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What's Included This Week?
- November is Native American Heritage Month!
OISS Announcements
- Where can I find a SEVIS DSO this week?
- Announcements from SEVIS Team: Winter Term Registration, Transfer Out
- Do You Need U.S. Based Mobile Phone Service?
OISS Activities & Events
- Talk Time Cafe
- Event Schedule
- Portland Taiko Concert
- International Education Week Presents:
- International Karaoke
- Worldwide Crafts
- Snacks Around the World!
- Connect the World
- PNW International Alumni PDX Gathering
OISS Health Information
- Did You Know? Purchase Portal
PCC Events & Resources
- PCC Foundation Scholarships
- Veterans Day Museum
- Fall Karaoke Social
- Free Food Markets
JOBS
- Applying for Jobs? Review Your Resume
Other Resources
- Mentee Applications Are Open: Find Your People at PCC
- PCC SE Campus Health Services
- Free Produce Wednesday
Housing
Share Your Photo
- A Glimpse into Portland History!
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Where can I find a SEVIS DSO this week? | Announcements from SEVIS Team | |
WINTER TERM REGISTRATION
Winter 2027 term registration begins Monday, November 9th. The schedule is available online. Make sure you are fully registered before classes begin on January 4th, 2027!
Pay your Winter term tuition before the payment deadline: Friday, December 11th, 2026. Students who do not make a payment or sign up for the payment plan before the payment deadline will be dropped from ALL classes.
Health insurance payment is required before you can register. The health insurance payment deadline is Monday, December 14th, 2026
All of PCC will be closed December 19th, 2026 - January 3rd, 2027. The OISS offices will be closed and the OISS Team will not be reading emails.
Helpful registration links:
When to Register
How to Register
How to Add Yourself to a Waitlist
How to Make an Advising Appointment
Navigate360
NOTE: You cannot register for classes if you have a hold. See Viewing and Resolving Holds, or contact OISS for assistance on how to remove them.
Common holds:
TRANSFER OUT
If you have an admission letter to another school within the US, complete the SEVIS Request Form to request a transfer.
Important Information:
- Your SEVIS transfer release date will be the last day of the term, unless otherwise requested.
- Any work authorization you have, including on-campus at PCC, ends once your SEVIS record is released to the new school.
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Refunds for the health insurance are processed on a case-by-case basis, depending on if you used your health insurance and when the refund request is made. The OISS will make the initial request on your behalf after you have completed the transfer process. Contact oiss@pcc.edu for more information.
| U.S. Based Mobile Service | |
Do You Need U.S. Based Mobile Phone Service?
Check out Campus SIMS (partnered with Mint Mobile)
Get a FREE SIM card at any OISS location
Find more information at campussims.com
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OISS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS | FALL 2026 Talk Time Cafe Schedule | |
Join our Fall Talk Time Café this term for casual conversations, new connections, and a chance to meet fellow international students.
***The program runs through December 3.
Zoom link is HERE
| Check out what we have planned, mark your calendars, and join us for fun activities, new experiences, and opportunities to connect with other international students. | |
Experience the Energy of Taiko!
Get ready for an exciting evening of Japanese music and culture! Join us at Portland State University for a live performance by Portland Taiko and experience the powerful rhythms, sounds, and energy of traditional Japanese drumming.
Come enjoy this unique cultural experience with fellow students! 🌎💙
Saturday, November 14
6-9PM
Let’s experience the beat together!
*This event is currently full.
A waitlist is available HERE
| International Education Week | |
Celebrate International Education Week with an afternoon of music, snacks, and fun! Sing your favorite songs, discover music from around the world, and connect with fellow students.
Whether you’re ready to grab the mic or prefer to relax, enjoy a snack, and cheer on others, everyone is welcome! Come for one song or stay for the whole event.
Monday, November 16
12-2PM
📍Cascade Campus, Terrel Hall 112
Registration is Required through PantherHub HERE
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Explore the World Through Crafts!
Get creative and explore cultural traditions from around the world! Try your hand at traditional crafts, including Chinese lucky knots, Thai woven fish, French ribbon rosettes, Mexican Ojo de Dios, and Japanese origami. Learn about the stories behind each craft and create something unique to take home. No experience needed - just stop by and try something new!
Tuesday, November 17
1–4 PM
📍 Rock Creek Campus, Building 5, Room 122
Registration is Required through PantherHub HERE
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Snacks Around the World! 🌎
Discover snacks from around the world, share your favorite food traditions, enjoy international music, and connect with students from different cultures!
Wednesday, November 18
9:30AM–12:30PM
📍 Sylvania Campus, in front of CC 215
Registration is Required through PantherHub HERE
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🌎 Connect the World!
Different places. Different stories. One connection.
Celebrate cultures and connections from around the globe! Pin your home country on the world map, connect your journey with colorful red strings, explore places around the world, and test your knowledge with the fun Mystery Country Challenge. Come discover how our different stories bring us together!
Thursday, November 19
12–2 PM
📍 Southeast Campus, Mt. Tabor Hall
*Registration will be available on PantherHub later this week!
| PNW International Alumni PDX Gathering! | |
Hello, F-1 Alumni!
Are you living in the Portland area? Come reconnect with OISS staff, catch up with fellow international alumni, and meet new friends from your home institution and other instutions?
The meet-up will take place on Thursday, November 19, from 5–7 PM, in Downtown Portland. Be sure to RSVP with your current contact information to receive the exact location details before the event.
This is a casual, non-host gathering, so guests are responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks. Family members and friends are welcome!
Event organizers and collaborators:
International Students & Alumni – PNW
OISS at Portland Community College
OISSS at Portland State University (PSU)
*Be sure to RSVP HERE with current contact information to receive location details before the event.
