Global Education Office

VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series

The VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series will consist of virtual advisor-led workshops, focused on topics relevant to the university’s F-1 students. During IEW, there will be four workshops on the following topics:

F-1 Travel
Nov. 18, 1 - 2 p.m. 

Traveling outside of the U.S. as an F-1 student requires a significant amount of pre-planning. This workshop will cover a number of travel-related topics, including the process for obtaining a travel signature, renewing an expired F-1 visa, and gathering the proper documentation to present upon reentry. Anyone looking to take a vacation or return home to visit friends and family is encouraged to attend.

Register

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Nov. 19, 9 - 10 a.m.

We know that the training experience gained through OPT can play a vital role in bringing to life the concepts learned in the classroom. We also know that applying for OPT and complying with OPT regulations can seem a bit daunting. These workshops are intended to help offer you clarity and confidence as you navigate the process.

*This workshop is intended for students who are graduating at the end of the current semester.

Register


Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Gaining hands-on professional experience prior to graduation can be vital for preparing students to enter/reenter the workforce. Pre-completion OPT authorization will permit you to engage in practical training in your field while simultaneously completing your coursework. This workshop is ideal for students with training opportunities that do not meet the academic requirements for CPT.

Register 


Post-Graduation Planning for F-1 Students
Nov. 21, 3 - 4 p.m.

Deciding what to do after graduation can be a challenge for any student. For F-1 students, this comes with the added responsibility of maintaining your status. Our Post-Graduation Planning workshop will outline the options available to students completing their program of study at the end of the semester, including getting a new I-20 to begin a new degree program, transferring out, training and employment, and more!

Register 

Register for all workshops

Dine Around the World Dining Experience

Monday, Nov. 18
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shafer Court Dining Center 

For students with corresponding meal plans, enjoy an international dining experience to kick off International Education Week, and taste cuisine options from the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia and East and South Asia.

Stop by to speak with international students and scholars and students who have studied abroad representing designated countries. Find out how you can experience studying and interning abroad as you sample delicious cuisine in Shafer Court Dining Hall.

Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students

Monday, Nov. 18
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.

Gather with fellow international students, domestic students, and VCU staff to share a Thanksgiving meal and cultural discussion. Menu items will include vegan and gluten free options. Please note that pork will not be on the menu items.

Students are welcome to register to attend this special dinner.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Showcase

Tuesday, Nov. 19
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Richmond Salons

Come learn about all the ways you can spend your spring break or summer abroad on a group program guided by VCU faculty!  

Spring 2025 F-1 Students - Pre-Arrival Meetup
November 20
9 a.m. EST

As new international students prepare to travel to the United States, they will likely have many questions. Attend this virtual Pre-arrival Meetup designed to help answer those questions and get you on the path to starting your academic journey as an international student here at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Topics covered in the Pre-arrival Meetups include:

• F-1 visa application
• Travel to the U.S.
• Housing
• Orientation information
• and MORE!

Register

VCU's School of Education is hosting the 2024 Joint Research Symposium: Educator and Educator Preparation in the Global Contexts.

Wednesday, November 20
8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 21
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Virtual

The first session on Wednesday, November 20, features a panel discussion on "Opening Doors Through the Visiting Scholar Program at VCU SOE: Diverse Perspectives from Brazil & China" led by VCU's Dr. Luciana C. de Oliveira, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Teaching and Learning; Dr. Yaoying Xu, Director of the International Educational Studies Center and Professor in Counseling and Special Education; and Dr. Michele El Kadri, Assistant Professor in Modern Foreign Languages at the University of Londrina (Brazil). 

The second session on Thursday, November 21, features a panel discussion on "Text Mining Across Borders" led by VCU's Dr. Chi-Ning (Nick) Chang, Assistant Professor in Foundations of Education and Dr. Moe Debbah Greene, Director of VCU's English Language Program and affiliate faculty in Teaching and Learning. 

This 2-day symposium also features both faculty and student researchers from around the world exploring the following topics:
Educator Preparation and Professional Development
Educator Well-being and Professional Identity
Educational Technology and Instructional Design
Social Justice and Educational Contexts

At the end of this symposium, two presentations will be honored with a $500 award and an invitation to contribute to an upcoming book edited by Dr. Luciana de Oliveira and Dr. Yaoying Xu.  

Please register for each session you plan to attend:
Session 1: Wednesday, November 20, 8 - 10:30 am 
https://vcu.zoom.us/.../tZEsc-utqTguHNH3qB0CLs7t_Lk96S5WCuvy 

Session 2: Thursday, November 21, 7 - 9:30 pm 
https://vcu.zoom.us/.../tZYqcOqgqzIpHd20IvhZK6cMsh0Q0hoOVE8-

ELP Tea Time with Rodney the Ram

Wednesday, Nov. 20
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
912 West Grace St.
3rd floor lounge

Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and great conversation with old and new friends as we celebrate International Education Week! Rodney the Ram will make a special appearance to help celebrate our international students. All are welcome for this fun-filled time of connecting with each other.

L&L Friendship Fund Reception for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Wednesday, Nov. 20
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons

This year's recipients of the L & L Friendship Fund scholarship, a fund established to help students with demonstrated financial need study abroad, will be celebrated during this reception. Prior award recipients who studied abroad during spring and summer 2024, as well as students selected in the fall cycle  will be recognized.

This event requires an invitation  to attend.

Empowering the Self through Indigenous Frameworks

Nov. 20 & Dec. 4, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Register

Attend the workshop, “Empowering the Self through Indigenous Frameworks,” with Ray John (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Ontario, Canada), Indigenous knowledge sharer and educator. Ray John will lead a workshop exploring the SHIELD framework, a holistic approach designed to uplift the self and foster self-awareness. Through guided reflection and activities, participants will learn how to better connect with themselves and others. This workshop is free and open to all!

Presented by the Humanities Research Center. Co-sponsored by the College of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Education, the Global Education Office (GEO), the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC), the Division of Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA).

J-1 Scholars Reception

Thursday, Nov. 21
3:30 - 5 p.m.
College of Humanities and Sciences’ STEM Building
817 W. Franklin St.

A reception will be held recognizing the scholars attending VCU on a J-1 visa. The occasion will feature Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who will speak about the accomplishments of the scholars and contributions they make to VCU.

This event requires an invitation and RSVP to attend.