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Summer Engagement

To alleviate the information overload during orientation, CIRCLE offers summer engagement programs – a series of virtual workshops and student engagement opportunities for new international graduate students coming in the fall to explore ways to navigate graduate school, learn about university resources, and connect with their peers. You will find answers to questions such as What are general expectations in graduate school? How does being an international student shape your experience in graduate school? Sign up for the virtual workshops in summer (see links below) to help you get ready for graduate school at UW in the U.S


2024-2025 Summer Engagement Series Virtual Workshops

Summer Engagement Workshop #1: What is graduate school?

Graduate Student
Friday, Jul. 5, 2024

7 p.m.8 p.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
For the first virtual workshop, we will discuss the nature and expectations of graduate school, and how you can think broadly about best ways to use your time in graduate school for both short-term and long-term goals. This time is recommended for Asia and Australia time zones.

Summer Engagement Workshop #1: What is graduate school?

Graduate Student
Saturday, Jul. 6, 2024

8 a.m.9 a.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
For the first virtual workshop, we will discuss the nature and expectations of graduate school, and how you can think broadly about best ways to use your time in graduate school for both short-term and long-term goals. This is the recommended time for students joining from Europe, Africa, and Eastern Americas time zones.

Summer Engagement Workshop #2: Making the Most of Your Graduate School Experience

Graduate Student
Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

7 p.m.8 p.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
The second virtual workshop will be focus on goal-setting and graduate school planning tools and opportunities that support your development and success. This is the recommended time for students joining from Asia or Australian time zone. 

Summer Engagement Workshop #2: Making the Most of Your Graduate School Experience

Graduate Student
Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

8 a.m.9 a.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
The second virtual workshop will be focus on goal-setting and graduate school planning tools and opportunities that support your development and success. This time is recommended for Europe, Africa, and Eastern Americas.

Summer Engagement Workshop #3: What resources are available to graduate students?

Graduate Student
Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

7 p.m.8 p.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
In the third virtual workshop, will detail resources offered by the UW communities (beyond your graduate departments) that can enhance your experience as a graduate student and set you up for success upon and beyond graduation. This is the recommended time for students joining from Asia or Australian time zones.

Summer Engagement Workshop #3: What resources are available to graduate students?

Graduate Student
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024

8 a.m.9 a.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
In the third virtual workshop, will detail resources offered by the UW communities (beyond your graduate departments) that can enhance your experience as a graduate student and set you up for success upon and beyond graduation. This is the recommended time for students joining from Europe, Africa, and Eastern Americas time zones.

Summer Engagement Bonus Workshop: Pre-Arrival Immigration Essentials with ISS

Graduate Student
Friday, Aug. 9, 2024

7 p.m.8 p.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
Join CIRCLE and the International Student Services (ISS) team to learn about key information related to visa and immigration before arriving the U.S. A team of ISS advisors will give a presentation and then leave time for Q&A.

Summer Engagement Bonus Workshop: Pre-Arrival Immigration Essentials with ISS

Graduate Student
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024

8 a.m.9 a.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
Join CIRCLE and the International Student Services (ISS) team to learn about key information related to visa and immigration before arriving the U.S. A team of ISS advisors will give a presentation and then leave time for Q&A.

Summer Engagement Workshop #4: Enjoying Your Life Outside of Graduate School

Graduate Student
Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

7 p.m.8 p.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
In the final virtual workshop we will share ways to refuel yourself in graduate school, beyond just being a graduate student. This is the recommended time for students joining from Asia or Australian time zones.

Summer Engagement Workshop #4: Enjoying Your Life Outside of Graduate School

Graduate Student
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

8 a.m.9 a.m.

Click the button below to register via Zoom
In the final virtual workshop we will share ways to refuel yourself in graduate school, beyond just being a graduate student. This is the recommended time for students joining from Europe, Africa, and Eastern Americas time zones.


Summer Communications

Throughout the summer we have been sending newsletters via email to all University of Washington incoming international graduate students in the fall. In these newsletters, we share tips and strategies to navigate graduate school and campus resources that support your holistic success. If you haven’t been receiving these emails please check your junk or spam folders. If the emails are not there or you have any questions about the newsletters, please email us at uwcircle@uw.edu Please also find the newsletters in PDF format below.

June 19 – Welcome to the University of Washington!


Previous Summer Engagement

Previous Summer Engagement

Throughout the summer we have been sending newsletters via email to all University of Washington incoming international graduate students in the fall. In these newsletters, we share tips and strategies to navigate graduate school and campus resources that support your holistic success. If you haven’t been receiving these emails please check your junk or spam folders. If the emails are not there or you have any questions about the newsletters, please email us at uwcircle@uw.edu Please also find the newsletters in PDF. format below.

June 21 – Welcome to the University of Washington!

June 28 – CIRCLE Summer Engagement Series – Welcome to Graduate School!

July 12 – Making the Most out of Graduate School Experience

July 26 – Getting the Support You Need for Graduate School

August 9 – Enjoying Your Life Outside of Graduate School

Previous Summer Engagement Series Virtual Workshops (2023-2024 Academic Year)

The first virtual workshop was hosted covered the following:

  • Welcome and Introduction of UW, CIRCLE and Graduate School
  • Debunking myths about graduate school.
  • Networking Activities – Getting to know your peers.
  • Partner Spotlight: Graduate Student Affairs in the Graduate School

What is Graduate School?


In the second virtual workshop, the aim was to address what is needed to be successful in graduate school. The session included but was not limited to:

  • Recapping on the first workshop
  • Building an Informal Mentoring Team
  • Making a First Year Plan
  • Exploring resources that will assist you in being successful as an international graduate student

How to be successful in graduate school?


In the third virtual workshop, the aim was to address what resources are available to graduate students. The session included but was not limited to:

  • Recapping on the second workshop
  • Overview of CIRCLE Graduate Programs
    • Programs for all graduate students
    • Programs for students with spouses/families
    • Highlights from the previous academic year
  • CIRCLE Key Campus Partners for graduate international students

What resources are available to graduate students?


In the fourth and final virtual workshop, the aim was to address what resources are available to graduate students. The session included but was not limited to:

  • Recapping on the third workshop
  • Overview of activities in Seattle
  • Overview of food options in Seattle
  • Overview of transportation options and apps
  • International graduate student panel and Q&A session

Enjoying Your Life Outside of Graduate School