International Student Events
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
Sept. 4
In person, HOL 320
Design a Successful Semester
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559270
Being organized is a good quality for a college student. Understanding SU’s academic expectations and what SU’s academic terms and deadlines mean could prevent you from an unexpected catastrophe. For international students, this understanding is even more important because your academic standing is related to visa status. In this Forum, you will learn tools and tips to design a successful semester from student leaders and build close connections with them.
Sept. 11
In person, HOL 320
Achieve High GPA and Develop Positive Relationship with Your Professor and Advisor
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559279
Why my final grade is not good even if I receive high marks in my exams? Why there is a grade for class participation? What should I do to achieve the best performance in my classes? My professors rarely notice me in classes. What should I do? These questions constantly concern international students. We will have a professor and an advisor sharing inside perspectives on how grades are generally given and providing tips of developing and maintaining a healthy and productive relationship with them.
Sept. 18
In person, HOL 320
Campus job, Internship, and Experience Sharing from Upper-Class students
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559291
International undergraduate students can work on campus with 20 hours per week during the semesters and 40 hours at other times. Also, international students could have paid internship off campus after the 1st academic year of study. Those work experiences show your skills of balancing work and academics and communication. Come to learn how to win those opportunities from student leaders and build close relationship with them.
Sept. 25
In person, HOL 320
Build Professional Network and Boost Your Resume with Professional Skills
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559297
Networking is a critical skill for college students to acquire for professional growth. Networking with faculty and advisor helps students gain advice and obtain tips for profession and life. Connecting to SU alumni as early as possible helps you have a deep understand of the professional world. In addition, employers and graduate schools always favor students with extensive leadership, professional, and research skills. Do not wait until the senior year and regret what you only achieve is high GPA. In this Forum, we will have two SU alumni who recently graduated from SU as an international student and are pursuing career in the U.S. They will share their growth journey.
Oct. 2
Zoom: https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875
Direct conversations with employers
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559305
We will invite international talent friendly employees (TBD) who accepts F-1 CPT/OPT to share their expectations on applicants’ background and professional skills. Students will obtain first-hand advice about how to prepare for internship and full-time employment application.
Oct. 23
Zoom: https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875
Study and Conduct Internship Abroad and Away (Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York)
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559311
Some international students struggle with locating a high-quality internship during summer. Do you know you may start your first internship through Syracuse Abroad, nearly guaranteed internship once you are admitted? It can be a summer or a semester. SU is ranked #9 in study abroad, with centers and programs all over the world. The academic credit processing is seamless. In addition, SU has semester programs in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York for you to explore and interact with professionals in various industrial sectors. University administrators will be at the forum to respond to your questions. Students who participated in those programs will share their experiences.
Oct. 30
Zoom: https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875
Prepare for Graduate Program Application Early and Receive Scholarship
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559315
Do you think you do not need to think about graduate school until junior year? Incorrect! To get into a competitive graduate program, you must prepare early. Every institution/graduate program has its unique admissions criteria. How do you think which program fits your academic interest and professional needs the best? How can you make your application stand out? Do you know as a CAS/MAX student, you have opportunities to earn a master’s degree in one year from the prestigious Newhouse and Maxwell schools, and receive SU Forever Orange Scholarship (equivalent to 50% of tuition)? Most importantly, do you think faculty members are obligated to write recommendation letter to you? We will invite recently graduated SU alumni to share their graduate school application journey.
Nov. 6
Zoom: https://syracuseuniversity.zoom.us/j/7670081875
SU Academic Awards, Scholarship, Research opportunities, and Honors College
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1559320
SU has many merit-based awards and opportunities to hard working students, for example, Success Scholar, Remembrance Scholar, University Scholar, research fellowship, etc. We will introduce those awards and opportunities to you and provide advice on application process.
Co-Host Organizations
Jan. 24
International Student Job Seeking: CPT, OPT, Internship Credit, Employment, and More
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1462060
Do you know you can earn SU academic credit for your internship work regardless of the internship location? Do you know you may receive financial award from SU once you secure an internship? Do you know you can choose whoever you want to talk to for career advice, from a database of over 1,000 SU alumni, starting your 1st year? Do you know CPT and OPT are not complex as you think, if you plan in advance? Please join us for an interactive discussion with student leaders and academic and career advisor.
Jan. 31
Hands-on Workshop on Applying for Internship, Campus Job, and Other Opportunities
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465859
Many international students do not understand why they never receive response or interview invitation after submitting applications to internships or campus jobs. There are strategies related to job selection, preparation of cover letter and resume, and others. We will give one on one guidance during the hands-on workshop. You will leave the workshop with a selected list of internships and campus jobs ready to apply, as well as tips on resume and cover letter.
Feb. 7
Student Sharing - High GPA and Developing Positive Relationship with Professors
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465900
Why my final grade is not good even if I receive high marks in my exams? Why there is a grade for class participation? What should I do to achieve the best performance in my classes? My professors rarely notice me in classes. What should I do? These questions constantly concern international students. We will have student leaders share how grades are generally given and providing tips of developing and maintaining a healthy and productive relationship with professors.
Feb. 14
Strategies of Choosing Academic Major/Double Major/Minor/Micro-credential
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465912
Have you ever thought of pursuing two majors or one major with a minor? What is the rationale behind the decision? Have you heard of micro credentials? The global employment market is evolving quickly. What and how should you study to prepare for the future workforce? Join us for a powerful conversation with academic and career advisors.
Feb. 21
Applying for Graduate School and Asking for Recommendation Letter
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465920
To get into a competitive graduate program, you must prepare early. Every institution/graduate program has its unique admissions criteria. How do you think which program fits your academic interest and professional needs the best? How can you make your application stand out? In addition, do you think faculty members are obligated to write recommendation letter to you? You need to develop professional relationship with faculty and advisor at a much earlier stage. We will have faculty members and student leaders to share their perspectives.
Feb. 28
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465931
Some students share they find no interest or focus on their study and life. They say they don’t know what they like to study or any career interest. Burnett and Evans (2016) say: “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are.”;” Work is fun when you are actually leaning into your strengths and are deeply engaged and energized by what you’re doing.” Let us have a fun and light conversation about using design thinking to create a life that is meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling.
March 20
Direct Conversations with Employers
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465941
We will invite international talent friendly employees (TBD) to share their expectations on applicants’ background and professional skills. Students will obtain first-hand advice about how to prepare for internship and full-time employment application.
March 27
SU Alumni Sharing
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465946
What will my life be like after SU, graduate school, employment, or something else? Which direction should I go? What principals should I be aware of when making a life decision? We will invite a panel of SU’s international alumni to share their life journey and the decision process they went through before graduation.
April 3
Summer Planning
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1465951
Are you curious what your peers are busy with during the 3-month summer break? How could you take advantage the long break to have fun while improving your academics and learning high demanded skills? Upper class students will share their experiences and give advice.
Fall 2023 Events
Sept. 6
Design a Successful Semester
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336843
Being organized is a good quality for a college student. Understanding SU’s academic expectations and what SU’s academic terms and deadlines mean could prevent you from an unexpected catastrophe. For international students, this understanding is even more important because your academic standing is related to visa status. In this Forum, you will learn tools and tips to design a successful semester from student leaders, academic and career advisor, and Director of International Student Success.
Sept. 13
Achieve High GPA and Develop Positive Relationship with Your Professors
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336878
Why my final grade is not good even if I receive high marks in my exams? Why there is a grade for class participation? What should I do to achieve the best performance in my classes? My professors rarely notice me in classes. What should I do? These questions constantly concern international students. We will have a professor present explain to you how grades are generally given and providing tips of developing and maintaining a healthy and productive relationship with your professors.
Sept. 21, 5PM (Special Event)
Direct Conversation with Career Bridge and Alpha Sights (accepting CPT and OPT)
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1351725
Sept. 26 is Syracuse University Career and Internship Fair. To help you be prepared for a productive and insightful experience, we will invite Career Bridge and Alpha Sights, two hiring company recruiters who plan to attend the Fair to share their expectations on students’ behaviors and professional skills. Students will not only learn tips for a productive Fair participation, but also obtain first-hand suggestions about how to prepare for future employment.
Oct. 11
Build Professional Network and Boost Your Resume with Professional Skills
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336889
Networking is a critical skill for college students to acquire for professional growth. Networking with faculty and advisor helps students gain advice and obtain tips for profession and life. Connecting to SU alumni as early as possible helps you have a deep understand of the professional world. In addition, employers and graduate schools always favor students with extensive leadership, professional, and research skills. Do not wait until the senior year and regret what you only achieve is high GPA. In this Forum, Associate Director of Alumni Relations will show you how to access SU’s incredible alumni network and expand your network. Student leaders will demonstrate to you how to network with professors and advisor and integrate co-curricular activities into your study and life schedule.
