ISO Events and Programs
Spring '25 Events & Programs
The International Services Office (ISO) is committed to enriching the student life experience of all GW international students and scholars through programming and hosts a wide variety of events each academic year.
The ISO’s Programming is intentionally built around 4 support areas for international students, which include:
ISO Global Insider Monthly Newsletter
To keep up with the latest news for the GW international community, we encourage you to sign up for the ISO’s monthly newsletter. The Global Insider newsletter will include important news, immigration updates, event announcements, interesting student stories, fun self-care activities, and so much more! Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter below.
International Student Pre-Arrival Webinar
The International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) host a pre-arrival webinar each semester to welcome incoming international students. This webinar covers a variety of topics including U.S. Culture, Academic Life at GW, and Community and Support at GW. This webinar also provides peer-to-peer guidance on what life is like at GW as an international student and is geared toward students of all levels/programs!
New F-1 & J-1 International Student Orientations
Newly admitted GW students in F-1 Student status and J-1 Student status are required to attend mandatory in-person New International Student Orientations. At orientation, students learn essential information related to maintaining their immigration status as well as benefits that are available to them as GW international students.
Campus Scavenger Hunt
Explore GW's Foggy Bottom campus during this fun scavenger hunt with the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs)! At each stop, you will solve a new puzzle that leads you to another important location across the university. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to meet your fellow students and learn about key buildings, study spots, dining options, and much more! The scavenger hunt will take place after each New International Student Orientation for F-1 and J-1 students.
(F-1 Students): Tuesday, January 7 1:00PM Phillips Hall, Room B152
(J-1 Students): Friday, January 10 1:30PM Lehman Auditorium
Kennedy Center Tour
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (commonly referred to as the "Kennedy Center") is a vibrant cultural hub known for hosting world-renowned artists and performances. Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a tour of its historic performance halls and the opportunity to make new friends!
Wednesday, January 8 10:30AM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
GW Textile Museum Tour
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) at the beautiful GW Textile Museum! The Textile Museum houses an incredible array of textiles from around the world as well as the Washingtoniana Collection, which traces the founding of Washington D.C. through prints, maps, newspapers, and photographs. Don't miss out on this guided tour!
Thursday, January 9 12:15PM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
U.S. Capitol Tour
Join the International Services Office (ISO) for an exclusive tour of the iconic Capitol Building! Explore the heart of democracy while connecting with fellow GW international students. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the history of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Friday, January 31 1PM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop
Are you interested in employment in the U.S. following completion of your academic program? We invite you to join this in-person workshop hosted by the ISO’s expert advisors to learn how to obtain post-graduation work authorization while on an F-1 visa.
Tuesday, February 4 2PM - 3:30PM USC Grand Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
J-1 Employment & Academic Training Workshop
This workshop is for J-1 international students only. Join the ISO for this in-person workshop and learn about employment and academic training opportunities as well as how to maintain your status while working. J-2 work authorization procedures will also be discussed.
Tuesday, February 11 3:30PM - 4:30PM Duques Hall, Room 360
Registration Coming Soon
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshop
Do you plan to work or participate in internships during your time as an international student at GW? We invite you to join this in-person workshop hosted by the ISO’s expert advisors to learn how to obtain work authorization while on an F-1 visa.
Monday, February 24 2PM - 3:30PM USC Grand Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
Tax Workshop
Do you want to learn how to file your taxes and what's applicable to you as an international student? If so, we invite you to join this in-person workshop hosted by the Tax Department's expert advisors.
Wednesday, February 26 11AM - 1PM USC Grand Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Webinar
Students who hold degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT), in addition to their 12-month Post-Completion OPT. Join us to learn how to apply and get your questions about the process answered by our expert ISO advisors!
Thursday, March 27 12PM - 1PM Online
Registration Coming Soon
Networking Webinar with the ISCAs
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) to learn about the #1 job search strategy: networking! We will help you identify strategies to develop your verbal communication skills so that you can effectively promote yourself to potential employers.
Friday, February 7 1PM - 2PM Online
Registration Coming Soon
Global Grad Cafe: Coffee Hour & Resume Review
Calling all international graduate students! ISO invites you to connect, relax, and share experiences over a delicious cup of coffee. You will also have the opportunity to meet with our International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) to discuss how you can make employers fall in love with your resume as you prepare for future job/internship opportunities. We look forward to seeing you during this delightful afternoon of conversation and camaraderie!
Thursday, February 13 2PM - 4PM USC 307, 308, 309
Registration Coming Soon
Job Search Webinar with the ISCAs
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for this webinar about the job and internship search process as an international student. We will discuss useful tips and share resources available to you to help you effectively search and apply for jobs and internships.
Friday, February 28 1PM - 2PM Online
Registration Coming Soon
Ace Your Interviews Webinar with the ISCAs
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) to learn about effective preparation tips and communication strategies that will increase your confidence and help you stand out at virtual and in-person job interviews.
Friday, April 11 1PM - 2PM Online
Registration Coming Soon
ISO Mocktail Social
Get ready to connect! Kick off the semester by enjoying great food, drinks, and views with people from all over the world! Also stop by to meet members of the ISO staff and your International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs).
Thursday, January 16 2PM - 3:30PM City View Room, ESIA
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday: National Museum of African American History and Culture
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for an inspiring visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture! The museum showcases powerful exhibits that honor the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in stories that have shaped the nation.
Friday, January 17 10:15AM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday: Library of Congress
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a guided tour of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world and a symbol of knowledge and democracy. Explore its architecture, historic collections, and treasures such as the Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. This is a unique opportunity to discover the history and significance of one of the United States' most iconic institutions. Don’t miss out—we look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, January 24 10:30AM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
Speak Easy Sips - Coffee Hour Series
Join us for a Speak Easy Sips coffee hour to connect with ISO staff, discuss general questions, and build community with your peers as you navigate new experiences at GW.
Wednesday, February 19 1PM - 3PM ESIA, City View Room
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday: Portrait Gallery
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery! Established by Congress in 1962, the museum tells the story of America through paintings of prominent figures who have shaped the nation’s history, development, and culture. Don’t miss this self-guided tour! We look forward to seeing you!
Friday, February 21 1PM Meet on USC 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
Speak Easy Sips - Coffee Hour Series
Join us for a Speak Easy Sips coffee hour to connect with ISO staff, discuss general questions, and build community with your peers as you navigate new experiences at GW.
Wednesday, April 16 2PM - 4PM USC Continental Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon