The office of International Student Services is located in Ridgway 223 and 224. They offer the following services:

• I-20 Document Assistance
• Work Authorization Guidance (CPT & OPT)
• Travel Signatures for Re-entry to the U.S.
• Admissions & Acceptance Packet Support
• Change of Major Processing
• International Arrival & Orientation Welcome
• English Language Support & Essentials
• Culturally Enriching Events & Programs
• International Ambassador Program
• International Club Engagement
• S. Bank Account Setup Assistance
• Driver’s License Application Support
• Social Security Number (SSN) Guidance

Experiences of an international student

International students often encounter many of the same personal and academic challenges as domestic students. However, studying in a new country can also present additional hurdles, such as:

• Navigating a different academic system
• Studying in a non-native language
• Adapting to cultural differences and expectations
• Living far from familiar support networks
• Understanding unfamiliar administrative and business practices

Tips to support students

• Be Patient and Understanding
  • Adjusting to a new environment takes time. Show empathy and offer encouragement as students navigate cultural and academic differences.
• Use Clear and Inclusive Language
  • Avoid idioms, slang, or fast speech when possible. Check in to make sure communication is clear and welcoming.
• Encourage Questions
  • Let students know it’s okay to ask for clarification, whether about academic expectations, campus resources, or daily life.
• Promote Campus Resources
  • Help connect students with academic support, counseling services, and international student offices that can assist with specific needs.
• Create Opportunities for Connection
  • Invite international students to join study groups, attend events, or participate in student organizations to build friendships and community.
• Be Culturally Curious and Open-Minded
  • Take interest in students' backgrounds and experiences. A respectful curiosity can go a long way in building trust and mutual understanding.
• Offer Practical Guidance
  • Share insights on everyday tasks like grocery shopping, using public transportation, or navigating university systems—they may be unfamiliar.
• Recognize and Celebrate Diversity
  • Acknowledge the value of international perspectives and contributions in classroom discussions, group work, and campus life.

Additional Resources for Understanding Cultural Differences

• Yosso’s Wealth Model
  A model that explores where students derive value beyond traditional cultural measures such as wealth and material possessions. They are:
  • Aspirational Capital: The ability to maintain hopes and dreams for the future, even in the face of barriers.
  • Linguistic Capital: Skills gained through multiple language use, including storytelling, poetry, and verbal communication that are often shaped by multilingualism and diverse modes of expression.
  • Familial Capital: Cultural knowledge and values passed through extended family and kinship networks that offer emotional support, identity, and community history.
  • Social Capital: Networks of people and community resources that provide instrumental and emotional support to navigate society and institutions.
  • Navigational Capital: Skills and abilities to maneuver through social institutions—especially those not designed for historically marginalized groups, such as schools and universities.
  • Resistant Capital: Knowledge and skills developed through oppositional behavior that challenges inequality, often rooted in a legacy of activism and resilience.

• Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions
  A framework that analyses and compares cultural values across different countries. The dimensions are: 
  • Power Distance (PDI) – Hierarchy vs. Equality
    • Measures how much less powerful members of a society accept inequality in power and authority.
  • Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV) – Personal vs. Group Focus
    • Determines whether people prioritize personal goals or group loyalty.
  • Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS) – Competition vs. Cooperation
    • Looks at whether a culture values competitiveness and achievement (masculine) or care and quality of life (feminine).
  • Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) – Risk-Taking vs. Stability
    • Measures how comfortable people are with uncertainty and ambiguity.
  • Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation (LTO) – Future vs. Tradition
    • Determines whether a culture focuses on future rewards or values tradition and stability.
  • Indulgence vs. Restraint (IVR) – Enjoyment vs. Discipline
    • Examines the degree to which societies allow free gratification of desires.
• Explore the maps to see how each country scored across the various dimensions
• For more information on inclusive advising, refer to the Advising Success Network’s report, Academic Advising as a Tool for Student Success and Educational Equity.