University Office of International Programs International Student Services Presented by Negar C. Davis Director of I

1. University Office of International ProgramsInternational StudentServicesPresented by Negar C. Davis Director of International Student Services

2. University Office of International Programs A Comprehensive International Office A staff of 45 Education Abroad International Student Services Strategic Partnerships

3. International Student Services Mission Statement Penn State International Student Services is committed to providing leadership and support that contributes to the academic, cultural, social and personal experiences of students and scholars from around the world during their stay at Penn State and beyond. We accomplish this by offering a wide range or quality support services, including pre-arrival services, orientation programs, immigration and general advising, workshops and cultural programs to enable students to develop and practice the skills necessary to become world citizens.

4. ISS GOALS To provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders To be recognized as one of the top international student service providers in the U.S. To enhance the cultural diversity of Penn State

5. Pre-Arrival Support Initial Document Services and Orientation overview General orientation to Penn State and the surrounding communities Advising on immigration and general matters Assistance with housing matters Link with current students on campus

6. Post-Arrival Support Services Airport pick-up service Temporary housing Orientation Program

9. Peer Mentor Program Match incoming international student with upper-level student of same nationality Designed to facilitate transition and combat homesickness and culture shock Also encourages involvement and volunteerism from upper-level students Create “training” for Mentors focusing on possible questions, active listening, emotional issues as well as what NOT to talk about Peer mentor program: this is a newish program for us – we just instituted it for the first time last fall. Match incoming international students with upper-level students of the same nationality. Designed to facilitate transition to Life in State College. I don’t know if any of you have ever visited us, but State College is a small community in central PA – it’s about 3 – 4 hours to metropolitan areas. Because of this, students want to know where they buy international groceries, how to get to to local NYC, etc.. By matching students with students from their home country, students are able to learn about these things, speak their national language, feel more comfortable… This program also encourages upperlevel students to volunteer and get involved with our office. Typically, it’s students who had a great first-year experience who come back and volunteer with us Peer mentor program: this is a newish program for us – we just instituted it for the first time last fall. Match incoming international students with upper-level students of the same nationality. Designed to facilitate transition to Life in State College. I don’t know if any of you have ever visited us, but State College is a small community in central PA – it’s about 3 – 4 hours to metropolitan areas. Because of this, students want to know where they buy international groceries, how to get to to local NYC, etc.. By matching students with students from their home country, students are able to learn about these things, speak their national language, feel more comfortable… This program also encourages upperlevel students to volunteer and get involved with our office. Typically, it’s students who had a great first-year experience who come back and volunteer with us

10. Student Support Services Advocacy on behalf of students Immigration and visa support Integration with American students Involvement with the community

11. Making Connections Global Connections Local United Way agency is a volunteer non-profit organization Co-sponsor programs such as the “International Children’s Festival” to reach community and teach community Connections with Student Affairs and University support services Advocate for international student interests and inclusion in larger university community; enhance services to international students to promote cultural sensitivity and respect for the global community

12. Cultural Events and Programming ISS Coffee Hour Held weekly, but also hosted by an international student organization once a month ISS Newsletter/The Globe Central location for all things “international” Life at Penn State workshops Designed to support students’ “whole life” Explorers Program Student Organizations International Student Council: International Festival ISS Newsletter: Currently, the newsletter is sent to over 4,000 students, scholars and community members Life at Penn State workshops: Explorers Program: GSA CAFÉ: Currently, the Graduate Student Association and International Student Services sponsor the GSA Critically Acclaimed Film Experience (C.A.F.E.) each week. The goal of the GSA C.A.F.E is to celebrate and reflect the diversity of cultures around the world. To do this, the GSA C.A.F.E has programmed films that are diverse in terms of genres, subject matter and cultural backgrounds and have been featured in major film festivals world wide. Currently, this film series is a great way to promote and foster cultural diversity here at Penn State. However, we are looking for ways to expand the outreach of this program and tie it to students’ academic experiences. One way to do this is to create discussions led by faculty, staff or other speakers after a screening, and to offer credit to students for attending. International Coffee Hour: Join us for complementary fair-trade coffee, tea, cookies and international chat every Thursday from 3:30-5:00 pm in the International Lounge, 410 Boucke Building! This event is open to all students, american and international, as well as faculty and staff. Also, host panel discussions and facilitate bus trips to local and national points of interest. Life at Penn State workshops: designed to introduce international students to academic and social life at Penn State. Workshops are offered throughout the semester ISS Newsletter: Currently, the newsletter is sent to over 4,000 students, scholars and community members Life at Penn State workshops: Explorers Program: GSA CAFÉ: Currently, the Graduate Student Association and International Student Services sponsor the GSA Critically Acclaimed Film Experience (C.A.F.E.) each week. The goal of the GSA C.A.F.E is to celebrate and reflect the diversity of cultures around the world. To do this, the GSA C.A.F.E has programmed films that are diverse in terms of genres, subject matter and cultural backgrounds and have been featured in major film festivals world wide. Currently, this film series is a great way to promote and foster cultural diversity here at Penn State. However, we are looking for ways to expand the outreach of this program and tie it to students’ academic experiences. One way to do this is to create discussions led by faculty, staff or other speakers after a screening, and to offer credit to students for attending. International Coffee Hour: Join us for complementary fair-trade coffee, tea, cookies and international chat every Thursday from 3:30-5:00 pm in the International Lounge, 410 Boucke Building! This event is open to all students, american and international, as well as faculty and staff. Also, host panel discussions and facilitate bus trips to local and national points of interest. Life at Penn State workshops: designed to introduce international students to academic and social life at Penn State. Workshops are offered throughout the semester

13. Continued Communication

19. Largest Country Groups at Penn State, Fall 2007

27. THANK YOU!