Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - May 2025 Edition |
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In The Post newsletter:
Monthly Updates
Dashew Center & Related Programs
UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities
F-1 Visa Updates
J-1 Visa Updates
Important Resources for International Bruins
| | Dashew Center's Events & On-going Support | | |
Global Bruin Year-End Celebration
Wednesday, May 21st
De Neve Plaza Room
Global Bruins! The UCLA Dashew Center and UCLA Study Abroad invite you to join this special event! Wednesday, May 21st at 6pm @ De Neve Room. Whether you are an international student/scholar or have studied abroad, we would like to celebrate you and the class of 2025! Register for this event in advance: Registration Form (space is limited)
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The World Through Our Lens Exposition
Thursday, May 8th
5pm-6:30pm at Bradley Hall
Join the Dashew Center and the International Student Ambassadors Wellness Committee at this upcoming event! Enjoy refreshments while exploring a photo gallery of images from around the world taken by members of the International Bruin community.
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Envelope Art & Writing Magazine 2025
Submissions Are Open!
Envelope is an Art & Writing Magazine featuring creative work from UCLA's International Student, Scholar, and Staff community. The theme for the 2025 volume is: Connecting Across Cultures. Each person can submit up to 2 entries.
(Submissions are due 5/23/25)
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Become an International Student Ambassador
Applications open May 2, 2025
The International Student Ambassador Program is looking for undergraduate and graduate student leaders to amplify the visibility, voices, and contributions of the entire UCLA international community throughout the 2024-2025 academic year! Check out the full details on the Ambassador Program on our website.
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Weekly CPT & OPT Webinars - via Zoom
Interested to know more about off-campus employment as an international (F-1) student?
We are hosting live sessions to prepare F-1 students to understand the process of applying for off-campus work authorizations known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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Spring English Language Circle
Wednesdays, from 12-1pm (PT)
Are you looking for a safe and supportive space to practice your English conversation skills? Check out Dashew Center's English Language Circle! Here you will have an opportunity to practice your English with other language learners. RSVP for specific sessions
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Academic Training Workshop for J-1 Degree & Exchange Students
Join the Dashew Center on our next Academic Training Workshop for J-1 Students on
Monday May 12, 2025, from 3pm - 4pm.
In this workshop we will cover academic training eligibility requirements, the application process,
and deadlines. The workshop will take place over zoom. Attendees must register here.
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Navigating life @ UCLA? Ask Ambassadors!
Do you have questions about life at UCLA/Los Angeles? Do want to speak with someone that represents your home country here at UCLA?
The International Student Ambassadors can respond directly to the questions you submit through this form. You will receive an email with a response to your question within 72 hours.
| | UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities | | |
Bruins in Business Networking Night
Wed. 4/30 • 6PM - 8:30PM PST
James West Alumni Center
The UCLA Alumni Association is hosting a networking reception where Bruins, students and alumni alike, can meet top leaders and emerging exceptional talent in these industries. With the goal of leveraging the UCLA network to facilitate jobs for Bruins, UCLA Alumni Career Engagement is bringing together alumni from programs across the campus.
RSVP here.
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UCLA First Thursdays: Spring Edition
Thurs. 5/1 • 7PM - 10PM PST
Westwood Village, Broxton Ave
Celebrate the change of season at UCLA First Thursdays: Spring Edition. Enjoy an evening of music, art and interactive fun, bringing together the UCLA and Westwood communities.
Learn more here.
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Twenties Talk with RISE Center
Thurs. 5/1 • 5PM - 6PM PST
RISE Center Lu Valle Commons
Join us for Twenties Talk, a weekly space to navigate friendships, dating, mental well-being, and life’s transitions in your twenties. Engage in meaningful discussions, hear from guest experts, and connect with a supportive community—plus, enjoy free pizza and refreshments!
This week's topic, Love & Dating in your 20s! There's a new topic every week!
Learn more here.
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UCLA Football Spring Showcase
Sat. 5/3 • 2PM PST
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Join us for a special look inside UCLA Football's preparations for the 2025 season at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 3. This is your opportunity to get an inside look at the 2025 Bruins while enjoying the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Admission and parking are free and open to the public, but a ticket is required for admissions. Please request your FREE ticket today here.
