Dashew Center's Monthly Newsletter - April 2026 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 | | |
Virtual Career Panel Mixer for International Graduate Students
Thursday, April 16th
Via Zoom
Are you a graduate student looking to go into industry? Hear from recent graduates and industry professionals as they share their journeys securing jobs in the U.S. across industries.
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Spring 2026
Language Exchange Program
Apply By April 6th, 2026
Are you working on learning a new language? Do you want to take what you're learning in the classroom a step further? The Language Exchange program connects language learners together to improve their conversation skills and meet people from around the world. Language Exchange is open to members of the UCLA community and all language levels!
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Envelope Art & Writing Magazine
Submissions are Open!
Now - April 27, 2026
Envelope is an Art & Writing Magazine featuring creative work from UCLA's International Student, Scholar, Faculty, and Staff community. When you open Envelope, you find poems, creative fiction, opinion pieces, digital art, drawings, paintings, photography, etc. The submission form is now open for the 2026 edition of Envelope Magazine and The theme is "Finding Belonging".
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English Language Circles
Wednesdays - via Zoom
Are you looking for a safe and supportive space to practice your English conversation skills? Join us to ELC, where you will have an opportunity to practice your English with other language learners. The circle is led by a native English speaker, who will help you become more confident in your speaking skills and who can answer your language and grammar questions.
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Global Bruins Year-End Celebration
Wed, May 20th at 5:30pm
at De Neve Plaza Rom
Join us to celebrate all global bruins on a fun evening with light dinner, entertainment and giveaways! Whether you are an international student/scholar or have studied abroad, we would like to celebrate you and the class of 2026.
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International Scholar Lunch Hour
Wed, April 29th, 2026
Bradley 300
Join us for our quarterly International Scholar Lunch Hour this Spring! Meet other members of the UCLA International Scholar community to socialize, connect, and expand your network.
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Weekly CPT & OPT Webinars
Wednesdays - via Zoom
Interested to know more about off-campus employment as an international F-1 visa student?
We host live sessions to prepare F-1 students to understand the process of applying for off-campus work authorizations.
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Need to Open a U.S. Bank Account?
Wescom Financial is Here for You!
Wescom Financial and UCLA Dashew Center have established a partnership to support the international community at UCLA. International students & scholars can now start to open an account with Wescom even before they arrive in the U.S.. Contact Wescom for more details.
| | UCLA Campus Events & Opportunities | |
UCLA Career Center Spring Events
Week 1
Kick off the quarter with events designed to help you explore career paths, build skills, and take action toward your future.
Stop by the Career Center throughout the week and don’t forget to grab a bear sticker while you’re there.
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Spring Grad Bar
Thursday, April 2 • 6:00PM – 9:00PM
Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Grad Bruins are invited to celebrate the start of spring with a social at Ackerman Grand Ballroom. Enjoy free food and drinks while connecting with fellow graduate students and making new memories in a relaxed, fun environment. RSVP Required.
RSVP HERE!
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Life Sciences Pathways Workshop by Career Center
Thursday, April 2 • 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Zoom
Not sure which direction to take within Life Sciences? This event will introduce different pathways and campus resources to help you explore your options and get started on your academic and career journey.
Learn more
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UCLA Recreation: Graphic Designer Position Available!
UCLA Recreation is hiring a Graphic Designer to join their marketing team. This is a great opportunity for students interested in design and branding to gain hands-on experience. The role begins remotely in Spring Quarter and requires availability through the summer.
Applications are submitted through Handshake.
Apply Now!
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Public Affairs Graduation Workshop
Friday, April 3 • 10:30AM – 12PM
Wednesday, April 8 • 1PM – 2:30PM
Zoom
Public Affairs majors graduating in 2025–2026 are invited to attend this workshop covering graduation requirements, commencement logistics, and resources to prepare for your final quarter.
Register Now!
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RISE Center Spring Tabling Events
April 4 • 1PM – 3PM
Bruin Walk
Stop by the RISE Center tabling events to grab snacks, pick up the Spring Quarter brochure, and learn more about wellness programs, workshops, and support services available to you this quarter.
