International Student Services Newsletter

J U L Y 2 0 1 7

S T AF F

Rick Lane Director Rachael Matingi Immigration Specialist Tracy Rakes Immigration Specialist Joel Short Immigration Specialist Jolene Vollmer Immigration Specialist Erika Suzuki Program Coordinator Varsha Bangera Student Worker Lauren McPherson Graduate Assistant Yu Shao Student Worker Rajat Sinha Student Worker

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Student Spotlight 2

July Celebrations 3-5

Springfield Events 6

Office Information 7

ISS has Moved

In case you missed it, the Office of International Student Services has moved from HRB 52 to HRB 10. Same building, just around the hall. Stop by and check out our new space!

International Student Resources from the

Career Development Center

Visit the career webpage for international students to view upcoming events and become familiar with career resources for you to utilize.

Recently added event: New International Student Resume Critiques: Friday, Aug. 25th 2-4 PM at SAB 50

There are also 2 recorded workshops about building and/or transitioning a resume.

How to Write a U.S. Resume Transitioning Your International CV to U.S. Resume

First Day of Access for New/Transfer Students for CareerConnect and other online career systems:

1. Students get access to UIS CareerConnect during the semesters they are actively enrolled in classes at UIS. Access dates are below. Summer 2017: May 15th Fall 2017: July 1st Spring 2018: January 1st 2. How do I get a UIS Student CareerConnect Account? You automatically will have an account created within 2 working days after you register for classes. Learn how to access your CareerConnect account.

Yu Shao (Christina) Where are you from? I am from Beipiao, Liaoning Province, China Tell us about yourself ... I love traveling, singing, playing instruments, dancing K-pop and watching anime and movies.

What is your major? I am majoring in Accounting with a minor in Music. What is your favorite movie and why? “Wasabi” is always on the top of my list. It is a French action-comedy movie. I

love the scenario, the music, the casts and their acting, the details in film shooting, the sense of humor, etc. I just cannot stop watching it over and over again because it is so amusing.

What #hashtag best describes you? #listener What is your dream car? Chrysler Minivan because it is a perfect one to go fieldtrip with families and

friends. What language(s) do you speak? Chinese and English. What tips could you offer new students? Get involved in campus life and students’ activities. Stay positive and be prepared

for any challenges since if it does not challenge you, it does not change you. Describe your home country and what you like best about it China is a developing country with rich cultural heritage and great potential. The

best part I love about my country is food. What is your favorite food in your home country and in the US? My grandma’s stew pork belly with my grandpa’s hot pepper sauce. I like Charlie

Parker’s horseshoe. What does life after UIS look like for you? Job hunting day and night.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S P A G E 3

Spotlight on...

Independence Day: July 4th, 2017

On Monday, Americans will gather to celebrate Independence Day, which marks an event of massive historical significance for the country. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence, adopted on 4 July, 1776. The Thirteen Colonies of America declared themselves to be states and no longer part of the British Empire. Fireworks, speeches, parties, feasts and general celebrations have marked the day since the 18th century. In Bristol, Rhode Island in 1777, there was a salute of 13 gunshots in the morning and evening. This was the first Independence Day celebration and ever since, the town has held the record for the nation's longest running Independence Day celebration. All major cities have fireworks displays, and there is also one given by the White House. As a national holiday, it also serves as an occasion for reunions and vacations. Happy Independence Day, America! Let’s join the Independence Day celebrations and enjoy the fireworks and the parade in downtown Springfield on Saturday, July 1.

World Celebrations Prepared by Student Ambassador, Harini Jilla

I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S P A G E 4

Bonalu: July 10th, 2017

The Bonalu festival traces its origins back to 1813, when the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad suffered from the Plague. This originated the belief that the Plague was a curse from the Mother Goddess- Mahankali. People started offering their prayers and food (Bhojanalu- Bonalu) to please the goddess so she would rid them of the disease. The mythological story and belief that revolves around the festival says that this is the time when Goddess Mahankali comes back to her parental home in Ashada Maasam during the period from late June to August. Daughters are often pampered in their parental homes. The festival involves the offering food of her choice to Mahankali. To this day, people celebrate this festival by expressing their gratitude for the well-being bestowed upon them, with much enthusiasm. The Bonalu Festival is very important in Telangana where it is celebrated for the whole month of Ashadam. In the days that follow, women set out from their homes, carrying brass or earthen pots on their heads. These pots are locally known as Bonam, and contain cooked rice with milk, jaggery, curd and sugar, and at times, onions. They’re decorated with Neem leaved twigs, kumkum (vermillion), kadi (white chalk), haldi (turmeric) and a burning lamp on the top. The procession of these women is often led by dancing men, performers, artists and drummers.

