ISSO reflects on spring semester, graduating students

International students and scholars smile during the annual trip to view the Sandhills Crane migration in Kearney, Nebraska.
International students and scholars smile during the annual trip to view the Sandhills Crane migration in Kearney, Nebraska.

by Nicole Cooper | International Student & Scholar Office
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With the start of summer, the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) reflects on the cultural and social events hosted during the spring semester.

One of its signature events hosted each year is the annual trip to view the Sandhills Cranes migration. Every year, from late February to early April, over 600,000 Sandhills Cranes migrate on the Platte River valley in Kearney, Nebraska. This year, ISSO took a group of 45 international students, scholars and family to view the spectacular sight. While the cranes were worth the trip alone, students also saw bison and other wildlife when visiting the Archway Museum for an entire day full of nature and history.

In April, ISSO hosted a group at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo just in time for the spring days to warm up. Although the event filled up quickly due to its popularity, the office looks forward to continue hosting the trip to the nationally recognized zoo for its beautiful scenery and wide range of animals to admire.

Before the semester ended, ISSO hosted its final event, “Signatures and Snacks.” Typically hosted before the close of each semester for international students to received travel signatures before traveling home or overseas, this semester’s event was hosted in the Union Crib area. In the span of three hours, the ISSO staff signed 150 travel signatures while students enjoyed cookies and lemonade. The ISSO has continued hosting the event each semester to be accessible to students in a central location where they can check an item off their to-do list and enjoy conversation and snacks.

As the spring semester ends, ISSO also wants to congratulate its graduating Global Peer Mentors: Jin Hoong “Bryan” Cheng, Yongrui “Whitney” Kang, Megan Tam, Yi Xuen Tay and Xu “Tamayo” Zhou. The office also offers a bittersweet farewell as their two graduate assistants Emily Zimmer and Nicole Cooper graduated with their Master’s degree in Educational Administration. ISSO noted the pair have been instrumental and a significant support in organizing and planning events with the Global Peer Mentors.

Congratulations to all of Nebraska’s international graduates, and best of luck in the future!

View photos from the Spring 2019 semester events hosted by ISSO on their Facebook page.