Foothill I-News

In the Spotlight...

Take a break from studying and working - a coffee break! The International Programs office will host the last International Student Holiday Coffee Hour of this quarter on Wednesday, December 6 in Room 5942 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, holiday cookies and other munchies will be cordially provided by our office for your enjoyment. International Student Connection club will also organize several interactive and fun-filled games with PRIZES and SURPRISE GIFTS.

Find out about an upcoming trip to ice-skate under the palms and stars of downtown San Jose in the middle of December; meet other international students, staff and International Student Connection members to celebrate the end of the quarter and get some serious holiday cheer.

Room 5942 is located in the Temporary Village (between parking lots 5 and 6 ) next to the Health Center.

Immigration & Administration

Holiday Travel: What Should You Know Besides Where to Celebrate the New Year

If you plan to travel outside the United States during the holiday break, it is critical to keep in mind important immigration regulations.

Travel signature on your I-20: You must have a valid travel signature on the bottom of page 3 of your I-20 to re-enter the country. If the I-20 is not signed or if the signature is more than 5 months old when you return to the U.S., you must request a new travel signature from the International Student Office before you travel.

If you need to drop off your I-20 in the International Student Office (Room 5922) for a travel signature, at this point the I-20 will be mailed to your destination when complete.
Valid Foreign Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of re-entry into the United States.
Valid US Visa.

For travel beyond North America

I-94 Card: Be sure to surrender your I-94 card when you exit the US (except for Canada and Mexico). Failure to do so may effect your eligibility to re-enter the U.S. You will be given a new I-94 card to fill out at the point of entry to the US.
Other documents: It is recommended that when traveling out of the United States, international students carry with them additional documentation such as: a) college transcript, b) financial documentation (bank statements, assistantship letters, etc. ) and c) a college ID card.
NSEERS for Students from 24 Countries: Special registration applies to all male students from the ages 16-45 from Afghanistan, Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan and several other countries. It is your responsibility to make certain that your entry and departure is documented by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) inspecting officer, EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE AND RE-ENTER THE US. Failure to follow the proper registration procedure could result in your being permanently barred from entering the U.S. For additional information on NSEERS registration procedure please see the immigration adviser before traveling.

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Transferring to a New School in January 2007?

Programs & Events

Ice-Skating in Downtown San Jose

Feeling tired at the end of the quarter? Get inspired while ice-skating under the stars and palms of downtown San Jose. International Programs office together with the International Student Connection will be organizing a trip for international students on Thursday, December 14. Downtown Ice is located in a spectacular setting - the Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art across from Christmas in the Park.

Skating will be at your own cost ($14 including skate rentals with a possibility of a lower rate if many people sign up). However, we will try to arrange transportation if you sign up for the trip in advance. The trip will take place in the afternoon; exact time to be arranged.

If you are interested, please stop by to learn more and to sign up during the Holiday Coffee Hour (see In the Spotlight) or email Viktoria Kolesnikova.

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Volunteers Needed for New Student Orientation on December 8

Would you like to meet new international students and share your experiences at Foothill College? Volunteers are needed for the first day of the new student orientation on Friday, December 8 between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to help during the ice-breaker interactive game, to share your stories and perspectives with new students over informal lunch and to make some new friends. To sign up please contact Viktoria Kolesnikova or meet us outside of Room 5001 at 12:30 pm on Friday, December 8.

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Foothill International Film Festival Photos

The Foothill International Film Festival 2006 was held November 13-16 to celebrate the International Education Week. The following films were shown: "Barber of Siberia" of Russia, "Three Seasons" of Vietnam/USA, "Le Dîner de Cons" of France, "Arisan" of Indonesia and "Nobody Knows" of Japan. The festival attracted over 150 students, faculty, staff and community members. Photos of the festival can be found in our photo album (on the bottom left).

Special thanks to the following volunteers who made the festival a success:

Associated Students of Foothill College; Larry Chan (ASFC Marketing Director), Vivian Chan (student from the UK); Darlene Culbertson (Director of International Programs), Luke Fry (student from England), Maisha Hayward-Smith (Academic Outreach Specialist), Yousif Hussin (student from Sudan); Elena Ivanova (student from Russia), Nataliya Koreka (student from Latvia), Hana Krulova (student from Czech Republic), Sheida Moghadam (student from Canada/Iran), Sherri Mines (International Student Office Assistant), Kelvin and Vincent Ng (students from Canada); Khan Nguyen (student from Vietnam), Daniella Paez (student from Colombia), Aurora Soto (Academic Outreach Specialist), Asya Sorokurs (ASFC Vice President of Activities) and Rediet Tesfaye (student from Ethiopia).

