PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
SPRING 2016
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 //
Women’s Basketball Game: K-State vs. TCU
Saturday, January 16 // 7pm // Bramlage Coliseum
(Meet at ISC at 6pm to walk together to the game.) International students,
scholars, and families are invited to join ISSS as we cheer on the women’s
basketball team. Tickets are free for students with a K-State ID or are $1 at
the door if you do have a student ID.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 18
HandsOn K-State is hosting opportunities for volunteering and community
service at sites throughout Manhattan. Sign up at bit.ly/HOKS_signup or go
to http://www.handson.ksu.edu/ for more information.
Basic Language Training (BLT)
Sign up January 18-29 (courses February 8 – April 8)
BLT is a non-credit course taught by an international student. The student
teaches the basics of his/her language and explores the culture of his/her
country. BLT courses for Spring 2016 are Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese,
Portuguese, Spanish, French level 2, and Korean level 2. For more
information, visit http://www.k-state.edu/isss/programs-events/blt
Union Expo and Activities Carnival
Thursday, January 22 // 6 – 8pm // K-State Student Union
The Activities Carnival is a great opportunity for students to learn more
about student organizations and find ways to get involved on campus.
For more information, visit http://www.k-state.edu/osas/carnival.html
U.S. Culture Issues
Thursday, January 28 // 6:30pm // ISC
Ever wonder why your U.S. classmate says, “Hi, How are you?” and then
walks away without waiting for your response? This workshop is designed
for students, scholars, and dependents in their first year in the U.S. who want
to learn about and discuss cultural differences between the United States
and their home country. Now is your chance to ask questions you have
wanted to ask! Presented by Sara Thurston, Director of ISSS.
International Spouse Orientation
Friday, January 29 // 1:00pm // ISC
If you are a spouse of an international student or scholar, we invite you to
attend this orientation to help you navigate K-State and the Manhattan
community. Presented by Pradeep Medarametla, ISSS Graduate Assistant.
Health Insurance Waiver Deadline
Sunday, January 31 // 11:59pm
This is the last day to fill out the health insurance waiver form to waive the
health insurance fee for students meeting the requirements. For more
details, visit www.k-state.edu/isss/students/health_insurance/index.html
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 //
Practice Interviews with K-State’s Career and Employment Services
Tuesday, February 2 // 3 – 5pm // ISC
Advance registration is required. Exact event details will be announced
through the ISSS listserv.
Adjustment to U.S. Culture
Thursday, February 4 // 6:30pm // ISC
Are you excited to be in the U.S. or are you counting the days until you can
return to your home country? This workshop is designed for students,
scholars, and dependents in their first year in the U.S. who would like to
discuss adjusting to U.S. culture. Learn about the normal pattern of adjusting
to a new culture, hear some tips for adjusting, and discover resources on
campus and in the community. Presented by Sara Thurston, Director of ISSS.
Coffee Hour: Sri Lanka
Friday, February 5 // 4 – 5pm // ISC
Coffee Hour is an informal forum for international students to showcase their
home countries.
Men’s Basketball Game: K-State vs. Oklahoma
Saturday, February 6 // 5pm
Come out to cheer on the Wildcats and experience the excitement of a
basketball game. ISSS has partnered with K-State Athletics to obtain group
tickets at a discount. Watch the ISSS listserv for specific details.
Basic Language Training (BLT)
Courses from February 8 to April 8. (Sign up January 18-29.) For more
information, please visit www.k-state.edu/isss/programs-events/BLT.html
Safety and Security in the U.S.
Thursday, February 11 // 6:30 pm // ISC
Are you wondering about bike safety and regulations? Are you confused
by traffic lights? Are you worried about walking alone? How do alcohol
laws differ from your home country? What is the role of police in the U.S.?
Why are universities so serious when it comes to security issues? Here is a
workshop to help you understand all of these issues and more! Presented
by Captain Don Stubbings, Assistant Director of the Kansas State University
Police Department, and a representative from the Office of Student Life.
