NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE Fall 2020 Foundation for International
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NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE Fall 2020 Foundation for International Understanding Through Students University of Washington Schmitz Hall 250, Seattle, WA 98195 (206) 543-0735 / [email protected] / www.fiuts.org @FIUTS @uwfiuts www.facebook.com/FIUTS FIUTS UW International Student Group 1 Table of Contents Welcome 3 Letter from UW President Ana Mari Cauce 3 Letter from FIUTS Executive Director Era Schrepfer 4 Mandatory Immigration Check In 6 ISS Checklist 8 How to Change Your Address 11 Tips 14 Getting Involved 18 Campus Resources 25 In Your Neighborhood 34 Quick Reference List 37 2 August 21, 2020 Welcome to the University of Washington! As one of the top public research universities in the world, the UW is pleased to welcome all of our international students, who hail from nearly 100 countries. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made this an unusual and challenging time for all of us, I know that the coming year holds incredible promise and we are so pleased to count you among our students as we navigate this unprecedented time. One of our University’s greatest strengths is our richly diverse community of students who bring a wealth of perspectives and lived experience to our shared learning environment. Whether you are living on campus this year or studying from another part of the world, your unique voice contributes immeasurably to our academic community. Our University is committed to ensuring that every student feels welcome and comfortable in order to do their best learning. You are all valued members of our community regardless of nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious views, area of study or scholarship. What makes each of us unique is what makes our whole University great. While the pandemic has unfortunately limited some of the hands-on exploration of our city and region that we usually encourage international students to discover, there are still many meaningful and exciting ways for you to engage with and learn from your classmates, faculty and UW community, both virtually and – safely – in person. However you choose to pursue your studies, I hope you will make time to forge new friendships, indulge your curiosity and explore what our University and the world have to offer. Welcome! Sincerely, 3 Welcome! It’s such an honor to be part of your welcome to our beautiful university, city, and region - I’m so glad you’ve joined us at the University of Washington. This year might feel different, but there are so many people here who are excited to welcome and celebrate you. As we navigate this challenging time together, FIUTS will play an important part of your adjustment. I hope you will take advantage of the resources and advice available to you as a new member of our community. FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) is an independent nonprofit organization that was founded on this campus seventy-two years ago by faculty and community members who were passionate about the power of friendship to build bonds of peace. To this day, our strong and unique partnership between the UW and FIUTS creates unrivaled opportunities for powerful cross-cultural learning and exploration both on and off campus. FIUTS offers an array of opportunities for you to get involved, make new friends, and to share your culture and experiences with others. From social activities to meaningful conversations, FIUTS is a vibrant and active organization where you can expand your network, practice new skills, and mentor other students. Through FIUTS, you can form a connection to people who represent every corner of our planet and become part of a community - international students, U.S. students, alumni, and community members - who share a dedication to global exploration. I hope you will look to FIUTS as an important source of support and community during your time as a Husky and beyond. Best of luck at the University of Washington. Era Schrepfer, Executive Director FIUTS: Foundation for International Understanding Through Students University of Washington, Box 355855, Schmitz Hall 250 Seattle, WA 98195 (206) 543-0736 www.fiuts.org FIUTS Staff Era Schrepfer Executive Director Annie Lewis Operations and Ellen Frierson Manager of Education Communications Programs Coordinator Samantha Novak Manager of Community Vy Chuong Student Programs Programs Coordinator Alex Radi Manager of Student Teresa Tippens Orientation Coordinator Programs Mariama Sidibe Program Assistant Kailyn Swarthout Education Programs Kori Carter Program Assistant Coordinator 4 Embark Sessions: What to Expect What we’ll cover Welcome to the University of Washington Video welcome from UW President Ana Mari Cauce International Student Services (ISS) Immigration Essentials Roadmap to Success Paying Your Tuition UW International Student Health Insurance Plan Transfer Students only: Ten Ways the UW is Different from Your Previous Institution Exchange Students only: Introduction to Your Exchange Program Doctoral Students only: Current Student Panel Roadmap Mile Marker 1: What will you remember about your first days in Seattle? Mile Marker 2: What new word or phrase did you learn today? Mile Marker 3: What is the best way to maintain your visa status? Mile Marker 4: What can you do right now to prepare for this year? Mile Marker 5: What is one resource you will use on campus? Mile Marker 6: What phone number do you call in an emergency? Mile Marker 7: What tools can you use to stay connected? Mile Marker 8: What International Welcome Weeks event are you excited for? Mile Marker 9: What are you most looking forward to about your UW experience? 