ISO Events and Programs
Fall 2025 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 Graduate Students): Tuesday, August 19 1:30PM Funger Hall, Room 108
(F-1 & J-1 Undergraduate Students): Friday, August 22 3:30PM Student Center, Betts Theatre
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, August 20 10AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators & Panera)
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 21 10AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators & Panera)
New Faces, Shared Spaces: Welcoming Our Wonderful International Students
Get ready to connect! Stop by this event to enjoy delicious, internationally-inspired 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!
Monday, August 25th 1PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom
ISO Mocktail Social
Start off the semester by enjoying snacks, drinks, and 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, August 29th 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom
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, September 15 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom
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.
Friday, September 26 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, 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!
Tuesday, October 7 12PM Online (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.
Thursday, October 16 3:30PM - 4:30PM School of Media & Public Affairs, Room 310
Registration Coming Soon
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop 2
Are you interested in employment in the U.S. following completion of your academic program? Did you miss the first OPT Workshop or want to review the information again? 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, November 11 1:30PM - 3PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
Tax Webinar: Setting Up Your Sprintax Profile
Would you like to learn more about the software Sprintax and how it can help you to file your taxes as an international student or scholar? If so, we encourage you to attend this webinar!
Monday, September 22 1:30PM 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.
Wednesday, September 24 1PM Online (Zoom)
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 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 2 1PM - 3PM 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.
Friday, October 3 2PM Online (Zoom)
Registration Coming Soon
Tax Webinar: Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about the tax filing process, but unsure which questions to ask? If so, we recommend attending this webinar! The GW Tax Department will review frequently asked questions and the answer that they have provided to international students and scholars.
Wednesday, October 22 2PM 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.
Friday, October 31 1PM Online (Zoom)
Registration Coming Soon
Tax Workshop (In-Person)
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, November 10 11AM - 1PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday: U.S. Capitol Building
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.
Tuesday, September 12 11:30AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators & Panera)
Registration Coming Soon
Speak Easy Sips: Ice Cream Social Edition
The ISO invites you to join us for a Speak Easy Sips event to do just that: speak easily about your experience as part of the international community. This is an opportunity to connect with ISO staff over delicious ice cream, build community with your peers, and discuss any questions you may have. We will highlight key resources to support you and help you stay up to date with current events relevant to our global community.
Tuesday, September 16 2PM - 3:30PM Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
Speak Easy Sips: Coffee Hour
The ISO invites you to join us for a Speak Easy Sips event to do just that: speak easily about your experience as part of the international community. This is an opportunity to connect with ISO staff over delicious snacks, build community with your peers, and discuss any questions you may have. We will highlight key resources to support you and help you stay up to date with current events relevant to our global community.
Tuesday, October 14 1:30PM - 3PM Student Center, Continental Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday: Planet Word Museum
Join the International Student Community Ambassadors (ISCAs) for a fun excursion to Planet Word! Known as the "museum where language comes to life," Planet Word features interactive exhibits that examine how people learn languages and pass stories from one generation to another.
Friday, October 17 11:30AM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators & Panera)
Registration Coming Soon
Friday Funday - National 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, October 24 12:30PM Student Center, 1st Floor (Near Elevators & Panera)
Registration Coming Soon
The Haunting of Students Abroad: International Halloween Celebration
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!
Thursday, October 30 2:30PM - 4PM Student Center, 3rd Floor
Registration Coming Soon
International Friendsgiving
Join us for a heartwarming "Friendsgiving" celebration to relax and reflect before the busy exams/holiday season! We are thankful for YOU! Indulge in some fall treats, connect with friends, and create lasting memories.
Tuesday, November 18 TBA Student Center, Continental Ballroom
Registration Coming Soon