Contents:
- Apply to become a Peer Mentor!
- What you should know about internships and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Apply for International Students’ Council
- It’s tax time. Get your FREE Sprintax software
- Apply to become a Peer Mentor!
Peer Mentors help new international students transition to life at WSU, provide helpful information, and connect students to resources on campus and in the community. As a Peer Mentor, you will:
- Learn about a new culture
- Develop intercultural communication skills
- Gain mentorship experience
- Build professional networks
- Boost your resume for graduate school and future employment!
Application deadline: April 13. Join the program by filling out an application on Handshake. If you have questions, please contact ip.peermentors@wsu.edu. We hope you will join our team!
- What you should know about internships and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Are you in an academic program that requires you to complete an off-campus internship? All F-1 international students must apply and be approved for CPT before starting an internship.
You may speak to an international student advisor or your local DSO about CPT. This is the off-campus work authorization for curricular-related internships. It is highly recommended that you apply for this government authorization whether the internship is paid or unpaid.
Although CPT is reviewed and approved by ISSS, it is a technical application, so we recommend applying early.
If you are thinking about applying for internships but are not sure if you are eligible for CPT, please speak with your academic advisor AND an international student advisor before you begin applying. This will help save you time.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) info session – Tuesday, April 5, at 4 p.m.
In this info session, you will learn more about what CPT is, what you need to do to get started, and how to apply for this authorization. You will also be able to ask questions at the end of the session.
Jen Gerardi, international student advisor, will lead the info session in CUB 406 from 4-5 p.m. Register on the Handshake page here: app.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1006791. If you have any questions about CPT and are not able to attend, please email us at ip.intlservices@wsu.edu or join open advising hours Monday-Friday, 1-3 p.m.
- Apply for International Students’ Council
Undergraduate students can apply to be part of the International Students’ Council. If interested, apply here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAfEXybnRgvsSwj5-k8sPkfk2v7_Avbw5VzninF98cqT1-Vw/viewform?usp=sf_link
- It’s tax time. Get your FREE Sprintax software
ISSS offers FREE access to online tax preparation software specifically designed for international students. This software is available now, so you can log in to myPassport.wsu.edu and select Tax Software to fill out the form.
International students who were employed at WSU in calendar year 2021 should have received a report of wage earnings (form W-2) from the Payroll Service Office. Students should use this form to complete and send their tax return to the U.S. government. Tax returns are due by April 18.
Please note that ISSS staff cannot assist you with filing your taxes. If you have questions about filing taxes, please consult a tax professional.
Free Sprintax software now available to download!
On myPassport, you can find the Sprintax blog, a link to the Sprintax YouTube channel, Sprintax webinar registration links, and the link to download the Sprintax software.
- Click on Tax Software>Tax Software Request>+Add New Tax Software Request
- Read 3 paragraphs of information
- Answer the question
- Links will appear
- Click “Submit” to get email with instructions and unique code that will make the Sprintax software free of cost to you.
For more information, visit the Sprintax How to Prepare for the 2021 US Tax season blog, watch their YouTube videos, and attend one of the Sprintax Tax Webinars listed below.
Webinar dates, times, and registration links
- Tuesday, April 5 | 10 a.m. PST – Register here
- Monday, April 11 | 9 a.m. PST – Register here
- Thursday, April 14 | 10 a.m. PST – Register here