Events and Workshops

Ongoing

• Global Connect Support Group (virtual) - This support group for international students is offered by Cook Counseling Center in collaboration with Cranwell International Center. This group is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. | Feb. 9, Feb. 23, Mar. 9, Mar. 23, Apr. 6, Apr. 20, May 4| 3-4:30 p.m. | To learn more, visit the sign-up form.
• Spring 2021 Virtual Office Hours with Cook Counseling Center - During our offices hours, you will have a chance to talk with a Cook Counseling Center counselor. You will receive an email with the zoom link and ID to join once you've signed up. | (4-5 pm, First Thursday of the month) - Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, May 6 | Sign-up

April

• International Café Hour (in-person and virtual) with the Latin and Iberian Graduate Student Association (LAIGSA) and Brazilian Students Association at Virginia Tech (BRASA) . This event will celebrate the tradition of yerba mate in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguary. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. | Apr. 2, 4-6 p.m. | Sign-up
• Virtual International Street Fair is a celebration of the multitude of cultures represented at Virginia Tech. Student organizations with an internationa focus will share videos and host online activities throughout the afternoon  | Apr. 25 | 12-6 p.m.
• Virtual Expressive Art Workshops series for VT International Students (Relaxation): A worry jar could be your place to put your worries. Let's create and decorate your worry jar together. (materials: an empty jar or small box, blank paper, glue, color pens or anything you want to use) | Apr. 29, 3-4:30 p.m. | Sign-up

Previous

March

• OPT Workshops (virtual): Learn about the process and requirements for applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  • Tuesday, March 2, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 11, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday, March 16, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday, March 24, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
• International Women's Day (in-person and virtual): Cranwell will host a celebration of women's accomplishments and contributions to society. Multiple time slots will be offeredin Blacksburg for students to watch a pre-recorded panel discussion with three distinguished faculty members, and engage in a peer discussion afterwards. Graduate students who would like to participate through the virtual option can pick up a participation bag in Blacksburg, Roanoke, or Falls Church.  | Mar. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. |
  • Sign-Up for In-Person Attendance
  • Sign-up to Pick Up a Bag for Virtual Participation
• International Café Hour (in-person and virtual) with with the Indian Students Association (ISA). This event will celebrate the culture of India. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. | Mar. 19, 4-6 p.m. | Sign-up
• Supportive Space for VT International Students: In light of recent incidents, Cook Counseling Center and Cranwell International Center would like to provide a safe space for international students. Please join us and each other for support.  | Mar. 25, 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Sign-up

February

• OPT Workshops (virtual): Learn about the process and requirements for applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  • Feb. 3, 5-6 p.m. | Register
  • Feb. 9, 5-6 p.m. | Register
  • Feb. 12, 12-1 p.m. | Register
  • Feb. 18, 5-6 p.m. | Register
• H-1B (WORK VISA) AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY WORKSHOP (virtual): Learn about H-1B work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. Registration is required. | Feb. 23, 5-6 p.m. | Register
• Virtual Expressive Art Workshops series for VT International Students (Self Exploration) : How do you see yourself? How do your friends describe you? We will draw a self-portrait together and explore inner thoughts and emotions. (Materials: paper, color pens, crayons or anything you want to use) | Feb. 25, 3-4:30 p.m. | Sign-up
•  International Café Hour (in-person and virtual) with the Japanese Cultural Association (JCA). This event will celebrate Japanese pop culture. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. | Feb. 26, 4-6 p.m. | Sign-up

January

• Global Trivia Night - All Virginia Tech students are welcome to join this virtual event! Answer questions about worldcultures, geography, food, history, language, and more to win a prize at the end of each round. | Thursday, Jan. 21,  at 7 p.m. 
• International Café Hour (in-person and virtual) with the Caribbean Students Association (CaribSO). This event will celebrate the cultures of the Caribbean. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. | Jan. 29, 4-6 p.m.

December

• Student Life Events: Winter Break Hangouts - Eat snacks and play board games with other international students and Cranwell Staff.  Dec. 23, 1:30-3:30, and Jan. 5, 1:30-3:30. | Space is limited, and advanced sign-up is required.

November

• November Virtual Program:  Final Exams Study Skills Workshop (virtual), in collaboration with The Student Success Center - Feeling unmotivated? Struggling with procrastination? Needing a little boost on exam taking strategies? Join this workshop and learn about time management skills, approaches to different types of exam questions, and more. | November 11, 5-6 PM (EST) | Link to Recording

• OPT Workshop (virtual): November 5, 5-6 PM
• November Cultural Event: International Café Hour featuring Iran (physical and virtual) in collaboration with the Iranian Student Society at Virginia Tech - this event will celebrate the culture of Iran. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. November 6, 4-6 PM
• November Student Life Event: Snow Globe Day- Make your own snow globe, and learn about the history of these ornaments. Nov. 13, 1-4 PM

October

• October Virtual Program:  De-stress Workshop (virtual): in collaboration with Cook Counseling Center – this workshop will provide you with some tips on stress management, and you will learn about the new services at Cook Counseling Center | October 13, 5-6 p.m. 
• October Virtual Program: Career Networking for International Students presented in collboration with the Pamplin International Programs Office and the College of Engineering International Programs Office - Join this workshop to explore the importance and advantages of networking as well as the challenges and the skills required to be successful in building a network. | Oct. 28, Noon to 1 p.m. | Link to Recording
• October Cultural Event: International Café Hour featuring Israel (physical and virtual) in collaboration with Friends of Israel at Virginia Tech - this event will celebrate the culture of Israel. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. October 16, 4-6 PM 
• October Immigration Services Programs (virtual): OPT Workshops learn about the regulations and procedures for optional practical training (OPT).
  • Tuesday, October 6th, 5:00 - 6:00 PM 
  • Tuesday, October 20th, Noon - 1:00 PM 
  • Thursday, November 5th, 5:00-6:00 PM 
• October Student Life Event: International Trick or Treat- Taste candy from other countries, and learn about different ways of celebrating Halloween. Oct. 30, 1-3 PM 

September

• September Virtual Program: Outdoor Activity and Safety Workshop (virtual): in collaboration with Venture Out – this workshop will introduce you to where to go to get the fullest experience of the beautiful SW VA area, and how to safely do so. | September 9, 7-8 PM |  See the slides from the workshop here
• September Cultural Event: International Café Hour featuring China (physical and virtual) in collaboration with The Association of Chinese Students and Scholars at Virginia Tech - this event will celebrate Chinese culture. Dining Services will provide food and beverage samples, and students can engage with each other virtually on the Mozilla Hub platform. Space is limited. September 18, 4-6 PM 
• September Immigration Services Programs: 
  • OPT Workshops (virtual): Learn about the process and requirements for applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
    • Sept. 10, Noon to 1:30 p.m. 
    • Sept. 16, 5 to 6:30 p.m. 
    • Sept. 21, Noon to 1:30 p.m.  
  • H-1 B Workshop (virtual): Learn about H-1B work visa and employment-based permanent residency options at this workshop presented by immigration attorneys. Registration is required. 
    • Sept. 22, 5-6:30 p.m.