International Student Newsletter

Dear international students,

Happy spring semester, and a big warm welcome to our newest Terriers. We hope that you are enjoying the New England winter experience.

In the Announcements section of our newsletter, we are covering on-campus events, including the Spring Expo from Study Abroad and a special edition “Be My Valen-tea” workshop from the Student Wellbeing Center. We also have an exciting mentorship opportunity in foreign policy from a think tank in Washington, DC called Stimson. Lastly, grab your friends and show off your school spirit at the biggest men’s hockey tournament of the season: Beanpot! See you at the puck drop.

In the Employment in the U.S. section, we are interviewing Salloni Sunderaj, who will give us some insight into her life post-graduation.

In the Culture Corner section, we are giving you our best advice for spending a very Bostonian Valentine’s Day, a celebration of friendships, love, and self-love. Remember, this year it falls on Friday, February 14. Happy Cupid Day, Terriers!

In the ISSO Insights section, we provide some immigration reminders and inform you about the workshops happening this semester.

If you have any feedback for future newsletters, please contact Sheila Hernandez at sheilahz@bu.edu.

We hope that you have a good semester!

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Employment in the U.S.

Culture Corner

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and we are ready for it. But what is the origin story? And how can we celebrate the holiday?

The origins of Valentine’s Day have been long disputed, but there are two main theories that seem to consistently be mentioned. The first is that it is a continuation of the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, an event celebrating fertility by matching men and women and getting married promptly. The second theory is a more religious one with the Catholic Church recognizing several saints named Valentine. One Valentine was sent off to jail after secretly performing marriages against Emperor Claudius II’s orders. Meanwhile, another Valentine sent love letters to a woman while imprisoned, signing them off with his name. Despite varying accounts, the holiday’s romantic themes have endured throughout the centuries. Nowadays, people have included celebrating their friendships and themselves. Galentine’s Day, a term originating from a television show (Parks & Recreation), has become a popular way to celebrate amongst female friends.

Since Valentine’s Day can be stressful and nerve-wracking, we are here to help you plan low-cost and low-key but sweet itineraries around the Boston area for everyone, even just yourself!

If you like strolling down a winter wonderland, grab your walking shoes because you might try a few green spaces in Boston and Cambridge. The city skyline never disappoints on the Esplanade. Besides, it is conveniently on our campus! The Emerald Necklace stretches for a gorgeous five miles from Fenway to Jamaica Plain. End your trail at the Museum of Fine Arts, which is free admission with a Boston University ID card. The Southwest Corridor Park follows the Orange Line from Back Bay to Forest Hills, ending at Franklin Park and Arnold Arboretum. All paths offer scenic paths, and we would be remiss not to tell you to include pit stops with warm snacks and drinks.

Not into the outdoors? For our homebodies, you will need a few important things: some blankets, snacks, and candles. You can even make a whole day out of it by doing a Target run and then a movie marathon. We recommend our favorite rom coms: When Harry Met Sally (Apple TV and Prime Video), 10 Things I Hate About You (Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and Prime Video), Sleepless in Seattle (Apple TV and Prime Video), Crazy Rich Asians (HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV, and Prime Video), The Half of It (Netflix). For a complete list of the best rom coms, check out Vanity Fair.

If you are a major foodie, it might be the perfect time to put your culinary skills to the test. Start with a trip to Trader Joe’s and pick up charcuterie board foods. Pair them with a seasonal mocktail – perhaps something that is strawberry- or cranberry-based for a pinkish/reddish color. Add tapas-style plates or shareable dishes for a budget-friendly alternative that still has that fine dining flair.

Do the arts call your name? Head over to Newbury Street for Memory Shop, a shop that is full of photo booths. Print a strip of photos for as low as $8! End the day by catching an after-midnight movie at Coolidge Corner Theater (remember to buy your tickets in advance).

From all of us at Global Programs, happy Valentine’s Day!

If there are any aspects about American culture that you would like to learn more about, please email Sheila Hernandez at sheilahz@bu.edu.

ISSO Insights

We are delighted to welcome you back to campus for the spring semester! Please be sure to review the following reminders and information on the ISSO website:

Immigration Reminders

• Refresh your knowledge on maintaining your immigration status with these spring 2025 reminders.
• Submit all immigration requests to ISSO through the ISSOPortal.
• Connect with our Advisor-On-Call to ask quick questions and also schedule an appointment to meet with your ISSO Advisor for more in-depth advising. Please be aware that advisor assignments sometimes change, so it is always advisable to check your assigned advisor on the ISSO website.

ISSO Workshop Offerings

• Join ISSO this spring for an immigration workshop on topics including Post Completion OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, and Academic Training as well as workshops offered in partnership with the Center for Career Development and a local immigration attorney. Pay close attention to our very popular session “Immigration Options After OPT” happening in February if you are interested in learning more about employment visas such as the H1-B!

ISSO News Updates

Remember to check the News section of the ISSO website for any changes or updates that impact international students. As always, contact your ISSO Advisor with any questions or concerns.

The Compass

There are over 250 academic, housing, community, and employment resources currently on the Compass and each issue we will highlight two.