International Students Slack Community

The Open Notebook aims to support the global science journalism community. Through initiatives such as our mentoring programs, Science Journalism Master Classes, and Science Writers Database, we’ve come to know many, many science writers from all over the world who have shared their journeys into science writing. In talking with these colleagues, we recognized a need for an inclusive, community-driven space that connects aspiring and early-career science writers with experienced professionals who have followed similar paths.

Our goal, in creating the International Students Slack community, was to empower the global community of science writers and to foster skill development, networking, and support. Discussions in the group cover a range of topics, including:

• Finding and applying for educational opportunities
• Seeking financial aid and fellowships
• Handling visa and immigration issues
• Freelancing on a student visa
• Navigating the academic and day-to-day challenges of being an international student
  

We also organize periodic virtual events that bring together seasoned science writers and editors to share their expertise and insights for early-career international science journalists.

This program is managed by Saugat Bolakhe, a program assistant at The Open Notebook and a science journalist originally from Nepal.

Eligibility

We welcome any science writer who is (or was, or wants to be) an international student and would find this community helpful, or who wants to help ease the path for current and aspiring international students in the U.S. 

Please note: This community is not a space for marketing products or services.

Cost

There is no cost to join the International Students Slack.

How to Apply