Thursday, May 28, 2009
International Student & Faculty Services
Baker University Center Suite 348 One Park Place Athens, OH 45701 Phone: 740.593.4330 Fax: 740.593.4328 www.ohiou.edu/isfs/
International
What’s On Your Athens Bucke t List?
Voice
From an aritcle in The Post earlier this week, to conversations on Facebook and on Twitter, OU students have been buzzing about what’s on their Athens bucket list. Never heard of a “bucket list”? In the English language, the phrase “kick the bucket,” is a common euphemism for death. A “bucket list” is a list of things a person would like to experience or accomplish before they die. As the class of 2009 prepares to leave Athens, some soon-to-be graduates are comprising Athens bucket lists of things they would like to do in Athens before June 13. Whether you’re one of these graduating students, or still have a few years left, here are a few things we think you should check out before graduating.
In This Issue
Athens Bucket List Immigration Update Flag of the Week Tips for Success Announcements Upcoming Events 1 2 3
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Eat at the Burrito Buggy.
This mobile munchie mobile can be found on the corner of Court Street and Union Street. You’ve probably passed it 100 times walking to class, but if you’ve never stopped for a burrito, give it a chance before time runs out.
Check out Passion Works.
Ever wonder where all the colorful metal flowers came from in the Front Room? OU purchased them from an art studio called Passion Works, which supports collaborations between artists with and without developmental disabilities. Visit the studio to purchase a flower or just check out the art at 20 E. State St.
If you would like to add information to the International Voice, including events or announcements, e-mail Arden at ag192305@ ohio.edu. I-Voice Publication Specialists: Arden Gibney, Copy Roman Suer, Layout & Design
Explore The Ridges.
Aside from being rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the region, The Ridges is also one of the most diverse. Formerally known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, the complex is now home to many Ohio University offices, the Kennedy Museum of Art, a put-put golf course, and a variety of hiking trails.
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Immigration
Check the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019: Students who have an end date of 6/12/2009 on their I-20 or DS-2019 are reminded that they must apply for a program extension if they will not complete their program this quarter. Students must complete their program extension BEFORE 6/12/2009 in order to maintain their F-1 or J-1 status. Optional Practical Training and Academic Training F-1 students who wish to apply for OPT may begin the process up to 90 days prior to their program end date and up to 60 days after their program end date. However, we recommend applying 2-3 months prior to when you want to begin working to allow for processing delays. J-1 students wishing to apply for Academic Training MUST do so prior to the completion of their program of study. If you are interested in learning more, please schedule an appointment with an ISFS advisor. Travel Signatures Students traveling outside of the U.S. must have their immigration documents signed prior to departure. Please bring your I-20 or DS-2019, along with all supporting documentation (for example, financial support, change in major field of study, etc.) with you when you fill out a travel signature request form. You will need to allow up to two weeks for processing, so please plan ahead. When your documents are ready, you will be notified by e-mail. NOTE: J-1 students who are not sponsored by Ohio University must contact their program advisor for information on the procedure for having their DS-2019 signed for travel and reentry. ISFS cannot sign your DS-2019.
Update
WALK – IN ADVISING SCHEDULE
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with an advisor, you can stop by the ISFS Office located in 348 Baker Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., call 740-593-4330, or email isfs@ohio.edu.
ISFS advisors are available Monday – Friday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. to answer your quick questions pertaining to F-1 and J-1 immigration issues such as: • • • • • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Maintaining your status Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program Extensions Travel
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Flag of the
The Flag of Thailand
Capital City: Bangkok Population: 64,865,523 Languages: Thai, English
hailand has a national flag known as the Trairanga or tricolor. From ancient times, the country was known as the Kindom of Siam. In the seventeenth century, the flag was a plain red banner; later, a white elephant was placed in the center. In 1916, a flag showing red and white bands was adopted, and the following year a central blue band was added, to show solidarity with the Allies during World War I.
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Today, according to Nui, “The colors of the flag have a special meaning. The red means nation. The white means religion and the blue means stands for the king.” The country’s name was schanged from Siam to Thailand in 1939, but no change appeared on the national flag.
Courtesy of The Directory of Flags: A guide to flags from around the world by Charlotte Greig
Nui displays the flag of Thailand.
Map of Thailand and surrounding countries.
If you would like to see your flag in the International Voice, please contact Arden at ag192305@ohio.edu.
