ISSO October Newsletter - go to www.isso.uncc.edu

This month's highlights include: 

1. IFest 2005 Thank You!
2. Optional Practical Training Information Session
3. International Student Roundtable
4. “Green Card” Diversity Lottery Begins
5. Christmas International House Information

1. IFEST 2005

This is a big THANK YOU to all who participated in UNC Charlotte’s 30^th annual International Festival on September 24th!  It was a wonderful event, and you played a role in helping to teach thousands of people a little bit more about your area of the world.  We hope that you will do the same next year!



2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Session for December Graduates

The ISSO will be holding an information session for students graduating in December and interested in applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Please plan to attend, as lots of important information will be discussed. 

• Friday, October 14th at 3pm in Denny 111
• Tuesday, October 18th at 4pm in Denny 216
  
   
3. International Student Roundtable

This is a 4-week discussion group for international students, which will allow you to talk about important issues to you that have been on your mind but perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to discuss with others.  Possible topics include: adapting to US culture, dealing with cultural differences, homesickness, succeeding at UNC Charlotte, or anything else you’d like to talk about.  These discussions will be co-lead by Denise Medeiros in the ISSO and Lynelle Ragland in the Counseling Center. 

Come to all or any of the following dates:
October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9; all begin at 4pm in Denny 107.

 

4. “Green Card Diversity Lottery” Begins




Each year, the Diversity Lottery Program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The State Department holds the lottery every year, and randomly selects approximately 110,000 applicants from all qualified entries.  For more information and to apply, to go
http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/divvisa.htm

 

5. Christmas International House Information

If you are interested in spending the Christmas holiday with an American family in another part of the U.S. consider applying for Christmas International House, an ecumenical program started in 1965 by the Presbyterian Church (USA).  For more information and an application, visit http://www.christmasih.org 
Applications will be accepted from October 1^st through December 1, 2005.