Emily Herbert: Peer Advisor Coordinator, International Services
Hello, my name is Emily Herbert, and I am the new Peer Advisor Coordinator for International Student Services. I help support the ISS front desk with international students who have any questions and need to pick up the documents that we provide. I am originally from Michigan and have lived in Madison for 4 years. Some of my favorite things I like to do in Madison are go to the Farmer’s markets, eat at restaurants with my partner such as 1847 at Stamm House, and hang out with my two dogs, Douglas and Dexter.
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Get to know you!
IFSS wants to highlight you, our international employees and scholars, on our Instagram account. We’d like to share some fun information about you with our followers. If you are willing to share some information about yourself, please fill out this google form.
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Making travel plans for the holidays? J-1 scholars–you must get a travel endorsement from IFSS by submitting a travel request in Terra Dotta at least two weeks prior to your travel date.
Are you a J-1 scholar with some questions and in need of a travel signature? Then join us for the third annual Festival of J on Tuesday, December 10th, in the International Community Center inside the Pyle Center (702 Langdon Street, room 130). We will have an in-person J-1 scholar orientation from 9-10 a.m., followed by time for questions and travel signatures from 10-11 a.m. Coffee/tea and treats will be provided.
H-1Bs, TNs, and E-3s: You do not need a travel endorsement before you travel.
Everyone traveling abroad, please check to see if your visa stamp, U.S. immigration status, and passport are valid. If your visa stamp has expired or will expire before you return to the U.S., complete the DS-160 and schedule a visa interview appointment at a
U.S. Embassy or Consulate now to avoid delays. Each embassy and consulate requires different documentation for the visa interview. Check the embassy or consulate website for the documentation required for the interview.
The U.S. embassies and consulates will be closed on the following U.S. federal holidays:
- Thanksgiving (November 28)
- Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- New Year’s Day (January 1).
They will also be closed during any national holidays in their respective country.
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Have you recently moved? J-1 scholars–sure to submit an “ Update Address request” in Terra Dotta within 10 days of moving!
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Banks, credit unions, post offices, and other office closures:
Many businesses and offices will be closed the following days because they are federal holidays:
- Thanksgiving (November 28)
- Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20)
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Upcoming Events
Partners in Giving: The
Partners in Giving 2024 campaign theme is Be Part of Something Bigger! Together, we create meaningful and long-lasting change for others in our communities. All paid UW employees are encouraged to donate money to an organization of their choice through payroll deduction or a one-time payment. There are hundreds of organizations that are a part of this giving effort. Partners in Giving is the Dane County portion of the statewide State Employees Combined Campaign, an annual workplace fundraising campaign for state employees. The campaign runs from October 7 – December 3.
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Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving
is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a day of thanksgiving and harvest festival, with the holiday theme revolving around giving thanks. The centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations remains a Thanksgiving dinner, traditionally consisting of foods and dishes indigenous to the Americas, namely turkey, potatoes (usually mashed or sweet), squash, corn (maize), green beans, cranberries (typically in sauce form), and pumpkin pie. Other Thanksgiving customs include charitable organizations offering Thanksgiving dinner for the poor, attending religious services, and watching television events such as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and NFL football games.
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Holiday Lights: One of the best things to do in Madison on a chilly winter evening is enjoy the holiday light shows around town. Some of our favorites are at the Henry Vilas Zoo and the Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park.
If you want to drive south of Madison to Janesville, their Rotary Botanical Gardens has a large holiday light show. You need to purchase tickets in advance.
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Athletics: Looking for an indoor activity during the winter months? Check out the many different options UW Athletics offers. Catching a basketball or hockey game is a great way to spend an evening or afternoon.
December and the Holiday Season: Many different holidays are celebrated in December. You will notice that life starts to slow down a little bit as December arrives. Remember the University is closed on December 24 - 25th for Christmas and December 31 - January 1st for New Year’s. Many University and government offices may have reduced hours or be closed at the end of December. IFSS will still serve you on days the University is open. Send us an email at ifss@wisc.edu if you have any questions.
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Winter Birding in Wisconsin: Winter can get a little dreary, but a great way to find some color and get fresh air is by enjoying birding. Check out the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance for guides on what feathered friends you can make this winter.
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