Category Archives: International students

Spring 2021 English Language Program updates!

The Chatham University English Language Program recorded a short video about the Spring 2021 semester, and the options to study virtually or in-person.

If you are not able to join us for in-person classes, you can still register for the virtual English Language Program for Spring 2021!

Please apply by January 4 to join Spring 2021 virtual classes!

We will also have options to join the English Language Program to study a 7.5 week intensive course from March 4- April 23. Please contact us for more details!

Questions? Contact us at InternationalAffairs@Chatham.edu!

 

 

October Immigration Updates from ISSS

October Immigration Updates

DHS Proposal to eliminate D/S
On September 25, 2020, a proposed rule was published to the Federal Register that would, if finalized, impact students and scholars on F and J visa status. The proposed rule seeks to eliminate D/S (duration of status) for these visa types, and instead implement date-specific admission. This impacts many aspects of international student and exchange visitor programs, including: limitations on how long a student can study, reduction of the F-1 grace period, required extension applications, and impacts on employment authorization, to name a few.

It is important to note that the proposed rule is not finalized. A period of public comment recently closed on October 26th.  Members of the Chatham community, including OIA, submitted comments opposing the proposed rule change.

Additional information on the proposed rule change, as well as current updates, can be found on the NAFSA interest site.

USCIS Fee Rule injunction (important for those filing OPT applications)

On September 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay on implementation of the 2020 final USCIS fee rule in its entirety. New fees and form versions associated with that rule that were to be required on October 2, 2020, as well as all other aspects of the rule, are now on hold while the injunction is in placeRead the court’s order.

Based on the court injunction, USCIS is blocked from implementing the fee increase and new forms. As you are preparing to file an OPT application, or STEM-extension application, you will be able to use the current fees ($410) and the current form (issued 8/25/20) for your I-765 application.

OIA will keep you updated on the outcomes of these items. If you have any questions, please contact us at InternationalAffairs@Chatham.edu

Social Distancing Activities – Engage with OIA and each other- win prizes!

As we move into summer 2020- it may be challenging to engage with each other, while keeping up the necessary social distancing.

The Office of International Affairs has put together a list of fun, and interactive, activities to participate in- and possibly win some prizes!

Below is a list of (20) things that you can easily do while social distancing. When you complete a task, post a picture (tagging OIA) or share with us. Each level complete, will lead to fantastic Prizes!

Share your tasks by tagging us on Instagram (Chatham_OIA or #ChathamOIA), Facebook (ChathamOIA), or by emailing us at InternationalAffairs@chatham.edu .

A downloadable PDF can be accessed here:  OIA social distancing chart

Many of our activities will be listed on this blog, or on MyChatham Happenings!

Questions? Contact us at InternationalAffairs@Chatham.edu

Virtual Resources for Students

Self – Isolation? Bored at home? We totally understand about having difficulties in hanging out and just staying at home due to the critical situation that we all are facing, but we understand that too that we all are doing this for our health. Please, try to stay healthy.

In order help you while being stuck at home; we have a lot of resources for you where you can make yourself a little busy and have some fun.

  • Museums – virtual tours, fun activities on museums’ websites

This article shares 12 famous museums who are offering virtual tours of their museums. https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

The Canadian Museum of History shares a really interesting art piece on their website that you can play with.  https://www.historymuseum.ca/morningstar/explore/

Online, you can zoom in on the mural and spin it to see the four quadrants in high detail. A click of the plus sign in the corner causes a series of links to pop up over the mural itself, with photos and videos attached that explain the significance of each part of the artwork.

  • Virtual Concerts – We know due to the Coronavirus crisis, many of you had to cancel plans of attending live concerts. Here are some recommendations of watching some virtual live streams and recorded concerts.

