Savanna Hoffman
International Student Services (ISS) is a department that provides support and assistance to international students studying at a university. The services offered by ISS vary but often include help with visas and immigration issues, as well as information and programs to help international students transition to life on campus and in the wider community. ISS may also provide social events and activities for international students to connect with each other and the university. The overall aim of ISS is to ensure international students have the support they need to succeed academically and socially during their time at the university.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students served | Over 10,000 international students at UW alone |
| Number of countries represented | More than 130 countries at UW |
| Services offered | Support and assistance with visas and related immigration issues |
| Support with travel and mailing services | |
| Information and programs about the campus and community | |
| Social events, such as hikes | |
| Support with work options and limits | |
| Advising services |
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What You'll Learn
Social events and activities
International Student Services (ISS) provides a wide range of social events and activities for international students to help them settle in, make friends, and learn about the local area. These events and activities are a great way for international students to get to know their peers and build a support network while studying abroad.
One of the main focuses of social events organized by ISS is to help international students explore the local area and learn about the culture of their host country. For example, students at the University at Buffalo went on a hike along the Niagara River as part of their Summer Connections events. Such activities not only provide an opportunity for students to socialize but also help them develop an understanding and appreciation of the local environment and culture.
ISS also often organizes social events and activities on campus, creating a comfortable and familiar environment for international students to meet and interact. These events can include cultural celebrations, movie nights, game tournaments, or other themed gatherings. For instance, ISS may host an international food festival, where students can share and enjoy dishes from their home countries, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.
In addition to social events, ISS often facilitates student clubs or societies specifically for international students. These clubs may be based on shared interests, such as sports, arts, or community service, providing a more regular opportunity for students to connect and engage in activities they enjoy together. The formation of these clubs helps international students find like-minded peers and build a sense of belonging within the wider student community.
Finally, ISS understands the importance of supporting international students' overall well-being and often includes wellness-focused activities in their social programs. These may include yoga or meditation sessions, sports tournaments, or outdoor adventures, promoting physical and mental health while also offering fun and relaxing opportunities for students to bond. By participating in these activities, international students can develop healthy coping strategies to manage the challenges of living and studying in a new country.
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Travel advice
International Student Services (ISS) provides a wide range of support for international students in the form of services and programs. These services often include travel advice, which is an important part of the support and assistance offered to international students.
International students should be mindful of the rules and restrictions in place when travelling to and from their host country. ISS can provide guidance on travel restrictions, and important factors to consider when planning travel. This includes information on maintaining legal status and any visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they are adhering to the necessary regulations, and ISS can provide support to help them do this.
For example, the ISS at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discontinued the use of Eship Global for document collection, and informed students of this change. They also remind students of important dates, such as public holidays, which may impact their travel plans.
ISS may also offer social events and trips, such as hikes, which international students can join. These are a great way to meet other international students and explore the local area.
It is important to keep up to date with any changes to travel advice, and students should regularly check for updates from their ISS office. They can also contact the ISS team with any immediate questions or concerns, and the team offers virtual drop-in advising, as well as email and phone contact details.
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Work permits
International students seeking employment in a foreign country often need to obtain a work permit and comply with the host country's regulations. Let's take the example of international students in the United States and Canada, two popular destinations for international students:
In the United States, international students typically hold an F1 visa, a non-immigrant student visa. F1 visa holders are allowed to work, but only under specific conditions set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). There are two main categories of employment: on-campus and off-campus work.
On-campus employment
On-campus employment is the most accessible option for F1 students. It does not require prior USCIS approval, but job opportunities may be limited. On-campus work includes jobs directly for the school, such as in a school bookstore or cafeteria, as well as positions with commercial firms providing services to students on campus. F1 students can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester.
Off-campus employment
Off-campus employment for F1 students is more restricted. Generally, F1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions, such as:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Severe economic hardship or special student relief due to emergent circumstances, such as financial crises or natural disasters
- Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training for border commuter students
Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS before starting work.
