REC for Domestic Travel Destination - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hi everyone, this is Rei! I hope you are doing well:) I just got back from Albuquerque, New Mexico, since I got chance to visit my boyfriend who is studying abroad just like us in University of New Mexico! Since I still have some fresh memories from there, I would like to share how it looks like over there and also, what to prepare for domestic flights in case you already got a plan for Spring break or anytime soon! 

White Sand National Park

Where is Albuquerque, New Mexico? 

Albuquerque (also known locally as Duke City or ABQ) is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest city in the United States with a population of 559,277 as of 2016. Founded in 1706 as Albuquerque, the city is characterized by a mix of European, Hispanic, and Native American populations and cultures!

Places to Visit in New Mexico:

1. White Sands National Park 

This place was one of my favorite parts of the visit! At 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the largest area of gypsum dunes in the world, and it looked and felt like a completely different planet. The powder-white dunes look like mountains of snow, and you can hike, sled down, even enjoy picnic any time of the year. The park is also apparently famous for its handful of white-colored animals, including rats, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths, which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to their environment.

2. Old Town Albuquerque

With its winding narrow streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque offers a small town and uniquely colorful neighborhood experience. Although much has changed since its founding in 1706, this dynamic tourist destination has remained the heart of the city. Despite its small 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 privately owned restaurants and boutiques. The city also hosts more than 40 events a year, including the world-famous Ballon Fiesta Week! 

3. Sangre de Cristo Mountains 

While I caught glimpse of many volcanoes from my stay in Albuquerque, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains seem to have something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Explore aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon juniper forests and meadows of colorful wildflowers, and take in breathtaking views from ridge-lines and summits. For those of us who spend time with nature in Washington State, experiencing the nature of each state will be a fun part of our trip. 

Although my visit was a short one-week one, I immediately felt the difference in climate between Washington State and New Mexico when I arrived at the airport. New Mexico is located at a higher elevation and has a dry desert environment where you can wear short sleeves during the day even in February. Coming from Washington, where it rains every day, I was exposed to such strong ultraviolet rays that my eyes would turn red in the afternoon form the sunlight during the day. 

Lastly, I forgot to mention one of New Mexico's most important attractions - Mexican food! In New Mexico, where the Mexico-U.S. border is also located, there are tons of restaurants run by Mexicans. Of course, I am sure there is good, authentic Mexican food in Washington as well. However, perhaps due to the physical closeness to Mexico, the tacos we had in New Mexico are still unforgettable to this day. 
 

With this year's Spring Break just about a week away, I know that many students are thinking about where to go and what to do. During the break, you may want to stay in the forms to catch up on your rest, or since you are in the U.S., you may want to enjoy a trip within the U.S. For domestic trips, you do not need a special Visa signature at the International Student Office, and all you need is your passport! If you are still undecided about your spring break plans, it might be a good idea to start thinking about what you would like to do to motivate you to get done whatever you have to finish!  

- Rei 

Where are we after one-year got hit by CORONAVIRUS?

 Warm Greetings to Everyone, it's Chau!

Spring is here! I hope you all doing great and stay actively healthy.  It has been over a year that we got hit by the Coronavirus.  I couldn't believe it 😬!!! Let's take a look at how we did throughout the year to FIGHT...

Here is the graph showing the number of new cases in Pierce County from March 22rd, 2020 to March 31, 2021.  As we can see, we reached the peak of cases in November- December😣😣😣.

 I am sad when thinking about people who were sick, lost their loved ones, and also everyone who still fighting for their lives from this ugly virus.  And, I am truly thankful for our healthcare providers and people who work to make our lives back to normal. 💓💓💓

 AND, now we are going to make it down 👏👏👏.  

We have been doing an excellent job to prevent the spread of the virus by practicing SOCIAL DISTANCING, LESS GATHERING, WEARING MASKS, WASHING HANDS,.... 

🌟🌟🌟 COVID VACCINES is on the way to everyone🌟🌟🌟

Let's take a look at the Covid-19 vaccination in Pierce county.  Many people in our county have got their vaccines partially and fully.  Soon, we will be fully vaccinated... 👏👏

The vaccination is eligible to people in Phase 1B Tier 3 and Tier 4 from March 31.  

To learn more about your phase, here is the link to it. 💪

ALSO,  I would love to announce a great news with our community that INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS starting APRIL 15TH !!!!!!!!!!!!

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL LINKS BELOW:

• WA COVID Vaccine Finder: https://www.covidwa.com/

• Vaccine Spotter WA: https://www.vaccinespotter.org/WA/

• Vaccine Locator: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

💥💥💥 Although getting Vaccinated would minimize the spread of Covid, we still need to keep doing our social distancing and MASK UP!!!! 
I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.  Enjoy our Spring and Summer is coming!!!! 

-Chau 🙋.

