Douglas Olsen
International student services are provided by professionals who work within the institution's international office or centre, or by professionals from other departments who collaborate with the international office. These services are designed to support international students in their transition to a new country and educational system. They assist students with immediate needs, such as transportation and settling into their new surroundings, and provide orientation programming that covers topics like immigration, course registration, student life, and other practical aspects of living in a new country. International student services also offer continued support throughout the year, including follow-up sessions on academics, study skills, and cultural adjustment. These services aim to foster a globally inclusive community, empower students to make informed decisions, and enhance their overall experience during their studies abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engagement on arrival | Help new international students with any immediate needs or concerns, provide transportation or greeting services at the airport, help them settle in with their surroundings and provide opportunities to meet new people and make friends |
| In-person orientation programming | Provide information regarding immigration, course registration, student life, and other logistics associated with moving to a country (e.g., setting up bank accounts, transportation, tenancy information, etc.) |
| Continued support | Follow-up sessions throughout the year that cover topics such as academics, study skills, and cultural adjustment, mentorship programming |
| Advising | Educate and empower students to make informed decisions |
| Compliance | Work with students to advocate for a globally inclusive community |
| Operations | Support international students' day-to-day queries |
| Global engagement | Organize off-campus experiences and trips to sporting events, museums and other venues for international students to learn about the local culture and traditions |
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What You'll Learn
- International student services offices provide support and resources for international students
- International student affairs professionals work in international offices or centres
- Support is provided for cultural adjustment and belonging
- International students receive assistance with visas, immigration, and travel
- International students can access workshops and events to help them explore their new community
International student services offices provide support and resources for international students
International student services offices (ISS) are dedicated to supporting international students throughout their academic journey. They provide a range of services and resources to help international students navigate the unique challenges they may face when studying abroad.
ISS offices often serve as a central hub for international students, offering guidance and assistance from the initial stages of planning their move to ongoing support throughout their time at the institution. One of the key services they provide is assistance with visa and immigration processes, ensuring that students meet the necessary requirements and maintain their legal status while studying in a foreign country.
These offices also play a crucial role in helping international students transition to their new environment. They often organise orientation programmes specific to international students, covering topics such as course registration, student life, setting up bank accounts, transportation, and tenancy information. ISS offices may also provide airport greeting services, helping new students settle into their surroundings and connect with their peers.
Throughout the academic year, ISS offices continue to offer support and resources to international students. They may hold follow-up sessions and workshops on various topics, including academics, study skills, cultural adjustment, financial management, and career exploration. These offices also facilitate year-round activities and events, providing opportunities for international students to explore their new community, learn about the local culture and traditions, and form meaningful connections.
Additionally, ISS offices often collaborate with other departments, such as career services and wellness centres, to develop and deliver tailored services for international students. They may provide language assistance, tutoring, and cultural support initiatives to enhance the overall student experience. The primary goal of ISS offices is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters the academic, personal, and professional growth of international students.
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International student affairs professionals work in international offices or centres
One key area of support offered by international offices or centres is engagement on arrival. They assist new international students with immediate needs, such as transportation from the airport and helping them settle into their new surroundings. They also facilitate social connections, enabling students to meet new people and make friends. This initial support is crucial in easing the students' transition and making them feel welcomed.
International student affairs professionals also play a vital role in providing orientation programming tailored specifically for international students. This programming covers essential topics such as immigration procedures, course registration, student life, and practical aspects of living in a new country. They ensure that information is presented in a clear and understandable manner, addressing any concerns or confusion the students may have.
Additionally, these offices or centres offer continued support throughout the academic year. They organise follow-up sessions covering academics, study skills, and cultural adjustment. They may also provide mentorship programmes, cultural support initiatives, and workshops on various topics, including financial management and career exploration. The goal is to empower international students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful academic journey and a smooth cultural transition.
International offices or centres serve as a "home base" for international students, providing a sense of belonging and guidance. They often collaborate with other departments, such as career services or wellness centres, to develop comprehensive support services. These professionals are committed to advocating for the needs of international students and creating a globally inclusive community within the institution.
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Support is provided for cultural adjustment and belonging
International students face challenges when studying abroad, such as adjusting to a new culture, academic stress, and linguistic and cultural barriers. As a result, they may require additional support to foster a sense of belonging and promote their overall well-being and academic success.