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Thanksgiving Dinner for Students Away From Home Photos

Inside the International Student Office (ISO)

ISO Closed December 22 - January 1

Transfer & Career Corner

Pay Attention to the Following Career Center Workshops

Around Foothill & Beyond

Spend Your Spring Quarter in Paris, France

Parlez-vous français? Spend your Spring Quarter in Paris, France with Foothill and De Anza Campus Abroad Programs. Immerse yourself in a language and culture that span the Middle Ages through the 21st century. Explore French monuments, churches, museums and galleries, as Paris becomes an extension of your classroom while you attend History, Art and Humanities classes. The program will start here on campus and continue in Paris for 6 weeks. All courses are transferable to the University of California and California State University systems.

Deadline to apply for the program has been extended until mid-December. International students are eligible to participate in Campus Abroad Programs. For additional information regarding implications to your immigration status you should meet individually with Arthur Levine, Coordinator of International Student Advising.

Requirements: Paris program is open to students who have completed at least 12 units of college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and are at least 18 years of age at the time of application. For more information, please visit the Foothill Campus Abroad Program website or pick up a brochure in the International Programs office (Room 5403). To apply please contact Art Turmelle as soon as possible as program space is limited: (650) 949-7614 or turmelleart@foothill.edu.

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Get Involved With The Sentinel - Foothill College Student Newspaper

Write about Foothill issues that matter to you and see your words in print!

JOIN the SENTINEL by BECOMING a GUEST WRITER! You do not have to be enrolled in the class. Just write an article on a subject that relates to Foothill College and get published! Please email us if you need a list of topics or simply submit your articles to TheSentinel@foothill.edu.
Sign up for English 114, Sec. 01 -2 units - Call # 1941

"Producing a Student Newspaper: The Sentinel"

Winter Quarter 2007

The class meets once per week (Mondays 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm) in Room 4004 (KCI), free Textbook (26 pages). Come to class, meet the editor, and learn more - then decide. Questions? Email: "TheSentinel@foothill.edu

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Advisor's Corner

It's the Holiday Season – But What Does that Mean? By Sherri Mines

For many Americans, the "holiday season" is a time to get together with friends and family, attend holiday parties, decorate their home, exchange gifts, and celebrate the end of the year.

In the United States the winter holiday season is a religion-neutral label, describing a period of holidays at the end of the year. The holiday season begins with Thanksgiving, and ends after New Year's Day. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, people begin shopping for gifts to give to their children and other family members. They attend holiday parties at their offices, at friend's homes or at restaurants throughout December. Many families decorate their homes and yards with multicolored sparkling lights, statues, and other decorations. Most families erect small evergreen trees in their homes and decorate them with colored lights and glittering ornaments.

NOTE: It is common for Americans to use the word "Christmas" as a generic term to describe all events and activities related to the holidays - they are not necessarily talking about the Christian holiday. Do not be offended by invitations to Christmas events - you are not being asked to a religious event, but to a party or other celebration.

THINGS TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS

A common activity around the holidays is to drive around the local neighborhoods looking at the displays. Search YouTube for "Christmas Lights Concert" for a light display set to music!

Local events during the holidays include: -- Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose

-- Fantasy of Lights in Vasona Park: a drive-through display of animated Christmas lights and fixtures

-- Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco

-- Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in downtown San Jose and Embarcadero Center in San Francisco

-- Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights

-- Pool Patio and More in Campbell has a very large room containing an elaborate display of decorated trees.

Most all businesses, tourist attractions and shopping centers are closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Years Day (January 1). A few restaurants, bars, gasoline stations and convenience stores will remain open.

THE HOLIDAYS AND RELIGION

Feast and festival days that are encompassed by the winter holiday season include Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Solstice, Yule, the Hopi Soyal, Las Posadas in Mexico, and the ancient celebrations of Zagmuk and Saturnalia.

Whatever your country or religion, enjoy the holiday season in the United States!

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