Amherst College Center for International Student Engagement

09/04/2020

This year's Pre-Orientation experience was a little different from past ones, but we wrapped up this last week with the annual Pre-O Reunion (Re-Zoom-ion!). It was so good to see some of our new students' and our International Student Leaders' faces!

Are you a new student who didn't have a chance to see this greeting from our ISLs in the Pre-O Moodle module? Check out this video that was compiled by our International Student Leaders this summer, sharing their good wishes for the semester!

09/02/2020

Hurrah for the beginning of the semester! 🎉 It's finally time for classes, Hangouts, club meetings and... scammers! 🙃 Scam callers often target international students, but don't worry- this infographic contains some basic tips for identifying and protecting yourself from phone scams. Read up and be prepared to avoid getting taken in by these seemingly high-pressure scam calls! 🙅‍♀️📵

[Photo Description in first comment]

08/18/2020

"Hi there! My name is Phyllis Oduor. I am a rising sophomore from Kenya. I appreciated the support and guidance that my ISLs provided to me, and I am glad to extend the kindness to incoming students. I chose Amherst because of the great undergraduate focus and knit community. I enjoyed being in ACSUDC because I love dancing. I also got to meet new people outside my classes and dorm. I appreciate the joy and happiness that comes from being around my family and our great Kenyan food and culture."
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Last but not least the lovery @phyllisoduor! Be kind and make sure to dance it out with her this semester! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Phyllis giggles in the sunlight while perched on the side of a stone wall with white fencing in fur-lines boots, dark jeans and a bright yellow sweater that reads 'NEED MORE CAFFEINE' (don't we all).]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

08/13/2020

"My favorite Amherst experience was definitely my pre-orientation, which is why I wanted to be an ISL for the second time. I love being a part of the beginning of someone's college journey and making sure they feel at home, safe, welcomed and loved. As an international student, coming to Amherst College is a huge transition, but the ISL squad and International Students in general have a special way of making it easier to adapt and find a sense of belonging for many." - Arzoo, '22.
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Join the squad with your fearless leader @arzoorajpar ! (PS, she does music, download her EP 'Reign', link in her official instagram!) Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: The sun shines on a radiant Arzoo who wears her dark, waist-length, wavy hair loosely to frame her face. She sports a pair of sunglasses holding her hair out of her face, as well as a delicate teardrop-shaped necklace and a grey tank top. She stands in front of some diverse foliage.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

08/11/2020

"Hi! My name is Yvette Kiptoo and I am a first year originally from Nairobi, Kenya though I have been living in Washington, D.C for the past five years. Even though I have only been at Amherst for only one semester and some change, it has been so much fun and I have had a great time learning and spending time with my fellow peers. Currently, I am on the pre-med track and thinking of possibly majoring in Mathematics or Biochemistry. When I am not in class, you can find me laughing with friends at Val or procrastinating on 3rd level frost." - Yvette, '23.
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Ascend Frost Library with @yvette.kiptoo ! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Yvette steals the show, glowing in a red patterned jumpsuit and wooden beads in her parted braids. She beams in front of a perfectly manicured lawn and a quaint cream townhouse.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

08/06/2020

"This is my third year being an ISL and International Pre-O is simply the best time of the school year! My favorite moments at Amherst have been with the international student community, and I cannot wait to meet all the amazing internationals of the Class of 2024 :)
Outside of school, I love playing and watching (real) football, guitar, and spending time at the beach (all of which I don't get to do nearly as much as I'd like to)" - Pedro, '21.
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What's your favourite (real) football team? Talk sports with @pbmorais ! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Pedro lounges in a lawn chair on the quad outside of King and Wieland. Behind him the old science hub is framed by a cloudy sky. But Pedro is all good vibes, in a white shirt and khaki shorts and a chilled pose, dark Aviator sunglasses shielding his face from the sun.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

