Kent State Office of Global Educaiton
Featured Events
Make the most of Fall Break! Join us for one- or all- of our trips!
2018 is the first year of Fall Break at Kent State University. We hope you'll take this time to recharge, catch up, relax, and explore with other international students and the Office of Global Education. We're offering three day-trips during Fall Break. We hope you can join us for one - or all - of them!

Registration for these events is separate; join us for one - or all! For more details, check out the hyperlinks below. Register for events here.


If you're still interested in joining us for a trip to Washington, DC this year, keep your calendar open - we'll be heading to the US Capitol during spring break! Questions? Contact Angelia Zielke.
ISSS Updates

International Cook-Off
November 15 | 6-8:30 pm
KSC Ballroom
Showcase the foods and culture of your home country! Do you love to cook? Does your passion lie within the culinary arts? Are you a "foodie who loves to explore the tastes of the cuisines of far distant lands? On November 15, six teams will compete for the title of International Cook-Off Champion - it's not too early to put together your cooking team and get ready to compete in Kent State's 10th annual International Cook-Off.

Registration is currently open; the deadline to register is October 15th. Each team must consist of 4-6 Kent State University students. Think you're ready to register? Make sure you have:
  • A team captain;
  • The names and email addresses of all team members;
  • Two recipes: an entree and a non-alcoholic beverage;
  • The name of your recipes (with country and region);
  • The recipe preparation instructions
Teams recipes will be reviewed and six teams will be chosen by a panel of expert judges. The teams will be notified of selection by October 22nd.

Midterm Grades
All freshmen or first-year undergraduate students will receive midterm grades to help them check their academic progress. If this applies to you, check your grades to ensure you have no NF (Never Attended Fail) or SF (Stopped Attending Fail) grades, as they can affect your immigration status negatively. ISSS verifies credit completion for all students on F-1 and J-1 visas regularly and if you have obtained an NF or an SF in any class, we advise you to discuss your situation with your professor or academic advisor to rectify the issue before the end of the semester. If the issue is not fixed, an NF or SF grade could put you below the full-time course load requirement and your SEVIS record would be terminated at the end of the semester. You can avoid this issue by checking your grades and fixing them now. If you have questions about regarding your immigration status and the effects of NF/SF grades, please talk to ISSS by making an appointment or coming to Walk-In Advising .
ISSS Advisor Muhammad El Hadj Ali
Chances are you have worked with our Interim Assistant Director, Muhammad El Hadj Ali in your time here at KSU. He has been a bright face in our office over the past 5 years and before that as an international student himself. We want to take a moment to thank him for all he has done and wish him well in his future endeavors. Muhammad has left us to move his career forward at another institution and we are sad to see him go, but excited for what his future holds.

Since he will no longer be answering his emails, please contact ISSS@kent.edu for any questions you might have that you used to forward to him. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you!
Scams
Every individual with a cell phone or email address has most likely received some sort of scam communication. It is important to know the difference between scam and regular communication, because giving individuals information in the course of a scam can leave you vulnerable, sometimes financially speaking. Our Information Services department offers help on security awareness . Make sure to read through the information carefully. They provide contact information at the bottom of the page in case you have questions or concerns.

For phone calls and emails alike, remember to never give information such as your phone number, address, birth date, social security number, visa information, etc. In the case that someone is calling from a company you work with or a school you have attended, then they should have your information in front of them to verify. Stay safe and be smart out there!
Psychological  Services
Psychological Services University Health Services offers a number of free workshops to students who are enrolled at Kent State University. Everyone is welcome and no registration or appointments are needed.
  • E2: Embracing Emotions looks at emotional awareness and acceptance, using emotion to heal, and using emotion in relationships. Sessions are on Mondays from 4-5 pm.
  • The Art of Coping: Building Emotional Resilience discusses overcoming challenges, compassionate self-talk, and setting realistic expectations. It is held Tuesdays from 4-5 pm.
  • Conquering Anxiety: Manage Stress of Everyday Life talks about coping skills/tools, stress management, and mindfulness. It is on Wednesdays from 4-5 pm.
All of these workshops are located in the DeWeese Health Center in Conference Room C on the 2nd floor. One other workshop is the Empowering Students in Recovery and talks about safe and confidential substance use recovery and support. It is held on Thursdays 6-7:30 pm in Conference Room A on the lower level.
 
