Aug 14 2023

International Student Seminars

Fall 2023 International Student Orientation

August 14 - 15, 2023

"Google Map of 1200 W. Harrison St."

Location

Student Services Building

Address

1200 W. Harrison St., First Floor Conference Rooms, Chicago, IL 60607

Calendar

Download iCal File

Join 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 150. In-person seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions except for the international student panel and campus tour will be recorded and made available to those that cannot attend live.

Monday, Aug. 14

9:00-9:45 a.m. | Healthcare & Health Insurance in the U.S.
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.

10:00-10:45 a.m. | CampusCare: Understanding your student health benefits program
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.

11:00-11:45 a.m. | The U.S. Legal System: What international students need to know
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.

1:30-2:15 p.m.| Money Matters & Understanding your UIC Student Account
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.

2:30-3:15 p.m. | Commuter & Off-Campus Life
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.

3:30-4:15 p.m. | Safety in Chicago & Avoiding Scams
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.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

9:00-9:45 a.m. | Introduction to U.S. Culture
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.

10:00-10:45 a.m. | U.S. Academic Culture
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.

11:00-11:45 a.m. | Cultural Adjustment & Your Mental Health
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.

1:30-2:30 p.m. | International Student Panel
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 provide tips to help you get the most out of your experience in the U.S. Please note that this session will focus on general life at UIC topics and will not cover immigration issues or questions.

2:30-3:30 p.m. | Campus Tours
Join UIC Ambassadors on a guided tour of east campus. The tour will begin in Conference Room BC of the Student Services Building at 1200 West Harrison Street and end at Student Center East at 750 South Halsted Street.

This event is offered as part of Fall 2023 International Student Orientation. More information and registration instructions can be found in your latest Countdown to UIC email or by emailing newintl@uic.edu.

Learn more about International Student Orientation hosted by OIS.