In Canada, international students can work both on-campus and off-campus, but they need to ensure they have the proper documentation. To work off-campus, international students must have a valid study permit and comply with its conditions. Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus and are allowed to work multiple jobs to accumulate these hours. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals. International students can also work remotely for an employer outside of Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.
After completing their studies, international students in Canada may be able to work full-time if they meet specific requirements, such as having already worked off-campus during their studies. Additionally, they can apply for a post-graduation work permit, although this cannot be done at the border.
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Visa support
International Student Services (ISS) provide visa support and assistance with related immigration issues for international students. This includes helping students understand the rules and regulations around visas and ensuring they maintain their legal status while studying in a foreign country.
For example, the ISS at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a range of services to support international students with visa-related matters. They provide information and guidance on the different types of visas, such as F-1 and J-1 visas, and help students navigate the application or renewal process. The ISS staff are also available to answer any questions or concerns that international students may have about maintaining their visa status and complying with immigration regulations.
Similarly, the ISS office at Christian Service University College assists international students with visa-related inquiries. They offer support and guidance on obtaining the correct visa for their studies and provide important information on maintaining legal status during their time at the university. The ISS staff are knowledgeable about the latest travel restrictions and can advise students on the necessary documentation and procedures for travelling outside the country during their studies.
At the University at Buffalo, the ISS provides visa support and helps international students understand their work options and limits under different visa types. They offer guidance on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), which are training programs that F-1 visa holders can participate in to gain practical experience related to their field of study. The ISS staff are available to answer any questions and ensure that students comply with the regulations of their visa status.
Overall, the visa support provided by International Student Services plays a crucial role in helping international students navigate the complex world of visas and immigration. By offering information, guidance, and support, ISS ensures that students can maintain their legal status and have a smooth transition to life and study in a new country. It is important to note that while ISS provides assistance, the responsibility for maintaining legal status ultimately lies with the student.
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Transition support
Orientation Programmes:
International student orientation programmes are crucial in helping students adjust to their new academic and cultural environment. These programmes should be inclusive and tailored to the specific needs of international students, with the goal of making them feel welcomed and supported. Orientation should be an ongoing process that extends beyond a single day, starting even before students leave their home countries. Pre-arrival sessions can assist students in essential procedures such as visa applications, travel arrangements, and accommodation. These sessions can also provide valuable information about the host country's culture, academic norms, and campus life, helping to alleviate students' anxieties and concerns.
Mentorship Programmes:
Intercultural mentoring has been identified as a valuable strategy in supporting international students' transitions. Mentorship programmes pair international students with experienced mentors, often senior students or local students, who can guide them through the complexities of cultural, social, and academic adjustments. Mentors share their own experiences and knowledge to help mentees navigate unfamiliar situations, providing practical and emotional support. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and enhances academic success for international students.
Communication and Engagement:
Effective communication through emails, online meetings, and social media platforms can play a vital role in transition support. Emails can include welcoming messages, important reminders, instructions, and introductions to the host country's culture. Online meetings, such as Zoom sessions, allow for real-time interactions with fellow international students, support staff, and senior staff members. Social media platforms can also be utilised to share short videos featuring welcome messages, campus tours, and helpful tips for arrival and orientation. These platforms enable institutions to engage with international students before their arrival and throughout their academic journey.
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Frequently asked questions
ISS is an office that provides a wide range of support services and programs to international students.
ISS staff offers information about the campus and community, as well as support related to visas and immigration issues. They also organise events and activities for international students, such as hikes and social gatherings.
Any international student enrolled at the university can access ISS services. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for example, ISS serves over 10,000 international students from more than 130 countries.
The location of ISS offices may vary depending on the university. For specific locations, please refer to your university's website or contact their ISS department directly.
ISS offices typically provide multiple ways to get in touch, including email, phone, and in-person drop-in advising. For example, at the University at Buffalo, you can reach them at [email protected], and they offer virtual drop-in advising throughout the week.
