ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs

?? Ending IEW 2024 on a High Note ?? As we wrap up International Education Week 2024, we’re excited to share an inspiring Advisor Spotlight featuring Kayla O'Donnell, Assistant Director, DSO/ARO at the University at Albany. ???? Kayla’s dedication to empowering international students and helping them succeed is a testament to the profound impact advisors have in shaping the student experience. Her insights and passion for supporting these students have been further strengthened through her participation in the iCEP: Cross-Cultural Advisory Academy. At iCEP, we’re committed to providing advisors with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the unique challenges international students face, both academically and culturally. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned advisor, iCEP equips you with the knowledge to bridge cultural gaps and enhance student success. ?? Interested in learning more about how Kayla applies iCEP's insights to her work? Check out the full interview and see how she’s making a difference for international students.?? ?? https://lnkd.in/gTrzWEN4 We are grateful to support passionate Higher Education professionals like Kayla on their advising journey! ?????????? ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #IEW2024 #ICAwayIEW2024 #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalEducation #StudentSuccess #AdvisorSpotlight #iCEP #CrossCulturalSupport #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation

?? Congratulations to University at Albany on the Seal of Excellence! ?? As a proud partner with UAlbany’s ISSS in delivering the iCEP academy, we are excited to celebrate UAlbany’s achievement in receiving the Seal of Excellence from IIE Open Doors, recognizing their outstanding commitment to international education and cultural bridging. Since 1949, UAlbany has expanded its international student community to 1,916 students from over 100 countries — a true testament to their global engagement. Congratulations to the entire UAlbany community! ???? ?? iCEP Update: Strong Participation and Valuable Insights ?? We’re also thrilled to report that 73 UAlbany faculty and staff have joined the iCEP: Cross-Cultural Advisor Academy, representing over 20 departments that provide both direct and indirect support for international students. Some of the departments include: ?? Academic Success Center ?? Career & Professional Development ?? Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) ?? International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) ?? Financial Aid ?? Registrar's Office ?? Student Health Services ?? University Police Department (UPD) And more... After completing Module 1: Bridging Cultural Gaps, participants shared powerful insights to better support international students, such as: ?? "Encourage them to embrace the beauty in diversity." ?? "Help with conversation starters to build their comfort level." ?? "Adapt my communication style to that of the student I am working with." With two more modules coming up, participants will earn a certificate of completion. ?? We’re excited to hear their key takeaways as they continue learning and making a positive impact on supporting international students. ???? #InternationalStudents #DiversityAndInclusion #UAlbany #iCEP #GlobalEngagement #CulturalResponsiveness #ICAwayIEW2024

?? Celebrate International Education Week with ICAway! ?? It’s time to honor the power of cultural exchange and global connections during International Education Week (IEW)! At ICAway, we believe in building bridges across cultures and fostering understanding through education. ?? How can YOU contribute? ?? ?? International Students & Professionals: Share your story, showcase your culture, and proudly post on LinkedIn with #ICAwayIEW2024. The most compelling post wins an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Coach Kwan Segal, SPHR, EMBA ??, valued at $180! ??University Faculty & Staff: Support international students, engage in cultural events, and champion the importance of global education. ??? Deadline to post: Noon Central Time, Friday, November 22nd, 2024. Let’s celebrate the diversity, courage, and resilience of international students and professionals everywhere. Together, we can make a lasting impact! ??? #ICAwayIEW2024 #InternationalEducationWeek #CulturalExchange #GlobalConnections #DiversityMatters #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents

???? 2024 U.S. Election: A Call for the New Administration to Recognize the Value of International Students ???? With the election of Donald J. Trump as the next U.S. President, the international student community is facing new uncertainties. When I launched a survey asking our ICAway community about how they feel, the word anxiety arises. These talented, tax-paying individuals contribute enormously to the U.S. economy yet do not have a vote. Every shift in policy and administration deeply affects their future here. Here’s why this community deserves our support and attention: ?? Economic Value: During the 2022-2023 academic year, international students contributed $40 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. In the ICAway community, students earn an average salary of $90,000, with some reaching $100,000 or more. Each contributes approximately $20K plus a year in federal, state, and FICA taxes, supporting public services and growth in their communities. How We Can Advocate for Their Continued Success: ?? Join us in supporting international students through resources like NAFSA: Association of International Educators Advocacy Day, where voices from across the country come together to highlight the importance of international education to policymakers. ?? Share insights and data on how international talent drives innovation and fuels the local economy. As the new administration sets its priorities, let’s encourage policies that recognize and value the contributions of international students, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for these future leaders. ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #USElection2024 #EconomicImpact #Advocacy #GlobalTalent #NAFSA #InternationalEducation #SupportInternationalStudents