Updated information and details about virtual concerts dates and times  https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9335531/coronavirus-quarantine-music-events-online-streams

John Legend, Coldplay, Keith Urban and a lot of other musicians are still performing. Watch their virtual concerts. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/03/17/coronavirus-john-legend-coldplay-play-virtual-concerts-instagram/5066024002/

Los Angeles Times shares 7 ways to experience live music! https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-03-13/coronavirus-streaming-concerts-online-self-quarantined

More livestreamed concerts. https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/all-musicians-streaming-live-concerts.html

 

  • Wellness Sites – Don’t worry! We have got you covered with wellness activities too. Now you can even livestream exercise classes, warm-ups, yoga and meditation videos too while you are at home.

Check out ideas from 15 wellness youtubers. They’ll give you live tutorials, and recorded videos of exercises and warm-ups. https://theblissfulmind.com/wellness-youtube-channels/

This resource shares wellness and health related videos plus live streams plenty of healthy tips. https://www.zubialive.com/

  • Entertainment – there are so many websites offering free movies and shows.

YouTube – check out on YouTube, they have free movies and shows (search for “free with ads”).

There are many YouTubers worth checking out – try Zack King! If you have not heard this name,  his brief introduction would be as a video creator and magician. Go and check it out his YouTube page. You’ll love his videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq8DICunczvLuJJq414110A

Podcasts – listen to podcasts to get your mind off things – many good suggestions here https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/best-comedy-podcasts-coronavirus-quarantine-recommendations.html

Take this time to learn some art and crafts! https://craftsbyamanda.com/category/craft-tutorials/adult-crafts/

For live painting shows, see https://www.twitch.tv/directory/game/Art

  • Love cooking or just want to learn to make tasty food? Here are some famous cooking shows. Learn some tips and try new delicious recipes

Laura in the Kitchen – https://www.youtube.com/user/LauraVitalesKitchen

Jamie Oliver – https://www.youtube.com/jamieoliver

Binging with Babish – https://www.youtube.com/user/bgfilms

Tasty – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFp8uSYCjXOMnkUyb3CQ3Q

Check out this link for more recipes; https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/group/gallery/37-recipes-from-masterchefs-best-chefs-ever/sn6ldpbr?page=3

  • And, finally, check out this list of more resource recommendations while you stay at home during Covid-19 (Adapted from Got It Vietnam )
  1. Free Harvard online courses – bit.ly/gotit_2
  2. IELTS materials and practice from British Council – bit.ly/gotit_3
  3. Some free online practice materials from Road to IELTS from British Council:      http://www.roadtoielts.com/
  4. Download free books from Bill Gates’s website – bit.ly/gotit_5
  5. See famous pieces of arts through Google Arts & Cultures – bit.ly/gotit_7
  6. Livestream from the Metropolitan Opera (New York) – bit.ly/gotit_10 
  7. Try audiobooks on Audible (Amazon) – bit.ly/gotit_11
  8. Watch movies in the IMDb Top 250 – bit.ly/gotit_13
  9. Learn to code with Freecodecamp – bit.ly/gotit_14
  10. 500 free courses from Ivy League universities – bit.ly/gotit_15

Stay tuned for more ideas!

What are you doing to stay healthy and busy yourself?  Send us your ideas and contact the Office of International Affairs, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu  with any questions!

Announcement: International Education Week November 18-22, 2019

Join the Office of International Affairs for International Education Week from November 18th to 22nd!

“International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.” (www.iew.state.gov )

This week will feature events celebrating international education and student experiences. Join us for our planned events:

International Karaoke

When: Monday, November 18th – 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Where: Carriage House

Join the Modern Language department for International Karaoke! Sing in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish!

International Jeopardy

When: Wednesday, November 20th – 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

Bring a group of friends to play Jeopardy! The subject is international trivia and the winning team will win prizes. There will be free food!

International Symposium

When: Thursday, November 21st – 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

This mini-symposium will celebrate International Education week, as well as the benefits of international education and exchange. This year’s theme is “International Education: Legacy and Promise.” The symposium will feature presentations and posters by students relating to this year’s theme.