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning  

  I woke up this morning, and was ecstatic to see the sunshine filtering in through my blinds.  I couldn't help but jump out of bed, throw open all the windows and just drink it all in.

     I don't think I just speak for myself when I say that all of this rain had me feeling meh.  But I digress.  So there is sun shining though my window, which means that Spring is starting to get into full drive.  This also means that this semester is halfway over.

This being said, as an International student you should be asking yourself some key questions. Like:
      -Have I purchased my ticket home?
      -Will I have enough room to pack all my stuff in my bags, do I need to mail some stuff home,
        do I want to donate it, and/or can I store it on campus?
      -Do I want to stay in the states over the summer?  If so where will I be living, and should/how do
       I get a job?
     

I know that seems like a lot.  In fact, I can imagine exactly what you are thinking.

But let's break this down into some more manageable chunks.

LET US BEGIN!

Buy all the Tickets 

 

-So you are needing to buy a ticket back home, but you do not want it to cost an arm and a leg?  Here are some sites that may offer what you are looking for:

     -Student Universe
     -Cheapoair

Sort Out all the Luggage

 

-Next, look at the airline you are booking with and check what their weight regulations are for checked baggage and carry-ons.
-Also check and see what the charge is for additional weight as sometimes this can be less than the potential shipping cost.

-Speaking of which, look into the cost of shipping through all of the offered venues (U.S mail, UPS, FEDEX, etc...)

-Your last option would be to check with your dormitory to see what over the summer storage options are available to you *NOTE: This option is for students who will be returning to PLU the following year*

-Regardless of how you transport your things please make sure you are following TSA guidelines, or any guidelines imposed by countries you are traveling to/in.

Find off Campus Living Arrangements 

 

-Need some place to stay over the summer?  Here are some sites that could prove helpful!
     -Trulia
     -Zillow
     -Apartment Guide
     -Craigslist
     -Another option is to look at the apartment advertisements that are posted around campus

-Worried you might get stuck in a bad neighborhood?  Say no more.
     -Crime Spot Map

*As always use your own discretion when agreeing to meet with someone to look at an apartment.  Let's keep it safe now y'all*

Make all of the Money

Step 1: Find a Job

-Here are some great places to start looking!
     -PLU Student Employment
     -Worksource
     -The Career Center ( located in Ramstad 112)

Step 2: (FOR ON CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT) SSN Request form 

-Submit a SSN request for to ISS (This can only be done AFTER you receive a job offer)
     -You can submit this request here under "Letter Request Forms"

Step 2: (FOR OFF CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT) CPT Request form
 -Apply for Curricular Practical Training
     -Instructions, Information and Request Form for CPT can be found here!

Step 3: Pick up all of the Letters

-(For on Campus Employment Only) Pick up employment letter from the Student Employment Office (located in RAM 112)
     -Make sure to bring:
          -Your PLU ID Card
          -Your I-20
          -Your Passport
          -Your I-94 (For more info on this go here)
     -You will be asked to fill out a I-9 and W-4 form at this time.

-(For on Campus Employment Only) Pick up SSN Request Letter from International Student Center (located in HARS 112)
     -Make sure to bring:
          -Your PLU ID Card

-(For off Campus employment Only)  Obtain letter from prospective employer
     -Letter must indicate:
          -Job title
          -Dates of employment
          -Number of hours to be worked per week
          -Place of Employment
          -Brief description of work
               -See the CPT Employer Letter Template for an example

-(For off Campus Employment Only)  ISS CPT Letter of Approval
     -Make sure to bring:
          -Your PLU ID Card


*Please allow 5 business days for Student Employment Office and ISS to issue your letters.

Step 4: Print out SS-5 form

-Print and fill out SS-5 form
      -This can be found here

Step 5: Make a Trip to the Social Security Office
  
-This office is located at:  Suite A, 2608 S 47th St. Tacoma, Wa 98409

-Their office hours are:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (9am- 3pm)

Wednesday (9am-12pm)

-You will need to bring:

     -(For on Campus Employment Only) Your employment letter from Student Employment Office

     -(For on Campus Employment Only)Your SSN Request Letter

     -(For off Campus Employment Only) Your letter from Perspective Employer

     -(For off Campus Employment Only)  ISS CPT Letter of Approval

     -Your SS-5 Form 

     -Your I-94

     -Your I-20

*SS Office will give you a receipt indicating that you applied for SSN. Students may NOT start working without presenting this receipt to Payroll Office (located at the corner of 121st St and Park Ave).

You will receive SS card within 2-3 weeks in the mail. After receiving SS card, you must bring it to Payroll Office.

Questions  

Of course if you have any questions about anything listed about please feel free to contact:

     -The ISS office at iss@plu.edu

     -Heather Jacobson at jacobsha@plu.edu

*Additionally, the ISS office will be open during the summer at normal office hours, so feel free to drop by.

-Shanna