Vaish Hatrote, BE, PGCMA, ME and I enjoyed a celebration lunch together last weekend in Chicago to honor her recent promotion at Nestle Purina! I am proud to be part of her journey and excited to see the impactful contributions she continues to make in American innovation and the global economy. ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #proudcoach #internationalstudents #icawaycoaching

?? Excited to reconnect with our NAFSA community next week at the NAFSA Regions IV & V Bi-Regional Conference! ?? I’ll be speaking at two sessions alongside two incredible women who are deeply passionate about international education: 1?? Networking Confidence: Empowering Cross-Cultural Competencies for Career Success ?? Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM Co-presenter: Josephine C., Director of International Student Initiatives, UChicagoGRAD 2?? Bringing Mindfulness to International Student Holistic Support System ?? Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Co-presenter: Tara Braun, EdD , Executive Director of International Education, Ferris State University These amazing advocates for international student success inspire me, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them! Tara will introduce her mindfulness card for attendees, aiming to inspire mindfulness practices in your advising for international students. Jo will also showcase her mindfulness tea practice, demonstrating how she incorporates tea practices into advising mindfulness. I’ll bring data and examples to help our attendees empower international students in networking, plus a big bag of Halloween candies! ?? Join us—I hope to see you there! Can’t wait! ?? ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #NAFSA #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #Mindfulness #CrossCulturalNetworking

Welcome to a new episode of the #ICAwayPodcast! Just before my summer trip to Thailand, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shiyun Ye—an amazing former international student whose journey is a powerful example of resilience and a winning mindset. Though this launch is long overdue, I’m thrilled to be back—busier than ever—and excited to continue sharing inspiring stories from the incredible students I’ve had the honor of coaching. In today’s episode, Shiyun takes us through her journey from China to the U.S., navigating financial challenges, balancing multiple jobs, and overcoming job cancellations during COVID-19. Shiyun’s story is a testament to the importance of persistence, careful planning, and building the right network. Whether you’re an international student or someone seeking motivation, her insights on mentorship, networking, sponsorship hurdles, and staying present will inspire you to keep pushing forward. ?? Let her journey empower you to start this week strong and take one step closer to your career goals! ?? Watch a preview below, and click the link in the comments for the full episode. Let’s make this week count! ?? ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #Resilience #Networking #MondayMotivation #ICAwayPodcast

?? I am proud to support Tammy Ngo, PE, CPHC, WELL AP, LEED GA and her candidacy for the NESEA Board of Directors! Tammy's dedication and vision make her an outstanding candidate to help guide NESEA's future. ???? If you're a NESEA member, take a moment to cast your vote and support leadership that makes a difference! ??? Voting is open until October 31, 2024. Don't miss your chance to be part of this important decision! ?? Cast your vote here: https://lnkd.in/g9kgeAxx #Leadership #VoteNESEA #ProudSupport

You are awesome, international students at Lake Forest College ?? It was a true honor to be the featured speaker at the International Student Event hosted by Lake Forest College! The energy, professionalism, and authenticity of these students were truly impressive. They’re not just navigating new environments—they’re turning challenges into exciting opportunities! One student shared that my talk helped ease their job search worries and emphasized the importance of celebrating those small wins. A huge shoutout to Marie Josephitis for her exceptional hospitality and support—your passion for uplifting international students creates such a welcoming atmosphere. Lake Forest College is a fantastic place where talent from around the globe is nurtured and empowered. Together, let’s continue to encourage these bright minds to embrace their journeys and shine! Here’s to more inspiring moments ahead! ICAway International Student Careers: Finding CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs #InternationalStudents #LakeForestCollege #HigherEd #Empowerment #ICAwayCoaching

We are proud to congratulate our amazing and dedicated alumna, Vaish Hatrote, BE, PGCMA, ME on her well-deserved promotion at Nestlé Purina! Vaish brings more than just her engineering expertise to her role—her leadership, global competence, and mindfulness shine through in everything she does. We are excited to see the continued impact she will make. Keep up the incredible work, Vaish! #icawaycoaching #internationalstudents