College Admissions Consulting What is an Office of International Student Services and How Can It Help Me? Written by Lauren Randleon May 30th, 2017 I learned firsthand about the world of highly selective admissions as a former assistant director of admissions at Georgetown University. I traveled the United States, in and out of high schools and auditoriums, to eagerly educate students and their families about the application process, and then painstakingly reviewed thousands upon thousands of applications to fill our class. I reviewed applications for all four of Georgetown’s colleges (Georgetown College, McDonough School of Business, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and School of Nursing & Health Studies), and chaired the admissions committee for the School of Foreign Service. I experienced the nuances of the recruitment process as the admissions liaison to the Georgetown women’s soccer team, and also understood the significance of the admissions interview as the co-coordinator for Georgetown’s alumni interviewing process. I left admissions to pursue a master of education degree at the University of Virginia to broaden my knowledge of student development theories and current trends in higher education. There I decided that it was time to work more directly with students and families at the high school level, where my support and encouragement would have a more personal impact. That desire led me across the globe to Hong Kong, where I worked at a competitive international high school helping students with their college applications to the world's best universities. My international experience offered me the opportunity to work with extraordinary students and see extraordinary places. Learn More About Lauren applying from abroad, college admissions advice, international students, For many international students hoping to study in the USA, the process of just getting in is overwhelming. By the time the acceptance letter is in hand and the deposit is made, it’s understandable to say, “PHEW! I’m done!” But after the relief wears off, a new wave of questions and anxieties usually hit families around. “How will I get from the airport to campus?” “Am I expected to find twin XL sheets on my own?” “What will I do when all of the American students leave campus for Thanksgiving?” There are so many unknowns for international students moving far from home to study in the USA. If you are feeling the panic of uncertainty, rest assured there is support for international students! Most colleges that have an international student population have an entire team of staff to help make your transition to their campus as smooth as possible. While these offices may have slightly different names at different colleges and universities, the Office of International Student Services will be your new lifeline from the time of admission through graduation (and maybe even beyond!). So how can the Office of International Student Services (OISS) help you? The core mission of an OISS is to provide the necessary assistance to ensure the college’s compliance with governmental immigration regulations, as well as help international students achieve their educational goals. Key services may include: Providing the required documents for international students to maintain their legal status in the U.S. Cultural adjustment support International student orientation Coordination of housing, meals, and activities during school breaks Academic advising Health services advising Travel assistance Work/internship compliance and guidance Sponsor of international students club or associations Additional English language programming Campus programming to promote cultural understanding and awareness for all students Your next step is to contact the OISS (if they have not already been in contact with you) at your college. Familiarize yourself with the specific services offered at your college, and feel comfortable contacting the OISS directly with your questions and concerns even prior to moving overseas. Remember, it is their sole job to support YOU! For international families reading this during the search and application process, it is essential to include each college’s OISS in your research process. Draw distinctions between services provided at the colleges you are considering. If the college does not have an OISS or has very limited support, that is something you should be well-aware of before making any final decisions. Related Resources Read | Posted on December 4th, 2024 Best Gifts for the Student in Your Life Read | Posted on November 26th, 2024 What Are the Different Types of Architecture Programs? Read | Posted on November 22nd, 2024 Top 7 Reasons to Use College Coaching
