ISO Events and Programs
Spring 2026 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 pre-arrival webinars each semester to welcome incoming international students. These webinars cover a variety of topics including U.S. Culture, Academic Life at GW, and Community and Support at GW. These webinars also provides peer-to-peer guidance on what life is like at GW as an international student and they are designed for 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 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 6 2PM Funger Hall, Room 108
( J-1 Students): Thursday, January 8 2:30PM Funger Hall, Room 103
Guided Tour of the GW Textile Museum
Join our 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 exclusive guided tour!
Wednesday, January 7 10:30AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Visiting the National Museum of Natural History
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) to see the most visited Smithsonian museum, featuring a collection of 145 million specimens and artifacts. From dinosaur bones to undersea creatures to the Hope Diamond, the National Museum of Natural History has something for everyone!
Friday, January 9 10:30AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
ISO Mocktail Social
Get ready to connect! Stop by this event to enjoy tasty snacks, refreshing beverages, and great conversations with people from all over the world! Also stop by to meet members of the ISO staff and your International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs).
Friday, January 16 11:30AM - 1PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
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 3 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
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.
Tuesday, February 17 1PM - 2:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
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.
Thursday, February 19 2:30PM Student Center, Room 307 (3rd Floor)
Registration Coming Soon
STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension Webinar
Students who hold degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of 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!
Friday, March 27 Time To Be Announced Online (Zoom)
Registration Coming Soon
Networking Webinar with the ISCAs
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) to learn about the #1 job search strategy: networking! They will help you identify strategies to develop your verbal communication skills so that you can effectively promote yourself to potential employers.
Friday, February 6 10:30AM Online (Zoom)
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 or scholar? If so, we invite you to join this in-person workshop hosted by the Tax Department's expert advisors.
Monday, February 10 11AM - 1PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
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. They will discuss useful tips and share resources available to you to help you effectively search and apply for jobs and internships.
Monday, March 2 10:30AM Online (Zoom)
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.
Tuesday, March 17 10:30AM Online (Zoom)
Registration Coming Soon
Guided Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building
Join the the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a guided tour of the iconic U.S. Capitol Building! Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the history of this famous landmark and its role as the seat of the United States Congress.
Friday, January 23 11:45AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Registration Coming Soon
Speak Easy Sips: Connect With Peers over Sweet Treats
The ISO invites you to enjoy some cozy beverages and sweet treats during our upcoming Speak Easy Sips event. Stop by for snacks, great conversation with your peers, and arts & crafts. We will highlight key resources to support you and help you stay up to date with current events relevant to our global community.
Thursday, January 29 1PM - 2:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
Registration Coming Soon
Pal-entine's Day: Celebrating Friendship
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a fun gathering where we highlight the friendships, support systems, and chosen families that make campus life meaningful. Create Pal-entine’s Day cards for your friends, roommates, family, or anyone who deserves a little extra appreciation. We’ll provide all the supplies you need for crafting heartfelt (or hilariously cheesy) notes. Enjoy an assortment of sweet treats while you relax, socialize, and celebrate the people who brighten your world.
Thursday, February 12 1PM - 2:30PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon