Workshops & Sessions

International Student Services (ISS) offers workshops and sessions for our F-1 international student population in the Fall and Spring semesters. The generally fall into three categories: F-1 Regulations (CPT, OPT, travel, etc.); On-Campus Resources, and Off-Campus Resources.

• F-1 Regulations

  • Students can learn more about F-1 employment options and regulations, as well as general F-1 status maintenance (including travel). These are primarily held virtually via Zoom, with some on-campus offerings, and repeat each Fall/Spring semester.

• On-Campus Resources

  • Students can learn more about our on-campus resources in sessions tailored to our international student population from our partner on-campus offices and departments. These are primarily held in-person.

• Off-Campus Resources

  • Students can learn more about various off-campus resources that are essential and/or important to international students. These are held in a mixture of in-person and virtually via Zoom.

Many of the workshops and sessions are repeated each semester, but the on-campus and off-campus sessions fluctuate based on the current needs of our international student population and any trends or updates in the realm of international education.

Workshops and sessions will be scheduled in advance and displayed on this page, as well as updated as needed – so check back often! In addition, ISS will email reminders about upcoming workshops and sessions, so make sure to regularly check your Elmhurst email.

Spring Workshops & Sessions

Workshops and sessions are primarily held during the Protected Hour and in the Frick Center, so most are “Lunch and Learn” where you are encouraged to grab your lunch to bring (unless otherwise noted).

• January 2025

  • Off-Campus Resources Fair: Bank of America & AT&T
    • Dates & Times:
      • Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
      • Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Location: Illinois Hall Lobby

• February 2025

  • ISO Medical Insurance Webinar
    • Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
    • Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Join a representative from the ISO insurance company to learn more about your health insurance plan and using health insurance in the US.
  • OPT Webinar
    • Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Learn about OPT general information, eligibility, and the internal vs. external process to be authorized for it.
  • CPT Webinar
    • Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Learn about CPT general information, eligibility, and the internal process to be authorized for it.

• March 2025

  • Learning Center Workshop
    • Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Learning Center, A.C. Buehler Library
    • Info: Join us for an insightful workshop where we’ll delve into the differences between the college academic system in the United States and those in other countries. This session is designed for students interested in understanding how to navigate the Elmhurst Integrated Curriculum, engage in collaborative learning, and study more effectively. This workshop provides an overview of the liberal arts educational model, particularly in the U.S., and how it might differ from other educational models students may be familiar with. It will also introduce Elmhurst University’s Integrated Curriculum as its version of a liberal arts framework. Moreover, the workshops will cover guidance on how to identify and select courses within the system by understanding tags and Areas of Knowledge (AOK) classifications, strategies for students to take ownership of their learning and customize their college experience by making informed course selections.
  • WCCPE Series: Navigating the Handshake Platform
    • Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Melanchthon Room, Frick Center
    • Info: Have you heard of Handshake, but are unsure how to use it? Join George Martinez from the WCCPE as he provides a tutorial of Handshake, reviewing each of the screens to explain how it can be an effective tool in your internship or job search.
  • OPT Webinar
    • Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Learn about OPT general information, eligibility, and the internal vs. external process to be authorized for it.
  • WCCPE Series: LinkedIn 101: Making a Strong Profile for Success
    • Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Melanchthon Room, Frick Center
    • Info: Join George Martinez from the WCCPE as he offers guidance on how to make your LinkedIn profile as marketable as possible. Also, participants will be given tips to help make their LinkedIn scrolling feed more personalized and interesting!

• April 2025

  • Advising & Registration and Records Workshop
    • Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Melanchthon Room
    • Info: Registration and Records is planning on reviewing registration do’s and don’ts, how to update your personal information, i.e. address changes, name changes, etc., enrollment verifications, and Commencement.
  • WCCPE Series: Interviewing with Confidence
    • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Melanchthon Room, Frick Center
    • Info: Whether it is your 1st or 30th interview, it never hurts to get more practice. Learn from the WCCPE about the different types of interviews, questions to expect, and how to best present yourself to increase your chances of being offered the job!
  • “Ask an Immigration Attorney” Zoom Webinar
    • Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
    • Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom (students will receive invite)
    • Info: Join the session to hear important immigration updates and have your questions answered by an immigration attorney.
  • International Student Town Hall: PDSO Updates
  • Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Blume Board Room, Frick Center
  • Info: Join PDSO Tony to receive important immigration updates (“Ask an Immigration Attorney” summary will be included), learn about key campus resources from ISS and campus partners and have your immigration questions answered.
  • CPT Webinar
    • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Learn about CPT general information, eligibility, and the internal process to be authorized for it.

• May 2025

  • ISO Health Insurance Workshop
    • Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
    • Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    • Location: Bryan Room, Frick Center
    • Info: Grab your lunch and head to the Bryan Room for a session about the ISO Medical Insurance plan with an ISO representative. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers regarding the plan, coverage and all things health insurance.
  • Summer Break: Housing Application & Storage + International Student Travel Session
    • Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
    • Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom
    • Info: Join the Office of Housing and Residence Life to learn about Summer Break housing and storage, including application deadlines. Additionally, ISS will share information, reminders and updates about international travel during.