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What to Know About International Student Services at Us Colleges
International student services offices at US institutions provide campus assistance and a wealth of resources to assist with anything from visa applications and orientation to year-round activities.
“ISS usually stands for International Student Services, which indicates that these offices serve and support international student services during their journey of studying in the United States,” explains Lynne Vanahill, director of international support services at the University of Kansas.
She adds that foreign students might think of ISS as “their home base at the new university, a place to start and return to when feeling lost or confused.” Here are some strategies foreign students may use to make the most of their school’s ISS office before and after they come on campus.
Things to Do Before Leaving
Prospective foreign students should contact an institution’s international student services office before submitting an application or enrolling.
Go to an institution’s ISS webpage.
Students may assess the atmosphere and degree of assistance provided to foreign students at a school by visiting its ISS website. According to Vanahill, “The majority of ISS websites contain a plethora of information to assist prospective students in navigating available resources and specialized programming to help international student services adjust to life in the U.S.”
An ISS website typically includes contacts, information on contacts, campus resources, tutoring and language aid, accommodations, and visas. It may also include an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions.
Talk Online In conjunction with the ISS office
Prospective foreign students may speak with ISS advisors one-on-one via live chat or videoconferencing at many ISS offices. Students may also contact the ISS office directly via phone or email.
“Students are encouraged to contact the office or attend one of our webinars for prospective or newly accepted students if they are unable to obtain the information they are searching for,” Vanahill adds.
According to Vanahill, the ISS office at KU works with the admissions and recruiting departments to provide pre-arrival webinars on various subjects, from “Campus Life at KU” to “How to Request an I-20” for a student visa application.
Additionally, many ISS offices communicate with students and post information on social media sites like X and Instagram. Prospective overseas students may also send direct messages in addition to participating in live sessions and conversations on social media.
Obtain Immigration and Visa Advice
Students should contact ISS as soon as they have any immigration-related queries, whether about wait times or how to get a student visa.
“We are the only authorized source of immigration-related guidance at the university, but we welcome all inquiries,” says Rick Lane, the Institution of Illinois at Springfield’s director of international student services.
Lane especially urges students to contact them with “any questions about their non-immigrant student status, including how to get it, keep it, and get the most benefits possible, among other things.”
What to Do After Arriving at Campus
Students should intend to make the most of all campus resources and campus assistance offered by their ISS office as soon as they arrive.
Examine Advisory Services
For present foreign students, some ISS offices provide further consulting services beyond immigration and visas. According to Lane, foreign students should speak with staff members in person at the ISS office or by phone or email to address their academic, cultural, social, and personal problems.
“They feel comfortable discussing those with us, both because of the broad range of international living experience represented by our advisers, and because we have established a valued relationship with them since before they arrived in the U.S.,” Lane explains.
International student services should go to the ISS office at their university as their first resource for help, according to Jody Pritt, associate vice provost for international student services and scholar advising at Pennsylvania State University. For other inquiries, she adds, the office may assist in directing students to the relevant school resources.
According to Pritt, students may get cultural support and participate in activities and offers inside the Penn State community with the assistance of the ISSA team.
“As a team of encouraging advisors, we aim to provide our international student services with life-changing and purposeful experiences while they are attending our university,” Pritt said.
Take Part in Workshop Activities
International students should schedule time to attend seminars offered by the International Student Services (ISS) office at their institution on various subjects, including travel and money management.
National of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Qadi received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas in 2019. “I attended many of these workshops,” he adds.
He participated in seminars such as “Optional Practical Training and Academic Training for International Students,” “Essentials of Car Ownership for International Students,” and “Income Tax Workshop for International Students.”
Additionally, the University of Texas at Dallas hosts courses like “Study Abroad for International Students” three to four times a year. According to Josephine K. Vitta, senior director of international student services at the University of Texas at Dallas’ International Center, “every semester various sessions are organized in coordination with several departments on campus on topics related to student safety, health, transportation, and career preparedness.”
According to Pritt, Penn State’s ISSA office hosts many educational employment programs each semester to assist students stay current and knowledgeable about career opportunities.
“The students are eager to explore career opportunities,” Pritt asserts; “and we want to equip them with the knowledge and understanding to access those opportunities with as much ease as possible.”
Join trips and activities.
International students may also prepare to explore their new community via excursions and other activities organized by ISS offices throughout the year, such as summer festivities at certain colleges.
According to Vitta, the Foreign Center at UT Dallas arranges local tours to sports events, museums, and other sites to help foreign students learn about American culture and customs.
According to Pritt, Penn State provides foreign students with specialized counselors and global involvement coordinators who plan interesting off-campus excursions.
“From visiting iconic destinations like Niagara Falls and New York City to enjoying local farmer’s markets and historical sites, students have diverse opportunities to explore and engage with their community,” Pritt tells me.
Al-Qadi’s favorite activities were international trivia nights, excursions to Kansas City, and BBQ gatherings hosted by the International student services office at the University of Kansas. He claims the various ISS-provided services made him feel more accepted and active in the community. “This had a great positive impact on my academic, social, and cultural experiences at KU,” according to Al-Qadi.
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Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.
Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”
Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.
“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”
“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?
Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility
Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.
Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.
Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.
Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.
During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.
Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.
Canada India Tensions
Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.
In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.
No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.
Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.
News
Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest
A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.
According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.
Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.
In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”
“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.
“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”
Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.
Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.
Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.
“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.
“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”
The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.
PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.
In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.
The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.
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Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton
Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”
Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.
Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.
According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.
Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.
In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”
It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.
Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.
Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.
Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.
“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.
“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.
Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.
As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistanis Criminals
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistan Criminals in Canada
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