Out-of-Home Childcare in the U.S.
Friday, February 12 // 12pm // ISC
Adjusting to out-of-home child care can be a challenging experience for
both children and families. This workshop will explore out-of-home child
care in the U.S., including what to expect, questions to ask, and more!
(Please note: child care will not be available during the workshop.
Parents/families are strongly encouraged to attend without their children.)
Presented by the K-State Center for Child Development.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 //
ISSS Trip to Topeka
Saturday, February 13
Details will be provided through the ISSS listserv and ISSS Facebook page.
See More than Manhattan
Thursday, February 18 // 6:30pm // ISC
Get ideas for travelling within the region while staying on a budget!
Presented by Kara Warren, Student Support Coordinator in ISSS.
Coffee Hour: Sweden
Friday, February 19 // 4 – 5pm // ISC
Coffee Hour is an informal forum for international students to showcase their
home countries.
International Buddies Kickoff Event
Friday, February 19 // 6pm // ISC
Grab your buddy and join us for our first big event of the semester!
Tax Workshop with H&R Block Representative
Tuesday, February 23 // 3pm // ISC
Questions about filing your taxes? A representative from H&R Block will
discuss tax terminology, forms, and much more. Exact date and time will be
sent out through the ISSS listserv.
Apartment Living in the U.S.
Tuesday, February 23 // 6:30pm // ISC
Learn about living in an apartment in the U.S., including how to handle
roommates and landlords and how to understand your lease before you
sign it. Discover resources available to you at K-State that will help you
make good decisions when choosing your apartment. Presented by Tonya
Wessel of Housing and Dining Services and Jonathan McHugh of OffCampus Housing Support.
Kansas Driving and Insurance Laws
Thursday, February 25 // 6:30pm // ISC
This presentation will explain Kansas driving laws as well as the legal
requirements for owning a vehicle. Various presenters.
M A R C H 2016 //
Love Knows No Borders
Thursday, March 3 // 6:30pm // ISC
Learn about immigration laws regarding marrying a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Presented by Gabriela A. Vega of Vega Acosta Law Firm.
M A R C H 2 0 1 6 //
Coffee Hour: Argentina
Friday, March 4 // 4 – 5pm // ISC
Coffee Hour is an informal forum for international students to showcase their
home countries.
Kansas Weather
Thursday, March 10 // 6:30pm // ISC
This workshop will present information on weather patterns and what you
can expect while in Kansas. Presented by Mary Knapp, Associate
Agronomist with K-State Research and Extension and state climatologist.
ISSS Spring Break Trip to Wichita
Wednesday, March 16
Details will be provided through the ISSS listserv and ISSS Facebook page.
Women’s Tennis Match: K-State vs. Texas
Sunday, March 20 // 11:00am
Specific details will be provided through the ISSS listserv.
Legal Issues
Thursday, March 24 // 6:30pm // ISC
Learn about various legal issues you could encounter while you're in the
United States. During this workshop, we will cover topics such as what to do
if you get a ticket, what a power of attorney is, alcohol violations and
regulations, online buying scams, and car purchasing and apartment rental
issues. Please join us to discuss these issues and to ask questions. Presented
by Sarah Barr, Student Legal Services Attorney.
Fire Safety for College Living
Tuesday, March 29 // 6:30pm // ISC
This program will give basic fire safety tips for students as they attend class or
study on campus, as well as fire safety tips for living on or off campus.
Presented by Aleksey Akoyev, firefighter in the Manhattan Fire Department.
Adjusting to U.S. Foods & Body Image
Thursday, March 31 // 6:30pm // ISC
Are you afraid of gaining weight by eating U.S. foods? Do you compare
yourself to toned and fit bodies advertised in the media? Are you unsure
how to balance eating and exercise? Are you struggling to adapt to U.S.
foods? Are you interested in learning how to make your meals more
nutritious? If so, come join the discussion about food in the U.S. and body
image. Presented by students in the WellCAT Ambassadors program through
Lafene Health Center.