08/04/2020

"Don't take everything so seriously during the first two or three weeks of adjusting. It is okay to have no idea what the hell is going on. I remember my first days in class, I had no idea what Moodle was and i was soo confused where my peers were getting what they were discussing about. You are bound to be lost sometimes but you'll be found eventually. Laugh it off. Don't let the pressure get to you." - Sylvie, '23.
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It's ok to feel lost, but @sylvie_mahoro will always be there to help! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Sylvie shines in a bright white turtleneck with large detailed earrings and beautiful long braids. She sits in a shaded area with a thatched roof with her arms crossed and her smile radiant.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/30/2020

"Hey everybody! I'm Maya and I'm a rising sophomore. A few things about me: I love to sing (I'm a member of the Sabrina's, an a cappella group on campus), I really appreciate small moments especially those where I get to laugh with friends (if we ever meet in person feel free to crack a joke), and I became an ISL because I wanted to do my part in making incoming international students feel as welcomed at Amherst as I did when I first got here. I can't wait to meet you guys and hope to chat with you (at least virtually) soon! 😊" - Maya, '23.
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Talk about activities on campus with @mayaroberts_tt ! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Maya beams on a pavement at Amherst in a blue blazer, a blue pencil skirt and delicate blue heels. She accents her sky-blue look with an orange purse and red lipstick.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/28/2020

"My favourite food in the town of Amherst is the Biang Biang Noodles at Lili's! This will be my second year as an ISL and I am really excited to get to meet everyone and welcome a new herd of int'l students to the Amherst community. I had a wholesome Pre-O experience and want to be a part of the team that helps Pre-O be a relaxing adjusting period this year as well. My favourite Amherst tradition is Fall Fest because of the lobster rolls and other really delicious foods that I get to enjoy with my friends on the Val Quad while listening to live music." - Tim, "22.
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Can't wait to meet @tim.song and get welcomed to the herd! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Tim throws up a peace sign in a lively restaurant and in front of a spread of delicious food. He wears a jean jacket over a yellow t-shirt and round glasses that frame his face perfectly.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/23/2020

"I feel like it’s so easy to get carried away in the first year with all the new information, new cultural norms and new beliefs shared by different people. To the point that it is easy to get carried away and forget purpose, and who someone really is at the core. So my advice is just for the incoming international freshman to know who that are from the jump, have values and most importantly know what they came here for so that they don’t get lost in trying to make new friends." - Lovemore, '23.
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As @lovemore_nyaumwe says, don't be afraid to embrace yourself and your uniqueness at Amherst! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Lovemore stands in front of a beautiful autumn setting wearing an army green jacket, grey turtle neck and a grey hat. He smiles jovially.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/23/2020

Amherst College Center for International Student Engagement's cover photo

07/21/2020

"I'm a Math and Econ major, but a passion I've had for as long as I can remember is painting. Some of my favorite Amherst experiences so far have definitely been the Paint & Sip nights. It's always really nice to gather up with friends at the end of an exhausting week and relax, paint something fun, and enjoy a big cup of bubble tea.

Another thing I recommend is taking advantage of the Amherst Cinema. We got a free membership for our first year and I really enjoyed going to the movies from time to time. The Amherst Cinema is a non-profit cultural space and screens a lot of things that I categorized as artsy or unusual (but pretty good!). There's also a traditional cinema at Hampshire Mall to see The Avengers and all the fun movies." - Miruna, '22.
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Learn more about what the town of Amherst has to offer with @miruna1395 ! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Miruna stands in front of a beautiful garden on a stone pathway haloed by a blue sky. She sports deep brown hair with vibrant blonde highlights and a ruffled blue and white checked shirt.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/18/2020

One new alum (a former senior!) shares, "I don't make friends easily and I'm not comfortable sitting in groups-- it took a while before I became okay with going to Val [dining hall] and going for activities alone, but I'm grateful I did it because it expanded the amount of opportunities I could indulge in." What is one activity that you were hesitant to try but ended up really enjoying? What's an activity or hobby you want to try but haven't had a chance to do yet?

