Slider

International students celebrate end of semester with retreat to Garden of the Gods!

Carolyn Salter — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:52:11 +0000

International students celebrate end of semester with retreat to Garden of the Gods! Carolyn Salter Wed, 04/30/2025 - 11:52

On April 26, a group of approximately 50 international students and staff from ISSS and the Renee Crowne Wellness Institute embarked on an end-of-year retreat to celebrate a successful semester and decompress before finals.

Students traveled by bus to Garden of the Gods where they explored the park and spent time in the great outdoors before beginning the grind of studying for finals.

After exploring, students had an opportunity to participate in an optional meditation activity led by Dr. Shubham Sapkota, a Research Associate and Contemplative Programs and Scholars Leader for the Renee Crown Wellness Institute. ISSS treated the students to a healthy lunch before returning to Boulder.

International Student and Scholar Services Assistant Director Tori Hoeninghausen shared, “This was a great opportunity to celebrate our outstanding international students. I really enjoyed getting to know some students I’ve never had the privilege to interact with, as well as reconnecting with students I’ve known for many years. Their resilience and passion for education and cultural exchange have been evident throughout this past semester and I’m so glad we were able to provide a retreat to thank them for all they do for the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder campus and community!”

ISSS would like to extend our warmest gratitude to Dr. Sapkota for donating his time to help make this retreat special. Additionally, this trip could not have happened without the generous donation from the Dorothy & Anthony Riddle Family Foundation. Thank you!

We are excited and hopeful that we will be able to host similar trips like this in the Fall 2025 semester and for years to come. Be sure to check out the ISSS Programs & Events webpage to learn more about how to participate in future ISSS events.  

Off

Traditional

White

Campus celebrates �鶹��Ѱ��international community at International Festival

Carolyn Salter — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 19:01:15 +0000

Campus celebrates �鶹��Ѱ��international community at International Festival Carolyn Salter Sat, 04/26/2025 - 13:01

On April 13, over 500 students, scholars, faculty, staff, and community members came together at the 35th annual International Festival to celebrate the vibrancy of the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder international community. The event featured 15 cultural booths, 18 performances, and three workshops.

We are grateful to the students who organized this annual event for the entire �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder community. Thanks to their efforts, they made it possible for their classmates, friends, professors and staff members to share in the beauty and vitality of the cultures, traditions and global perspectives of international students and scholars who are studying and working on our campus," said International Student and Scholar Services Director Diana Salazar.

The �鶹��Ѱ��International Festival is the largest student-organized event on campus and is free and open to the public. Check out the International Festival website to learn more about how to get involved and attend next year.

Off

Traditional

White

ISSS staff advocate for international education on Capitol Hill

Carolyn Salter — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:20:07 +0000

ISSS staff advocate for international education on Capitol Hill Carolyn Salter Sat, 04/26/2025 - 09:20

Chris Hertel and Amrine Obermueller from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 2 to advocate on behalf of international students and scholars and the future of global education in the United States. While in the nation’s capital, they met directly with Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, as well as U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman. Additionally, they held discussions with aides from the offices of Colorado U.S. Representative Jon Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet.

During their meetings, Hertel and Obermueller urged lawmakers to restore critical funding for U.S. Department of State international education and exchange programs. They also advocated for sustained support of these programs as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. In addition to funding discussions, the ISSS representatives emphasized the importance of Congressional oversight of U.S. visa and immigration systems. They encouraged members of Congress to continue using hearings and legislative actions to ensure these systems remain secure, efficient, and accessible, which strengthens both national security and America’s position as a global leader in education. “Our office is deeply passionate about helping and advocating for international students and scholars,” said Amrine Obermueller. “Their presence enriches our campuses and communities, and we want to ensure they continue to have opportunities to study, grow, and contribute here in the U.S.”

The congressional meetings ISSS staff attended were arranged by NAFSA: Association of International Educators as part of their annual Advocacy Day. Nearly 150 attendees from 37 states and Canada participated in 105 meetings, many of them with members of Congress that sit on the committees that influence immigration and education policy.

Off

Traditional

White

Slider

International students celebrate end of semester with retreat to Garden of the Gods!

Off

Campus celebrates �鶹��Ѱ�����international community at International Festival

Off

ISSS staff advocate for international education on Capitol Hill

Off

Campus celebrates �鶹��Ѱ��international community at International Festival