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New International Student Programming

To help new international students learn their way around USF, the Office of International Services offers a variety of optional sessions throughout July and August. Some sessions are facilitated by our staff and campus partners, and cover topics such as U.S. culture, navigating healthcare in the U.S., or getting involved as an international student. Some events on this list are hosted by other departments or organizations, and we'll encourage attendance by walking over together from the Global Student Hub (FAO 011). All sessions below are entirely optional, and most events do not require registration. Many of the sessions will be offered on multiple days and at different times, and where possible there will be options to attend remotely. Join us as your schedule allows, and we look forward to introducing you to all USF has to offer in the weeks ahead!

schedule of events | fall 2022

Getting to Know U.S. American Culture
Description: This interactive session led by the OIS Peer Leaders will help new international students feel comfortable navigating cultural differences in the U.S.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Friday, July 29 at 2:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Friday, August 12 at 11:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Wednesday, August 17 at 11:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually

Navigating the Tampa Bay Area
Description: No car? No problem! The OIS Peer Leaders will teach new students about their public transportation options, rental cars, and more. We'll also briefly cover some of the most popular local and regional destinations for international students and scholars to explore during their time at USF.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Thursday, July 28 at 10:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Thursday, August 11 at 11:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Wednesday, August 17 at 12:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

How to Find an On-Campus Job as an International Student
Description: Interested in finding an on-campus job at USF? This session is for you! The OIS Peer Leaders will be reviewing special topics international students must consider when looking for on-campus work, including applying for a SSN and finding the right type of jobs.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Monday, July 25 at 10:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Monday, August 8 at 2:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Tuesday, August 16 at 3:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

Getting Involved as an International Student
Description: Did you know that USF is home to over 700 student organizations, many of which are multicultural or international? This session is designed for new international students interested in making the most of their time at USF through campus involvement. The OIS Peer Leaders will teach participants where to look for event information, demonstrate how to use BullsConnect effectively, provide an overview of fun campus traditions to look forward to, and offer advice on how to meet new friends and make connections at USF.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Tuesday, July 26 at 2:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Monday, August 8 at 11:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Thursday, August 18 at 6:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

On-Campus Resources 101
Description: During this 1-hour session, the OIS Peer Leaders will provide an overview of the departments, organizations, and individuals critical to international student success at USF. This optional program is designed to supplement other orientation sessions and offer new undergraduate and graduate international students the chance to chat with current international students about tips and tricks for successfully navigating life at USF.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Wednesday, July 27 at 3:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Monday, August 8 at 10:00 AM EST | Attend this session virtually
Friday, August 19 at 12:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

Campus Tour
Description: Join the OIS Peer Leaders and/or our International Allies for a 1-hour walking tour of campus that includes stops at BEH, the Marshall Student Center, Student Services Building, USF Library, and many more! This tour will be led by current international students and include information about popular places among our international community at USF.
Location: Meet at the Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Monday, July 25 at 2:00 PM EST
Monday, August 8 at 3:00 PM EST
Thursday, August 18 at 7:00 PM EST

Library Tour
Description: Led by the OIS Peer Leaders and/or the International Allies, this 1-hour interactive tour will lead participants through a scavenger hunt through the main library. New international students and scholars will learn about library resources available to them, including interlibrary loans, how to reserve a meeting room, and more!
Location: Meet at the Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 3 times throughout July and August.

Tuesday, July 26 at 3:00 PM EST
Wednesday, August 10 at 2:00 PM EST
Tuesday, August 16 at 4:00 PM EST

Hurricane Preparedness
Description: Ready for hurricane season? Join our Director, Marcia Taylor, for tips and tricks to help you stay dry and prepare for Florida's unique weather.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 2 times in August.

