USC is known for its large international student community, but is also enriched by a number of experienced J-1 scholars.* This select group of academics visits USC for a set period of time, contributing to the University’s research efforts as well as cross-cultural exchange. In order to help scholars get settled at USC, OIS hosts a mandatory orientation session that comes paired with a complimentary breakfast. The event is organized at the prestigious University Club on campus, which is a must-see for all members of the Trojan Family. For scholars at USC’s Health Sciences Campus, a separate session is also provided on that campus in the Soto II Building. In this pleasant setting, J-1 scholars and their families are invited on a monthly basis to come join OIS for coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries.
About 20 scholars showed up for this month’s session, eager to be informed about the rights and obligations that come paired with J-1 status. Melinda Ballengee, Senior Exchange Visitor Program Administrator on the J-1 team, initiated the presentation with an introduction of her colleagues. The J-1 contingency at OIS consists of four team members, including Melinda. Esther Lee serves as the J-1 Associate Director, Yuhan Zou as J-1 Program Grad Assistant, and Brett Wobbe advises J-1 students attending the Health Sciences Campus. After this introduction, Melinda went on to provide her audience with all of the necessary OIS contact information, as well as a reminder of any immediate requirements the newly arrived scholars may have to attend to. She also discussed less immediate needs such as whether scholars should consider applying for a social security number and driver’s license, health insurance requirements, ability to travel, DS-2019 extensions, and how to proceed upon completion of the program.
During as well as after the orientation session, attendees asked various questions on how to get the most out of their time at USC. After the Q&A, everyone posed for a quick group photo before turning to one another and spending some time networking with their new colleagues. Moving to the United States is not an easy process, but by enlisting the help of OIS’ J-1 team scholars can rest assured that they will remain well informed on their status throughout their stay.
* Visit the J-1 scholar page on the OIS website to see the various categories of J-1 scholar.
University Park Campus:
649 W 34th Street, Parking Structure D, Suite 101
j1exchg@usc.edu / Phone: 213-740-2666
*Call the front desk number above to schedule an appointment with a J-1 advisor at the UPC campus.
Health Sciences Campus:
2001 N Soto Street, SSB 203E
wobbe@usc.edu /Ph: 213-740-2666