International Student Support: University Services For Global Students

International students can bring a wealth of diversity to a university, enriching the experience of their peers on campus. Many universities have a strong global presence, with a variety of cultural groups and events that allow international students to share their traditions with their peers. International students can also benefit from a large foreign community when trying to adjust to life in a new country. Most universities have international student services offices to provide campus support and resources to help international students with everything from visa issues and orientation to social activities and workshops.

International Student Services (ISS) offices provide visa guidance and support

International students often face challenges when adjusting to a new country and university, and International Student Services (ISS) offices are designed to help them navigate these challenges. ISS offices provide a range of services and support to ensure that international students have a positive and successful experience during their time at university.

One of the most critical aspects of the international student experience is visa guidance and support. The process of obtaining and maintaining a student visa can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those new to the country. ISS offices play a crucial role in helping international students understand the requirements and procedures for obtaining the appropriate visa. They offer guidance on the different types of visas, such as the F-1 Student Visa, J-1 Exchange Visa, or M-1 Student Visa, and advise students on how to apply for and maintain their visa status.

ISS advisers are usually well-versed in immigration regulations and can provide accurate and timely information to international students. They can answer questions related to non-immigrant student status, including how to obtain and maintain their status and how to maximise the benefits associated with their visa. By offering this guidance, ISS offices help international students navigate the complex world of visas and ensure they remain compliant with the necessary regulations.

In addition to visa guidance, ISS offices often provide a range of other services to support international students. These can include orientation programmes, workshops, social activities, and cultural events. They may also offer practical support, such as assistance with housing, language assistance, and academic or personal concerns that may arise during their time at the university. Many ISS offices also maintain an online presence through websites and social media platforms, providing easily accessible information and resources for international students.

ISS offices serve as a "home base" for international students, offering a sense of community and support throughout their academic journey. They foster a welcoming environment and help students feel more connected to their new country and university. By providing comprehensive visa guidance and support, along with a range of other services, ISS offices play a vital role in enhancing the overall experience of international students and helping them succeed in their academic pursuits.

ISS offices help international students transition to life in the US

International Student Services (ISS) offices are a common feature of many US universities. They are designed to support international students during their time studying in the United States. ISS offices provide a range of services and resources to help international students transition to life in the US, including assistance with visa issues, orientation, and year-round activities.

ISS websites are often a good starting point for prospective international students, as they offer a wealth of information about the support and resources available. Many ISS offices also offer one-on-one consultations with advisers via live chat, video conferencing, email, or phone. This can be especially helpful for students who are unable to find the information they need online or who have more specific questions about their individual circumstances.

One of the most important roles of ISS offices is to provide guidance on visa and immigration issues. This can include helping students obtain a student visa, maintain their visa status, and understand the complex regulations and procedures surrounding immigration. ISS staff are often the only legitimate source of immigration-related guidance at their universities, so students are encouraged to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

In addition to practical support, ISS offices also offer cultural support and initiatives to help international students adjust to life in the US. This may include workshops, social events, and cultural programs that provide opportunities for international students to connect with their peers and share their traditions with the wider student community. These programs can help international students feel more welcomed and involved in campus life, improving their overall academic and cultural experiences.

ISS offices also often collaborate with other departments and community organizations to provide additional resources and support for international students. For example, they may work with admissions offices to offer pre-arrival webinars or with local families to promote relationships and interaction between international students and the local community.

Overall, ISS offices play a crucial role in helping international students transition to life in the US by providing a range of services, resources, and initiatives that address their unique needs and concerns. By offering support and fostering a sense of community, ISS offices can make the experience of studying in the US more positive and enriching for international students.

International students add diversity to universities

International students add a great deal of diversity to universities, enriching the experience of their peers and bringing a global perspective to the campus. Universities are, by their nature, global institutions, and they benefit from the presence of students from all over the world. International students can share their culture, music, and traditions with their classmates, and their presence encourages domestic students to engage with different cultures, shedding stereotypes and gaining valuable intercultural skills.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that international students are valuable intellectual and economic assets, and universities are increasingly focusing on recruiting students from overseas as part of their comprehensive internationalization strategies. This is not just about increasing student numbers, but about creating a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the values of equality and inclusivity that universities strive to uphold.