Thursday, August 11 at 2:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Tuesday, August 16 at 5:30 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

Navigating Healthcare in the United States
Description: Understanding how to obtain healthcare in the United States can be a little confusing, so we invited Student Health Services to come share some important information you need to know to keep yourself healthy, avoid paying unnecessary medical expenses, and more! This session is designed for all new undergraduate and graduate international students.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011 and Microsoft Teams
Modality: Virtual Only on August 17; Hybrid on August 23
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered 2 times in August.

Thursday, August 17 at 3:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually
Tuesday, August 23 at 4:00 PM EST | Attend this session virtually

International Student Panel
Description: Current international students will share their experiences and answer questions about life at USF. Moderated by Assistant Director for Intercultural Programs Kristen Zernick, this panel will highlight important topics for new international students such as adjusting to life in the U.S. American classroom, making social connections, navigating USF systems, and more!
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Thursday, August 18 at 5:00 PM EST
Link: Attend this session virtually

Get Involved: Campus Recreation
Description: Hoping to explore Florida and beyond on one of Outdoor Recreation's many adventure trips? Interested in learning how to rent equipment, use the fitness facilities on campus, or get involved with intramural sports? We've invited our partners from Campus and Outdoor Recreation to come over to the Global Student Hub and speak to new undergraduate and graduate international students about programs and resources their department offers throughout the year.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 16 at 2:00 PM EST
Link: Attend this session virtually

Wal-Mart & Target Shopping Trip with INTO USF
Description: INTO USF will be leading shopping trips to Wal-Mart and Target on August 17, and these trips are open to all international students! The first trip will start at 2:00 PM and last until 4:30 PM, and the second trip will start at 5:00 PM and run until 7:30 PM. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for apartment supplies and learn how to take the Bull Runner to nearby stores. Participants will meet at the INTO USF Center in FAO 100 at either 2:00 PM or 5:00 PM, and we'll walk as a group to the bus stop. There is no cost to attend this event, but we ask that participants register using the link below so that we have an idea of how many will be attending. If you are a new J-1 exchange student, Global Student Hub staff will walk with you from your orientation to the INTO USF Center and you can plan to attend the 5:00 PM trip.
Location: Meet at FAO 100 (INTO USF Center)
Modality: In-Person
Contact: into-studentengagement@usf.edu
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 17 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM EST
Link: Register for the Wal-Mart and Target shopping trip

IKEA & International Plaza Shopping Trip with INTO USF
Description: INTO USF will be leading a shopping trip to IKEA and International Plaza on August 20, and this trip is open to all international students! Trip cost is $10 and requires registration in advance. Departing from the INTO USF Center, we will travel by bus to our destination at 10:00 AM and plan to return to campus at 7:00 PM. If you plan to go later in the day, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the stores. All trips and events payments are final. No refunds will be given. You are allowed to buy 1 ticket for you and 1 for a guest.
Location: Meet at FAO 100 (INTO USF Center)
Modality: In-Person
Contact: into-studentengagement@usf.edu
Date & Time: Saturday, August 20 from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM EST
Link: Register for the IKEA & International Plaza shopping trip

iStart Help Sessions
Description: Need some help preparing for your Immigration Check-In appointment? This session is drop-in style and meant for new international students who want some in-person guidance completing their Glo-Bull Start checklist. The Glo-Bull Start checklist is designed to guide students through all of the tasks they must complete as a new international student at USF, and it can be found in our international student portal, iStart. International students will use iStart throughout their time at USF, whether you're requesting a travel signature or applying for employment authorization (and so much more.) The OIS Peer leaders will be available to answer all of your questions about how to use iStart, complete all the steps on your Glo-Bull Start checklist, and make sure that you're ready to go for your Immigration Check-In appointment!
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This session will be offered almost every day in July and August! While it is drop-in style, please give yourself at least 15-20 minutes with us if you need assistance beyond a quick question.

Meet the Office of International Services at Orientation!
Description: Have questions about any of the new international student programming offered by the Office of International Services? Come say hello to the OIS Peer Leaders during the USF Resource Fair and let us help you get plugged into all the fun events we have scheduled throughout the summer and fall!
Location: Marshall Student Center Atrium
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Dates & Times: This event will be offered 2 times in August.

Monday, August 1 at 3:40 PM EST
Monday, August 15 at 3:40 PM EST

Thriving as an International Graduate Student
Description: This session is a part of the Office of Graduate Studies' orientation for new graduate students. Senior International Advisor Mary-Ellen Smith and Assistant Director for Intercultural Programs Kristen Zernick will share information about how to access our office's programs and services, as well as some tips and tricks for being successful at USF as an international graduate student.
Location: Microsoft Teams
Modality: Virtual
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Friday, August 19 at 5:00 PM EST
Link: New international graduate students who've registered for New Graduate Student Orientation with the Office of Graduate Studies will be provided with a link to this session.

Wednesdays with World
Description: Let's kick off the start of a new semester with some coffee and great conversation! Wednesdays with World is an international coffee hour program designed to create a space for cultural exchange between international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community with an interest in connecting with individuals from around the world. Each week, we highlight a different multicultural student organization or campus partner and ask them to share their culture through an experiential activity: sharing a recipe or cooking demo, creating a playlist, making a craft, showing a video, or even performing a skit or a dance. The purpose of Wednesdays with World is to intentionally bring together individuals and groups with an interest in making new connections, learning about the world, engaging in intercultural dialogue, and increasing global perspective. This event is open to all USF students, scholars, faculty, and staff.
Location: Global Student Hub, FAO 011
Modality: Hybrid
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 24 at 4:00 PM EST
Link: Attend this session virtually

Glo-Bull Games Series: Welcome Night with Men's Soccer
Description: Join the Office of International Services to kick off the season with USF Men's Soccer! We'll meet at the Global Student Hub and walk over to Corbett Stadium together. The Glo-Bull Games Series invites international students and scholars to cheer on their favorite teams at a variety of sporting events throughout the year. The OIS often partners with USF Athletics as well as professional teams in the area to offer international students and scholars exclusive discounts, tours, and unique opportunities to celebrate our international athletes and share sporting traditions from their home countries.
Location: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) to walk over to Corbett Stadium
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 PM (meet at Global Student Hub at 6:30 PM)

Glo-Bull Games Series: Welcome Night with Women's Soccer
Description: Join the Office of International Services to kick off the season with USF Women's Soccer! We'll meet at the Global Student Hub and walk over to Corbett Stadium together. The Glo-Bull Games Series invites international students and scholars to cheer on their favorite teams at a variety of sporting events throughout the year. The OIS often partners with USF Athletics as well as professional teams in the area to offer international students and scholars exclusive discounts, tours, and unique opportunities to celebrate our international athletes and share sporting traditions from their home countries.
Location: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) to walk over to Corbett Stadium
Modality: In-Person
Contact: Kristen Zernick at kzernick@usf.edu
Date & Time: Sunday, August 28 at 6:00 PM (meet at Global Student Hub at 5:30 PM)

Walk-Over Events

These events aren't hosted by the Office of International Services, but we picked a few programs that we think new international students might enjoy and put them on our welcome back calendar. It can be a bit intimidating attending events by yourself, so if you're looking for a group of new friends to explore campus with, plan on joining the OIS Peer Leaders and International Allies for any of the events below. All walk-over events will depart from the Global Student Hub in FAO 011.