5 Mandatory Immigration Check-In The International Student Services (ISS) office specializes in F-1 and J-1 student visa regulations. ISS advisors are here to help you avoid immigration problems that can interfere with you successfully completing your studies, and to help you apply for any F-1 and J-1 international student benefits that you are eligible for. Mandatory – Online New Student Immigration Check-In https://apps.iss.washington.edu/forms/intake/ Deadline: September 28th, 2020 6 Kim Lovaas, Director of ISS Ed Farnham, Program Assistant Fun facts: Kim's favorite campus spot is Drumheller Fountain Fun facts: Ed loves to ride his motorcycle. He's also a and favorite local city is Leavenworth. photographer, cook and self-taught home improvement guy. Megan Serenco, SEVIS Leana de la Torre, Chris Dessert, ISHIP Counselor Coordinator Lead Int'l Student Adviser Fun facts: Chris once appeared on Fun facts: Megan's favorite Fun facts: Leana once the Oprah show. He enjoys playing campus spot is Mary Gates wrote a weekly column ukulele and biking to the Ballard Hall. Her dream travel David Gerry, about kitchen mishaps Sunday Market with his family. destination is Azerbaijan. called “Rookie Cook.” She Int'l Student Adviser loves to upcycle and her Fun facts: David loves favorite campus spot is gardening and his the Henry Art Gallery. favorite campus spot is the UW Biology Greenhouse. His dream travel destinations are India and Argentina. Kareen Kanjo, Int'l Student Adviser Fun facts: Kareen enjoys spending time with family on Whidbey Island. Her favorite campus spot is the quad, especially during Cherry Jennifer Wascher, Keavy Schriver, Blossom season. Int'l Student Adviser Assistant Director for Student Services and Compliance Fun facts: Jennifer was an extra in the movie, Kindergarten Cop, which Fun facts: Keavy once auditioned was filmed in Oregon. for the TV show, Jeopardy! Her favorite campus spot is the She enjoys walking around the HUB Bowling Alley. city. 7 6 International Student Services 459 Schmitz Hall, Box 355832 Phone: 206.221.7857 https://iss.uw.edu NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECKLIST and RESOURCES Welcome! International Student Services (ISS) is home to over 8,000 international students representing more than 100 countries. Our advisors are here to help you apply for F‐1 and J‐1 visa benefits that you are eligible for and to avoid immigration problems that can interfere with you successfully completing your studies during your time at the UW. ISS Resources, Services, and Advising Online Services ‐ https://iss.uw.edu/ The ISS website has advice and helpful resources that are available for you to access 24 hours a day! x Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about employment, travel & visas, and U.S. government requirements x Instructions and web forms for applying for F‐1 and J‐1 benefits Weekly Email Newsletter ISS sends a weekly email to your official UW email address. This weekly email is important; we use it to notify students of upcoming deadlines, changes to U.S. laws, and updates to UW policies affecting F‐1 and J‐1 students. Add [email protected] to your email contacts so you do not miss any of our emails. Have questions for an ISS advisor? Need to request an appointment? The easiest and fastest way to get your questions answered by an advisor is to visit https://iss.uw.edu/ and submit the “Have a Question” web form. The form is available on all ISS web pages at the top of the navigation bar on the right side of the page. From a mobile device, you will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to access the “Have a Question” web form. An advisor will reply to your submitted question or invite you to schedule an appointment within 2 business days. All email replies will be sent to your official UW email address. REQUIRED: Complete the MANDATORY U.S. Government Check‐In Process for New Students Make Digital Files (PDFs or JPEGs) of the immigration documents listed for your visa type. Maximum file size 1 MB. F‐1 Students J‐1 Exchange Visitors/Students x Page 1 of I‐20 showing your signature x Page 1 of DS‐2019 showing your signature x Passport biographical page with valid expiration dates x Passport biographical page with valid expiration dates x F‐1 visa (Canadians exempt) x J‐1 visa (Canadians exempt) x I‐94 (download electronic I‐94 at: www.cbp.gov/I94) x I‐94 (download electronic I‐94 at: www.cbp.gov/I94) Submit Immigration Document Digital Files to ISS: instructions at http://iss.uw.edu/new‐students/post‐arrival Update Local Address and Phone Number in MyUW x Addresses o U.S.