Fall 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.
Orientation and Adjustment
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.
Tuesday, August 18 2PM Funger Hall, Room 108
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!
Thursday, August 20 10:30AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Guided Tour of the U.S. Capitol
Join the the 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. Limited spots are available, so secure your place now!
Friday, August 21 11:45AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators)
Immigration Support
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.
Wednesday, September 23 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Betts Theater (1st Floor)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop 1
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.
Monday, October 5 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Betts Theater (1st Floor)
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!
Wednesday, October 14 12PM - 1PM Zoom
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.
Date TBA Time TBA Location TBA
Registration coming soon
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop 2
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.
Wednesday, Nov 11 1:30PM - 3:00PM Online (Zoom)
Career and Professional Support
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.
Tuesday, October 6 11PM - 1PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom (3rd Floor)
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.
Date TBA Time TBA Zoom (Virtual)
Registration Coming Soon
Global Cafe: Resume Review & Coffee Hour
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 improve 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, October 15 1:00 PM Student Center 4th 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.
Date TBA Time TBA Zoom (Virtual)
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.
Date TBA Time TBA Zoom (Virtual)
Registration Coming Soon
Social and Cultural Exchange
New Faces, Shared Spaces: Welcoming Our International Students
Get ready to connect! Stop by this event to enjoy delicious appetizers as well as fun activities and great conversations with your fellow international students. Make the most of your first week with this exciting and tasty event!
Tuesday, August 25 10AM - 4PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
ISO Mocktail Social
Kick off the semester by enjoying great food, drinks, and a beautiful view with people from all over the world! Also stop by to meet members of the ISO staff and your International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs). There will be fun, friends, and prizes!
Thursday, August 27 11:30AM - 1PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
Friday Fundays
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 Closed
ISO Speakeasy Sips
Join us for a Speak Easy Sips coffee hour to connect with ISO staff and build community with your peers as you navigate new experiences at GW! The event will have a delicious assortment of coffee and hot chocolate as well as sweet treats. Moreover, the coffee hour will feature fun activities that gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1920s, such as card games, puzzles, and mahjong. We look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, October 9 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)
Registration Closed
Global Halloween
Join us for our annual "Haunting of Students Abroad: International Halloween Celebration!". Take a moment from your busy schedule to talk with globally-minded peers, play games, enjoy candy and treats, and paint a pumpkin with friends!
Costumes are encouraged but not required!
Monday, October 26 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom (3rd Floor)
Registration Coming Soon