Oct. 25
Prepare for Graduate Program Application Early and Receive Scholarship
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336900
Do you think you do not need to think about graduate school until junior year? Incorrect! To get into a competitive graduate program, you must prepare early. Every institution/graduate program has its unique admissions criteria. How do you think which program fits your academic interest and professional needs the best? How can you make your application stand out? Do you know as a CAS/MAX student, you have opportunities to earn a master’s degree in one year from the prestigious Newhouse and Maxwell schools, and receive SU Forever Orange Scholarship (equivalent to 50% of tuition)? Most importantly, do you think faculty members are obligated to write recommendation letter to you? We will invite recently graduated international alumni to share their journey, and professors to provide advice.
Nov. 1
Study and Conduct Internship Abroad and Away (Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York)
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336912
Some international students struggle with locating a high-quality internship during summer. Do you know you may start your first internship through Syracuse Abroad, nearly guaranteed internship once you are admitted? It can be a summer or a semester. SU is ranked #9 in study abroad, with centers and programs all over the world. The academic credit processing is seamless. In addition, SU has semester programs in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York for you to explore and interact with professionals in various industrial sectors. University administrators will be at the forum to respond to your questions. Students who participated in those programs will share their experiences.
Nov. 8
SU Academic Awards, Scholarship, Research opportunities, and Honors College
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336923
SU has many merit-based awards and opportunities to hard working students, for example, Success Scholar, Remembrance Scholar, University Scholar, research fellowship, etc. We will introduce those awards and opportunities to you and provide advice on application process.
Nov. 15
Campus job, Internship, and Experience Sharing from Economics and Psychology Upper-Class students
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1336938
International undergraduate students can work on campus with 20 hours per week during the semesters and 40 hours at other times. Also, international students could have paid internship off campus after the 1st academic year of study. Those work experiences show your skills of balancing work and academics and communication. Come to learn how to win those opportunities. In addition, you will have an opportunity to interact with a few outstanding upper-class students in Economics and Psychology and learn from their experience and reflection.
Spring 2023
January 25, 2023
International Student Job Seeking: CPT, OPT, Internship Credit, Employment, and More
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197206
Do you know you can earn SU academic credit for your internship work regardless of the internship location? Do you know you may receive financial award from SU once you secure an internship? Do you know you can choose whoever you want to talk to for career advice, from a database of over 700 SU alumni, starting your 1st year? Do you know CPT and OPT are not complex as you think, if you plan in advance? We bet you want to know more. We will have newly graduated international student alumni share their journey. Come to join us!
February 1, 2023
Hands-on Workshop on Applying for Internship, Campus Job, and Other Opportunities
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197208
Many international students do not understand why they never receive response or interview invitation after submitting applications to internships or campus jobs. There are strategies related to job selection, preparation of cover letter and resume, and others. We will give one on one guidance during the hands-on workshop. You will leave the workshop with a selected list of internships and campus jobs ready to apply, as well as tips on resume and cover letter.
February 8, 2023
Applying for Graduate School and Asking for Recommendation Letter
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197215
Do you think you do not need to think about graduate school until the junior year? Incorrect! To get into a competitive graduate program, you must prepare early. Every institution/graduate program has its unique admissions criteria. How do you think which program fits your academic interest and professional needs the best? How can you make your application stand out? In addition, do you think faculty members are obligated to write recommendation letter to you? Absolutely not! You need to develop professional relationship with faculty and advisor at a much earlier stage. We will invite recently graduated international alumni to share their journey, and faculty members to share their perspectives.
February 15, 2023
4+1 Graduate Programs and 50 percent of Tuition
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197218
Do you know as a CAS/MAX student, you have opportunities to earn a master’s degree in one year from the prestigious Newhouse and Maxwell schools? In addition, SU Forever Orange Scholarship provides scholarship for half of the tuition for students who complete undergraduate degree at SU and enroll in a SU graduate program. Come to learn more about the graduate programs from Newhouse and Maxwell admissions team, and other graduate programs on campus.
February 22, 2023
Life after College: International Alumni
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197221
What will my life be like after SU, graduate school, employment, or something else? Which direction should I go? What principals should I be aware of when making a life decision? We will invite a panel of SU’s international alumni to share with you their life journey and the decision process they went through before graduation.
March 22, 2023
Study Abroad (U.K., France, and more) and Study Away (Washington D.C., and more)
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197225
Yes, international students can study outside of the U.S., too! SU is ranked #9 in study abroad, with center and programs all over the world. The academic credit processing is seamless. Also, you may join SU Abroad to conduct internship abroad. SU has semester programs in a few big cities in the U.S. for you to explore and interact with professionals in various industrial sectors. We will invite program administrators and experienced students to share their journey.
