To register for pre-conference workshops, please use general conference registration system by clicking the yellow "Register Now" button in the right sidebar. You will have the option to either add a workshop to your conference registration or register for a workshop only.

All workshops will run on Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Full day workshop participants receive morning refreshments, lunch, and afternoon refreshments, and can attend the opening reception. Half-day workshop participants receive afternoon refreshments and can attend the opening reception.

Expanding Roles of the Education Abroad Adviser - Full Day

Description: Consider how “advising” has come to represent a specific role within education abroad programming. Closer inspection reveals a role that is much more dynamic and demanding than it first seems. Changing needs of education abroad students throughout their program cycle demand that advisers apply different strategies to advise students effectively. In this workshop examine six critical roles comprising the adviser’s day to day work and improve your strategies and effectiveness as you move from role to role.

Audience: This workshop is an introductory workshop for education abroad advisers, study abroad providers, or others who have been in the field for fewer than three years. Read the full workshop description.

F-1 Student Advising for Beginners - Full Day

Description: This introductory workshop provides participants with hands-on opportunities to learn how to handle the most common requests made of new Designated School Officials (DSO). Participants will develop skills to help them interpret the common requests F-1 students have during the course of their program, research the regulations and other resources that help inform and define the work of the DSO, and determine the best course of action in each case. The workshop will apply these skills to requests such as: issuing I-20s, maintaining status, employment, practical training, travel and reentry, and program extensions. SEVIS is discussed in relation to international student advising practices and procedures.

Audience: F-1 student advisers with less than one year experience; others who are interested in understanding the fundamentals of the DSO role. Read full workshop description.

F-1 Student Advising for Intermediate - Full Day

Description: This intermediate level workshop is designed for Designated School Officials who understand the processes of F-1 student advising and are ready to tackle some of the more complex, or "gray," situations. Participants will discuss a range of case studies on the topics of DSO Responsibilities, Maintenance of Status, Travel, Transfers, Employment, Change of Status, and Reinstatement. By addressing these case studies, participants will learn how to advise students when regulations and guidance do not give a clear answer to their situation. Participants should have been in the field for at least 15 months, have participated in the F-1 Student Advising for Beginners workshop, or have received training equivalent to the F-1 Student Advising for Beginners. If you are new to the field, in order to receive the maximum benefit from this training, it is recommended that you allow for some time to apply the skills introduced in the F-1 Student Advising for Beginners Workshop before you attend the Intermediate level workshop.

Audience: Designated School Officials with at least 15 months experience, who have participated in the F-1 Student Advising for Beginners workshop, or have received training equivalent to F-1 Student Advising for Beginners. Read a full workshop description.

F-1 Advising: Secondary Schools - Half Day, 1pm-5pm

Description: This NAFSA workshop provides participants with hands-on opportunities to learn how to handle the most common requests made of new Designated School Officials (DSO). Participants will gain a greater understanding of the role of the DSO, the most common student requests, and applying the F-1 immigration regulations to arrive at the best course of action. Workshop topics include: issuing I- 20s, reporting requirements, travel and reentry, and program extensions. SEVIS is discussed in relation to international student advising practices and procedures.

Audience: K-12 P/DSOs, faculty, staff, administrators who advise F-1 international students. Please note that detailed information about immigration regulations and SEVIS procedures are not included in this workshop. Read a full workshop description.

J-1 Beginner - Full Day

Description: This workshop is designed for beginners with less than 18 months experience in the field. Through various activities, participants will learn about the parties involved in exchange visitor programs, making decisions about J-1 issues, use of SEVIS, J-1 categories, regulations governing program sponsors, pre-arrival processes, health insurance, orientation for exchange visitors, the two-year home residence requirement, bar to participation as a J-1 research scholar or professor, and ongoing processes for exchange visitors. This workshop does not cover requirements specific to trainee, high school, or graduate medical education categories, nor does it cover the procedures to obtain an exchange visitor program designation. SEVIS is discussed in relation to advising practices and procedures.

Audience: International student advisers working with an existing J-1 program. Read a full workshop description.