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Brought to you by: The International Student Outreach Team Tel. 740 593-1616 http://www.ohio.edu/counseling/
Tips for
Alcohol Awareness*
Success
Many things can affect your academics, and alcohol is one of them. If alcohol use is detrimental to your academic or personal life, you should do what you can to stop and keep healthy. There are many signs that alcohol may be a problem in your life. Here are some signs of alcohol abuse: • • • • Have you ever been in a car driven by someone who had been drinking alcohol? Do you drink when you are alone? Do you ever forget things you did when you were drinking? Have you ever gotten in trouble because of alcohol?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, alcohol could be a problem for you, but there are ways to remedy this. Getting help is essential, but there are things you can do for yourself to avoid alcohol’s harmful effects:
• • • • • Try spending time with people who do not drink much. Being around people who drink can be a bad influence. Only drink with people you know. Being around strangers while you are drinking can be dan gerous as you don’t know what kind of person they may be. Drink in moderation. Limit the number of drinks you will have per week, day, or even per hour. Try only drinking in calm social settings. Drinking in loud, crowded situations can be risky since there is a greater chance of physical harm. Try speaking to one of the supportive Counselors at Counseling and Psychological Services -3rd Floor of Hudson Health Center. They can work with you on how best to eliminate alcohol from negatively affecting your life.
If you know someone that abuses alcohol or any other substance and you believe they need help, please contact Counseling & Psychological Services at the number below. If you would like more information about how to be the best possible student, please contact CPS (Hudson Health Center 3rd floor, 740 593-1616) or email Dr. Sheila at Counseling.Services@ohio.edu.
* Adapted from Harvard University’s Health Services, http://huhs.harvard.edu/Resources/HealthInformationByTopic/AlcoholAndDrugs/ AlcoholScreening.aspx
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Announcements
What is the WellBeing Plan?
The WellBeing Plan is a new student health option created to enhance health and counseling services. It works together with your medical insurance to reduce the costs of health services on campus. You are automatically enrolled at the beginning of each quarter and it’s only $40/quarter.
How Does the WellBeing Plan Help Me?
Student Health Services: For sickness or injury, the WellBeing Plan covers your $15 copay for medical office visits, lab work and xrays. If you
DO NOT have the WellBeing Plan, you will be charged $15 for medical office visits, lab work and xrays. Counseling and Psychological Services: The WellBeing Plan provides 13 FREE individual counseling sessions per year and FREE group counseling. If you DO NOT have the WellBeing Plan, you will be charged $20 per individual counseling session, after the first free session, and $50/quarter for group counseling.
If I Want the WellBeing Plan, What Do I Do?
You don’t have to do anything! You are automatically enrolled each quarter. Save on outofpocket expenses and take advantage of these new benefits. For more information, please visit ohio.edu/wellbeing.
Division of Student Affairs Creating Community, Cultivating Leaders
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Upcoming
Vietnamese Cinema Series: “Buffalo Boy”
Date: May 28 Time: 6:10 p.m. Location: Yamada House
Events
Marti & Stewie
Date: May 28 Time: 9:00 p.m. - Midnight Location: Baker University Center 1st Floor Tonight Marti & Stewie will meet for a night of painting... on glass!
International Studies Forum
Date: May 29 Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Walter 145 The Center for International Studies will host an International Studies Forum Presentation titled “The Human Face of Fata” by Visiting Fulbright Scholar Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan.
PERMIAS Conversation Hour and Traditional Dance
Date: May 29 Time: Conversation: 4:00 - 5:00p.m.; Dance: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Location: Gordy 311
Latin American Studies (LAS) Potluck
Date: June 6 Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Richland Park
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International Student Graduation Party
ISFS will host a party to congratulate this year’s graduating class! Date: June 12 Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: South Beach (on South Green)
Families are welcome! There will be food, music, and fun!
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JAPANESE CONVERSATION HOUR
Do you want to learn Japanese culture, make Japanese friends, or practice your Japanese? Come join us! Every one is welcome
Tuesdays @5:10-6:00 Gordy 113
4/7 4/14 4/21 4/28 5/5 5/12 5/19 5/26 6/2 Ohanami (cherry blossom viewing) Making cherry blossoms Soran bushi dance lesson Conversation Movie Movie Marriage in Japan Paper plane competition Onigiri party
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? EMAIL TI994707@OHIO.EDU
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