International Tea: Morocco

When: Friday, November 22nd – 11:30 to 1:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

Celebrate this year’s Global Focus country at International Tea: Morocco! Bring tea from your home country and share cultures with another person. Show others your own culture and tell stories about experiences you have had abroad. This will be a great way to learn from others and experience something new.

All events are found on MyChatham. For more information regarding IEW and OIA events, please contact InternationalAffairs@chatham.edu

Picturesque School With Endless Green Grass

By Linh Nguyen

ELP Student & International Student Ambassador

Summer 2019

Neighborhood Tour with Friends

“I never thought that when I was 20 I could set foot in America – the dream country of so many people. But on a beautiful day, Chatham gave me that opportunity when they sent a congratulatory letter to inform me that that I received an International Student Ambassador Scholarship offered by Chatham English Language Program.

Enjoying the View of Pittsburgh

Time in America was truly a wonderful experience. The programs here are very creative and interesting: we presented, played games and explored the world outside the classroom. In addition, every Friday we have interesting field trips, which allowed us to explore nature and visit famous places in Pittsburgh. The teachers accompanied and guided us enthusiastically. The teachers here are the best and the most dedicated. They patiently taught us from the smallest things with all their hearts.

Friends here are really diverse and interesting. I had the opportunity to talk and make friends from many countries around the world. We ate together, played together and talked happily. Another thing that impressed me was the nature here. Chatham is a quaint and picturesque school with endless green grass. The air is fresh and clean. The people are very friendly. Chatham is a great option when you study abroad. I had a precious and unforgettable time here. If you intend to study abroad, I highly recommend Chatham.

Amazing Experience: Best Summer Ever!

Amazing Experience: Best Summer Ever!

By TuongVy Le, International Student Ambassador, ELP Scholarship Recipient

Field Trip to Three Rivers Art Festival – Vy is the last one on the right

I never once thought I would be able to study abroad or study in the US, but Chatham University offered me an International Student Ambassador Scholarship from from the English Language Program. It was the best experience ever for me. Before attending the program, I was a very shy speaker, but everything changed thanks to the program at Chatham, and my English-speaking skill has improved ever since.

Joining an Education Class with American Students – Vy is the one in blue

Studying in my hometown does not include going on field trips, so the program was such an eye-opening experience for me. History was never my favorite subject, but the U.S Culture class was so interesting, and that’s what I love the most about this program. It was the best summer I’ve ever had; I’ve grown a lot from this experience. I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made during the time at Chatham.

Receiving a Certificate from the Program Director

Even though it was the first time studying in a different country, I never felt lonely or helpless at Chatham. Everyone there is super friendly, you can always get the help you need anytime. I only studied in Chatham for approximately three months, but Chatham felt like my second home. Chatham University offers the best environment for you to study and grow as a person, you will never regret going to Chatham!

Chatham Summer Program for Dongguan University of Technology

The summer month of August was jam packed with fun-filled learning for 28 undergraduate students from Dongguan University of Technology in Dongguan, China enrolled in Chatham’s four-week study abroad program run by the Office of International Affairs.

Short-term Students at the Point State Park

The students spent part of their classroom time on Chatham’s campus and the remaining part of it at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. When not in the classroom, students accompanied three English Language Program instructors ALL over Pittsburgh, exploring popular museums, local restaurants, ballparks, historical landmarks, shopping hotspots and much more. Some highlights of the tours have been visiting Mayor Peduto’s office, riding the new Steel Curtain roller coaster in Kennywood, having a tour of the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill, and camping at Chatham’s Eden Hall campus to name a few.

Major Peduto’s Office
Kennywood
Class at East Liberty Presbyterian Church

During their time as Chatham students, they stayed with host families arranged through Global Pittsburgh. This proved to be a wonderful experience for all people to meet and enjoy learning from one another.

Host Family BBQ

The students were proud to be Chatham students for the month, and we thank everyone from Chatham who helped in welcoming them to Pittsburgh and our university.

