Lana Oconnell
International Student Services (ISS) offices are common at universities in the United States, which hosted over 1.1 million international students in the 2023/2024 academic year. ISS offices provide a range of services, from visa information to cultural support and social outings, and are designed to be a home base for international students. While it is unclear whether most universities worldwide have dedicated international student offices, ISS offices are prevalent in the US, where many universities have a high proportion of international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of ISS offices | To provide international students with support and guidance on various topics, including visas, workshops, outings, and campus resources. |
| Methods of Contact | In-person, telephone, email, social media (Instagram), live sessions, and discussions. |
| Role of ISS Offices | Help international students navigate available resources, provide specialized programming, and address concerns related to academics, culture, social life, and personal matters. |
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What You'll Learn
- International student services (ISS) offices help with visas and immigration queries
- ISS offices also offer advice on academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns
- Prospective international students can use social media to interact with ISS staff
- International students can make the most of funding opportunities and scholarships
- International students can access cultural support and belonging initiatives
International student services (ISS) offices help with visas and immigration queries
International student services (ISS) offices are an integral part of universities with a high number of international students. These offices are dedicated to serving and supporting international students during their academic journey in a new country. They act as a “home base" for international students, providing a sense of belonging and assistance with various queries and concerns.
One of the primary roles of ISS offices is to help international students with visas and immigration-related matters. They are often the only legitimate source of immigration-related guidance within a university. ISS offices guide students on obtaining and maintaining their non-immigrant student status, providing essential information on visa requirements and processes. They also assist students who need to extend their immigration documents or face issues with their legal status.
ISS offices actively use social media platforms, such as Instagram, to interact with students and share updates. Prospective and current international students can engage through direct messages, live sessions, and discussions on these platforms. This accessibility allows students to reach out early on with any visa or immigration queries and receive timely and accurate guidance.
In addition to visa and immigration support, ISS offices offer a range of other services. They organize workshops, social events, and outings to help international students integrate into the university community and feel welcomed. ISS offices also provide academic, cultural, and personal advising, addressing concerns beyond the scope of visas and immigration. They direct students to appropriate campus resources and support services, ensuring that international students can navigate their new academic environment confidently.
Overall, ISS offices play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for international students, helping them excel academically and socially while complying with the necessary visa and immigration requirements.
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ISS offices also offer advice on academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns
International Student Services (ISS) offices provide a wide range of support to international students. They are often regarded as a "home base" for international students, offering guidance on academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns.
ISS offices help students with their transition to a new academic, social, and cultural environment. They provide advice on academic matters, such as workshops on practical training, academic training, and career preparedness. Additionally, they offer visa and immigration support, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
ISS teams also facilitate cultural support and belonging initiatives. For example, the International Center at UT Dallas organizes trips to sporting events, museums, and other venues to help international students learn about American culture and traditions. These experiences contribute positively to students' academic, social, and cultural journeys.
ISS offices also utilize social media platforms to interact with students and share updates. They encourage students to reach out with any concerns, leveraging the diverse international living experience of their advisers. This establishes a valued relationship that makes students feel comfortable discussing their academic, cultural, social, and personal matters.
Overall, ISS offices play a crucial role in supporting international students' holistic well-being and helping them navigate their new academic and cultural environments.
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Prospective international students can use social media to interact with ISS staff
International Student Services (ISS) offices are a great resource for prospective international students to use as a "home base" at their new university. These offices provide a wide range of support services, from visa information to cultural and social advice.
Many universities have recognised the importance of social media as a tool to connect with prospective international students. It is an effective way to provide snapshots of information and to direct students to more detailed resources. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are commonly used by ISS offices to share updates and interact with students. Prospective students can use these platforms to send direct messages and participate in live sessions and discussions. This allows students to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the university and its key focuses.
For example, the ISS office at the University of Illinois—Springfield encourages students to reach out with any immigration queries. Similarly, the ISSA team at Pennsylvania State University helps students access cultural support and belonging initiatives.
Social media campaigns can also positively influence a student's perception of a university. For instance, the mayor of London's #WeAreInternational and #LondonIsOpen campaigns were found to positively influence the perception of the UK as a place to study.
Therefore, prospective international students can benefit from using social media to interact with ISS staff, gain valuable information, and make more informed decisions about their university choices.
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International students can make the most of funding opportunities and scholarships
International students can take advantage of funding opportunities and scholarships to help finance their education. Many universities have international student offices that provide resources and support specifically for international students, including information on scholarships and funding opportunities.
International students can also turn to online resources and databases, such as IEFA, eduPASS, and InternationalStudent.com, which offer comprehensive listings of scholarships, grants, and loan programs specifically for international students. These websites provide valuable information on funding opportunities from various organizations and institutions. Additionally, students can connect with their university's financial aid office or academic department, as they may have funds allocated to support international students with financial needs, exceptional talent, or both.
There are also specific scholarship programs catering to different student profiles. For instance, the Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students and young professionals from around the world to study in the USA. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA. MPOWER Financing's Global Citizen Scholarship Program has broad eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year.
International students can also explore need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. Both private and public institutions may waive application fees for students with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, international students can consider international student loan programs offered by organizations like IEFA, which has partnered with leading providers of international student loans to help students achieve their educational goals.
By leveraging the support provided by international student offices, utilizing online scholarship databases, connecting with university departments, and exploring various scholarship programs, international students can maximize their funding opportunities and make their educational aspirations a reality.
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International students can access cultural support and belonging initiatives
ISS staff are experienced in dealing with academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns. They can assist international students with their transition to life in a new country, offering practical advice on visas, accommodation, and campus resources. Many ISS offices also use social media platforms to share updates and interact with students.
In addition to practical advice, ISS offices can help international students with social and cultural integration. Social connectedness with domestic students can assist international students in adjusting to their new environment and foster a sense of belonging. This can include participation in workshops and fun outings organized by the ISS office, as well as peer programs that facilitate connections between international and domestic students.
Furthermore, research has shown that social support significantly increases international students' sense of security, which in turn enhances their academic self-efficacy. Initiatives that promote social connectedness and cultural integration are essential in fostering a culture of inclusiveness and learning. Faculty and staff should also strive to understand the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of their international students to provide exceptional, inclusive services.
Overall, ISS offices play a crucial role in supporting international students' cultural adjustment and sense of belonging. By offering guidance, resources, and opportunities for connection, ISS offices help international students navigate the challenges of studying abroad and feel welcomed and supported in their new academic community.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most universities have international student offices, also known as ISS offices. These offices are designed to help international students with everything from visa information to workshops and fun outings. They also provide support and advice on academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns.
International student offices aim to provide a "home base" for international students at their new university. They offer guidance and resources to help students transition to life in a new country and navigate the challenges of living and studying abroad.
International student offices offer a range of services, including visa assistance, information on accommodations, campus resources, support services such as tutoring and language programs, cultural support, and social activities. They also provide advice on maintaining student status and accessing campus resources.
International students can connect with the ISS office in person, via telephone, email, or social media platforms. Many ISS offices use Instagram to share updates and interact with students. Students can send direct messages or participate in live sessions to get their queries resolved.
Yes, online resources such as the International Students data portal and EducationUSA provide comprehensive information for international students. These platforms promote the diversity of U.S. higher education and help international students find the best-suited institutions and opportunities.
