Editor鈥檚 Note: The ISSS Newsletter is distributed monthly. Between monthly newsletters, please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to learn more about programs, events, and updates.
Contents:
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Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, November 5
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Upcoming ISSS Programs
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International Education Week 2025: November 17-21
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Using Interstride to Optimize Your Job and Internship Search
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World Trivia and Snacks with ISSS and IEGI
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Virtual Workshop on Job Search Strategies and Networking Tips: November 25
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Winter Break and Travel Information Reminders
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Leadership Volunteers needed for Spring 2026 International Student Orientation
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Thanksgiving Break Information for Students Who Live On Campus
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Reminder to leave your information when calling ISSS
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1. Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, November 5
Good company! Complimentary refreshments! Come relax at our , 3:00-4:30PM on Wednesday, November 5, in the Old Champlain Atrium (Old Champlain, Room 133). November's Coffee Hour sponsor is Residential Life. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the sponsor while mingling with both international and domestic students. There will be games, interactive activities, and complimentary coffee and snacks!
If you have any questions about International Coffee Hour, contact Annie Smith at dsmith66@binghamton.edu. All are welcome!
2. Upcoming ISSS Programs
Friday, November 7 | 3:00-5:00PM | University Union Undergrounds
Come join ISSS for a bowling event in the University Union. You'll get to meet other students and have fun!
Pizza and drinks will be provided for participants! Please so we know how much pizza to order!
Wednesday, November 12 | 2:00-4:00PM | Old Champlain Atrium
Feeling crafty? Want to de-stress and be creative? Join ISSS for an afternoon of easy crafts. You can be as creative as you'd like! Everything will be very beginner friendly!
Some crafting examples: Rock painting, button making, origami, paper crafts.
3. International Education Week 2025: November 17-21
(IEW) is November 17-November 21, 2025. IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This is a joint initiative started by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
The Offices of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will be hosting and promoting many events across campus!
A detailed list of can be found on B-Engaged. It is recommended that you are already logged into B-Engaged before clicking that link to be properly directed to the schedule of events. You can also search for events using the International Education Week event tag.
Here are a couple highlighted events:
Wednesday, November 19 | 1:00-2:00PM |
During this virtual webinar hosted by Interstride, you will learn how to best utilize Interstride's mobile and web applications in your job search process. Interstride offers students a one-stop-shop in their international education journey. Interstride supports international students who are seeking career opportunities in the U.S. and domestic students who are seeking career opportunities in other countries.
For any questions about the event, please reach out to contact@interstride.com. For questions about access to the Interstride platform you can contact the Fleishman Center at: careers@binghamton.edu.
Thursday, November 20 | 2:00-4:00PM | YS Kim Korean Student Center (OH 101)
In celebration of International Education Week, come test your world trivia knowledge! All students are welcome to attend this event to compete. We will have a variety of international snacks to enjoy during the event! The team with the highest score will win prizes!
If your department or student club/organization would like to host an event during
International Education Week, please submit an update to ISSS so that we can help promote your event!
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Join Watson Career and Alumni Connections (WCAC) for a virtual workshop to strengthen your job search!
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- Learn smart job search and application strategies
- Build and maintain professional connections
- Master networking etiquette
- Discover how to use AI tools to your advantage
5. Winter Break and Travel Information Reminders
As you鈥檙e planning for travel for upcoming breaks, be advised that the has recently updated visa appointment instructions to indicate that applicants should only schedule visa interview appointments in their country of nationality or residence.
In addition, the ISSS Office recommends that you use caution when planning travel outside the United States. Travel restrictions have the potential to affect your ability to return to the United States. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the U.S. for an indefinite amount of time.
If you choose to travel outside the United States:
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- Make sure that you have all of the required documents to return to the US, including a valid passport, a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and an I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than 12 months old (6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT) when you return to the US, you should visit the ISSS office for an updated signature before you leave or online. Review the detailed instructions on our Travel page for more information. Students who are on OPT or STEM OPT should review our OPT Travel page.
- Be aware of anything you have posted on social media or any public statements you have shared. The U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have indicated that they are using AI to review information that international students and scholars have posted online, and this information may be used in decisions for visa issuance, entry to the U.S., and immigration enforcement.
- If your passport will be expiring soon, make sure that you start the renewal process as soon as possible. Your passport must always be valid at least 6 months into the future.
- If your F-1 or J-1 visa is expired, you should use extra caution when traveling. Be sure to schedule your visa appointment in your country of residence and as far in advance as possible. Visa processing times can vary greatly between consulates, and you may be subject to administrative processing or other delays. You should be prepared for the possibility that you may be delayed outside the U.S. for an extended period of time or even indefinitely. Individuals who are applying for visas will likely be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 鈥減ublic.鈥 The Department of State has indicated that they will be conducting a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each applicant鈥檚 online presence, which could include additional online information beyond social media accounts.
- Monitor emails from ISSS for any updates related to travel restrictions. It is possible that new travel restrictions could be enacted while you are outside the U.S. that would prevent you from returning.
If you choose to travel outside the United States, you should ensure that you have back-up plans in place in case you are delayed or are unable to return to the U.S. Please note that entry to the U.S. is always subject to the discretion of Customs and Border Protection, and ISSS cannot guarantee re-entry. If you face difficulty when entering the U.S., you or a CBP officer can contact ISSS during business hours at 607.777.2510. If you are re-entering the U.S. and face difficulty outside of business hours, you or a CBP officer can contact the University Police Department at 607.777.2393.
If you have questions regarding travel, we encourage you to visit the ISSS office or call (607.777.2510) during advising hours to speak with an ISSS Advisor. ISSS has advising hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00-11:45 am and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3:30 pm.
6. Leadership Volunteers needed for Spring 2026 International Student Orientation
Are you interested in helping new international students during Orientation and adding leadership and cross-culture training experience to your resume? Then register to be a Leadership Volunteer! The ISSS is currently recruiting Leadership Volunteers for the Spring 2026 International Student Orientation! All international and domestic students are welcome! Leadership Volunteers are a select group of current 91社区 University students who join ISSS staff to welcome new international students during orientation.
Spring 2026 Leadership Volunteers commit to assisting the ISSS during our one-day, in-person orientation on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 8:00AM to 6:00PM.
A mandatory brief LV Training will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from approximately 12:00-4:00PM.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete by Friday, November 21. If you have any questions please email Annie Smith at dsmith66@binghamton.edu.
7. Thanksgiving Break Information for Students Who Live On Campus
If you live on campus and are planning to stay in your residence hall during the Thanksgiving Break (November 26-November 30), you must sign up for break housing via the housing portal by November 25. You can find more information about this process and services that will be available during the break on the Residence Life website. If you have any questions about break housing, please email reslife@binghamton.edu.
8. Reminder to leave your information when calling ISSS
When leaving a voicemail message for the ISSS, please be sure to leave your first and last name, phone number including area code, and "B" number. This will help us contact you in a timely manner.
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