April 12, 2011

Mandatory Medical Insurance

Tuition is Due! If you do not pay immediately, your classes will be dropped!

Effective Fall Quarter 2011, all international students will be required to purchase Seattle Centrals medical insurance policy, offered through the Lewer Agency, at the time of registration.

Seattle Central will no longer provide Medical Insurance Waivers for students with their own medical insurance.
This change has been made to ensure that all students have adequate medical insurance coverage while studying at Seattle Central. The change should eliminate any confusion as to whether students meet minimum policy coverage requirements set by the Seattle Community College District. Fortunately, because all students will purchase the policy, LewerMark Insurance will lower the premium rates to $189/ quarter. Information on LewerMarks insurance policy can be found online at www.lewermark.com. You can also stop by the International Student Center to request for an insurance packet. New students will be given the insurance packets during New International Students Orientations. Should you have any question or concern about this new policy, please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Center at 907 E. Pine Street during our office hours. You may also e-mail or call us at: iepsccc.sccd.ctc.edu or (206) 587-3893. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except holidays.

In accordance with Seattle Centrals policy, tuition and fees must be paid in full within seven business days of enrollment or by the first day of the quarter, whichever comes first. Now that Spring quarter has begun, please pay any remaining balance immediately, and for any class that you added. You no longer have 7 business days to wait and pay for classes! Some of our international students were already dropped because of late payment and had to find different classes to enroll in. Don't let that happen to you! If you have any balance due for Spring quarter (even just $1), pay it immediately! The Registrar will drop your unpaid classes.

Make Up Orientation for NEW College / College Bridge Students Attention!

New College / College Bridge Students for Spring Quarter 2011 who missed the Orientation on March 24, 2011 are required to attend one of the Make Up Orientation sessions. You will not be able to register online for Summer Quarter 2011 if you do not attend the Make Up Orientation. We have 3 Make Up Orientation sessions prepared for you. If you are not able to attend any of the following sessions due to schedule conflict, please contact the International Student Center at: [email protected]. Dates, Times, and Locations Thursday Wednesday April 28, 2011 May 11 2:00 - 4:00 pm 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: BE 4159 Location: BE4159

Financial Assistance for Disaster Affected Japanese Students

Dear Japanese Students, Seattle Central Community College has authorized financial assistance for Japanese students who are affected by the recent disaster. Eligible students must meet the following requirements: Be enrolled as of January 2011 Be in good academic standing Have the appropriate non-immigration visa status (international student) Be from the regions hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami (including Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate prefectures) Students who meet the above requirements will need to submit a short essay, describing how they have been affected by the disaster and how the assistance will benefit their continuing education at Seattle Central. Assistance can go up to $3,000 per student. Interested students should submit documents to the International Student Center by April 30. Please contact the International Student Center if you have any question about this opportunity . Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except holidays.

Message from Dr. Brian Smith, Counselor for International Education Programs
Greetings! To our current students, I hope you had a satisfying conclusion of Winter Quarter. To our new students, I wish that you would have a great college experience at Seattle Central Community College. I know that the previous and current quarters have been especially difficult for many due to the crisis in Japan. Undoubtedly many of our Japanese friends here at Seattle Central continue to worry about family and friends who are daily affected directly or indirectly by the ongoing impacts of the devastating earthquake and tsunami. I have talked with many of our Japanese students about the safety of their families, and I am heartened to hear that in most cases our students families are safe though they face challenges in getting food and fuel. It is also true that since we live in an interconnected world those connections are especially strong within the Pacific Rim many outside of Japan are concerned about the regional environmental, economic, and health effects of these tragic events. IEP staff and faculty have heard from some of our other East Asian students that the disaster in Japan has evoked fears for their families and friends at home and even for themselves here in Seattle, which is susceptible to earthquakes. I know I speak for all staff and faculty in International Education Programs that our hearts go out to all of you who are personally affected by these shocking events and to you who are afraid of wider impacts in the region. As a counselor I tend to think about emotional and cognitive effects of prolonged exposure to stressful conditions. While we know that human beings are amazingly resilient, we also know emotional exhaustion can occur after a period of intense effort to respond to major changes and challenges. We also know that prolonged exposure to stress can affect learning and memory, so that some may notice difficulty concentrating on studies. So I hope that you were able to take some time during the break to rest and enjoy some recreation so that you can recharge the battery. Above all, be sure to draw close to one another for support. The best predictor of successful coping with crisis is social support. Along that line, I want you to know that the IEP staff and faculty are available to talk should you feel overwhelmed. Please call on us so that we can stand along side you during these challenging times. Best regards,

Brian D. Smith, Ph.D.

