On this episode, we recap the three "keys" to helping F-1 and J-1 students maintain their immigration status - enrollment, employment, and expiry. Also, our special guest is Umer Rahman, who oversees the office of Graduate Student Support at the University of Arkansas. Don't miss an informative and inspiring conversation with Umer as he talks about his experiences, including his own "immigrant story," and how he works to serve graduate students at the university, helping them succeed and thrive on their journey. Resources for this episode: Umer Rahman Graduate Student Support --- Send in a ..read more

This time on International in NWA, we bring you a special double episode especially for our new students and scholars about to arrive. We'll talk with Sara Parrott, Assistant Director for Welcome & Belonging at ISS, as well as two of our Cross Cultural Mentors - Jossie Santamaria and Archy Pattanaik. They'll tell you about preparations for your arrival, how to get connected at the university, favorite things about Fayetteville, dealing with challenges, making friends, and more! Resources for this episode: Meet the Cross Cultural Mentors View the International Student Arrival Guide --- Sen ..read more

International in NWA returns with an introduction to our two newest staff members at the office of International Students and Scholars! Nick Pevato and Kayla Milner are our International Student Advisors and they serve our F-1 students and F-2 dependents. Get to know Nick and Kayla and find out how they can help you! RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Contact Nick Pevato Contact Kayla Milner Dates for Full-Time F-1 Employment On Campus (scroll down) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/internationalinnwa/message ..read more

It's time once again to celebrate our graduating students!  We send our congratulations to all our students graduating in Fall 2022, and spotlight a recent alumna, Paulina Sobczak, who's making her mark in the world after making her mark at the University of Arkansas! RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Paulina Sobczak - Online Portfolio Heal the River trailer Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame feature Service Dogs feature University of Arkansas Fall 2022 Commencement (Ceremony 1) University of Arkansas Fall 2022 Commencement (Ceremony 2) Arkansas Alumni Association UARK International Alumni Society o ..read more

This month we talk to two special guests - Andrew Van Lew and Sara Parrott - about the realities of life in the United States if you have dependent immigration status, and resources for making your experience here better.  Also, a reminder that International Education Week is coming soon! Resources for this episode: F-2 Dependent Information from ISS J-2 Dependent Information from ISS Contact Sara Parrott Family Resources from ISS Ozark Literacy Council International Education Week - University of Arkansas International Education Week - U.S. Department of State --- Send in a voice mes ..read more

On this episode of International in NWA, it's time for "Ask Audra" and we're diving into your questions!  Find out about getting paid for research studies, career resources on campus, and concerns about inflation. Resources for this episode: University of Arkansas Career Development Center Handshake - Find Jobs and Internships International Education Catastrophic Fund Application Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry International in NWA Features Full Circle Food Pantry --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/internationalinnwa/message ..read more

In this special double episode, our guest is immigration attorney Adam Cohen, who talks about why it's so important to keep your own records of your immigration documents.  Adam discusses what types of documents are important and provides best practices for making sure your records are accurate and well-maintained.   Links for this episode: Adam Cohen bio Siskind Susser PC The Academic Immigration Handbook U.S. Customs and Border Protection - I-94 website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/internationalinnwa/message ..read more

For international students in the United States, job hunting can be especially stressful!  In this episode, we talk with Kelsey Lavigne from College of Engineering Career Services about strategies and resources that can be helpful to students who are "job hunting while international." Full Time On Campus Employment Dates for F-1 Students Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Information for F-1 Students Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information for F-1 Students Employment Authorization Information for J-1 Students College of Engineering Career Services website Career Development ..read more

In this episode, our special guest is Bri Roden from the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry at the University of Arkansas.  We will talk about how anyone affiliated with the University of Arkansas can access help from the food pantry or volunteer there to help others.   Resource links for this episode: Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry Northwest Arkansas Food Bank Razorback Food Recovery --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/internationalinnwa/message ..read more

Our special guest for this episode is Cynthia Smith, Assistant Director for Outreach with International Students and Scholars.  Cynthia tells us about the celebration that is International Education Week (which, at the University of Arkansas, is really more like International Education MONTH).    Don't miss the excitement! RESOURCES: International Education Week - University of Arkansas site International Education Week - national site Contact Cynthia Smith  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/internationalinnwa/message ..read more