To all our new and continuing International Students! We send our best wishes for a successful semester. Don’t hesitate to contact us or any of the other campus offices that are here to help you be more productive and content.
International Services ( I.S.) is located in the Global Education Center at 22 Normal Avenue. Phone: 973-655-6862 Email: international.services@montclair.edu Crossmail is the official means of sending you important information that may effect your legal status or your academic life. Be sure to read each Crossmail thoroughly.
Remember - The official method of communication at Montclair State is through your Montclair email account. You are responsible for checking your email every day and responding when necessary.
If you require documents/letters from our office you can now visit our website and request these documents online. Requests for Good Standing Letter, On Campus Employment Confirmation (Payroll) Letter, Social Security Letter, Request for Travel signature on I-20 or DS-2019, and Invitation Letter are available online.
Simply follow the instructions on the form, fill out the required information and submit online. You can then pick up the requested document from our office. Please allow at least 3 business days for requests to be processed.
Online Document Request is available on our website at www.montclair.edu/international and click on ‘Forms and Documents’ on the left navigation bar.
FULL TIME ENROLLMENT REQUIRED FOR F-1 AND J-1 VISA STUDENTS:
All students in F-1 and J-1 visa status are required by federal regulations to enroll full time each fall and spring semester. Full time is defined as 12 credits or more for undergraduate students and 9 credits or more for graduate students.
Do not withdraw from class(es) during the semester if it will put you below the required full time load as this will result in termination of your visa status. If you cannot enroll full time for any reason or you want to drop below full time load during the semester you must visit the International Services office immediately to discuss your situation.
VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
The office of Undergraduate Admissions is currently seeking three volunteers to represent the International Student population at Montclair State University on Tuesday, November 16th for the official website launch party for Study NEWJERSEY. www.studynewjersey.us Study NEWJERSEY is a non-profit consortium of colleges, universities, and accredited English language training centers whose mission is to promote New Jersey as an ideal destination for education, training and culture for international students. The event will take place at the Rutgers, New Brunswick campus from 3pm to 6pm. Transportation will be provided from Montclair State University. Volunteers will receive a thank you gift from the Undergraduate Admissions office for their services. You will be asked to share your experiences as an international student studying in New Jersey via a student panel. Each student will speak approximately 2 to 5 minutes. Below you'll find several talking points to help guide the conversation.
Name - Home Country - Major
How many years have you been studying in NJ?
What opportunities (cultural and other) have you taken advantage of, on- and off-campus?
Do you feel that the education you are receiving will prepare you well for the future--and why?
What are you planning to do with your degree after you graduate?
Why did you choose to go to school in this part of the United States?
What do you like most about New Jersey?
How would you describe NJ to other students who are considering studying in the United States?
Why do you feel that other students should consider pursuing their studies in NJ?
What advice would you give to others who are interested in studying in the United States? In NJ?
If you are interested in participating, simply respond to Nadia Sheikh, International Admissions Liaison at sheikhn@mail.montclair.edu. Please remember to include a copy of your resume.
UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN HEALTH INSURANCE WORKSHOP:
Have you wondered what to do with your insurance card, or how to figure out how much a doctor's visit might cost in the US? International Services is hosting a workshop this Thursday, Sept. 16, to answer your questions. To register, go to http://www.montclair.edu/IntlServices/ and look under "News and Events." While you're there, check out our other upcoming workshops, including ones that will help you in your job search.
WHEN: Thursday, September 16 at 12:00 noon - 1:00p.m.
WHERE: Global Education Center Conference Room, 22 Normal Avenue
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) WORKSHOPS FOR GRADUATING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
If you have an F-1 visa and are planning on graduating in December, you may be interested in applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows you to work in your field of study in the US for approximately a year after graduation.
OPT information sessions will be held at the Global Education Center (22 Normal Ave.) during the fall semester. If you want to apply for OPT, you must come to one of these sessions.
WHEN: Thursday, September 23 at 3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Friday, October 15 at 12:00 noon - 1:00p.m. Wednesday, October 27 at 12:00 noon - 1:00p.m.
WHERE: Global Education Center Conference Room, 22 Normal Avenue
SEVIS WORKSHOPS:
All F-1 visa holders new to MSU are required to attend a SEVIS workshop, where participants will receive their continuing attendance I-20s along with valuable information about maintaining their visa status.
WHERE: Global Education Center Conference Room, 22 Normal Avenue
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY WORKSHOPS:
Midterm tests and assignments are right around the corner! In this workshop, learn the definition of plagiarism, the American system of citing research sources, and what professors expect of your written work.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 14 at 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. & Friday, October 1 at 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.
WHERE: Global Location Conference Room, 22 Normal Avenue
CAREER WORKSHOPS:
Held in conjunction with the Career Services Center, these workshops will help you feel confident in your job search. There are three different workshops this semester: Self-Assessment (appropriate for students in any level of study); Resumes and Cover Letters; and Applying for Jobs. For fuller descriptions and to register, go to http://www.montclair.edu/IntlServices/ and look under "News and Events."
TUITION WAIVER SERVICE REQUIREMENT:
Did you receive a partial tuition waiver for this semester? Don't forget that you are now required to perform a service activity. You received a list of potential service activities with your tuition waiver approval letter. Contact Beth Calamia Scheckel at calamiascheb@mail.montclair.edu to provide proof of completion of the activity you have chosen.
CONNECTING ACROSS CULTURES:
Every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 pm in the Drop-In Center (the little house next to the Student Center) this group meets for conversation, snacks and an opportunity to make new connections and talk about multicultural experiences at MSU and beyond.
WHEN: Thursdays at 3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
WHERE: Drop-In Center (House next to the Student Center)
Do you have any questions or concerns? Visit us at:
