Tag Archives: scsu

Student Spotlight: Max Yong

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Say hello to Max Yong!
Max’s home country is Malaysia. He is studying Psychology at St. Cloud State University. In addition to his studies, Max is an International Peer Advisor Coordinator at the Center for International Studies.
Max’s favorite on-campus event was the snow-tubing trip organized by CIS for international students. Max enjoys watching the movie, The Kingsman, as he finds the scenes interesting. One piece of advice that Max would offer to international students is to get a portable heater for the cold Minnesota winters. Fun fact: Max also survived winter without winter shoes! (Not recommended.)

I-20 End Dates

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If the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 falls in May 2021, please review the following options for maintaining your status in the U.S.:

1. Apply for an extension of your I-20

If you have not yet completed your program of study, please follow the application procedures for a Program Extension for F-1 Students and submit a completed Program Extension form to CIS at least 2 weeks before your I-20 end date. Due to the pandemic, CIS is waiving the requirement for proof of financial support. Please note: the extension absolutely must be made by your I-20 end date. SEVIS will not allow us to extend your program after that.

2. Apply for OPT

If you are completing your program of study this semester, you may be eligible to apply for OPT. The latest USCIS can receive your OPT application is July 5, 2021. More information can be found on our webpage: OPT Application Procedures.

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CIS Staff Spotlight – Stephanie Trottier

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It’s Spotlight Thursday time!

This week we are highlighting our new Office Manager – Stephanie Trottier! She recently joined our CIS team and is excited to meet all of you!

Her favorite part about being with CIS is the opportunity to work with international students. She really enjoys getting to know students and learning about their culture! She’s also a new DSO. She’ll be working on travel signatures and I-20 reprints.

Stephanie is also a proud SCSU Husky! She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Global Studies and will complete her Masters of Public Administration degree in Spring 2022!

Stephanie’s favorite hobby is to make handmade earrings out of clay. One piece of advice she would provide for international students is to be active on campus and seek out new experiences. It’s the best way to learn about American culture and meet new friends.

Stop by our office to say Hi to Stephanie!

Welcome to CIS

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Hello Huskies!

We at the Center for International Studies (CIS) are happy to announce that we now have our own blog! We will cover topics for prospective, current, and past international students, as well as share information from our education abroad programs.

We have a team of knowledgeable and caring professionals who are dedicated and ready to assist you in your transition to the United States or to other countries like England, Germany and South East Asia for study abroad opportunities!

The Center for International Studies strives to create a community of international students and scholars by

  • Providing opportunities for international students to study at St Cloud State University
  • Creating international opportunities for U.S. students and Faculty for study, research, and teaching abroad
  • Assisting in creating international institutional partnerships which are designed to enhance the global dimensions of both universities

You are more than welcome to drop by the CIS office or contact us for any questions or concerns that you might have!

Follow us on our social media pages to keep up with the latest updates and events that we have!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CISstcloud

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCSUCIS

Instagram: @scsu_international

Tiktok: @scsuinternational

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPejwpA76LBVdgPvUwNEHwg?view_as=subscriber

The World is Your Oyster

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Ashlee Gibson

If I am being honest, I never thought that a person like me would end up having this incredible opportunity. Not only have I been able to travel to a whole new part of the world I have been fortunate enough to live for 3 months in a castle! I grew up in a single parent household living below the poverty line, yet here I am. I don’t want to take a single day in Europe for granted because this is an opportunity of a lifetime and I want to make the best of it. The world is your oyster after all.

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Images in this post are courtesy of Ashlee Gibson

The few days of packing before leaving for Alnwick were exciting yet difficult if I am being honest. I remember stressing over what to bring because I wanted to bring everything yet nothing at the same time. I was excited but it just didn’t feel real to me yet. I was excited to start my semester abroad knowing I will be with other students who are in the same boat as me and that I will have professors and faculty from Minnesota going on this journey with me, but also to help me along the way. I am going for elementary education and I have completed my generals and so none of the classes that were offered at Alnwick were required or could apply to my major. I am however learning a lot from my British professors and Saint Cloud State professor about the UK and its history but also its current events such as BREXIT, the shutdown of the Thomas Cook Firm, the plans of renewable energy at Alnwick, and the future plans of Newcastle. I came to Alnwick for the experience and to develop more of a global perspective and the experience has been phenomenal so far!

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