April 2023 SISS Newsletter
Information and Updates
Scam Awareness: Rental Scams
Scams are fraudulent attempts to trick people out of their money. Unfortunately, these lies are easy to fall for, and scammers often target international students and scholars.
It is essential to stay alert to avoid scams when looking for housing. Our biggest recommendation is always to see the property in person, or have a friend see it before you pay anything.
Here are some signs that you might be dealing with a rental scam:
- The person doesn't want to meet you in person or avoids attempts at meeting you in person
- They want you to move in immediately
- They ask for rent or a security deposit before you sign a lease agreement (this should be done once you sign a lease, not before)
- The price is very low compared to similar places in the area
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams
Ask an Advisor
By Mary Aluwar, International Scholar Advisor with Services for International Students and Scholars
Q: "I'm planning a trip outside the U.S. How do I get a travel signature?"
A: Planning a trip home, heading on vacation or attending a conference in another country? Don’t forget to get a travel signature from SISS. You can submit your travel signature request form through iGlobal. If possible, plan ahead and request a travel signature at least two weeks prior to your planned departure date. This will give your SISS advisor time to review your request and record information, allowing them an opportunity to provide any guidance on travel such as a visa renewal or other related factors to your status that may be impacted by your international travel.
Scheduling an Appointment with Your SISS Advisor
SISS Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with your advisor in advance.
Find your advisor and schedule an appointment
Daylight Saving Time
Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2 a.m., to mark the start of Daylight Saving.
Employment Workshops Available On-Demand
Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Select your workshop to get started.
- CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
- OPT for F-1 Students (Part 1 of 3)
- STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students
Programs and Events
Picnic Day 2023: Ignite Our Moment
Picnic Day is one of UC Davis' most revered traditions and serves as the university's annual open house. Join UC Davis Global Affairs and the International House Davis as they walk in the parade while carrying international flags and represent global cultures. After the parade, check out the World Stage at California Hall, sponsored by Global Affairs. Coinciding with Picnic Day, UC Davis will also celebrate their seventh annual Give Day, which brings our community together by sharing, following or financially supporting programs that have made an impact on the lives of people everywhere.
Register to march in the Picnic Day parade by April 5
Invest in the future of global education on Give Day
Scholar Coffee Break
We invite international scholars to connect at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join SISS in this welcoming and virtual space.
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Date and time: April 6, 2023, 9–10 a.m.
Grad Slam Event
Grad Slam is an annual contest where master’s and doctoral students across the University of California—in disciplines ranging from the hard sciences to the humanities—sum up their research for a general audience. In this UC-wide celebration of graduate student research, participants showcase the significance and fundamental points of their work in a clear, direct and interesting manner for a panel of judges. Global Affairs is proud to co-sponsor this event.
- Semi-Final Round: April 6, 2023, 1–3 p.m.
- University of California Final Round: May 5, 2023, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Global Affairs Career Enhancement Certificate: Exploring DEI to Contribute to an Inclusive Workplace
This series encourages graduate students and postdocs to consider how their research and career aspirations position them to respond to global challenges. Participants will be provided insights from mid- and late-career professionals on how to improve leadership skills, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, for success in intercultural work environments, whether in the public, private or academic sectors.
- Deadline: April 7, 2023
- Learn more and register
Contact Janice Tse with questions
Life After UC Davis
International students and postdocs planning to stay in the United States to work after leaving UC Davis can hear about visa options from legal experts from WR Immigration, a law firm with offices in northern California.
- Date and time: April 12, 2023, 3:30–5 p.m.
International Migration in the Midst of a Climate Crisis
Join Professor Sylvie Sarolea as she talks about climate migrants as a human reality that concerns us all and how climate change can affect the foundation of international law. Global Affairs is proud to co-sponsor this event.
- Date and time: April 13, 2023, 12–1 p.m.
Alienation and Liminality: An Installation on International LGBTQIA+ Graduate Student Experiences on Campus
International LGBTQIA+ graduate students encounter unique challenges and experiences navigating the context of UC Davis. Join the 2022 recipients of the Global Aggies Award for LGBTQIA+ Rights for an interactive art and augmented reality installation in the main lobby of the International Center. The award was established through the generosity of former UC Davis Provost and Interim Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter, along with his husband Manfred Kollmeier.
- Dates: April 13 – June 8, 2023
California Income Tax Workshop Resources
If you were working in California during 2022, you might need information about California State taxes. The California Income Tax Workshop was held March 2, 2023.
Opportunities and Announcements
UC Davis Widening Circles
Through a global network of social impact organizations, guidance from mentors, multimedia storytelling and a rigorous curriculum, students will explore new pathways for learning, sharing, connecting and acting with purpose and humility in the face of global inequality and injustice. Funding available!
- Dates: June 26, 2023 to August 25, 2023
Career Support and Job Search Available with GoinGlobalSign up for the I-House Newsletter
GoinGlobal provides career and employment resources for more than 120 worldwide locations. Log in with your UC Davis Kerberos ID to access the H1B Plus portal, career guides, global job and internship search database by country and an employer directory.
Join Club-I
Club-I is a group for internationals and locals in Davis. The group meets, makes friends, finds people to travel with and has fun with various social activities. Club-I meets once a week, usually on Friday evenings, for group dinners and other events.
Spring Quarter SDG Internship: Call for Applications
The Global Affairs SDG Internship provides an opportunity for UC Davis undergraduate students to actively contribute to campus engagement on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gaining knowledge of organizational strategy, campus and external coordination and communications and analytical skills to support this global agenda.
- Deadline: April 7, 2023
Visit the ASUCD Pantry for Free Groceries
The ASUCD Pantry located in the Memorial Union offers free groceries and basic necessities to all UC Davis students, staff and faculty regardless of financial need. Order ahead online for non-perishables/basic necessities or come by anytime for a walk-in visit to get fresh produce. Everyone is welcome!
Learn more about the ASUCD Pantry
America China Talk Essay
UC Davis East Asian Studies has announced the prompts for the 2022-23 America China Talk Essay Contest. Choosing between two topics, the essay should range between 1,500 and 1,800 words. Open to undergraduate students only, entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges and up to three winners will earn prizes of $1,000 each.
- Deadline: May 21, 2023
Student and Scholar Spotlight
Global Aggies Series Continues with Bob Kiaii
Bob Kiaii, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UC Davis Health, is an international expert in robotic heart surgery who leads a surgical team that treats complex diseases of the chest using minimally invasive techniques. Born in Iran, Kiaii immigrated to Canada as a child with his family. His path in medicine eventually brought him to UC Davis Health, a relocation feat that was not without its challenges.