Office of Graduate Studies End of Summer Meetup
Description: Join other graduate students for a chance to gather towards the end of the summer to relax, catch up and unwind. Light refreshments will be served.
Meetup Location & Time: Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 5:00 PM
Event Location: ALN 209
Event Date & Time: Thursday, July 28 at 5:30 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Office of Graduate Studies

WOW Kickoff
Description: This is a high energy event officially kicking off the start of a new academic year. Join us in the Marshall Student Center for the balloon drop, giveaways, food, and a celebration of all things USF.
Meetup Location & Time: The campus tour departing from the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 7:00 PM EST will end at the Marshall Student Center in time to get in line for this event.
Event Location: Marshall Student Center
Event Date & Time: Thursday, August 18 at 8:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: New Student Connections, Student Government, and Marshall Student Center

WOW Resource Fair
Description: The WOW Resource Fair brings together campus departments, student organizations, and other resources that will be critical to your success at USF. In addition to information about how to access programs and resources, many of the campus partners bring giveaways!
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 1:00 PM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center
Event Date & Time: Friday, August 19 from 1:00-4:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: New Student Connections

WOW After Dark
Description: Enjoy the last Saturday evening of summer with the Center for Student Involvement and the USF Alumni Association!
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 6:45 PM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center
Event Date & Time: Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Center for Student Involvement, Alumni Association

Taste of Career Services
Description: Meet our Career Services team in-person and learn about all of the programs and services we have to offer you this fall. You can also chat with representatives from our presenting sponsor, Aramark, to learn about their on-campus employment opportunities. Food will be provided!
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 10:45 AM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center Atrium
Event Date & Time: Tuesday, August 23 at 11:00 AM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Career Services

REC Fest
Description: Join Recreation & Wellness for their kickoff event! You'll learn about fitness facilities at USF, adventure trips, equipment rentals, intramurals, and more.
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 6:30 PM EST
Event Location: Campus Recreation Center
Event Date & Time: Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Recreation & Wellness

Bull Market
Description: This open air, weekly market hosts a combination of vendors, student organizations, USF Departments, and not-for-profit organizations showcasing their products and services to our ever-growing student population. After over 25 years on campus, Bull Market has become one of the largest and oldest traditions at USF!
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 10:30 AM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center
Event Date & Time: Wednesday, August 24 from 8:00 AM-2:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Marshall Student Center

LGBTQ+ and Ally Ice Cream Social
Description: All members of the USF community are welcome to stop by to meet campus and local resources supporting LGBTQ+ identities. Don't miss the chance to connect with students, faculty, staff, and community members who are committed to providing a welcoming experience for LGBTQ+ and allied students.
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 12:45 PM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center Ballrooms A-C
Event Date & Time: Wednesday, August 24 at 1:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Office of Multicultural Affairs

Movie Screening: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Description: The tradition of Movies on the Lawn began in Fall 1991 when a student named Stacy Bruels suggested that the back wall of the Special Events Center be used to screen newly released films. Until 2009, a movie was shown every Wednesday with popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, nachos, a variety of candy and other treats given out to students. Today, recently released movies are projected onto the Bookstore wall and played bi-weekly. All movies are shown on the MSC Bookstore Lawn or Oval Theater at 9:00 PM. In the event of inclement weather, an alternate location will be announced the day of the movie.
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 7:30 PM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center Lawn
Event Date & Time: Wednesday, August 24 at 8:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Center for Student Involvement

BullsConnect Day
Description: BullsConnect is oneUSF's student engagement platform! Stop by the CLCE table during the 2022 Fall Week of Welcome's BullsConnect Day for fun giveaways and to learn about how BullsConnect can help you connect with the many great USF student organizations, clubs, departments, and community partners! We will be giving live demonstrations on how to join BullsConnect, edit your profile and settings, search and RSVP for events, and much more!
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 11:00 AM EST
Event Location: MSC Atrium in front of the Clock Tower
Event Date & Time: Thursday, August 25 at 11:00 AM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

WOW Multicultural Kickback
Description: Interested in joining a multicultural student organization? You won't want to miss this fun opportunity to socialize with USF's multicultural community.
Meetup Location & Time: Meet at the Global Student Hub (FAO 011) at 6:45 PM EST
Event Location: Marshall Student Center
Event Date & Time: Saturday, August 27 at 7:00 PM EST
Department or Organization Hosting: Office of Multicultural Affairs and Center for Student Involvement