Dr. Jennifer Zhang (Student Chaperone) said this about the program:

“For most of the students, this is their first time in US. Many experiences are brand new to them. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know the world outside their home country. The students are having a wonderful time here in Chatham and in Pittsburgh. No matter their host family or the strangers they meet in the streets or buses, people offer all the help and hospitality they are able to. It makes the students feel at home. We do appreciate the devoted efforts Chatham faculties have put into this program.”

Updates to OIA immigration check-in

Starting in Fall 2019, OIA will require all international students, new and returning, to complete an online check-in. The online check-in form takes about 5-minutes to complete, and asks for information about your immigration documents, address and contact information, and program of study. This is to keep OIA informed about your Program and to streamline SEVIS reporting.

New students are still required to attend the mandatory new international student orientation, but the online form will allow them to supply information in advance of the orientation.

Your I-20 is a ‘living document’- meaning that it must be kept up-to-date, and any changes must be entered into your SEVIS record.  As an example, students are required to report changes of address and contact information to OIA within 10-days. This is required by regulation. By submitting the online form at the start of each semester, this will act as a reminder of the regulations and what you need to do to maintain student status.

OIA sends monthly reminders on how to maintain status, and information on upcoming activities and workshops.

If you have questions on how to maintain status, or are looking for general information on F-1 regulations, please visit the Study in the States website located here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/

The office of international affairs is open Monday through Friday from 9am- 5pm. Please make an appointment by emailing InternationalAffairs@cahtham.edu or calling 412.365.1388.

Look back: OIA Activities from Fall 2018

The Fall semester was full of events and activities for Chatham student. The Office of International Affairs organized activities to bring students together across cultures and nationalities, and to introduce different aspects of American Culture. Following are some highlights from this past term:

September :

Global Mixer Kick-off

The first event of the semester, the Global Mixer welcomes students to Chatham, and welcomes back returning students. Students, from a variety of countries and cultures are encouraged to mix and mingle as they learn from each other.

 

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Tour and Tower Climb:

The tour of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church was not for the faint of heart. After receiving a brief overview of the Gothic Architecture and seeing the nave of the beautiful church, the group of almost 20 students started our journey climbing the steps to the tower. After passing through main staircases and a series of winding pathways in the walls of the church, there were several final small spiral staircases to climb. The final leg of the climb was ascending a small ladder onto the highest balcony that only about 4 students could share at a time. We had a 360* view of the city of Pittsburgh and a great breeze hitting our faces to cap off the satisfaction of our journey. After planting our feet firmly back on the ground, students headed to Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet

 

Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) 40th Annual Three Rivers Pow Wow. 

Students from the United States, Japan, China, and South Korea attended the Pow Wow and engaged with Native Peoples from all over the US. The Pow Wow, held each September, is open to the public.

October:

Simmons Farm- Fall Activities Field Trip

Simmons Farm was a day of sunshine, pumpkins, apples, and fall flowers. The group of 16 headed out to Simmons Farm on one of the warmest days of Fall and enjoyed the activities it had to offer. After a quick hayride, students split into two groups and found their way through the corn maze. Students then chose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and enjoyed some of the cider provided to the group from the Farm. There were fields of beautiful flowers and delicious festival food to snack on. The farm even included a petting zoo with some lazy goats and hungry chickens!

 

Kennywood: Phantom Fright Nights! 

As part of the fall semester long weekend, OIA took students to  Kennywood. Kennywood, a local amusement park in operation since 1898, has thrilled generations of visitors. Located a few miles from Pittsburgh, it has roller coasters, a midway, arcade games, and classic American fare. In October, the park is transformed into one big haunted house for Phantom Fright Nights. Open late (6pm-midnight) and full of spooky costumes and decor, it’s a screaming good time.  Students from Brazil, Austria, Japan, South Korea, the US, and France, were able to enjoy a classic American amusement park, and Haunted attraction on a foggy spooky night!

 

December:

End of Term party!

Students celebrated the end of the semester, and for many the end of their studies at Chatham University, during OIA’s  End of Term party.