Berkeley International Office

Happy Oktoberfest from the Berkeley International Office!

Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration more than 200 years ago when Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The wedding was celebrated with multiple days of drinking, feasting and horse races. The celebration then became an annual event, and in the modern day is a chance to celebrate Bavarian culture, and socialize with friends and family.

Are you graduating this December? Do you want to work in the US?
The OPT application opens TODAY! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. See our application instructions at bit.ly/OPT-app

Our OPT & STEM OPT Document Check Workshops are scheduled for Fall 2024. If you will be applying for OPT or the STEM OPT Extension in the next few months, make sure to register for one of the workshops to go over your documents with a BIO advisor before submitting your application. We know this application is important for your future, and want to help you make sure you avoid some of the more common mistakes. Sign up now via the event postings in our Event Calendar: bit.ly/BIOallevents

One Page of Succinct Joy: Exploring Anna Jung’s Exchange Semester at Cal
“While I was loving my life at Cal, I have to say that I did encounter homesickness at several points. This is why I wrote about my dad’s car and the many memories that were associated with it. Whenever I would see a car that was similar to the car owned by my dad back home parked on the street, I would look at it wistfully, hoping that the door would open and he would step out— but obviously, that wasn’t possible,” Jung says.

Read more here: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/we-are-cal-anna-jung
Written by Praniti Gulyani

There is a new workshop series in town, and we are so excited to share it with you!! The "Our Difference is Our Strength" workshop series aims to equip students, faculty, and staff with the tools and skills needed to increase our cultural humility, to navigate discussions in times of conflict, and to tend to our own and each other's well-being when impacted by issues of bias and discrimination.

Don't miss out on the first event of this series, coming up in 1 week on Tuesday, September 24 from 5 - 6:30 PM. It will have both the option to attend in-person at the I-House Sproul Rooms, as well as to stream virtually through Zoom.
RSVP here to attend in person: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBldKrdyXJv-jTDRoTB_QF_FYF_O_S_0UrpHXfoSrKG1jF9A/viewform
RSVP here to livestream the event online: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvcu6prDssHNSb_9qDZ8gN9rdadAhon6FO

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival from the Berkeley International Office!
May the full moon bring you and your family joy, prosperity, and togetherness. Enjoy the mooncakes and lanterns!

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a Chinese harvest festival that takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The festival is celebrated with a full moon, which the Chinese believe is at its brightest and fullest size during this time of year. The full moon also symbolizes completeness and family reunion in Chinese tradition and literature, making the month a popular time for family gatherings.

Happy Chuseok! The Berkeley International Office wishes you a holiday full of gratitude, abundance, and delicious food!

Chuseok, also known as Hangawi or Korean Thanksgiving, is a major harvest festival and one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It's celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in September or October.

Kicking back at our Peer Mentor kickoff! Incredible weather, impeccable vibes ☀️ 😎

Re-posting with the correct date in the graphic!

Join us September 19 from 2pm -3:30pm online for the Fall Immigration Entrepreneur Worksho” with Bernie Wolfsdorf, State Bar of California Board Certified Immigration Specialist. The focus will be entrepreneurial, innovative and employment-based options for students to obtain green cards, work visas or other immigration relief.

RSVP here: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvd-CpqzgoHtKwa1w--rfD5IMtxRGwT-8O

Our first "We Are Cal" interview is out! Sanya Agarwal shares her perspective on community, acceptance, and omnipresent inspiration.

“I’m lucky to have found a solid friend group here at Cal,” she says. “As an international student, living away from home can get somewhat overwhelming. During finals week, for instance, I really miss having my mother around me. Back in India, she had her little ways of making exam time easier for me, and now that I’m away, I value that so much,” she adds. Read more here: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/living-berkeley/we-are-cal

Written by Praniti Gulyani

Coming up in 1 week! This workshop is free of charge and available to all international students, scholars and spouses! This workshop is designed to boost your academic and professional communication skills, Improve pronunciation, emphasis and stress on key words, effective use of pauses, and intonation to express ideas. This interactive opportunity will give you practical skills to increase your communication effectiveness. Don’t miss out!
RSVP via the event posting in our events calendar: https://bit.ly/BIOevents

CampusSIMs is designed with international students in mind:

With campusSIMS, you can activate your Mint Mobile phone number in minutes with eSIM, right from your phone. If you’re reading this on your phone, click the link below to download the Mint Mobile app and activate your number today. If you’re reading this on your computer, scan the QR code with your phone to begin activation.

Why should you get your U.S. phone number through campusSIMS? In addition to unlimited talk & text plus high-speed data on America’s largest 5G network, they also provide:
- Plans starting at $15/month with no contracts
- International credit cards accepted
- No US bank account required
- A U.S. phone number that’s ready to use as soon as you arrive in the U.S.

Get your U.S. phone number today and check one more thing off your list with campusSIMS. Safe travels!

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This information is provided as a service and does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Berkeley International Office.

Announcing the launch of the "We Are Cal" project! "We Are Cal" is a bi-weekly publication that brings you personal stories and unique perspectives through interviews with international students at UC Berkeley. Each post will dive into the experiences of a different student, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and journeys that make up our vibrant campus. From navigating life in a new country to sharing insights on their home cultures, our students will provide a glimpse into the global mosaic that defines life at Cal. We are so excited to share these perspectives with you!

