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Good luck with finals!
December 15, 2021

ISSS News & Events

Good luck on your finals!

The ISSS team wishes you the very best of luck with your finals and end-of-semester coursework. You're almost done! Be sure to take care of yourself and find some time to unwind as you tackle your final assignments of the year.


Important Travel Requirements and Reminders from ISSS

The holiday break is almost here! Last Friday, all international students received an email with some important reminders and considerations for traveling during the break. As you pack your bags, make sure to ask yourself these questions:
  • Do you have all documents required for reentry into the U.S.?
  • Will your visa be valid upon reentry?
  • Are you required to show proof of a negative COVID test upon boarding the flight from the U.S. to your destination country?
  • Do you have a valid travel signature from ISSS on your I-20 (page 2) or DS-2019?
If you missed the email or need a refresher, you can read the full text at the link below.
ISSS: International Travel Information »

End-of-Semester Study Breaks

Skating Thru Finals! Join us as we host a quick break from finals and wrap up the semester with some ice skating!  This event is free and open to the entire Penn community. Green Open Passes and Masks required! Thursday, December 16th, 9:10-10:40pm ET, Penn Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut St. Co-sponsored by the LGBT Center, Makuu, Greenfield Intercultural Center, La Casa Latina, and the Penn Women's Center

Skating Through Finals

📆 Thursday, December 16, 9:10-10:40PM // Penn Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut St.

Join Penn's cultural resource centers for an evening on the ice! The event is free and open to the entire Penn community; green Open Passes and masks required.
Study break with goats! Join us for fun with the Philly Goat Project! All goats are trained and with handlers

Study Break with Goats

📆 Friday, December 17, 3:00-5:00PM // Penn Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut St.

Come hang out with goats on Friday, December 17 from 3:00-5:00PM at the LGBT Center Patio at 3907 Spruce St. (outside event, but there will be heaters)! The event is open to everyone, especially those who identify as First Generation, Low-Income (FGLI). Email Yupu (yupuwang@upenn.edu) with any questions.
2021 Study Breaks. Check out all the sessions!

Fall 2021 Study Breaks

📆 Through Monday, December 20

Finals season can be stressful and it is important that you find time to take breaks and unwind. Join Career Services, Penn First Plus, Greenfield Intercultural Center, Kelly Writers House and others through next Monday for an opportunity to take a break and connect with your peers from across campus.
See the full study break schedule »

Academic, Financial & Career Resources

Tax Webinars and Resources for International Students

The 2021 tax season filing deadline (for income earned through December 31, 2021) is April 18, 2022. It's never too early to start preparing! ISSS partners with Sprintax to provide tax preparation services to Penn's international community. Check out our website at the link below for the full schedule of upcoming Sprintax webinars and workshops. And check out our tax page for an overview of the filing process. Remember that ISSS cannot provide individual tax advising; please consult Sprintax if you have questions about your filing situation.
ISSS Tax Overview Page »
Sprintax Open Tax Webinar Schedule »

Wellness Resources

CDC Logo

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: International Travel Guidelines

Having trouble understanding all of the new testing and vaccination requirements and how they may shape your holiday travel plans? Take a look at the Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Travel to the United States resource page on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Penn Parent Check-Ins. Come to an open discussion space for a deeper dive into parenting experiences, with layers of identity like race and gender there are deep waters to navigate when parenting and caregiving...but you are not alone out there! Lean into community to thrive!

Penn Parent Check-Ins

📆 Various times; See the full schedule

Join the Penn Women's Center, ISSS, the Grad Center, the Family Center and others for a deeper dive into parenting experiences. Many different targeted spaces are available, as well as a general check-in session on the first Thursday of each month.
View the Check-In Schedule and Register for a Session »
GAPSA International Student Affairs Fall 2021 Survey

GAPSA International Student Affairs: Fall 2021 Survey

GAPSA International Student Affairs (ISA) Committee would like to gather more information regarding the needs of and barriers faced by students, especially international students at Penn. The survey is completely anonymous and voluntary, but there is an option at the end if you wish to provide your contact. The survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Once you complete the survey, you can enter into a raffle to win free tickets to GAPSA events! Contact gapsa.international@gapsa.upenn.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Take the GAPSA ISA Fall 2021 Survey »

You are receiving this email as an international student, scholar, or interested community member at the University of Pennsylvania.

University of Pennsylvania International Student and Scholar Services · St. Leonard's Ct., 3819-33 Chestnut St. · Suite 305 · Philadelphia, PA 19104 · USA
+1 (215) 898-4661