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UCLA School of Music, Alumni Lounge UCLA Philharmonia
Sun. 5/4 • 3PM PST
Royce Hall
Join us for this monumental milestone as distinguished alumni soloists with UCLA Philharmonia will perform works by composers featured in the Milken Archive of Jewish Music. Fill out the RSVP form here!
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LA Youth Mental Wellness Day at UCLA
Sun. 5/4 • 3PM - 7PM PST
UCLA Rieber Court
Join UCLA RISE and Active Minds for LA Youth Mental Wellness Day- a Star Wars- inspired afternoon dedicated to healing, resilience, and community care in response to the recent LA wildfires. Create thank-you cards for firefighters, journal, build wellness kits for impacted families, enjoy snacks and more!
Learn more here.
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Campus Safety Week
Mon. 5/5 - Wed. 5/7
UCLA Campus
UCLA Campus Safety Week is coming May 5-7! Join us for FREE live safety demos and hands-on learning. Topics include driver safety, venomous animals, a health fair & more!
RSVP and check out all the Campus Safety events here!
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The Art of Skill Communication
Mon. 5/5 • 4PM - 5PM PST
Career Center 2nd Floor
Unlock the power of your potential! Through guided reflection and practical exercises, you'll gain the confidence and language to effectively communicate your abilities in resumes and interviews.
Learn more here.
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Coffee Hour with Postdoctoral Association at UCLA
Tues. 5/6 • 12PM - 1:30PM PST
Kerckoff Patio
Join the Postdoctoral Association at UCLA for Coffee Hour! Take a break and connect with fellow postdocs over coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bagels, and conchas!
Learn more here.
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First To Go To Med-School
Tues. 5/6 • 4:30PM - 6:30PM PST
Career Center Conference Room 200
Hey First Generation Bruins! Are you interested in learning more about the process of applying to medical school? Join First To Go to hear from a panel of UCLA medical students and doctors about their journeys to medical school! There will be networking opportunities, so you can receive helpful tips on navigating the process as a first generations student.
Free food will be provided. Learn more here.
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Bruin Day for Transfers
Sat. 5/10 • 8AM - 4PM PST
UCLA Campus
Exclusively for newly admitted transfer students and their families.
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore academic programs, student clubs and organizations, campus and housing tours, financial aid resources, and undergraduate research opportunities.
Learn more here.
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Creating & Optimizing Your LinkedIn Account
by UCLA Labor Studies & UCLA Career Center
Wed. 5/14 • 11AM - 12PM PST
UCLA Campus
Join the UCLA Labor Studies program for a career development presentation in collaboration with the UCLA Career Center. This presentation will provide practical tips on how to build a strong LinkedIn profile, showcase their skills and experiences, and leverage LinkedIn for career opportunities.
Learn more & RSVP here.
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Spring 2025 GET HIRED: Senior & Master's In-Person Job Fair
Thurs. 5/15 • 4PM - 7PM PST
Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Are you a Senior or Master's Student about to graduate looking for career opportunities? Then this is the Career Event for you! This event to connect graduating UCLA Seniors and Master's students and will have Employers who are hiring for full-time positions NOW!
Learn more and RSVP here.
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Spring Sing 2025
Fri. 5/16 • 7:30PM PST
Los Angeles Tennis Center
Since 1945, Spring Sing has been one of UCLA’s most iconic traditions, a full-scale showcase of music, dance, and comedy. Expect show-stopping performances from student artists, hilarious skits from Company, and special appearances from celebrity judges.
Tickets are on sale now here.
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A Starry Night: UCLA International Student Prom
Fri. 5/23 • 7PM - 10PM PST
Covel Grand Horizon Ballroom
Get ready for a magical evening under the stars! ✨ Join us for "A Starry Night" — UCLA’s International Student Prom! Celebrate the end of the year with music, dancing, light refreshments, and unforgettable memories. All international students and friends are welcome — dress to impress (traditional wear is welcomed!) and let’s make it a night to remember! We can't wait to see you there!
RSVP here. 🎟️
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UCLA International Institute Events
Take a look at the UCLA International Institutes' event lineup here.
| | Travel Advisory for International Students and Scholars | | International students and scholars, we strongly encourage you to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions when planning any international travel. Immigration policies are subject to change at any time, and such changes may affect your travel plans. If you have any questions or need legal guidance, we recommend consulting an immigration attorney. A list of attorneys for information purposes only is available on the Dashew Center website. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Dashew Center. | | |
MyBruin International Portal
All Dashew Center F-1 related requests and documents can now be accessed through MyBruin International. F-1 students will be able to login using their UCLA logon ID and Single Sign-on (SSO).
