The International Student Wednesday Forum serves as a safe and welcoming space for international students to meet, learn, and share on a weekly basis. Forum topics are selected based on students’ feedback via survey, as well as reflection from academic advisers’ interactions with international students. Topics generally focus on areas that are most confusing and challenging to international students, for example, choosing a major, seeking academic support, searching internship, community engagement, American classroom culture, communicating with professors and advisers, etc. Forum facilitators are faculty, academic and career advisers, program directors, and student leaders. First year students are encouraged to attend at least 5 of the forums during the 1st semester to earn a Certificate of Excellence/Engagement Certificate of Excellence/Engagement

Location: Hall of Languages, Room 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Wednesdays

Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Jan. 21, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Internships, Career Connections, and F-1 Visa Work Authorization Demystified

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877870

Did you know that you can earn academic credit toward your degree through internship job, which comes with potential SU financial support and opens doors to over 1,000 SU alumni mentors? Many international students feel overwhelmed by questions about CPT, OPT, and navigating the U.S. job market, but here's the truth: with the right planning and guidance, these pathways are far more achievable than you think. Join us for an interactive conversation with director of international student success and student leaders who will walk you through real strategies, answer your toughest questions, and help you turn your internship dreams into reality.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to earn academic credit for internship and access financial support.
• Gain clarity on CPT and OPT processes and understand the importance of early planning.
• Leave with concrete strategies and resources for conducting an internship search.

Jan. 28, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Build Your Edge: Choosing Your Major, Minor, and Beyond

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877876

Choosing a major is hard enough—but what about adding a minor or major? Or exploring micro-credentials? If you're unsure which academic pathway is right for you, you're not alone. Many international students feel overwhelmed by these choices and worry about making the "right" decision. The good news? You don't have to figure this out alone. Join us for an interactive conversation with Director of International Student Success, an academic advisor, and student leaders who've navigated these decisions themselves. Together, we'll help you clarify your options, understand how different combinations of majors, minors, and micro-credentials can strengthen your career prospects, and give you the confidence to move forward with a plan that fits your goals.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the differences between majors, minors, and micro-credentials, and how to evaluate which option(s) align with their career goals and constraints.
• Learn a decision-making framework to help them choose which combination of major, minor, and/or micro-credentials best supports their career aspirations.
• Leave with concrete next steps for exploring their options and connecting with resources to support their academic planning.

Feb. 4, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Unlock Your Potential: Merit-Based Awards, Research, and Honors at Syracuse University

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877884

You work hard—and your efforts deserve recognition. But did you know that Syracuse University offers numerous merit-based awards and opportunities specifically designed to support ambitious students like you? From Success Scholars to research fellowships to the Honors College, these opportunities can boost your resume, reduce financial burden, and connect you with meaningful academic experiences. The challenge? Many students don't know if these opportunities exist or how to access them. Join us to discover the awards and pathways available to you, hear inspiring stories from students who've received them, and learn what it takes to apply. Your Director of International Student Success and current scholarship recipients will share insider tips on standing out and making your Syracuse experience even more rewarding.

Learning Outcomes:

• Become aware of the specific merit-based awards, research opportunities, and honors programs available at SU and understand the eligibility criteria for each.
• Understand the application process and learn concrete strategies for strengthening candidacy for these awards and opportunities.
• Leave with a personalized action plan to explore and pursue opportunities that align with academic strengths and career goals.

Feb. 11, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Accelerate Your Future: 4+1 Master's Programs and Maximize Your Investment with SU Forever Orange Scholarship