Some universities have appointed diversity officers to ensure that teachers and students from all backgrounds feel safe and welcome on campus. For example, the University of California Santa Cruz has a Report Hate website where incidents can be reported, and the University of Connecticut has created safe spaces for students who may be more vulnerable to racism and discrimination. Stanford University, which has a high percentage of international students, has been attributed to the school's stellar success, and it was ranked top for student satisfaction in Forbes' ranking of American colleges in 2013.

International students often require additional support to adapt to life in a new country, and many universities have international student services offices to provide assistance with visas, orientation, and other aspects of university life. These offices can be a "home base" for international students, helping them to feel welcomed and supported as they navigate the challenges of studying in a foreign country.

Overall, international students bring a wealth of benefits to universities, enhancing the educational experience for all and contributing to a diverse and vibrant campus community.

International branch campuses (IBCs) are a form of international higher education

Historical Roots

The concept of IBCs is not new. During the colonial era, it was common for institutions to set up "branch" institutions in colonies or sponsor schools in foreign countries. For example, the British and French established institutions in Africa and Asia, and Roman Catholic organizations, particularly the Jesuits, set up schools in Latin America and the Philippines. In the 19th century, American Protestant missionaries founded colleges based on the US model in countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon, which later became the American University of Beirut.

Contemporary IBCs

The contemporary branch campus model emerged in the early 20th century, initially serving US military and civilian personnel in the US-owned Canal Zone. Florida State University began providing this type of cross-border program as early as 1933. However, the Bologna Center, a branch campus of Johns Hopkins University in Italy, is considered the oldest established branch campus still in operation, meeting the modern definition of an IBC since 1961.

IBCs in the Modern World

Globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of economies and education systems have fueled the growth of IBCs. Advancements in transportation and communication technologies have made operating IBCs more logistically feasible and commercially viable. Additionally, policies of economic liberalization and the spread of global commodity chains have contributed to the rise in IBCs.

Benefits of IBCs

IBCs offer benefits to both the exporting and importing countries. For the exporting country, IBCs provide opportunities for student recruitment, revenue generation, and the formation of strategic institutional and research ties. Meanwhile, importing countries can quickly boost their higher education capacity, meet labor market demands, and retain human capital by hosting IBCs.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the benefits, establishing an IBC comes with challenges and criticisms. One of the main challenges is the high financial risk and uncertainty involved, as the startup capital required for a foreign campus is significantly higher than for other transnational education ventures. Additionally, there are concerns about attracting and retaining host campus faculty, replicating diversity and quality, and adapting to the local context.

IBCs are a complex and evolving form of international higher education. While they offer opportunities for global collaboration and expansion, they also face regulatory, cultural, and financial challenges. As the world continues to globalize, the number and impact of IBCs are likely to continue to grow and shape the future of international education.

IBCs are often established to improve international relations

International Student Services (ISS) offices are common at universities in the United States, providing support and resources to help international students with everything from visa issues to orientation and social activities.

International students can add diversity to a college or university, enriching the experience of other students on campus. Schools with a strong global presence often have a variety of cultural groups and events, allowing international students to share their culture with their peers.

International branch campuses (IBCs) are another form of international higher education, where institutions establish a physical presence in a foreign location to expand global outreach and student exchange. IBCs are often established to improve international relations, increase the ability to attract foreign talent, enhance prestige and tuition revenue, and expand opportunities for external funding.

The growth of IBCs in the 1990s can be attributed to the forces of globalization, with critics arguing that higher education should not be subject to the types of free-trade agreements applied to commercial goods and services. However, counterarguments suggest that trade has long been present in higher education, as evidenced by the increasing number of students seeking education overseas. This trade is seen as a tool for international relations and soft power.

IBCs have faced criticism for their ability to attract and retain host campus faculty, replicate diversity, and adapt to the local context. However, they have also been deemed successful in improving international relations and providing educational opportunities for students worldwide.

Frequently asked questions