Workshops & Training

Five students at a round table review a workshop handout.

The Office of International Services provides education and training on a number of topics related to immigration, intercultural communication, and other practical aspects of life as an international student, scholar, or employee in the U.S. Many workshops are facilitated by knowledgeable staff in our office, but in some cases, OIS may invite outside experts to campus to share their specific knowledge with our community. See below for examples of our most common workshops or contact us to develop a new collaboration. We look forward to learning with you!

Immigration Heading link

As the campus authority on immigration-related issues for a thriving community of international students, faculty, and staff, OIS conducts immigration workshops on a wide variety of topics. Common workshops include F-1 Optional Practical Training, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1 Academic Training, J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar and H-1B Updates for Administrators, and more. See below for upcoming immigration workshops or view all upcoming immigration workshops.

Jan 8 2025

STEM OPT Workshop

Wednesday, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Virtual Event - Zoom (registration required)
Jan 14 2025

Post-Completion OPT Workshop

Tuesday, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Virtual Event - Zoom (registration required)
Jan 24 2025

STEM OPT Workshop

Friday, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Virtual Event - Zoom (registration required)
Jan 30 2025

Pre-Completion OPT Workshop

Thursday, 10:00 am–11:00 am
Virtual Event - Zoom (registration required)

Life in the U.S. Heading link

There are many topics beyond immigration status that an international student, scholar, or employee must understand to thrive in the U.S. Some of our most popular workshops related to life in the U.S. include: Let It Snow! Adjusting to Midwestern Winters, Parenting During a Pandemic, Understanding U.S. Tax Obligations, Understanding Health Insurance & the U.S. Health Care System, and more. See below for upcoming life in the U.S. workshops or contact our office to suggest a collaboration.

Intercultural awareness and understanding Heading link

One of the greatest opportunities for those who engage in international education is the chance to reflect on one’s own culture and experience a new one. At UIC, we embrace comprehensive internationalization, which means that intercultural learning is a goal for everyone on campus, not just the international community. To that end, OIS provides workshops and trainings to support the entire UIC campus community of students, faculty, and staff as they navigate cultural difference toward a goal of increased intercultural competency. Past workshops include: Introduction to U.S. Culture, Tips for the U.S. Workplace, Navigating Culture for Administrators, Getting to Know the UIC International Student Community for Student Affairs Staff, and Best Tips for Advising International Students for Academic Advisors. See below for upcoming workshops or contact our office to suggest a collaboration.

Workshop dates coming soon.

Feb 7 2025

Spring 2025 Intercultural Connections Application Deadline

Friday, 11:59 pm–11:59 pm
Feb 13 2025

Spring 2025 Intercultural Connections Applicant Meeting

Thursday, 3:00 pm–4:00 pm
Virtual - Zoom