World Celebrations Prepared by Student Ambassador, Harini Jilla

I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S P A G E 5

Throne Day: July 30th, 2017

Throne Day, or the Feast of the Throne, is a very special day for the nation of Morocco, and it’s one of the most celebrated days of the year. It commemorates the 14th anniversary of the

enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The streets are usually crowded as people tend to enjoy their day off from

work and watch the celebrations. It takes

place on the 30th of July every year all over the

country, and it is considered to be one of

the main Moroccan national days!

World Celebrations Prepared by Student Ambassador, Harini Jilla

I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S P A G E 5

P A G E 6

Here are some highlighted area events published by Illinois Times .

Capital City Celebration

Jul 1, 11-12am. Dog pageant, live music, large kids area, food trucks and vendors. Fireworks at 9pm. Hosted by Springfield Jaycees. Fifth and Capitol streets, Downtown Springfield.

North End Lake Fireworks Jul 4. Rain date is Saturday, July 8. Lake Springfield.

The Knight’s Action Park Fireworks

Show will begin at 9:30pm. There will be a picnic at the pavilion from 7-9pm. AYCE brats, burgers, dogs, beans, slaw and soda for $9.95 for season pass holders and $32.95 to general public. Park your car and

enjoy this wonderful show!

Disney’s Newsies: The Musical Jul 7-9, 12-16, 19-23, 7pm Wed-Thu, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Captivating story of a band of underdogs who

stand up to the most powerful men in New York. $25 advance, $30 day of; $22 seniors and children. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Springfield Highland Games and Celtic Festival Jul 8. Dance, solo piping, drumming, band and athletic competitions and games, live musical acts,

vendors, kids activities, storytelling, food, animals and more. $10 per person; $5 ages 5-12, seniors and kids under 5 are free. springfieldhighlandgames.com. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St.,

Chatham.

Zoofari Jul 8, 11am-4pm. Kids of all ages learn how animals enjoy summer. Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend in for a checkup at the Teddy Bear Clinic. $5 adults, $2 children. springfieldparks.org. Henson

Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Amaranth Apple Festival Jul 14-15, 6pm-12am. Revival of Springfield’s favorite downtown food and music festival with many new

twists. Hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc. $5 admission per day. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Jul 21-23, 26-30, 8:30pm. Musical based on the Paramount Pictures 1954 film of the same name. Tickets:

$15 and $17 reserved; $10 and $12 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

Paint the Street Festival Jul 22, 12-7pm. Paint a 6x6 square on the streets of downtown Springfield. All supplies included. $30 per

square for members; $35 per square for non; $5 increase day of event. springfieldart.org. 523-2631. Downtown Springfield.

Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival Jul 28-29. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, kids

area. Admission. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield.

Elvis Memorial Show Starring Elvis Himselvis Jul 29, 7:30pm. Featuring a live band and back-up dancers. $16 adults, $15 seniors and students. hcfta.org.

Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

July in Springfield

Walk-In Hours

If you need to speak directly with

an immigration specialist, you can

come during walk-in hours, or

email iss@uis.edu to make an

appointment.

Monday– 2:00-4:00

Tuesday– 2:00-4:00

Wednesday– 2:00-4:00

Thursday– 2:00-4:00

Office of International Student

Services

Find Us:

University of Illinois Springfield

One University Plaza, HRB 10

Springfield, IL 62703-5407

Office Hours:

8:30-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Contact Us:

Phone: 217-206-6678

(country code 011)

Fax: 217-206-6680

Email: iss@uis.edu

http://www.uis.edu/

internationalstudentservices/

On Facebook

P A G E 7 I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S

Upcoming Summer 2017 Programming

Friday, July 14-Hiking at Starved Rock State Park, IL with Campus Recreation

Thursday, July 20-Canoeing in Sugar Creek, Springfield with Campus Recreation

Visit UIS Connection to register