A P R I L 2 0 1 6 //
Coffee Hour: Kazakhstan
Friday, April 1 // 4 – 5pm // ISC
Coffee Hour is an informal forum for international students to showcase their
home countries.
ICC’s International Week
April 3 – 9
ICC works with various international organizations to create a week of
celebration and displays of music, dance, fashion, and culture from around
the world. This year’s events include:
Sunday 4/3 – Fashion Show
Monday 4/4 – International Parade/Game Day
Tuesday 4/5 – Cultural Exhibition
Wednesday 4/6 – Panel Discussion
Thursday 4/7 – Dance Lessons
Saturday 4/9 – Talent Show
More information will be provided through the ISSS listserv.
Game Night
Tuesday, April 5 // 6:30pm // ISC
Have fun and practice your English through interactive U.S. games!
Learn More about H1-B & Permanent Residency
Thursday, April 14 // 2:30pm – 4:30pm // ISC
Learn the basic information about obtaining H1-B status as well as pathways
to employment-based permanent residency. Presented by Judy Bordeau,
an immigration attorney.
Raising Awareness, Sexual Assault Prevention
Thursday, April 14 // 6:30pm // ISC
This workshop will explore definitions, explain community resources, and
discuss ways to get involved in preventing sexual assault. Presented by
Jessica Haymaker and Clara Kientz of the Center for Advocacy, Response
and Education (CARE) Office.
K-State Open House
Saturday, April 16 // 9am – 3pm
Enjoy food, fun, and plenty of purple at K-State Open House. More
information is available at http://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/
Healthy Relationships
Thursday, April 21 // 6:30pm // ISC
For many students, the opportunity to pursue new friendships, partnerships,
and romantic relations is one of the most exciting parts of being in college!
Come learn about ways to build healthier relationships in order to have a
more positive college experience. Presented by students in the WellCAT
Ambassadors program through Lafene Health Center.
A P R I L 2016 //
Coffee Hour: Czech Republic
Friday, April 22 // 4 – 5pm // ISC
Coffee Hour is an informal forum for international students to showcase their
home countries.
ISSS Trip to the K-State Spring Football Game
Saturday, April 23
Details will be provided through the ISSS listserv and ISSS Facebook page.
Exploring Cultural Differences through Drama
Thursday, April 28 // 6:30pm // ISC
Everyone experiences culture shock when moving to a new place, but how
do you move forward through the shock to a deeper understanding? This
workshop will provide an enjoyable way to learn more about adjusting to
U.S. culture. Come prepared to share your stories and have fun problemsolving through role play, drama games, and discussion. Facilitated by
Hannah Rockey, Master’s student in Drama Therapy.
M A Y 2 0 1 6 //
Healthcare in the U.S.
Thursday, May 5 // 6:30pm // ISC
Are you confused about the healthcare system in the U.S.? Is health
insurance a completely new concept to you? If you would like to learn how
healthcare and insurance work in the U.S., please join us for this presentation.
Presented by Jenny Yuen, Health Educator at Lafene Health Center.
OPT Workshop
Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshops are held every
Monday when the university is in session at 3:30pm in the
International Student Center.
International Speakers Bureau (ISB)
Join a group of students sharing their cultures and experiences
with community organizations and student groups through
presentations, demonstrations, and/or performances.
www.k-state.edu/isss/programs-events/ISB.html
Shopping Shuttle
Co-sponsored by the Office of International Programs (OIP) and
Housing and Dining; operated by ATA. For current information,
go to www.k-state.edu/isss/services/shuttleservices.html
J-1 Scholar Orientation
New J-1 scholars must attend orientation, which takes place the
first Tuesday of every month at 10am in the International Student
Center.
Programs & activities website:
www.k-state.edu/isss/programs-events/