01/24/2025
Join ISSS for an international community luncheon to kick-off this new academic semester.
We are glad you are here. Your presence enriches our campus community and society in countless ways. Your unique perspectives, talents and experiences contribute significantly to the creation of a vibrant University of Minnesota community where learning, teaching and research has a global impact.
All international students, scholars and families are welcome – those who’ve just arrived and those who’ve been here many semesters! We will include a brief program with ways to stay connected and access campus resources.
01/13/2025
During this webinar, Boynton Health, the Office of Student Health Benefits, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Housing & Residential Life will provide information about immunization requirements, vaccination access, health insurance coverage, and the University’s overall measures for campus safety.
12/31/2024
The University of Minnesota is hosting winter break events for both international and U.S. students who are here on campus or staying locally around the area. Join us to make friends, celebrate with each other, and have fun!
isss.umn.edu/programs/winter-break-social-hours
12/12/2024
Hey everyone! It’s Yewon, your GGI and a grad student in Educational Psychology. Here are some study tips that always get me through finals, and I hope they do the same for you. Good luck and stay cozy! 🍀📚👍
12/12/2024
Hey everyone! It’s Yewon, your GGI and a grad student in Educational Psychology. Here are some study tips that always get me through finals, and I hope they do the same for you. Good luck and stay cozy 🍀📚🧤
12/12/2024
Looking for a way to make new connections AND boost your resume? Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) is hiring and looking for energetic student leaders to serve as Orientation and Welcome Week Leaders for the summer of 2025. Build your leadership and public speaking skills all while assisting new Gophers in their transition to the U!
Meet new people, make new friends, and grow in your potential. For more information, please go to OTE’s website, click on “Leadership & Employment,” and select “Paid Positions” for full position descriptions and numerous benefits!
12/06/2024
More than 60,000 international students have attended the University of Minnesota since 1874.
Our alumni are prime ministers, Grammy-nominated musicians, civil rights leaders, scientists, and more. Discover some of their stories, and share your own at global.umn.edu/150/stories.
12/02/2024
Are you thinking of applying to UMN? Or questioning whether UMN is a prestigious school?
As a current student, I can assure you: it’s Jin-approved! Yes, THE Jin from BTS once rocked a UMN sweatshirt, instantly skyrocketing our fashion game and maybe even our application rates (just saying).
So, if you’re looking for a university that’s not just academically top-tier but also K-pop-icon-endorsed, UMN might just be your next move!
11/27/2024
Text in the ISSS Weekly Update:
1. ISSS office closed 11/28-11/29
The ISSS office will be closed along with the rest of the University on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving.
2. Post-Election Update & Travel Recommendation
Following the recent presidential election, ISSS staff has received questions from students about possible impacts for international students from the incoming administration on their experience. With every change in presidential administration in the U.S., there can be changes in the policies, regulations, and practices related to immigration. The change in presidential administration occurs on inauguration day on January 20, 2025, and ISSS will not know what changes may happen until after the inauguration. If or when changes come that impact UMN international students, ISSS will communicate those changes here in the Weekly Update. We encourage you to carefully read the information we share here and be cautious of information shared on social media by other sources. Also, each student’s situation is different so consultation with ISSS advisers may be necessary.
Based on this uncertainty, plus the possibility of bad weather or travel delays, ISSS recommends that international students traveling over winter break consider returning to the U.S. before January 20. Traveling early helps ensure you are back on campus in time for the start of classes. Additionally, we recommend that you check your email regularly during breaks to stay informed of updates from ISSS and the rest of the University.
If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact us. Please note that we have adjusted advising services this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We have regular services on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, we have email and appointments available until we close (3 p.m.) but no drop-ins.
11/25/2024
This time of the semester can be stressful and there are a lot of difficult things happening in the world. If you’re struggling, know you aren’t alone. Your professors, advisors, and so many others at the University, all care about you.
MentalHealth@UMN is a new service that helps students, faculty, and staff discover and navigate mental health and wellbeing support resources in times of need. Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or you’re trying to avoid one, MentalHealth@UMN puts all of your options in one place. Answer a few anonymous questions to find the right resources on your campus.
11/11/2024
UMN Homecoming parade with ISSS was a blast! Celebrating our diverse community, sharing smiles, and showing off our Gopher pride. Do you see yourself in the crowd? 👀🌍💛
11/11/2024
Looking back at the ISSS pre-parade event during UMN Homecoming! We had a blast celebrating UMN with friends and family, enjoying pizza, making posters, and sharing our unique cultures and backgrounds. Moments like these remind us of the vibrant community we’re part of! 🍕🎨🌍💛
11/06/2024
1. Cocoa, Cookies, and Calm
Wednesday, November 6
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
110 Heller Hall
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the US election while trying to keep up with your midterms or papers? Join us for a supportive destressing space where you can relax and take a breather to recharge. We hope it can serve as a place for you to unwind and connect with others
Take a break, breathe, and let’s come together to support one another in the community. You deserve cocoa, cookies and calm!
You are also welcome to join the UMN post-election space hosted by the Multicultural Center for Student Engagement in Coffman Union during this time.
11/05/2024
📣Join the Global Gopher Leadership Team!
ISSS is hiring undergraduate international students to serve as Global Gopher Leaders. It is expected to start in December, with a requirement to work during the summer and winter breaks. You’ll share your experiences, provide insights to new international students, and help plan and lead welcoming Global Gopher Experiences events. This paid position offers the chance to develop leadership skills while representing international student interests across campus. The pay rate will be $15/hour with an average of 15 hours per week during academic semester (additional hours during breaks).
📌 View the full job description in the link in our bio!
10/31/2024
Take a look at Small World Coffee Hour through the years! You can be a part of the history TOMORROW at the next SWCH at 4 p.m. at RecWell.
10/29/2024
Stop by the ISSS office anytime from 2-5 p.m. on Halloween for our annual Candy Crawl! 🎃👻🍬
Enjoy treats, snap fun photos with Halloween props, and meet our costumed student leaders. Your photos might even be featured on ISSS social media—don’t miss the sweet fun!
10/25/2024
ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI: The University of Minnesota is celebrating 150 years since the first international students arrived on campus in 1874. We are collecting stories from our international alumni to mark this milestone. We would love to hear about what you are doing now, your favorite memories of UMN, someone you met that you still talk to today, or anything else you'd like to tell us about your experience in Minnesota. Click the link in our bio to share your story!
10/17/2024
Here's a photo of international students in 1961.
Ali Bar Zeqar, a senior from Iran majoring in political science; Joqindar Singh Uppal, a graduate student in economics from India; and Luz Maria Rodriguez, a senior from Venezuela majoring in sociology were hanging out in front of Burton Hall 63 years ago!