More Information!
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UCLA Spirit Squad Prep Clinic & Info Session
Registration deadline: April 8 • 12:00PM
John Wooden Center
Interested in joining UCLA Cheer, Dance, or becoming a Mascot? Attend the Prep Clinic and Info Session to learn more about the audition process and meet the team.
1PM session: High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors
3PM session: Seniors, transfer students, current UCLA students.
Join here!
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Bruin Flea Market
Friday, April 10 • 3:00PM – 8:00PM
Westwood Village
Bring your spring energy to the Bruin Flea Market. Shop from 40+ vendors, enjoy music from live DJs, and spend the day thrifting, exploring, and hanging out with friends in the heart of Westwood.
Event Website
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Bruin Day 2026
Saturday, April 11
UCLA Campus
Admitted first-year students are invited to experience UCLA through Bruin Day. This special event gives future Bruins the chance to explore campus, connect with the community, and get a feel for student life at UCLA. Expect a fun, high-energy day full of discovery and celebration.
More Information!
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Teaching Kitchen Spring Workshops
The Teaching Kitchen is back this spring with hands-on workshops where you can learn new cooking skills and create delicious dishes. Whether you’re a beginner or already love being in the kitchen, these sessions are a fun way to build practical skills and enjoy great food.
Check their website for registration details, pricing, and upcoming sessions.
Learn More!
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The Great Dean CAKE OFF
(By UCLA Reslife)
Tuesday, April 14 @ 6pm
Sproul Landing Living Room
Join us for a fun evening of cake decorating, mini challenges, and community building with UCLA deans!
RSVP Today via Form
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Register a New Campus Organization (By SOLE)
April 15 – April 16
Thinking about starting a student organization? Registration for new campus organizations is now open for Spring 2026. All new signatories must attend a New Signatory Workshop during Spring One-Stop (April 15–16).
More Information HERE
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The Learning Centers Are Hiring
Application deadline: April 17
The Learning Centers are hiring students across multiple creative and engagement-focused roles, including Social Media, Graphic Design, Photo/Video, Music, Gaming, and Creative Wellness.
Pay: $18.20 per hour
Availability required: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Apply Now!
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Graduate & Professional Student Financial Coaching
(By UCLA Financial Wellness Program)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays • 9AM – 1PM
Meet one-on-one with financial wellness consultants to discuss budgeting, student loans, investing, and planning your financial future. Sessions are by appointment only and spots fill quickly!
Register here
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Career Week at UCLA
Career Week is back this spring with events and programs designed to help you take the next step toward your future. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to apply, there are opportunities for every stage of your journey.
Find out more!
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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 2026? 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). Students with spring 2026 degree completion date can now request an OPT I-20 from the Dashew Center and follow the OPT Application Filing Instructions to submit your complete OPT application to USCIS. For more information, please review the OPT Online Workshop, 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 workshop 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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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 a travel signature on your DS-2019 form prior to returning to the U.S. if you don’t already have one. To request a 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.
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.
Employment Authorization
Maintaining your J-1 status at UCLA requires written approval from the Dashew Center before starting any employment, including on-campus jobs or off-campus training. Whether you are a student seeking Academic Training or a scholar invited for an off-campus consultation, you must submit your request via the MyBruin International Portal to ensure federal compliance. Engaging in unauthorized work can lead to the termination of your SEVIS record, so please plan ahead.
| | 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. Please visit the Immigration Updates page for current information. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Dashew Center. | | Important Resources for International Bruins | | |
MyBruin International Portal
All Dashew Center F-1 related requests and documents can be accessed through MyBruin International. F-1 & J-1 students will be able to login using their UCLA logon ID and Single Sign-on (SSO).
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Case Management Services
(UCLA Student Affairs)
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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Filing Taxes as an international Student?
Learn More Today
It’s important to be aware that, as a nonresident student in the US, you’re legally required to file a tax return if you received US income during 2025.
In fact, even if you didn’t work or receive income in the US, you’re still obliged to file a Form 8843 with the IRS. Need to learn more about filing your taxes? Visit our Tax Resources Page and attend the upcoming workshops!
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