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Did You Know?
Purchase Portal
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Visit PCC's health insurance webpage.
For any additional questions please email us at oiss.insurance@pcc.edu
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PCC Foundation Scholarships | |
PCC Foundation scholarships can help pay for tuition, fees, and books.
Applications open November 1, 2026.
Apply at pcc.edu/pccscholarships
Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Explore PCC Foundation scholarship workshops and resources at pcc.edu/scholarship-workshops
Questions? Email scholarships@pcc.edu for assistance.
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This upcoming Veterans Day, the PCC Veterans Resource Centers are sending a Veterans Day Traveling Museum out to each campus over the course of a week with the exception of November 11th. PCC will be closed in observance of the holiday. We plan to continue our celebration of military service through a variety of exhibits that include information about our customs, culture, and symbols by bringing it to all campuses.
Cascade on November 5, 11AM - 2PM
Southeast Great Hall on November 9, 11AM - 2PM
Rock Creek Building 2 hallway adjacent to 103A on November 10, 11AM - 2PM
Sylvania CC North Mall on November 12, 11AM - 2PM
Through this museum we will honor those who served from a variety of backgrounds including PCC faculty, staff, and students.
The exhibits include:
Wall of Honor featuring loved ones of the PCC community
Breaking Barriers to highlight those who broke barriers while in uniform
Timeline of Conflict including varied appearances and numbers of troops
Challenge Coin Display on origins, history, reasons, and examples
POW/MIA Table with explanation of the display and its meaning and more
For event details and to RSVP, please visit PantherHub HERE
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🎤 Fall Karaoke Social
Join the Asian Student Association for an afternoon of karaoke, games, and fun! Enjoy free food and drinks, sing your favorite songs, and connect with fellow students.
November 18
1–5 PM
Rock Creek Campus, Building 9 – Event Center
Everyone is welcome! Come for the food, stay for the karaoke! 🎶
Please RSVP through PantherHub HERE
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Free Food Markets
The Free Food Market is open to all community members and offers fresh produce provided by the Oregon Food Bank, along with a selection of non-perishable food items, at no cost.
No ID is required. Participants will only be asked how many people are in their household. Please bring a reusable bag or box to transport the food home!🥕🍎
Please RSVP through PantherHub HERE
| Mentee Applications Are Open: Find Your People at PCC | |
Connect with peers who understand your journey. Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success Peer Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced mentors for guidance, community, and support throughout your academic experience.
For more information, please visit PantherHub HERE
| PCC SE Campus Health Services | |
The Student Basic Needs Center is proud to partner with the Multnomah County Community Health Center to bring free and low cost healthcare services to the PCC Southeast campus.
The Multnomah County Mobile Clinic will provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and case management services at the Southeast campus in the courtyard between the Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott buildings.
The mobile clinic accepts OHP and other insurance plans, but insurance is not required to receive services.The mobile clinic can provide healthcare to everyone living in Multnomah county, whether they are covered by insurance, paying what they can, or unable to pay. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Services are available to students, staff, and community members on a first-come, first-served basis; signups are located in front of the clinic van.
The schedule for the Mobile Clinic is
11AM-2PM on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month:
Fall 2026 schedule:
November 10 and 24
December 8
Please RSVP through PantherHub Here
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Stop by after class to pick up some fresh produce from the Sylvania Garden and enjoy fun learning opportunities!
Every Wednesday from 12-3PM
Sylvania, CC BUILDING
Please RSVP through PantherHub HERE
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Applying for jobs?
Schedule your Resume Review Appointment
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Make sure your RESUME is ready to make a strong first impression. Because resume expectations in the United States may differ from those in your home country, Career Services can help you effectively showcase your education, skills, and experience to U.S. employers.
Schedule a resume review appointment before you apply!
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🏠 Looking for a Room to Rent
Patricia (19) is looking for a private bedroom in a shared apartment with a budget of $400–$500/month. She would prefer a location convenient to both Rock Creek and Sylvania campuses.
Patricia is studying Nursing and describes herself as friendly, calm, respectful, and easygoing. She prefers a first-floor room, but is also open to a second-floor option. She is comfortable around cats and dogs but is nervous around them, so she would prefer a pet-free home.
If you have a room available or know of a housing opportunity that might be a good fit, please reach out to Patricia.
If you have a room available or know of a housing opportunity, please reach out HERE
| Housing Submission Information | If you are looking for housing or have housing available and would like to share with other students, please complete the form below and we will include it in this newsletter for two weeks. | Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is meant to provide assistance in locating off-campus housing. Inclusion of any property, rental unit, or other housing options in this newsletter does not constitute, and shall not be construed or reported as an endorsement or approval by Portland Community College of the housing option, landlord, its properties, or its business practices. Portland Community College expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise with regard to such housing options, property, or rental units or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenants concerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating housing options, a prospective rental unit, or a landlord. | Share Your Photo with Us! | |
Do you love taking photos? We would love to feature your photography in our weekly newsletter!
Each week, we will highlight a photo taken by a PCC international student or staff member. Your photo can be about travel, culture, nature, campus life, or a special moment you want to share.
You can also include a short title or story (1–3 sentences) to tell us more about the photo (where it was taken, what it means to you, or why it’s special.)
How to submit:
Send your photo (and short story, if you would like) to Anna Gindlesperger anna.gindlesperger@pcc.edu with the subject line Photo Submission with your name.
We can’t wait to see the world through your lens!
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A Glimpse into Portland’s History!
Students explored Portland’s fascinating and mysterious past during a visit to the Shanghai Tunnels! The guided tour took everyone beneath the city streets to learn about the tunnels’ history, hear intriguing stories, and discover a lesser-known side of Portland. It was a memorable experience filled with history, curiosity, and new connections!
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