The first interview will go live next Wednesday in our weekly bulletin. If you are interested in participating and sharing your story through an interview, you can fill out the interest form: https://forms.gle/ByfwqEk3dwtYdeba6

Are you an international student on an F-1 or J-1 student visa that wants U.S.? Then you want to attend our Employment in the U.S. webinar coming up in 1 week!

In this workshop, the Berkeley International Office will review the work authorization options available to international students for employment during and after their program of study at UC Berkeley, including on-campus employment, internships, and jobs after graduation. Jing Han, the Career Counselor for International Students at Berkeley Career Engagement will also talk about the job search process in the U.S., the services of Berkeley Career Engagement, the special resources and tips for international students, and the alternative options to job search in the U.S. The session will help you make the best use of the recruiting season in the Fall! All majors and degrees are welcome.

RSVP Here: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ldO6srT8uGtMApuD-cdCBCiMFNZ9Jqk2A

As you start the semester, remember to maintain full-time enrollment to meet your F-1/J-1 student visa regulations.
For undergraduates, this is 12 units or more. For grads it's 12 units or the number of units required by the department for all graduate students in the program.

Happy Labor Day from the Berkeley International Office! This holiday celebrates the contributions and achievements of workers everywhere. It's a day to recognize the importance of fair labor practices, workers' rights, and the labor movement's impact on improving working conditions for all.

The Berkeley International Office will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of this holiday.

The Global Pen Pal Program is BACK!

This program matches an international student to another student (either domestic or international) to allow students to make connections, and take part in cultural exchange.

Visit the Global Pen Pals web page for more information and to sign up by September 20, 2024: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/global-pen-pals

Berkeley International Office Fall 2024 Need-Based Financial Aid Applications Open Today!

Berkeley International Office (BIO) offers limited, need-based financial aid to international students:
- International Undergraduate Tuition & Fee Grants
- International Undergraduate Need & Merit-Based Scholarships (Fall only)
- International Graduate Tuition & Fee Grants
- International Graduate Parent Grants

International students who have been in their current non-immigrant status for over two semesters, who have experienced an unexpected and drastic change in their financial situation, who have eligible tuition and fees debt in the current semester, and who meet all other criteria are eligible to apply.

For more information and full eligibility criteria, see BIO's financial aid web page: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/aid

Applications are open now and will close September 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST.

Appreciation post for the superstars of our orientation events, the amazing ⭐Orientation Leaders⭐

These incredible students volunteer their time to welcome incoming international students to campus, answer questions, and make orientation possible. Thank you OLs!!

It was so wonderful to see our incoming international students (and Oski!) at our orientation events yesterday. We hope you had your questions answered in our student panels, met some new friends at the social events, and enjoyed being on campus in the beautiful sunny weather ☀️

BIO welcomes you and we are here for you whenever you have questions or need support!

This event is for new graduate students, who are receiving funding from UC Berkeley, to be able to submit all of their required documents to apply for an Identification Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a U.S. taxpayer identification number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s for individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number for tax purposes, but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN). You must RSVP to attend.

View the event posting in the BIO events calendar for more info, detailed instructions, and to RSVP: https://bit.ly/BIOevents

Enjoy bowls and burritos on BMO with $50 at Chipotle!
Kick off Golden Bear Orientation with a $50 e-Gift card to Chipotle.* For details on this and additional cash bonus offers go to bmo.com/berkeley or visit us on the first floor of the MLK Jr. Building.

*Conditions apply. Visit us at bmo.com/berkeley or visit the branch for offer details. Offer valid between August 9th and September 9th, 2024.
Accounts are subject to approval and are provided in the United States by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC

Don't forget to add the BIO Bcals to your Google Calendar! We have two different calendars for international students. The first is the International Student Reminders & Deadlines Bcal, which has helpful tips and important dates that may impact your international status. Having these reminders integrated into your calendar will help you stay on top of any upcoming tasks or actions you may need to take related to your international status.

The second calendar is the Events for International Students, which shows all BIO events including employment workshops, immigration events/webinars, social events, and much more!

Sign up using the links below:
International Student Reminders & Deadlines: bit.ly/bio-reminders-bcal
Events for International Students: bit.ly/bio-events-bcal

Still looking for a place to stay? Check out Residence Inn Berkeley! They have options for short-term stay as well as long-term student housing.
Embrace the suite-life at Residence Inn Berkeley, tailored for long term stays. Our spacious suites, with full kitchens, and distinct study and relaxation zones foster a balanced lifestyle. As you delve into your academic voyage, find blend of comfort and convenience, mirroring the vibrant spirit of Berkeley.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/residenceinnberkeley

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This information is provided as a service and does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Berkeley International Office.

Important changes are coming to the Berkeley International Office student advising schedule next week! As we enter the Fall semester, we will shift our advising model to morning virtual drop-in advising, and afternoon in-person drop-in advising.

Check out our student services web page for more information on our advising services: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/student-services

Wishing you a happy upcoming Fourth of July from the Berkeley International Office. The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

As a reminder, our office will have special hours for this week in observance of this holiday. On July 1 - 3, BIO will be providing virtual services only, with the physical office closed for in-person services. On July 4 & 5, BIO will be closed for all services.