Our Seniors Speak series returns this summer! Class of 2024, here are some words of advice from this week's #SeniorsSpeakSaturday. We're so appreciative of this advice from our new alumni (former Seniors!). This summer, we'll be highlighting more of their words of wisdom. We love our new alums!

Photo Description: Stylized text box. Header font reads, "Our Seniors Speak!" above an open-double-quotation mark. The text below that reads 'I don't make friends easily and I'm not comfortable sitting in groups-- it took a while before I became okay with going to Val [dining hall] and going for activities alone, but I'm grateful I did it because it expanded the amount of opportunities I could indulge in.' The CISE Logo is in the bottom left-side corner.

07/16/2020

"I became an ISL because I had a great experience during Pre-Orientations both as an incoming freshman and afterwards, as an ISL. I want to continue improving the program and making Amherst College a welcoming place for international students, especially in tough times like right now. My favorite Amherst traditions are probably the different festivals, since they have interesting events and games, good music, and great food." - Konstantin, '21
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Words of welcome from Konstantin! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Konstantin sports a white and black sun hat with some seriously cool-looking chrome-lensed sunglasses. He wears a navy shirt and stands in front of some pleasant green foliage.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/14/2020

On Tuesday, July 14, several news outlets reported that the U.S Government has decided to rescind its previous announcement as it pertains to international students who are currently enrolled in U.S academic institutions. Some news outlets report that the rule may now be solely applied to new international students and students who are not currently in the U.S. There has been no comment on the ongoing policy process by the White House or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The story is still developing.
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[Photo Description: An article from Bloomberg reads "U.S. Backs Down in Fight With Harvard, MIT Over Student Visas" in bold black lettering. The article was updated at 3:43pm EDT and written by Clare Roth and Janelle Lawrence. It shows a photo with the caption "Pedestrians walking through the Harvard Yard on the closed Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachussets on April 20". The photo was taken by Asam Glazman. In the background are the CISE globe and travel checklist sitting on a wooden side table in Keefe 103.]

07/14/2020

"Coming to Amherst was daunting, especially when you do not get to visit the school, or even get to know the people you will be spending 4 whole years with! But let me tell you something. It is an adventure... a very enriching one! Amherst became my second home, and trust me, they genuinely care for you here. One of my favorite events has to be Fall/Farm Fest. I do not get to experience the seasons back home but here, the seasons are cherished through such events (the food is immaculate). I do have to admit that from time to time I miss the tropical weather back home, but that's okay. Being home sick is okay, and CISE has always been a safe space to talk about it. Not to forget, Amherst College offers so many opportunities. For example, last year, I had the chance to spend junior year at Dartmouth College for the Engineering Program and my transition was smooth thanks to the skills/values I acquired at Amherst. Please feel free to reach out with any questions! Welcome!!" - Yusrah, '21.
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@yusrah.bk can definitely tell you all about the life skills you need to thrive at Amherst! Are you an incoming student to #AmherstCollege? Learn more about the ISLs you'll meet and pick up some tips and tricks to navigating Amherst by keeping up with us on Facebook and IG (@amherstcise). Look out for our #ISLSummerSpotlight posts!
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[Photo Description: Yusrah beams in front of a blossoming tree with delicate white flowers blooming behind her. She wears a loose navy shirt and sports light highlights in her hair.]

#ClassOf2024 #AmherstCollege #InternationalStudents #AmherstCISE #AC24 #Amherst2024

07/14/2020

Feel like you could use a little more CISE in your life? Consider adding a bit of Keefe Campus Center 103 flavor to your Zoom calls with these images for virtual backgrounds!

07/13/2020

Amherst College

Amherst College

Amherst today signed on to a legal amicus brief in a show of support for a Harvard University- and Massachusetts Institute of Technology-initiated lawsuit contesting the July 6 modifications to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program. #AmherstProud #WeAreMammoths