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ISO Newsletter
February 15, 2019
Volume 4, Issue 6
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Dome of Barker Reading Room
MIT Libraries hours & locations here. Photo Credit: Christopher Harting
In this newsletter
Announcements

ISO closed on Monday, February 18

The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed in observance of the President's Day Holiday.
 

Tax Workshops in March & April

The ISO and VPF is offering several tax workshops again on March 6 and April 1, 2019!
See
flyer for more information. Open to international students, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens.

 

Glacier Tax Prep Software available late February

The ISO tax website will be updated in late February. We will be sending all international students an email about the updated website, which will also include links to the software Glacier Tax Prep to prepare your federal taxes. Please be on the lookout for the ISO email to you in late February 2019 for Tax Year 2018.

Beware of Scams during tax season

The ISO wanted to remind all members of the MIT community to beware of being a target of a scam, whether by email, phone, or by postal mail. Scammers often try to take advantage during tax season.

In recent weeks, we have heard from students and colleagues who have been contacted by a few common scams, so we wanted to provide a warning to you about the following scam scenarios. 
Please go to our website for more information about the different scams and 3 steps for how to protect yourself.
1) Please remain calm, 2) Do NOT give out any personal information over the phone or via email, and 3) Contact the ISO immediately!

Massachusetts Law on Marijuana Use & the Visa Impact

There have been recent changes in Massachusetts State Law regarding possession and recreational use of marijuana in Massachusetts. It is a VERY important reminder to international students that immigration laws reflect standards of Federal Law. Therefore, under current Federal Law, the possession and use of marijuana remains a Federal criminal offense. Please read more at the Recent News section of the ISO website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your ISO Advisor, which is by department (http://iso.mit.edu/about/student-advisor.shtml).

Internship or employment this summer?

Work authorization is required for any off-campus work. Sign up for required ISO Employment Information Session on iMIT to find out about off-campus work options. Plan 4 to 6 months ahead! Learn more about off-campus work options on our website.

Don't forget documents if traveling & returning to US! 

Bring your ORIGINAL I-20 or DS-2019 with you while traveling! Check NOW that you have a valid travel signature.
Note: It typically takes 2 business days to process travel signatures at the ISO.

See the
ISO webpage on entering U.S. borders for detailed information about returning to the US and what documents you should carry with you upon entry.
Culture Corner

Share your Confusion about American Culture

The ISO would like to hear from you! What are some confusing/surprising phrases or aspects of American culture that you would like clarified?

Please fill out this google FORM and let us know your thoughts. We may feature these in a future "Culture Thursday" post on Facebook!  

Culture Thursday Facebook post
 
Check out our Culture Thursday Facebook post from February 14

Difference between Valentine's Day on 2/14 and "White Day" on 3/14


Upcoming Events


ISO Events


LCE Afternoon Reset: 2/26 (T) & 4/30 (T); 3-4p, 10-105, Bush Room

 "How to Adult" Series:  Sign up at engage.mit.edu
2/21 (R) Etiquette Dinner  - this fills up fast!
2/26 (T)
Stress Less & Sleep Better
  3/1 (F); Dating 101

Tax Workshops: 3/6 (W) & 4/1 (M); 5-6:30p & 7-8:30p,10-250
Afternoon Break: 3/11 (M), 4-5 pm; E19-202


Past ISO Events

LCE Lunch: 2/13. Chinese food served in honor of Lunar New Year 
ISO & PDA Afternoon Break: 2/11 (every 2nd Monday)
Slides from Immigration Attorney Visit: 1/31 (IAP)
Coaching Well-Trained Fleas; 
Shayla Rivera talk: 1/29 (IAP)
MIT Resources Highlight


resources.mit.edu

Searching for anything MIT? Start here first!
Sleep Resources@MIT

Short videos on getting more quality sleep @MIT

Healthy Sleep with Victoria, '19. Life Skills from MIT students; produced by MIT Medical
Sleep@MIT; produced by MindHandHeart Wellness Working Group

If you would like a consultation on getting better sleep, contact Zan Barry at bars@med.mit.edu in MIT Community Wellness

 


MIT Events & Programs

Nourish: eating/body image wellness group. Register through Community Wellness
European Career Fair (ECF): 2/16 (Sa), 9a-4p, Johnson Athletic Center (W34). SignUp
Lunar New Year Dinner: 2/16 (Sa), 6p-8:30p, Forbes Cafe. Contact info
ASO Spring Dinner: 2/16 (Sa), 7-10p, Lobdell. Tickets
Feb Fest: 2/18 (M); 10a-5p; MIT Museum
February Internship Search Series: 2/19 (T); 7:15p-8:30p; 5-134.1st Year Ugrads
Taste of Japan: 2/20 (W), 6:30-8:30p, Lobdell. For Grad students

FiLmprov: 2/22 (F); 7:30p; Killian Hall, 14W-111
Apply for grant from De Florez Fund for Humor: by 2/24 (Su)
MIT Spouses & Partners- February Events 

Always check the MIT Events Calendar or the MIT mobile app to find out what's happening on-campus!


International Students Office
77 Massachusetts Ave
Building E18, Room 219 (
E18-219)
Cambridge, MA 02139 

 
Email: iso-help@mit.edu
Phone: (617) 253-3795
Copyright © 2019 MIT International Students Office, All rights reserved.


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