Counseling Faculty International Education Programs Seattle Central Community College South Annex 204 [email protected] (206) 587-2035

Important Dates:
Deadline to Add with Instructor Signature(s) April 15 Deadline to Drop College Classes w/o W on Transcript April 15 Deadline for 50% Refund on College Classes April 22 Last Day to Withdraw May 27 Memorial Day No Classes May 30 Spring Quarter Ends SCIE June 11 College June 18

Workshops and Information Sessions

Resume Workshop (Career Services Workshop) Thur. 4/14 at 1:00pm in BE 1102A Dont have a resume or want to improve the one you have? This workshop examines various resumes and gives tips on how to create a more effective one using the most current formats. Job Search Strategies (Career Services Workshop) Thur. 4/28 at 1:00pm in BE 1102A Dont know where to begin? This will help you get organized and develop an efficient job search strategies. Interviewing (Career Center Workshop) Thur. 5/5 at 1:00pm in BE 1102A This workshop will help you prepare for the job interview by analyzing your skills, specific experience and developing strong answers to challenging questions. Myers-Briggs Type Testing (Career Center Workshop) Thur. 5/12 at 12:00pm in BE 1102A Take a free personality test and figure out what careers best suit your personality type. The MBTI Theory and your individual results will be explained. Career Exploration Using Online Tools (wois.org) (Career Center Workshop) Thur. 5/19 at 12:00pm in BE 1102A This introduces users to the useful WOIS database. WOIS can help students and job seekers to research careers and majors. There are assessments that can help clarify your goals and develop a plan for your education and career path.

You know you dont want to miss this! Make new friends and enjoy delicious chocolate!

Tax Information for International Students

All international students are required to complete U.S. income tax forms each year, even if no income was earned here. Many students choose to ignore U.S. taxes, but this is NOT a good idea. We recommend that you complete all the required forms. If you earned income during the previous year, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid Social Security Number (SSN) for the tax forms. (You do not need a Taxpayer ID number if you did not earn income.) Its a good idea to start looking at the paperwork early; if you have questions you will be able to talk to someone before the deadlines. U.S. tax laws are complex and confusing, and the laws that apply to internationals are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens. SCCC/IEP staff members are not trained to give you tax advice. Instead, contact the IRS with your questions. If you cannot get the help you need from the IRS, you should contact an accountant or a company that specializes in income tax preparation (for example, H&R Block). The Internal Revenue Services U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens can answer many of your questions. It contains information about resident / non-resident status and how to prepare your tax return papers. This booklet is available online at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf Deadline to mail your paperwork: April 18: if you earned income in the U.S. (including job, practical training, and interest on investments). June 15: if you have no earnings to report. Forms for you to fill out: Form 8843: ALL STUDENTS and dependents are advised to complete this form, whether or not you earned money in the U.S. It is an easy, one-page informational form. 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ: If you earned any income last year you must complete one of these forms. Sources of income include any employment, practical or academic training, and any compensation received for labor. It also includes money from scholarships that is used for housing or meal expenses. Information and instructions to help you: SCCC sends out small cards showing how much tuition you paid during the previous year. You will not likely use this information; its sent to all students, and mostly used by Americans for tax benefits. Publication 519: U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens: This booklet can answer many of your questions. It contains information about resident/non-resident status and how to prepare your tax return papers. W2: Wage and Tax Statement: If you worked in the U.S., your employer will send you this information form to tell how much money you earned last year. Mail one copy to the IRS with your tax forms. 1099INT: Your bank will send you this form if you earned interest on checking or savings accounts in the United States. 1099DIV: This form reports interest earned on U.S. investments (stocks, bonds, dividends, etc). This is taxable income. 1042S: Scholarship information. Other Documents: You will need your passport, Visa, I-94 card, and I-20 or IAP-66 in order to complete the tax forms. It will also help to have the dates you entered and left the U.S. during last year. Where can I get the forms? www.irs.gov 800-829-3676 Library / Post Office 800-829-1040 215-516-2000 Official IRS web site you can view and print all IRS forms and instructions here. Call to request forms in the mail (toll-free number). Certain forms are available at the Downtown Library or the main Post Office (3rd and Union St.). General questions about U.S. taxes (toll-free number). International Tax questions (long-distance charges will apply).

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, La Conner, Seattle Premium Outlets

This event is sponsored by The PLACE Seattle. When: Saturday, April 30, 2011 Cost: $69 (The cost includes sales tax.) Enjoy fields of beautiful tulips, have lunch in La Conner, and shop for brand names at bargain prices at the Seattle Premium Outlets! Please make check payable and mail to: The PLACE P.O. Box 20731, Seattle, WA 98102 You can also pay with a credit card. Go to www.theplaceseattle.com, and click on Special Events. No refund unless the trip is canceled.

For more information, please contact: Mia Bailey The Pacific Language and Cultural Exchange, LLC Phone: 206.351.0121 e-mail: [email protected]

The deadline to pay is Thursday, April 21, 2011.

A Weekend Getaway in Vancouver, B.C., Canada Vancouver B.C., Canada

Spend a weekend in Vancouver! We will visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Lookout, and Granville Island (food, shops, & artist/craft studios). When: Friday, May 27 - Sunday, May 29, 2010 Cost: $289 The cost includes sales tax. Some students will need a Canadian visa. Contact the PLACE for more information.

Deadline to pay: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The cost includes lodging for two nights, entrance fees to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Lookout, and transportation. To pay for the trip, make check payable and mail to: The PLACE P.O. Box 20731 Seattle, WA 98102 You can also pay with a credit card. Go to www.theplaceseattle.com, and click on Special Events. For more information or questions regarding visas, contact Mia Bailey at 206.351.0121 or [email protected]. Note: No refund unless the trip is canceled.