SISS Newsletter

April 2024 SISS Newsletter

Information and Updates

Employment Workshops Available On-Demand

Are you interested in OPT or CPT? F-1 Employment Workshops are available online. Find workshops for:

  • CPT for Undergraduate F-1 Students
  • OPT for F-1 Students
  • STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students

Find an online workshop

Be Smart. Protect Yourself from Scams!

It's housing season in Davis, when many renters sign leases for off-campus housing. Please stay alert to avoid scammers who pose as property managers or owners in the area. Here are tips to prevent falling into a trap:

  • Do not pay any money until you see the property in person.
  • Bring someone you trust with you to view the property.
  • Do not conduct business with anyone who demands payment, such as rent and/or deposit, before letting you see the property.

Learn more about housing scams

And remember, here are some signs that the person who emailed, called or texted you might be trying to scam you. End the conversation if the person:

  • Threatens to suspend your Social Security number or visa (even if they have part or all of your information, such as part of your Social Security number)
  • Warns or threatens arrest or legal action
  • Demands or requests immediate payment
  • Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency or by mailing cash
  • Pressures you for your personal information
  • Offers you a job you didn't apply for
  • Requests secrecy
  • Threatens to seize your bank account
  • Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
  • Tries to gain your trust by providing fake documentation, false evidence, or by claiming to be a government official

Learn more about protecting yourself from scams

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

WarnMe and Aggie Alert Campus Messages

UC Davis sends WarnMe and Aggie Alert messages by text, email and the Everbridge Mobile App to provide faculty, staff and students with timely information during emergencies and other urgent situations.

Learn more and ensure your contact information is up to date

Holiday Meal Accommodations

UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services makes Halal and Kosher meal accommodations. Just ask!

Learn how to make a request

Programs and Events

Life After College Sessions for Graduating Students

Graduating? The Cal Aggie Alumni Association has brought together experts on and off campus for a series of helpful discussions on life after college. Each session will focus on what alumni wish they knew about post-grad life.

  • Date: April 2

Learn more

Universitas 21 Global Citizens Program

Free for UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students, this online leadership program gives students the opportunity to develop skills needed to thrive in the 21st century while tackling the world’s pressing problems outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Dates: April 3–26

Learn more

Scholar Coffee Break

We invite international scholars (visiting faculty and researchers) 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. 

  • Date and time: April 4, 9–10 a.m.

Register

Prepare for the Career Fair

Learn how to make the most out of the spring internship and career fair! This workshop for international students will cover what to expect and how to prepare to interact with employers. The workshop is presented by the Internship and Career Center in partnership with SISS.

  • Date and Time: April 5, 2:10 p.m.

Register

UC Davis Global Learning Conference

Students’ global perspectives are valuable in today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world. The Global Learning Conference provides students of all majors with opportunities to hear from and network with seasoned professionals in various fields, connect with peers, and explore resources and opportunities for the future.

Learn more

I-House World Tour: Celebration of Brazilian Culture

Brazilian band Boca Do Rio, the UC Davis Samba School, and Afro-Brazilian dancers and performers from the Sacramento region will showcase Brazil's vibrant and multifaceted cultural contributions to the Davis community.

Learn more

Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors Visit the International Center

Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors (AMHAs) are excited to begin monthly tabling at the International Center. Are you interested in learning about mental health and well-being resources, evidence-based practices to take care of yourself and others, or a friendly chat with a fellow Aggie? Stop by the AMHA table!

Learn more

Summer Start for Newly-Admitted First-Year Students

Newly admitted first-year international undergraduate students are invited to a virtual informational session to learn more about Summer Start. Summer Start is a six-week academic and cultural preparation program that helps students earn credits to get ahead on their degrees, adjust to life at UC Davis, make friends and connections, and explore the area, all before their peers arrive on campus.

  • Date and time: April 12, 7 a.m. (Pacific time)

Event information

Learn more about Summer Start

Financial Wellness Series Begins April 18

The Community Resource and Retention Centers invite graduate students, faculty, and staff to a three-part financial wellness series.

  • Dates: April 18, 19 and 25 (times and locations vary)

Learn more and RSVP

Health Professions Advising for International Students

Are you an international student interested in a career in a health profession? Please join Health Professions Advisor and SISS info session for questions, like: Do U.S. medical schools accept international students? What about dental, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and optometry? What Is the application process for international students?

  • Date and time: April 19, 2 p.m.

Register

Learn More

SISS Scholar Evening Discussion: Transportation in California and the U.S.