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877888

What if you could earn a master's degree in just one year—while staying at Syracuse? Better yet, what if half your tuition was covered? As a CAS or MAX student, you have access to prestigious graduate programs at Newhouse and Maxwell, plus many others across campus. The 4+1 pathway isn't just convenient; it's a strategic move that gives you a competitive edge in the job market without the extra debt. But with so many options, how do you choose the right program for your goals? Join us for an insider conversation with admissions professionals and faculty from Arts and Sciences, Maxwell, and Newhouse. They will walk you through program reputations, career outcomes, the application process, and how the SU Forever Orange Scholarship can make your graduate degree affordable. Whether you're thinking ahead or ready to decide now, you'll leave with clarity on whether a 4+1 program is right for you, and if so, which one fits your ambitions.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the 4+1 pathway structure, eligibility requirements, and the academic and career advantages of completing a master's degree in one year while at Syracuse.
• Learn about the reputation, strengths, and career outcomes of graduate programs at Arts and Sciences, Maxwell, and Newhouse.
• Understand how the SU Forever Orange Scholarship works and leave with a clear sense of whether a 4+1 program is a financially smart and academically valuable investment.

Feb. 18, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

From Choice to Acceptance: Navigating Graduate School Applications and Building Strong Recommendations

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877896

Thinking about graduate school? The process can feel overwhelming: too many programs to choose from, unclear admissions criteria, and the anxiety of asking professors for recommendation letters. Here is what many students do not realize: getting into a competitive graduate program is achievable when you approach it strategically and start building relationships early. The secret is preparation, intentional networking with faculty, and understanding what each program really wants from applicants. Join us for a candid conversation with graduate school professionals, faculty members, and current student leaders who have successfully navigated this journey. Learn how to identify programs that fit your career goals, craft applications that stand out, and build authentic relationships with professors who will enthusiastically advocate for you. Whether you're a first-year student thinking ahead or a senior ready to apply, this forum will give you the roadmap and confidence to move forward.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a strategic framework for evaluating and selecting graduate programs that align with their academic interests and long-term professional goals.
• Understand how to build meaningful relationships with faculty and advisors early and learn how to approach professors for strong recommendation letters.
• Leave with concrete strategies for crafting compelling graduate school applications and a timeline for preparing.

Feb. 25, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Expand Your Horizons: Study Abroad, Study Away, and Internship Opportunities Beyond Syracuse

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877900

You came to the U.S. to study at Syracuse—but did you know you can expand that experience even further? As an international student, you have access to incredible opportunities to study in the U.K., France, and beyond, and pursue internships around the globe. Or explore major U.S. cities like Washington D.C. through semester-long study away programs. Sounds amazing but overwhelming? With Syracuse ranked #9 in study abroad and seamless academic credit processing, these experiences are more accessible than you think. The real question isn't whether you can do it. It is which path fits your goals. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Study Abroad professionals and students who have gone through the journey. They'll walk you through the options, explain how these experiences strengthen your resume and career prospects, and help you navigate the choices so you can make the most of your time at Syracuse and beyond.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the range of study abroad and study away opportunities and recognize the unique benefits of each.
2. Understand the practical advantages of studying abroad or away as an international student, including credit transfer, visa considerations, and career benefits.
3. Leave with a personalized roadmap for exploring and selecting a study abroad or study away opportunity that aligns with academic interests, career goals, and timeline.

March 4, 2026

HOL 320 and https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875

Life After Syracuse: Real Stories from International Alumni and Navigating Your Path Forward

Register at https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1877904

What happens after graduation? It's a question many of you are asking, and it's okay to feel uncertain. As an international student, you face unique decisions: Do you stay in the U.S.? Return home? Pursue graduate school? Navigate visa restrictions? The truth is, there's no single "right" path, but hearing from those who have walked it before can make all the difference. Join us for an intimate conversation with Syracuse's international alumni who are now thriving in careers with local government agencies and corporations. They'll share their real stories, the decisions they made, the obstacles they overcame, the pivots they took, and the principles that guided them. Whether you are still figuring out your direction or ready to plan, you'll leave inspired, informed, and connected to a community of Oranges who understand your journey. Plus, you'll build lasting relationships with alumni who can mentor and support you beyond graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Hear diverse career pathways and life decisions from international alumni, including how they navigated visa restrictions, geographic choices, and professional opportunities.
• Learn the key principles and decision-making framework that international alumni used to navigate major life choices and understand how to apply these principles to own situation.
• Build meaningful connections with international alumni mentors who can provide guidance, support, and professional opportunities when moving through final years at Syracuse and beyond.