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ISSS Newsletter for Visiting Scholars

February 3, 2008

Announcements

Tips for Living in the U.S.: How to Protect Your Cash

It is never a good idea to carry on your person or keep in your home or car large amounts of cash.  You should only carry or store as much cash as you will need for a few days or one week.  Money that you will use for rent, tuition or fees should be kept in a bank account.  In 2005, two UB international students lost large amounts of cash due to fire and theft.  We do not want that to happen to you!

If for some reason you need large amounts of cash, you should purchase traveler’s checks since they can be replaced if lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Tips for Living in the U.S.: Renter's Insurance

Did you ever think about what you would do if you lost your belongings due to fire or if your possessions were stolen or damaged? You can protect yourself from loss due to fire or theft by purchasing renter’s insurance.

For information about what renter’s insurance covers, where to buy it, etc., please visit www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/RentersInsurance.pdf.  Protect yourself! Learn about renter’s insurance today.
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Upcoming Events

"Out of Status: A Film on Immigration after 9/11"

Hallwalls and the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. will present Sanjna Singh’s and Pia Sawhney’s documentary film "Out of Status: A Film on Immigration After 9/11".

Date:  Thursday, February 7
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Place:  Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo

The documentary examines the lives of four families (including a Pakistani family from Buffalo) affected by post-9/11 immigration policies.  “The human cost of misguided, patently racist policies,” writes Variety, “is revealed through four families caught in a limbo world of forced or threatened deportations.”  The film, which had its world premier at the 2006 Rotterdam Film Festival, was nominated for an Amnesty International DOEN Award for its focus on human rights.

After the film, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Sophie Feal, Supervising Immigration Attorney of the Volunteer Lawyers Project and the organizer of this event.  Feal organized the event to create awareness of the growing concerns of noncitizens in this country.  “In my twenty-year career in immigration law,” writes Feal, “I have encountered these situations countless of times when a U.S. citizen falls in love with a noncitizen, befriends a noncitizen, or even hires a noncitizen as a nanny or a housekeeper and considers him or her part of the family.  In these instances, the desire to keep this person near is paramount, but the laws don’t always allow for it, or at least not without some degree of sacrifice.”

This event is sponsored by Hodgson Russ, LLP.  A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Volunteer Lawyers Project.  Tickets are $7 general and $5 students.

ISSS Trips & Activities

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Have you ever wanted to try downhill (Alpine) skiing or snowboarding? If your answer is "YES," come join ISSS for a day of downhill skiing and snowboarding. You select the activity and skill level you prefer. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are a great way to enjoy the Buffalo winter and take advantage of the snow.  Come join us!

Date:  Saturday, February 9
Meeting Time:  8:15 a.m. (Flint Loop)
Return Time:  6:30 p.m. (Flint Loop)
**Cost:  $38 (first-time skiers), $43 (first-time snowboarders), $53 (experienced skiers), $58 (experienced snowboarders)*
Sign-Up Deadline:  12:00, Friday, February 8

* An optional equipment insurance charge of $1 is also highly recommended.

**The cost of the trip includes round-trip transportation, complete equipment rentals, a lesson from a professional, and a ticket to ski or snowboard all day!

To reserve a place on this trip, download a reservation form from www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/DownhillSkiing.pdf  or pick one up in our office and return it along with the fee (cash only, nonrefundable) to ISSS, Talbert Hall 210, North Campus.  Please bring exact change.  

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ISSS Workshops

"H-1B Visas: An Information Session"

Tuesday, February 5
12:00-1:15
Capen Hall 31, North Campus

Come learn what an H-1 B visa is, who is eligible for it, what the steps are for obtaining an H-1 B visa and so on.
Presenter:  Ellen Dussourd, International Student & Scholar Services

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