U.S. Address Reporting Requirement
All F-1 students must update any changes to their U.S. address and contact information with the Dashew Center within 10 days of moving. They can do this by submitting the Address & Contact Information Update Form through MyBruin International. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that you report changes to your U.S. address, contact email, and U.S. phone number at all times during your study.
OPT I-20 Request:
Graduating in Spring 2025? Looking to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation? OPT is a post-graduation work authorization approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To apply for OPT, students must first request an OPT I-20 from the Dashew Center and follow the OPT Application submission Instructions to submit your complete OPT application to USCIS. For more information, please review the OPT Online Workshop and the OPT Guidelines, or attend our upcoming OPT webinars.
CPT Application Submission:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization that allows students to engage in off-campus academic internships or employment (paid or unpaid) that is a required or integral part of their academic curriculum. To request CPT authorization, please submit a completed CPT Request Form. Please find more information listed on our website or attend our upcoming CPT webinars.
I-20 Extension Request:
Do you need more time beyond your current I-20 end date to complete your degree program? If your I-20 is expiring but you will need more time to complete your degree program, you must submit your I-20 extension request at least one month prior to your I-20 end date. Please review the F-1 I-20 Extension Form for complete details.
Traveling Outside of The U.S. During Summer?
Don’t forget to obtain an updated travel signature prior to returning to the U.S. To request an updated travel signature on your I-20, please submit the online request form. It will take Dashew Center up to 10 business days to process the travel authorization request.
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MyBruin International Portal
All Dashew Center J-1 related requests and documents can now be accessed through MyBruin International. J-1 Scholars can only login using the International Portal ID and PIN emailed to them. J-1 Students will be able to login using their UCLA logon ID and Single Sign-on (SSO).
U.S. Contact Information Reporting Procedures
J-1 Students & Scholars must update any changes to their U.S. address and contact information with the Dashew Center within 10 business days. They can do this by submitting the Address & Contact Information Update Form through MyBruin International. The Department of State requires that you report changes to your U.S. address, contact email, and U.S. phone number at all times during your program.
Traveling Outside of The U.S. During the Summer?
Don’t forget to obtain an updated travel signature prior to returning to the U.S. To request for an updated travel signature, please submit the Travel Authorization Request Form through MyBruin International. The processing time to request travel authorization is 10 business days from the date a complete request is received.
Post-Completion Academic Training Submission
UCLA Degree and exchange students ending their programs this spring quarter may be eligible to participate in Post-Completion Academic Training. Applications are due June 1st, 2025. See the Dashew Center website for eligibility requirements, the application process, and deadlines.
Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement
U.S. government regulations require that all J-1 visa holders maintain health insurance during the entire duration of their J-1 program. Failure to maintain health insurance coverage for the entire duration of stay may lead to the termination of your J-1 visa status and participation in your UCLA program. More information is provided on the Dashew Center website.
| | Important Resources for International Bruins | | |
Wescom Financial is the Official Banking Partner
of The UCLA Dashew Center
Need Assistance with banking?
Wescom Financial has been committed to helping Bruins build better financial futures for more than seven years by providing valuable and affordable financial products and services. When Bruins open a Wescom Financial account, they can enjoy free checking,* direct deposits up to two days sooner,** and much more.
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Drop-In Hours:
Counseling and Psychological Services
for International Students & Scholars & For Muslim Students
UCLA Counseling and Psychological services are offering Drop-In Hours for international students and scholars. Find the drop-in hours on the CAPS website.
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Healthcare at UCLA Guide for the 2024-25
Academic Year
UCLA Ashe Center has creative a helpful guide to students to learn more about how you can use the healthcare services on campus and with your health insurance. See the Healthcare guide here.
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Case Management Services
(UCLA Student Affairs)
Case Managers are available to assist students struggling with mental or physical health, facing unexpected challenge or crisis, or experiencing a personal loss. The Dashew Center has its very own case manager: Hillary Thomas is here to help you when you are stressed or need to talk through a problem. She can connect you to resources that will help you succeed academically, socially, and emotionally!
To contact Hillary please fill out this form.
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