For more information, you can reach out via phone at 330-672-2487.
ISSS Advising Hours for Fall 2018
Exciting change for 2018

You asked for it, and you got it! More time with your ISSS Advisors and less time waiting in the lobby. We now have appointments available 4 days a week to ensure students are able to meet with advisors as needed. We have Walk-In Wednesdays for those quick questions and appointments for all your other needs. Appointments can be scheduled  here .

Walk-In Advising 
Wednesday
9:00 am to 11:30 am  
Last sign in at 11:00
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Last sign in at 3:45 
 
Call-In Advising 
Monday  
9:00 to 11:30 am
Tuesday
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 to 11:30 am
Thursday
No advising 
Friday  
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Contact Us: 
Phone: 1-330-672-7980 
Email: isss@kent.edu 
Campus Location: Van Campen Hall 
Address: 106 Van Campen Hall, 625 Loop Road, Kent, OH 44242-0001 
106 Van Campen Hall
We Want to Hear from YOU!
Starting this fall, we want to showcase you in our newsletter! Each week, one international student will be chosen to be interviewed and highlighted in our newsletter. Topics of interest include your home country, major, student involvement around campus, advice, and more!

If you are interested in being showcased, please contact Olivia Albrecht at  oalbrech@kent.edu with "International Student Profile" in the subject line.

Plan Ahead
October 11-12 | Fall Break
October 23 | Cultural Cafe
October 31 | Halloween
November 12-16 | International Education Week
International Student News
October 3, 2018  |  Week 5
International Student Showcase: Meet PooYan Mirjalili
This weekend, Kent State will be hosting the annual Kent State Homecoming. This spirited tradition includes a parade through downtown, the Bowman 5K race, a vote for Homecoming Royalty, and the Homecoming football game. Homecoming is an event where universities and schools invite the alumni to return to their alma mater to enjoy the festivities surrounding a football game and their pride for Kent State. The homecoming court, a group of 12 seniors who are actively involved on campus, represent the student body for the weekend and meet and celebrate the returning alumni. Students can vote for the king and queen of the court here. During halftime of the football game against Ohio University, royalty will be announced.

One of the court members, Pooyan Mirjalili, is a fellow international student. He is studying Biology Pre-Dentistry and aspires to be an orthodontist. Originally from Tehran, Iran, he completed high school in Malaysia where he received a British Diploma. Upon graduation he decided to come to the U.S. for his undergraduate degree. Pooyan came to Kent State three and a half years ago and has been involved in many student organizations since. He was the Senator for College of Arts and Sciences for Undergraduate Student Government last year and is currently working for CSI as the director of programming. He is a board member for the pre-dental student association and a research assistant in a science lab. This past summer he was a Flash Guide for students in DKS. He is also working at an orthodontist office this semester. After graduating, Pooyan hopes to do his master's degree at Ohio State University and soon after hopes to become an orthodontist.

Pooyan loves being a student at Kent State. He says, "The connections and opportunities to meet great people who are like family to me are some of my favorite things about Kent State. They are also so welcoming to international students." If you'd like to follow Pooyan on Instagram, his handle is @pooyanmirjalili or on Facebook at Pooyan Mirjalili.

This weekend, Pooyan, along with eleven other seniors, will be representing the student body in the homecoming festivities. "It is such a privilege to be on homecoming court this year; it was just an honor being one of the six guys that made it," he says. We encourage all students to vote on homecoming court and attend the football game this Saturday. There is so much happening, so check it out!

If you would like to be showcased, keep reading to the end of the newsletter for more details.
Want to learn more about American Football?
Two researchers in the School of Foundation, Leadership, and Administration are recruiting international students to participate in a study focused on sports socialization. What does that mean? The researchers are hosting tailgating events prior to the Homecoming football game on  October 6th . Join their group for a free tailgating event, then watch the football game with a mentor who will teach you what American football is all about! Email Dr. Brian H. Yim for more information.

