Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break! 🍂
REMINDER: The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will be closed from Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30. Students are encouraged to plan their visits and support needs accordingly.
The next OISS Weekly Newsletter will be sent on Friday, December 05.
Wishing all students a safe and restful long weekend!
- The Office of International Students and Scholars |
Winter Travel Reminder for F-1/J-1 Students |
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*** Please review the Travel Advisory page before planning your next travel ***
Students planning to travel internationally during the winter term are reminded to submit the Travel Intention Form on the OISS Student Portal no later than Friday, November 28 to ensure processing before departure.
Note: Make sure to submit the Intention to Travel requests in your OISS Student Portal to receive your Travel I-20 if you do not have one valid for your travel.
Current processing time: 7–10 business days. Students are advised to travel with all required documents, including: - Valid passport
- Valid F-1 or J-1 visa
- I-20 or DS-2019 with a current travel signature
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Any status-related supporting documents
Safe travels to all who are journeying abroad! |
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SPECIAL INVITATION FROM AGAPE CHURCH: Thanksgiving Celebration |
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You are cordially invited! Sunday, November 23, 2025 12:30 PM - Live Music & Worship Service
2:00 PM - Thanksgiving Lunch Agape Church
Agape Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal for students staying on or near campus during the break.
All are welcome to join for community, food, and fellowship!
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Emerging Leaders Holiday Mixer |
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| Wednesday, December 3, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Selvin's Restaurant & Lounge
More than 100 local young professionals will gather for an evening of networking, connection, and leadership-building. Attendees will enjoy complimentary small bites, with beverages available for purchase.
Sponsored By: Conejo Chamber
Contact:
Sommer Barwick
805-493-3096
barwick@callutheran.edu |
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Thursday, December 4, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Starbucks
Financial Aid counselors will be available to answer questions about: - FAFSA & CADAA deadlines
- Scholarships
- Student loans
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Completing financial aid applications
Future dates include: - Jan 28 @ The Habit
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Feb 13 @ The Flag Pole
- Feb 24 @ Starbucks
- Mar 12 @ The Habit
- Apr 15 @ The Flag Pole
- May 5 @ Starbucks
Contact:
Financial Aid Office
805-493-3115
finaid@callutheran.edu |
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Pearson Library Finals & Holiday Season Highlights |
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| Release the Stress Before the Test
Dec. 1–5 Pearson Library
During the week before finals, Pearson Library will host a full lineup of relaxing activities designed to help students unwind and recharge: - Therapy Dogs & Hot Cocoa - Tues, Dec. 2 (11am–1pm)
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Ornament Decorating — Wed, Dec. 3 (4–6pm)
- Ramen & Movie Night — Thu, Dec. 4 (7pm–midnight)
Free snacks, coloring pages & fidget toys available all week and through finals Crafter-Dark Thursdays
Cozy craft sessions with library materials or bring your own. Seasonal Book Displays -
Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month
- Winter Reads (coming December)
- Mental Health & Wellness
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*NEW* International Student Highlight: Ruslan Korchagin |
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Beyond Borders in Educational Leadership
Meet Ruslan Korchagin, a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Cal Lutheran whose research turns data-driven study into real solutions for educational equity. Originally from Russia, he has published seven peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Frontiers in Education, focusing on K–12 disparities, housing, poverty, and child homelessness in Ventura County. As a Graduate and Teaching Assistant with CESI, the GSOE, and the MPPA program, he brings culturally relevant and ethics-centered conversations into the classroom.
“Education isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about opportunity, dignity, and inclusion,” he says. Reflecting on his move to Thousand Oaks: “I was amazed by how open and kind people are here. The Cal Lutheran community made me feel at home from day one.” His advice to international students: “Never stop learning, and learn more languages, they connect you to the world.” After graduation, he aims to continue bridging research, teaching, and policy to build more inclusive, data-informed education systems. |
| Photographed: Ruslan Korchagin
Written by Avya Pandhi, Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), Center for Global Engagement, California Lutheran University. Edited with contributions from Poorva Pandere. |
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*NEW* OAS Rowe Fund Program (Funding Opportunity) |
The Rowe Fund Program of the Organization of American States (OAS) supports Latin American and Caribbean students pursuing higher education in the United States. Available Funding: - Interest-free loans up to $15,000
- Supplementary scholarships of $2,000 (must apply concurrently with loan)
Eligibility: - Must hold an F or J visa
- Must be in the last two years of undergraduate or graduate studies
Applications are reviewed year-round Monthly deadline: 5th of each month
This program was established through the legacy of Dr. Leo Stanton Rowe, dedicated to advancing integration and education across the Americas. Fall 2025 applications are open now. |
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Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section. |
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Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing |
Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. |
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©2025 California Lutheran University |
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