UConn international student Islam Mosa is ready to dramatically change the world of cardiac pacemakers; he’s winning awards and getting recognition for his work too. Mosa recently won the People’s Choice Award in the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition sponsored by Universitas 21. Read this terrific article in UConn Today and watch his 3MT presentation below.
http://today.uconn.edu/2016/12/innovative-device-could-offer-new-hope-for-heart-patients/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OfRBf_4RbI
Last Tuesday, ISSS welcomed dozens of international students to our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon! ISSS staff served some traditional Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce to hungry students in celebration of the U.S. holiday. For some it was their first Thanksgiving in the U.S.!
Students shared what they are thankful for this holiday season and took photos. ISSS staff is thankful for all of our amazing and inspiring international students! We hope you have a wonderful break!
ISSS Election Results
International students and scholars had a chance to voice their opinion on who should be the next U.S. president with a mock ballot box at the ISSS Front Desk. While turnout was low, the results may surprise you! The winner, with 15 votes, went to republican nominee Donald Trump. He was followed close behind by democratic candidate Hillary Clinton (12) votes. Gary Johnson (Libertarian) and Jill Stein (Green Party) each got one vote. And finally, the following candidates each got a “write-in” vote: Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama, and our own Arthur Galinat! Thanks to those who participated!
ISSS International Student Spotlight: Andreas Knappe
Watch the terrific video profile and read the story from November 4, 2016 on UConn Football team captain and international student Andreas Knappe. http://today.uconn.edu/2016/11/uconn-football-profile-andreas-knappe/
ISSS Welcomes New Advisors!
ISSS is happy to announce two new members of our advising team. Annie Casarella joined us in September. Prior to joining ISSS, Annie worked in non-profits around the Boston area serving minority populations and taught English in Ecuador for several years, for World Teach and the University of Cuenca. Most recently she worked for UConn’s School of Business as a Fiscal Assistant. Annie is the designated international advisor for undergraduate students in the Schools of Business, Nursing, Fine Arts, Engineering, Education, Pharmacy and the College of Agricultural, Health and Natural Resources. Sarah Manning also joined ISSS as an international advisor in October. Before coming to UConn, Sarah taught adult ESL learners for many years in many different setting. Most recently she was an International Student Advisor at a school in New Haven. Sarah is the designated international advisor for undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and UCAELI students. Please welcome Annie and Sarah!
NEW ISSS Advisor Assignments – Who should you contact?
With new staff, ISSS has shifted the designated international advisor contacts for students, scholars and programs. ALL international advisors can help you during Walk-In hours and regional campus advising visits. However, if you have questions to email, please contact your designated ISSS advisor below, based on your program of study:
Sarah Manning: CLAS undergraduate programs, UCAELI (ESL) sm.uconnisss@gmail.com
Annie Casarella: All other undergraduate programs, Pharm D annie.casarella@uconn.edu
Neena Kapoor: CLAS, Education, Pharmacy graduate programs neena.kapoor@uconn.edu
Maximilian Kort: CANHR, Fine Arts, Nursing, Law, Social Work and all Exchange Students maximilian.kort@uconn.edu
Jennifer King: Engineering graduate programs jennifer.king@uconn.edu
Rae Alexander: Business graduate programs rae.alexander@uconn.edu (temporary)
Arthur Galinat: Visiting scholars arthur.galinat@uconn.edu
Rae Alexander
Director
International Student and Scholar Services
The Olympic Torch
by Pauline Batista Souza da Silva, ’16 M.A.
As we all know, in spite of all controversy this year, the Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A Latin American capital we all know very well through the life stories of Pelé, Tom Jobim, Hollywood, Carmen Miranda and many other sources of the glamour 20th century entertainment brings.
Because eight years ago, me – from the Rio nobody shows in Hollywood (at least from an amicable perspective), a young woman who’s story has drastically changed, joined other 12 thousand Olympic Torch Bearers this summer.
I left the favela when I was 9 years old, moved to Paraty, a very charming town three hours away from Rio where my family has now become financially successful. I have always studied hard. I now have a bachelors degree as well as a masters degree and have already accepted a PhD candidacy offer. Nissan (one of the Olympic Games’ sponsors) found my story quite appealing and decided to make me an Olympic Torch bearer this summer. Precisely on July 27th, I crossed Paraty, bearing the torch and the hope for all of those who come from underrepresented communities in South America and who have ambitious dreams.
In Memoriam: ISSS remembers our former international student, Nataliya Plesha. We were saddened to hear of her recent passing, and will remember her for her warmth, humor and energy. In 2012, we asked international students to share with us photos that capture an important or significant moment from their life in the United States. Nataliya shared with us this photo from when she won a national award for teaching. She will be greatly missed.
http://dailydigest.uconn.edu/publicEmailSingleStoryView.php?id=59563&cid=24&iid=1932
Dear UConn students and employees,
Pick up your new passes for the Windham Regional Transit District buses under WRTD’s UConn/Mansfield “Fare Free” program. Blue passes for the “WRTD’s UConn/Mansfield “Fare Free” program” from UConn Parking Services expire July 15, 2016. The free passes are available for pickup at the Parking Services Office. UConn IDs will be required when you pick up your passes. The passes will be valid for use on the Storrs-Willimantic bus and the Willimantic City bus routes.
Details are as follows:
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We’re excited to share some good news with you.
Having been approached with concerns about the changes to the Windham Regional Transit District program, the University has decided to continue the WRTD Free Fare program for the upcoming year.
This reverses the earlier plans under which individuals would have purchased a pass for their WRTD rides. Those who have already purchased a bus pass will be reimbursed.
The free passes are available for pickup at the Parking Services Office. UConn IDs will be required when you pick up your passes. The passes will be valid for use on the Storrs-Willimantic bus and the Willimantic City bus routes.
The expired University blue passes will be valid until July 15. Unfortunately, any yellow pass provided by the Town of Mansfield to students or staff are only valid until June 30, 2016 when the Town’s program expires.
Anyone with questions can contact us at 860-486-1448, or you can send a message to transportation@uconn.edu.
Visit www.wrtd.net for full schedules.
The Center for Career Development is presenting two workshops specifically geared towards the international student job search.
Sign up for the workshop online at www.icworkshops.uconn.edu
Writing your American Résumé
Oak Hall 109
Thursday March 3rd at 4pm
What employers look for on résumés varies across the world. Come learn best practices of writing and editing your first American résumé. We will go over how to structure your résumé, what content to include, and how to strengthen your bullet points.
Navigating the Spring Career Fair as an International Student
Oak Hall 101
Tuesday March 22nd at 4pm
Career Fairs can be overwhelming; arrive prepared by attending this preparation workshop. You will learn how to approach employers, what to say in your “elevator pitch,” what to wear, as well as tips and strategies for international students.