Calling All Poets!
The Wick Poetry Center's annual World Poetry Reading is a looking for a few more international student participants to read a poem of their choosing in English and their native language. This event has become one of our most popular and well-attended events each year, due in part to the ability of poetry to tap into shared language and experience. The World Poetry Reading is a one of a kind showcase and uniquely Kent State. The Reading will be on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 in Room 120, CAED (College of Architecture and Environmental Design). If you are interested, please reach out to Györgyi Mihályi-Jewell at  gmihalyi@kent.edu !
Upcoming Events
October 4 | The Inheritence of Chinese Folk Traditional Children's Games
White Hall, Room 200 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
This presentation will introduce Chinese folk traditional children's games and how to inherit and carry forward. Presenter will explain how introducing the new games improves from these folk traditional games.

Light refreshments will be provided! Join in the intercultural conversation.

October 5 | Homecoming International Celebration (Information Update!)
KSC Ballroom Balcony | 7:00 pm
In the last newsletter, the alumni reception
information was included. Unfortunately, that event is ONLY for alumni, not for current students. This event, however, is an opportunity for our international students to showcase their cultures with the rest of the community and participate in the Homecoming festivities. During this event you can visit different countries, taste food from around the world and watch a showcase of performances from students.
This event is free to attend for all Kent State students, alumni, faculty and staff! We hope to see you there.

October 6 | Homecoming
On the weekend of October 6th, KSU  will be hostingthe  annual Kent State Homecoming. This spirited tradition includes a parade through downtown, the Bowman 5K r ace, and th e Homecoming football game. Homecoming is an event where universities or schools invite their alumni to come back to their alma mater to enjoy in the festivities surrounding a football game. The celebrations start with the Bowman 5K at 8 a.m. and then continue with the parade which starts at 10 a.m. The last event is the football game at 3:30 against the Ohio University Bobcats at Dix Stadium.

October 6 | DiversiFEST
Williamson House, 1200 E. Main St. | 9:00 am to 11:00 am

This free, family-friendly event celebrates Kent State's diversity! Join in before the parade for breakfast and a celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

October 6 | International Homecoming Tailgate Party
Dix Stadium Parking Lot | 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Please join EHHS to celebrate diversity and inclusion amongst one another through football, America's most loved sport!

FREE food  and beverages will be provided, and there will also be games & prize giveaways! 
 
If you plan on attending please RSVP HERE by October 4th.
 
We encourage all attendees to show their Kent State pride by wearing Kent State apparel,  Blue, or  Yellow .


October 11-13 | Alternative Fall Break
Kent State University's Alternative Breaks expose students to social justice and cultural issues through direct service, community engagement, reflection, and a variety of cultural activities. These programs  engage students in service as well as to inform them about current social issues and encourage their on-going involvement in social change. Some of these experiences may be used to fulfill the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).

This fall break, take a trip to Cleveland and Cincinnati to learn more about homelessness and immigration. All lodging, meals, and transportation is included in the $100 fee.

fallsOctober 11 | Niagara Falls Day Trip
Niagara Falls | 6:30 am to 12:30 am
On Thursday, October 11 , we'll travel to Niagara Falls, NY  to see the USA side of Niagara Falls! The trip will include motor coach transportation, entrance to Niagara Falls State Park, and a Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass.

orchardOctober 13 | Stotler's Orchard
Stotler's Orchard | 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
The autumn season in the Midwest is marked by crisp morning air, trees whose leaves change from green to orange and red, and fall harvests. On Saturday, October 13 , we'll travel to Stotler's Orchard  for delicious apple treats and to pick apples directly from the tree. Over 100 varieties of apples grow in northeast Ohio, and they're all delicious!

Make fall break plans now to join the Office of Global Education and other international students for a fun afternoon of apple picking, apple cider, and apple donuts! 

halloweekendOctober 14 | Cedar Point HalloWeekend
Cedar Point | 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
On Sunday, October 14 , get ready for thrills and chills as we travel to Sandusky, OH for HalloWeekend at Cedar Point ! In addition to world-class roller coasters, Cedar Point celebrates Halloween with funhouses, trivia games, a parade, a hay bale maze, and a lot of spooky spirit.


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