One way to provide this support is through social integration with domestic students. International students who develop social ties with domestic students tend to adjust better to their host country. Domestic students can provide practical, informational, and emotional support, such as helping international students navigate unfamiliar situations and cultural differences. For example, a domestic student might provide informational support on where to buy certain items or how to order at a restaurant, or practical support by offering rides to the store.
However, international students often find it easier to befriend other international students from the same cultural background, as they share the same language and cultural challenges. To facilitate social bonds between domestic and international students, some institutions offer semester-long classroom activities that encourage social interaction between the two groups. These activities aim to increase international students' sense of belonging and perceived social support.
In addition to social integration with domestic students, international students can benefit from cultural and social events within local communities. These events provide opportunities for international students to engage with people from various countries, fostering cultural adjustment and a sense of inclusion. Universities can also implement peer learning and group learning methods that encourage collaboration between students from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and enriched educational environment.
Mental health services also play a crucial role in supporting international students' cultural adjustment and belonging. It is important for these services to be inclusive and accessible, addressing the unique needs and experiences of international students. This includes training mental health professionals in multicultural self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and incorporating diverse approaches to meet the needs of international students.
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International students receive assistance with visas, immigration, and travel
International students often require assistance with visas, immigration, and travel, and there are many resources available to help them navigate these complex processes.
Visas
The type of visa required depends on the student's country of origin and the nature of their course of study. For example, in the United States, international students need either an F or M visa to study. An F-1 visa is for academic students, while an M-1 visa is for those enrolling in a technical program at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency and show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
Immigration
International students need to be aware of the immigration rules and regulations of their host country. For instance, in the US, students must fulfill the purpose of their visa and follow associated regulations to maintain their student status. They may also be eligible for certain benefits, which they can apply for through other government agencies.
Travel
When travelling to their host country, international students should be familiar with the documents they will need upon arrival. For instance, students travelling to the US will meet a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, who will verify their information and determine if they may enter the country. Students are advised not to make final travel plans or buy tickets until they have obtained their visa.
International students can seek support from various organisations, such as the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in the UK, which provides accessible information, advice, and training on immigration rules, fees, employment, and the wider student experience. Similarly, International Student Services (ISS) at UW–Madison offers advising services and resources on current immigration issues. These resources help international students navigate the complex processes related to visas, immigration, and travel, ensuring a smoother transition to their host country.
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International students can access workshops and events to help them explore their new community
International student services are provided by dedicated professionals who work within international offices or centres, or in tandem with these offices to deliver services for international students. These services are designed to help international students navigate their new environment, providing support and resources to foster a sense of belonging and a successful transition to life in a new country.
One key way they do this is by offering workshops and events that help international students explore their new community. For example, the University of Colorado Denver's Office of International Affairs (OIA) offers a full calendar of cultural, social, and recreational activities. These include meet-and-greets, indoor and outdoor events, and parties to welcome international students to campus. International students can also join WhatsApp groups to stay connected and explore Denver's vibrant downtown scene together.
International students at U.S. universities can also benefit from ISS offices, which provide support with visas, orientation, and year-round activities. These offices often host workshops on topics like travel, financial management, legal employment, and taxes, as well as language circles to practice foreign language skills.
At Pennsylvania State University, the ISSA office holds educational employment workshops and provides dedicated advisers and global engagement coordinators who organize off-campus experiences. Similarly, 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.
Through these workshops and events, international students can gain valuable knowledge, build connections, and develop a sense of belonging in their new community.
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Frequently asked questions
International student affairs professionals provide support and resources to international students to help them navigate their new environment, address challenges, and make informed decisions. They work within international offices or centres or collaborate with other departments to develop and deliver tailored services.
International student affairs offer engagement upon arrival, including airport greeting services, assistance with immediate needs, and opportunities to meet people. They also provide orientation programming with information on immigration, academics, student life, cultural adjustment, and practical aspects of settling in a new country.
International student affairs offer continued support throughout the year with follow-up sessions covering various topics. They also organise trips, events, and activities to help international students explore their new community and facilitate cultural exchange.
International students can seek advice from their institution's International Student Services (ISS) office, which serves as a "home base" for support and guidance. ISS offices provide information on visas, campus resources, academic and career workshops, cultural support, and other specialised programming to aid students' transition and success.
