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.
• And take a break from studies! 

Learn about OPT 

Next Virtual Workshop: October 24 at 12 PM

The next online Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop will be held October 24th  from 12:00 - 1:30 PM PM.  OPT eligibility requirements, application timelines and application requirements will be covered in detail during this virtual workshop. All F-1 international students interested in applying for OPT are encouraged to attend.

See the OPT Event for more details and zoom link to join.

International Student Career Planning Guide

As an international student at Northwestern, you may have unique concerns or questions about how to successfully prepare for job searching in the United States (U.S.). The International Student Career Planning Guide, developed in collaboration between multiple Northwestern Offices, will provide tips and advice on how to navigate the U.S. job search process, and helpful Northwestern resources

Questions about taxes?

International students employed by Northwestern or those receiving a scholarship/fellowship are invited to discuss tax related questions with a representative from Northwestern's Human resources Foreign Tax team. 

• When:    Wednesday afternoons from 12 - 3 PM
• Where:  Meet in person at OISS or connect virtually via Zoom at https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/93647293556 at the scheduled time.

Scam Awareness

Why are International Students Often Targeted?

International students and scholars can be appealing targets for scammers, primarily due to perceptions about their unfamiliarity with US systems. These scammers frequently use intimidation tactics, such as baseless threats of arrest or deportation. Recognizing the hallmarks of scams and being vigilant is crucial for your safety.

OISS has received reports of students being contacted by individuals posing as law enforcement officers, either from the U.S. or their home country. These impostors insinuate that the student is involved in suspected illegal activity and request payment to sidestep legal consequences. Always remember: this is a scam.

How to Discern Scams from Genuine Information

Scammers are everywhere and continuously evolving their techniques. It's not unusual for them to have basic details about you, making their approach seem legitimate. Here are some guidelines to keep you protected:

1. Screen Your Calls: Avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers. If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail. Before returning the call, ensure the number belongs to the reputed institution or person.
2. Beware of Spoofed Numbers: Scammers can manipulate caller ID displays. If you're uncertain about the caller's authenticity, don't engage. Instead, dial the organization's official number directly.
3. Scrutinize Suspicious Emails: If an email seems odd or too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, a sudden request for gift cards from a known contact is a red flag. Confirm questionable emails directly with the sender.
4. Guard Your Personal Information: Legitimate authorities will never threaten you for money or challenge your immigration status over a call. If someone claims to represent a governmental agency and asks for sensitive details, it's a telltale sign of a scam.
5. Always Consult Trusted Authorities: If in doubt, reach out to OISS, NUPD, or another trusted university official. We're always here to assist and guide you.

Northwestern's ELP offers a free weekly Language Table Series called "Something to Talk About"

"Something to Talk About" offers a chance to meet other people for fun, informal activities and casual conversation. Anyone in the Northwestern community is welcome to join and participate.

• Free and open to all members of the Northwestern community
• Events are mostly held online throughout the academic year (on Fridays)
• Advanced registration is required to access the session.
• Each event highlights a specific aspect of U.S. English and/or American culture - Upcoming topics include American Slang, Preparing for Winter, and American Football.
• Ask questions, share experiences and opinions with peers and ELP staff
• A supportive environment for speakers at any level of English proficiency

Check the Something to Talk About webpage for the full schedule of topics, dates and times, and a link to register.

Have a quick question for OISS?

Connect with an OISS Student Advisor via Zoom on Wednesday afternoons, 12 - 4 PM. No appointment necessary! Students will be helped in the order of joining the call. See Web-in-Wednesdays for more info and Zoom link to connect.