International in NWA

On this episode, we recap the three "keys" to helping F-1 and J-1 students maintain their immigration status - enrollment, employment, and expiry. Also, our special guest is Umer Rahman, who oversees the office of Graduate Student Support at the University of Arkansas. Don't miss an informative and inspiring conversation with Umer as he talks about his experiences, including his own "immigrant story," and how he works to serve graduate students at the university, helping them succeed and thrive on their journey.

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This time on International in NWA, we bring you a special double episode especially for our new students and scholars about to arrive. We'll talk with Sara Parrott, Assistant Director for Welcome & Belonging at ISS, as well as two of our Cross Cultural Mentors - Jossie Santamaria and Archy Pattanaik. They'll tell you about preparations for your arrival, how to get connected at the university, favorite things about Fayetteville, dealing with challenges, making friends, and more!

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International in NWA returns with an introduction to our two newest staff members at the office of International Students and Scholars! Nick Pevato and Kayla Milner are our International Student Advisors and they serve our F-1 students and F-2 dependents. Get to know Nick and Kayla and find out how they can help you!

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It's time once again to celebrate our graduating students!  We send our congratulations to all our students graduating in Fall 2022, and spotlight a recent alumna, Paulina Sobczak, who's making her mark in the world after making her mark at the University of Arkansas!

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This month we talk to two special guests - Andrew Van Lew and Sara Parrott - about the realities of life in the United States if you have dependent immigration status, and resources for making your experience here better.  Also, a reminder that International Education Week is coming soon!

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On this episode of International in NWA, it's time for "Ask Audra" and we're diving into your questions!  Find out about getting paid for research studies, career resources on campus, and concerns about inflation.

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In this special double episode, our guest is immigration attorney Adam Cohen, who talks about why it's so important to keep your own records of your immigration documents.  Adam discusses what types of documents are important and provides best practices for making sure your records are accurate and well-maintained.  

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On this episode of International in NWA, it's time for spring commencement again, and with that, time for summer immigration reminders for students.  Also, our special guest is Corporal Allen Porter from the University of Arkansas Police Department, who will talk with us about safety on campus!

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For international students in the United States, job hunting can be especially stressful!  In this episode, we talk with Kelsey Lavigne from College of Engineering Career Services about strategies and resources that can be helpful to students who are "job hunting while international."

In this episode, our special guest is Bri Roden from the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry at the University of Arkansas.  We will talk about how anyone affiliated with the University of Arkansas can access help from the food pantry or volunteer there to help others.  

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Our special guest for this episode is Cynthia Smith, Assistant Director for Outreach with International Students and Scholars.  Cynthia tells us about the celebration that is International Education Week (which, at the University of Arkansas, is really more like International Education MONTH).    Don't miss the excitement!

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On this episode, we're talking about Optional Practical Training - OPT.  Our special guest is Pietro Malky, a University of Arkansas alum who has some great advice to share with F-1 students who are thinking about getting work experience in the United States.  

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In this episode, our special guest is graduate student Lauren Alter, who is a player for Razorback Women's Tennis and an international student from New Zealand.  Lauren talks with us about her experiences coming to university in the United States and her advice for new students and scholars on how to feel at home in their new environment at the University of Arkansas.  We also give a shout out to the 10 current and former Razorback student athletes who competed in the Tokyo Olympic games earlier this summer.  Don't miss it!

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On this episode of International in NWA, our focus is new students who are planning to arrive for the fall semester - from applying for visas to knowing what to do when you land in Arkansas.  Our special guests are Namiko Bagirimvano, Assistant Director for Retention for International Students and Scholars, and her graduate assistant, Kiera Michailoff-Russell. 

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Welcome to our first-ever episode of International in NWA!  We're excited to connect with you in a brand new way through the world of podcasting.  In this episode, we're celebrating our graduates, talking about alumni involvement and upcoming events, and looking forward to all things summer!  Brought to you by the office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Arkansas.

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