Year: 2024

The USC Department of Public Safety has received reports from students, many of whom are international students, who were deceived into giving money to impostors posing as law enforcement officials or representatives of agencies including the Social Security Administration, IRS, U.S. Customs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of Homeland Security. Some impostors or…Continue Reading SCAM ALERT! USC Department of Public Safety Community Safety Advisory

Why do people wear costumes? What is trick-or-treat? What’s up with the freaky pumpkins? Many international students may feel confused with Halloween traditions, even though they’re excited to celebrate their first Halloween in the U.S. To understand the idea behind this holiday and feel more comfortable at Halloween parties, let’s dive into the history of…Continue Reading Knock, Knock, Knock – Halloween Is Here!

Dear Students,  On behalf of the Office of International Services (OIS), I want to personally welcome you to campus. To those who are joining the university as a new admitted student, we are glad you are here to begin your academic program at USC. To those who are continuing students, welcome back. I am excited…Continue Reading Welcome Message from the Director of OIS

The Office of International Services will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. We hope you have a fun and safe holiday!…Continue Reading OIS Closed for Labor Day Holiday

The USC Department of Public Safety has received reports from students, many of whom are international students, who were deceived into giving money to impostors posing as law enforcement officials or representatives of agencies such as the Social Security Administration, IRS, U.S. Customs, Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of Homeland Security. Some impostors or…Continue Reading Community Safety Advisory: Scams 

Studying abroad far from home is a remarkable and life-changing experience that allows international students to broaden their horizons, gain an excellent education, and explore new cultures. However, along with the many benefits of studying in the U.S., international students may encounter a phenomenon known as “culture shock.” Read on to learn more about culture…Continue Reading Navigating Culture Shock: A Guide for International Students in the U.S.

As we begin to look forward to the coming tax season ahead, Sprintax will host a series of information webinars about nonresident tax, dedicated for the international community. These open, informational sessions will run through to the April 15, 2024 filing deadline. Sprintax Open Tax Webinars for Filing Season 2023: Tuesday, March 5 at 1pm:…Continue Reading Tax Webinars for International Students with Sprintax

Valentine’s Day is not just a day for celebrating romantic love but also a time to reflect on the passions that bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. For many students, that passion is their chosen field of study. Whether it’s the excitement of making a breakthrough discovery or the satisfaction of solving a complex…Continue Reading Mice, Mentors, and Robots: How USC students were inspired to love the subject they study

Financial sextortion is a serious threat that can originate on social media, dating websites, apps, messaging services, and gaming platforms. This sinister scheme begins innocently, with individuals believing they are engaging with someone interested in a relationship or offering something valuable. The scammer solicits compromising photos and videos from the victim. They then use these materials…Continue Reading Warning: Financial Sextortion Scams – It’s More Common Than You Think!

USC students on OPT have been targeted by scammers and we want to ensure you have the information you need to protect yourself from danger.  Scammers aggressively target international students, usually through phone calls or social media messages, impersonating government agency personnel and intimidating them by threatening their OPT status. Scammers then ask students to…Continue Reading Warning: Protect Yourself from OPT Scams and Phone Scams