End-of-Semester Updates for International Students

Greetings, international students!

I pray that the fall semester is coming to a successful conclusion for you! As we approach the Christmas break, I wanted to write with three quick but very important updates. Please consider each question in bold below, and if a question applies to you, read the associated details carefully so that you have all the information you will need as we end the fall semester and move into spring.

• Are you ready for the cold weather? The College of Education & International Services has graciously donated hats, gloves, scarves and other warm gear specifically for international students. If you are in need of one or more of these items, please stop by the Office of International Student Services & Programs (AD 307) during regular office hours from Thursday, Dec. 9 to Thursday, Dec. 16, to see if we have something you need. We will also have Christmas treats and hot drinks available!
   
• Is your visa status expiring soon? Please check your program of study end date on your I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders). If the program end date is within the next two months, please email iss@andrews.edu right away so that we can advise you on the steps to take to stay in status.
   
• Are you traveling outside of the U.S. during the Christmas break? Please check to make sure you have the proper travel endorsements before you leave the U.S. and travel internationally. Your specific travel endorsement is found on the second page of the I-20 (F-1 visa holders) and on the right-hand side of the DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders). If you do not have a travel endorsement, or if the date of the last signature is close to or past the one-year mark, please come to the International Student Services office (AD 307) before you leave campus.
  
  The International Student Services office will close on Dec. 22 for the rest of the year, so you will need to come in for your travel endorsement before this date. Please also note that if your F-1 or J-1 visa is expired or close to expiring, you will need to renew your visa before you can return to the U.S. once you leave. Finally, please make sure that you carefully monitor all COVID-19 travel updates from the U.S. Department of State to make sure you have the latest information you need to travel internationally.

Finally, please note that the International Student Services office will be closed for the rest of the year beginning Dec. 22 and we will not be able to assist you after this date until the new year, so please plan accordingly, especially if you need a travel endorsement or a program of study extension on your I-20 or DS-2019.

All of us in the Office of International Student Services & Programs wish you a great conclusion to the semester, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christian Stuart, PhD
Executive Director
Center for On-Campus International Student Services