Join Global Affairs staff and fellow visiting scholars for a virtual evening discussion about what to expect from transportation in California and the U.S. We’ll discuss some of the reasons and history of the U.S. transportation system and some local transportation options in and around Davis. This is a great opportunity to connect with other scholars and UC Davis staff and to ask questions in a welcoming space.

  • Date and time: April 22, 5–6 p.m.

Learn more and register

Life After UC Davis: Immigration Attorney Workshop

Students and postdocs planning to stay in the United States to work after they complete their programs at UC Davis can hear from legal experts from WR Immigration about visa options for international students and scholars. This is a hybrid event. When you register, indicate whether you will join in person or virtually.

Learn more and register

Graduate Student and Postdoc Certificate Series

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.

  • Date: April–May

Learn more

UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference

This conference is designed to acquaint undergraduate students with the process and academic rigors of presenting research in a scholarly manner and an affirming environment. Submit a presentation proposal for your global research! 

  • Dates: April 26–27

Learn more

Opportunities and Announcements

Aggie Eats Food Truck at the International Center

Beginning April 9 through the spring quarter, the Aggie Eats food truck will distribute student meals at the International Center. The truck will be stationed in front of the building on Tuesdays. Individual meal distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck runs out of meals.

Learn more

$4,500 ICC Funding Awards for Unpaid Internships & Experiential Learning

The Experiential Learning Award provides money for UC Davis undergraduate students participating in unpaid internships. Funding is tied to attendance at the weekly professional development seminar. International students are eligible. Consult your international student advisor to confirm work or internship authorization.

  • Deadline: April 4

Learn more

Apply

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Internship

The Global Affairs SDGs Internship provides an opportunity for UC Davis undergraduate students to actively contribute to campus engagement on the SDGs, gaining knowledge of organizational strategy, campus and external coordination, and communications and analytical skills to support this global agenda.

  • Deadline: April 5

Learn more and apply

Karim Abou Najm Memorial Change-Makers Prize

The Change-Makers Prize recognizes UC Davis students pursuing additional skills, training or experiential learning to support their academic journey. The prize will be awarded to students seeking learning and growth opportunities that will enhance their skill set to positively impact the world.

  • Deadline: April 5

Learn more and apply

Scholarship for International Undergraduate Students

The 2024 Western Union Global Scholars tuition scholarship from the Western Union Foundation and the Institute of International Education is for international undergraduate students who will be enrolled full-time in their final year or next-to-final year throughout the 2024-25 academic year. UC Davis can nominate up to five students. If you would like to be considered, email SISS Director Andrew Shiotani at akshiotani@ucdavis.edu and include your name, student ID, college and class year, and a brief description of your campus activities, leadership and achievements while at UC Davis.

  • Deadline to express your interest by email: April 8, 5 p.m.

Learn more about this scholarship

Join the Pal Program

Spring registration for the Pal Program is open. The Pal Program pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to increase their intercultural awareness, practice a target language and develop friendships.

  • Deadline: April 12

Learn more

UC Davis Launches Non-Emergency Line, Health 34

Health 34 is a team of healthcare educators and providers who will deliver free, non-emergency support and service navigation for mental health and basic medical care to every segment of the UC Davis campus. From anxiety and panic attacks to trouble with roommates and food or housing insecurity, contact Health 34 for non-emergency issues, support, and assistance finding services.

Learn more

APRU Virtual Global Health Case Competition

Join a team of three to six students from around the world in this fun, educational competition to address a real-world global health challenge. $1,000 prize. The case challenge was released on March 10.

Learn more

Global Grad Grants

This funding supports graduate and professional students' participation in a globally focused social impact program or research opportunity in summer 2024. Grants cover the $500 program fee for each of the programs associated with the tracks and provide a $2,000 travel grant to support summer travel.

Learn more

Calling All Volunteers: Support International Learners in English Conversations

Join International House Davis English Practice Partners program! Seeking local native English speakers to empower international learners in improving conversational skills. Volunteers are paired for weekly one-hour English conversations at flexible locations. Be a part of meaningful language exchange!

Learn more

Sign up for the I-House Newsletter

Are you looking to engage more with the international community in Davis? Sign up for the International House (I-House) newsletter to learn more.

Sign up at the bottom of the I-House webpage

SISS Spotlight

International Students Featured in New SISS Video

Maanvee Mehrotra, a graduate student, and Jason Zhang, an undergraduate student, share their experience at UC Davis and working with SISS in a new video highlighting the work of our Student Services team.

Watch the video

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