Kvali Education Advising Center

 

Some may measure the strength of a college or university's international student program by the range of programs and services it offers its international students. U.S. colleges or universities may have a wide array of services and programs to meet their needs. The office responsible for delivering programs and services to international students at U.S colleges and universities may vary in title, such as International Student Office, or Foreign Student Services, or International Education. While some institutions may enroll fewer than one hundred international students, others may enroll hundreds or even several thousand. At institutions with very small international student populations, a faculty or staff member with other responsibilities may be assigned to be the international student adviser.

Regardless of the title, the international student office is the central reference point for international students on campus, and serves as a source of important information and services. Frequently, these offices also provide programs and services for international faculty and research scholars.

New international students should visit the International Student Office as soon as they arrive on campus, and whenever they have questions regarding their stay in the U.S. International educators believe that an equally important objective for international offices is to facilitate learning both in and outside the classroom by providing international students:

    •   with an understanding of U.S. culture;
    •   Customs and values;
    •   Convey information on the U.S. educational system;
    •   Offer opportunities for international students and Americans to get to know each other;
    •   Acquaint international students with services and facilities both on campus and in the 
         local community;
    •   Assist international students with adjusting to life in the U.S while maintaining their own
        cultural identity.

Some typical programs and services offered by international students offices include:

     •   issuance of certificates of eligibility (forms I-20 and IAP-66)
     •   new student orientation
     •   host student/host family/friendship family programs
     •   workshops/seminars on cultural issues
     •   on- and off-campus employment information/workshops
     •   office newsletter and/or electronic newsletter/newsgroups
     •   health and accident insurance
     •   emergency loans/grants
     •   travel information (both inside and outside the U.S.)

The greatest demand for programs and services usually occurs just prior to the start of the semester when new students arrive, and at the end of each semester when students are graduating, changing institutions, seeking work authorization, or traveling.

Many international student offices are open year-round to meet the needs of students who remain in the local area during vacation periods. International student offices provide assistance to students throughout their period of stay in the U.S. Many international student offices categorize their programs and services as pre-arrival, upon arrival, during enrollment, and after graduation. So, from initial mailings congratulating international students upon their admission, to maintaining close ties with international alumni many years after they have graduated, international student offices perform an array of functions during the different stages of the students' association with their U.S. college or university.

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