International Student Seminars
Fall 2022 International Student Orientation
August 15 - 17, 2022
Location
Student Services Building
Address
1200 W. Harrison St., First Floor Conference Rooms, Chicago, IL 60607
Calendar
Download iCal FileJoin your fellow incoming international students for a series of 45-minute seminars addressing topics that support your arrival to the U.S. and adjustment to life at UIC.
Each seminar session has a seating capacity of 300. In-person seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The sessions will be recorded and made available to those that cannot attend live.
While registration is NOT required for participation, you may refer to the International Student Seminars Interest Form linked in your latest Countdown to UIC email to make note of the sessions you would like to attend and receive an email with their dates and times. Please email newintl@uic.edu with any questions.
Monday, Aug. 15
Healthcare & Health Insurance in the U.S. | Aug. 15, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
What exactly is health insurance and why is it so important to have while living in the U.S.? In this session, OIS advisors will provide a general overview of health care and health insurance in the U.S., including common terms and questions.
CampusCare: Understanding your student health benefits program | Aug. 15, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
In this session, representatives from UIC’s student health benefits program, CampusCare, will provide an overview of the program, including coverage dates, fees, and how to properly access care for their network of health care providers.
Money Matters & Understanding your UIC Student Account | Aug. 15, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Managing your money as a full-time student in a new country can come with challenges. This session will cover some of the typical methods people use to save and spend money in the U.S., along with discussing best practices for setting a realistic budget. Representatives from the University Bursar will also be on hand to explain your UIC Student Account and your options for paying tuition and fees.
Cultural Adjustment & Your Mental Health | Aug. 15, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Moving to a new country and culture can be thrilling, exhausting, fascinating, irritating, fun, and depressing...all in one day! Culture shock is real but the good news is you do not have to experience it alone. In this session, presenters will discuss what culture shock is like, how to manage it, and what kinds of mental health resources are available to you and your friends.
Everyday Logistics | Aug. 15, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
When you move to a new place, there is a lot you must learn and do in order to meet your basic, everyday needs. This session will provide information and resources related to grocery shopping, transportation, housing, communications, recreation, entertainment, and more. Time to answer your questions will also be included.
Tuesday, Aug. 16
Introduction to U.S. Culture | Aug. 16, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
In this session, OIS advisors will overview basic concepts of culture and how it impacts our values, thoughts, and behaviors. Keeping in mind that the U.S. is a large, diverse, and dynamic country, we will also review some common generalizations of U.S. and Midwestern culture that international students may experience while living in Illinois.
International Faculty Panel | Aug. 16, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
This session will feature UIC faculty members who were once international students themselves! Hear about their experiences and learn their tips for navigating academia in the U.S.
Safety in Chicago & Avoiding Scams | Aug. 16, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Safety is a top-of-mind issue for many new international students. Join representatives from UIC Police and OIS as they discuss how you can best position yourself for safety while moving through both physical and online environments.
The U.S. Legal System: What international students need to know | Aug. 16, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Do you understand basic U.S. laws such as the legal drinking age, driving laws, and city ordinances? Would you know what to do if you were issued a ticket or arrested for violating a U.S. law or ordinance? Do you know your legal rights while in the U.S. and how to navigate the U.S. legal system? If the answer to these questions is no, this session is for you. We will cover these important topics plus how interaction with law enforcement and the legal system could impact your immigration status.
International Student Panel + Campus Tours | Aug. 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The best advice often comes from those who have walked the path before you. In this session, current international students will share their experiences at UIC, answer your questions, and then lead you on a short campus tour. Please note that this session will focus on general life at UIC topics and will not cover immigration issues or questions.
Wednesday, Aug. 17
Introduction U.S. Social Security, U.S. Taxes, & UIC Payroll | Aug. 17, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Many international students hope to work in the U.S. but quickly get overwhelmed by the forms and bureaucracy associated with landing an on-campus job and earning an income. In this session, presenters will provide a high-level overview of what you can expect after acing the interview and accepting that sought-after on-campus job offer.
U.S. Academic Culture | Aug. 17, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
What are the expectations for students, professors, and the interactions between them that may or may not be clearly stated? How does academic integrity function as a cultural concept and why is it important for international students to be aware of it? What is the culture of student support services and how can international students utilize services to increase academic success? All of these questions and more will be discussed in this important session.
Commuter & Off-Campus Life | Aug. 17, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Many international students cite the Commuter Student Resource Center as one of their favorite campus resources. Learn about CSRC programs and services, including off-campus housing search tools, from their director and student staff.
The UIC Dialogue Initiative & Bias Response | Aug. 17, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
This interactive session will introduce participants to the work of the UIC Dialogue Initiative, a social justice education program designed to facilitate learning about social inequality, social identities, and engaging across differences. UIC’s approach to bias reporting and prevention will also be discussed. This session is strongly encouraged for anyone interested in applying for the Dialogue Peer Educator Program.
Date posted
May 3, 2022
Date updated
Jul 29, 2022