March 29, 2023
SU Academic Awards, Research, Honors College, and Inspiration from Student Recipients
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197229
SU has many merit-based awards and opportunities to hard working students, for example, Success Scholar, Remembrance Scholar, University Scholar, research fellowship, etc. We will introduce those awards and opportunities to you and provide advice on how to achieve them. In addition, a few award recipients will be sharing their study and life journey at SU and shed light on the scholar application process.
April 5, 2023
Greek Life and SU Sports
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1197235
Greek life and American college sports are usually unfamiliar to international students. Are you curious about fraternities for men and sororities for women at SU? What is the purpose of these social organizations, and how can you be involved? An international student in a business fraternity will share his experience of how Greek organizations help develop student leadership, philanthropy, community service, and strong bonds among like-minded students.
College sports in the U.S. is a BIG deal, but why? How did it start and why it is so important for American universities and colleges? What is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)? What sports teams does SU have? Where are the student athletes from? Come to join our discussion.
Co-Host Organizations
Fall 2022
Sept. 7
Plan Your Academic Year
Being organized is a good quality for a college student. The best way to get more organized is to write down a plan that you can stick with and complete. You do not want to get caught off guard when big projects come due. This Forum aims to help international students identify the essence of an academic plan, demonstrate the key components in an academic plan, and draft an academic plan for fall 2022 on the site. Invited student leaders will share experiences.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069383/share_preview
Sept. 14
Understand SU’s Academic Expectations and Learn How to Build Positive Relationship with Your Advisor
Understanding what SU’s academic terms mean and what academic deadlines are could prevent you from an unexpected catastrophe. For example, Add deadline? Withdrawal deadline? leave of absence? For international students, this understanding is even more important because your academic standing is related to visa status. In addition, how could you build a positive relationship with your academic and career advisor to receive feedback for succeeding in school? You will have an engaging conversation with advisors and student leaders during this event.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069388/share_preview
Sept. 21
How to Achieve High GPA and Boost Your Resume with Professional Skills
Why my final grade is not good even if I receive high marks in my exams? Why there is a grade for class participation? What should I do to achieve the best performance in my classes? Besides GPA, what professional skills should I acquire to boost my resume? Come to discuss your concerns with invited professor and academic and career advisor to learn strategies to obtain high GPA and how to integrate co-curricular activities into your study and life schedule.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069391/share_preview
Sept. 28
Learn How to Develop Positive Relationship with Your Professors and Build Network
Networking is a critical skill for college students to acquire for professional growth. Networking with faculty and advisor helps students gain advice and obtain tips for profession and life. Many international students express challenges of obtaining reference and recommendation letter from professors. We will have an invited faculty demonstrate to you how to develop and maintain a healthy and productive relationship with your professors. The Associate Director of Alumni Relations will also show you how to access SU’s incredible alumni network and expand your network.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069393/share_preview
Oct. 5
SU Academic Awards, Scholarship, Research opportunities, and Honors College
SU has many merit-based awards and opportunities to hard working students, for example, Success Scholar, Remembrance Scholar, University Scholar, research fellowship, etc. We will introduce those awards and opportunities to you and provide advice on how to achieve them.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069398/share_preview
Oct. 12
Strategies of Choosing Academic Major/Double Major/Minor/Micro-credential
Have you ever thought of pursuing two majors or one major with a minor? What is the rationale behind the decision? Have you heard of micro credentials? The global employment market is evolving quickly. What and how should you study to prepare for the future workforce? Join us for a powerful conversation with academic and career advisors.
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069400/share_preview
Nov. 2
Career Advice from SU International Alumni
What will your life be like after SU? Graduate school, employment, or something else? Which direction should you go? What principles should you be aware of when making a life decision? What opportunities and challenges you may confront as an international student? We have invited a panel of SU international alumni to share their life journey and the decision process they went through before graduation. Join us!
https://syr.joinhandshake.com/events/1069401/share_preview
Nov. 9
Campus job, Internship, and Experience Sharing from Economics and Psychology Upper-Class students
International undergraduate students can work on campus with 20 hours per week during the semesters and 40 hours at other times. Also, international students could have paid internship off campus after the 1st academic year of study. Those work experiences show your skills of balancing work and academics and communication. Come to learn how to win those opportunities. In addition, you will have an opportunity to interact with a few outstanding upper-class students in Economics and Psychology and learn from their experience and reflection.