Pursuing your degree abroad is one of the best things you can do for your academic and professional growth.
However, as an international student, you’re likely to experience challenges that domestic students don’t face. For instance, you may have language barriers and culture shock that make it more difficult to integrate into the local community.
What can you do to have a smoother study abroad experience?
In this guide, we’ll explore key campus resources international students should take advantage of to have an easier time studying abroad.
International Student Services Office
The International Student Services (ISS) Office is a dedicated resource center for international students that almost all universities abroad have.
The primary goal of the ISS office is to provide support and assistance to international students and scholars throughout their academic journey.
The ISS office is responsible for advising and guiding international students on a wide range of topics, including:
- Immigration regulations
- Visa requirements
- Cultural adjustment
- Employment opportunities
- Campus events
- Academic policies
The ISS office works closely with other departments on campus, such as the Registrar’s Office, Admissions Office, and Financial Aid Office to ensure that international students are fully integrated into the university community.
The ISS office also provides a variety of programs and resources to help international students adjust to life in the United States. These resources may include orientation sessions, cultural events, social activities, and workshops on topics such as academic success, time management, and stress management.
One of the key responsibilities of the ISS office is to ensure that international students comply with all immigration regulations. This includes helping students apply for and maintain their visas, as well as providing information on travel restrictions, employment regulations, and other immigration-related issues.
Campus Multicultural Centers
Like the International Student Services office, multicultural centers are dedicated spaces on college and university campuses that provide resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
Multicultural centers typically offer a wide range of programs and services designed to promote cultural awareness and understanding, as well as to create a sense of community among students from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Some of the common programs and services offered by multicultural centers include:
- Cultural Events: Multicultural centers often organize events such as festivals, cultural fairs, and performances to celebrate and promote different cultures. These events provide an opportunity for students to learn about and appreciate different cultural traditions.
- Diversity Training: Many multicultural centers offer workshops and training sessions to help students develop their cultural competency and awareness. These programs may focus on topics such as bias awareness, privilege, and inclusion.
- Identity-Based Support Groups: Multicultural centers may also offer support groups for students from different identity-based communities, such as LGBTQ+ students, international students, and students of color. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for students to connect with others who share similar experiences and identities.
- Advocacy and Activism: Multicultural centers often serve as a hub for social justice and activism on campus. They may offer resources and support for student-led initiatives and activism, such as organizing rallies and protests, lobbying for policy changes, and advocating for marginalized communities.
- Leadership Development: Many multicultural centers offer leadership development programs that help students develop their leadership skills and become advocates for social change. These programs may include workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
Multicultural centers play a critical role in creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for students from diverse backgrounds. By providing resources and support to students, these centers help promote cultural awareness and understanding, foster a sense of community, and empower students to become advocates for social justice and equity.
Language Support Services
Language support services are designed to help students who are non-native speakers of the language of instruction to improve their language skills and succeed in their academic coursework. These services can be found in most universities and colleges.
Language support services offer a range of programs and resources to assist students in improving their English language proficiency.
Some common language support services available to students include:
- English Language Courses: Many universities offer English language courses that are specifically designed for international students. These courses focus on developing students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.
- Language Tutors: Language tutors provide one-on-one support to students who need extra help with their language skills. Tutors can help students improve their grammar, pronunciation, and communication skills.
- Writing Centers: Writing centers are resources available on most campuses that offer support to students with academic writing, including help with grammar, structure, and style. Writing centers are often staffed by trained tutors who can provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Conversation Partners: Some campus language support programs offer conversation partners to help students practice their English language skills in a more informal setting. Conversation partners are often fellow students or community volunteers who can help students improve their speaking and listening skills.
Campus Counseling Services
Adjusting to life abroad can be challenging. The counseling services in your campus can help you make a smoother transition.
Counseling services on college and university campuses are designed to provide students with support and assistance in dealing with a range of emotional and mental health issues. These services are often staffed by trained professionals, such as licensed counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who provide confidential counseling and therapy services to students.
Some common issues that you can seek counseling services for include:
- Anxiety and Stress: International students often experience high levels of stress and anxiety related to culture shock, academic demands, social pressures, and personal issues. Counseling services can help students develop coping skills and manage their stress levels.
- Depression: Depression is a common mental health concern among college students. Without access to their usual support network, international students are at higher risk of depression. Counseling services can provide students with support and therapy to manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
- Relationship Issues: Students may seek counseling services for issues related to their personal relationships, such as family problems, conflicts with roommates, or difficulties in romantic relationships.
- Identity Concerns: Counseling services can also help students navigate issues related to their identity, such as sexuality, gender identity, race, and culture. Counselors can provide support and guidance to help students feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is a growing concern on college campuses, and counseling services can provide support and resources to students struggling with addiction or substance abuse issues.
Counseling services on campus may offer a range of services, including individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, and support groups. These services are typically free or low-cost for students, and counselors maintain strict confidentiality policies to protect the privacy of students seeking their help.
Counseling services on college and university campuses play a critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of students. By providing a safe and supportive environment for students to seek help, counseling services can help international students overcome personal challenges and succeed academically and personally.
Career Services
Career services on college and university campuses are designed to help students explore career options, gain professional skills and experience, and prepare for employment after graduation. These services can be especially helpful for international students who may face unique challenges when seeking employment.
Here are some of the ways you can take advantage of campus career services:
- Career Exploration: Career services can provide international students with information and resources to explore different career paths and understand the local job market. This can include workshops, career fairs, and online resources that provide information on job opportunities, salary ranges, and industry trends.
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Career services can help you develop effective resumes and cover letters that highlight your skills and experiences. This can include feedback on language and formatting, as well as guidance on tailoring these documents to specific job opportunities.
- Job Search Strategies: Career services can provide international students with guidance on how to conduct a job search in the host country. This can include advice on networking, online job searches, and applying for internships and part-time jobs.
- Mock Interviews: Career services may offer mock interviews to help you prepare for job interviews. These sessions can provide feedback on communication skills, interview techniques, and cultural norms in the workplace.
- Work Authorization and Visa Support: As an international student, you may have specific questions and concerns related to work authorization and visa status. Career services can provide information and resources to help you understand your rights and options, as well as connect you with immigration attorneys or other resources if necessary.
College and university campuses abroad offer a variety of resources and services to support international students and ensure a smooth transition.
Multicultural centers, international student offices, language support services, counseling services, and career services provide valuable resources to help international students succeed academically and personally.
These services help international students adjust to the cultural, academic, and social aspects of campus life. They also provide support and resources to address common challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustment, and mental health concerns.
By taking full advantage of these campus resources, you can have a more positive and successful experience during your time studying abroad.
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