Illinois State University has a total of 730 international students on campus in fall 2023. The Office of International Engagement (OIE) is committed to their success by offering programs and services for international students as they navigate their educational journey. These range from pre-arrival to post-graduation support.
The OIE offers weekly programs for international students to acquire the skills and knowledge to be successful both in and outside of the classroom. The “How Do I …?” academic workshop series, developed by the OIE Academic Team, teaches students about writing, editing, formatting, and presenting research in the American classroom environment, allowing international students to explore how academic expectations and procedures may differ from what they are familiar with in their home countries. The “Food for Thought” informational sessions, presented by the International House (I-House) team, expand students’ knowledge of services and resources across campus to help ensure that students are making the most of their international experience.
The I-House team also offers international students unique opportunities to venture away from campus to explore other cities and areas of interest. In the fall semester, international students are given the opportunity to visit downtown Chicago, the state capitol in Springfield, and Starved Rock State Park. In the spring, trips are planned to see the St. Louis Arch, Peoria riverfront, and Lake Bloomington. These excursions give students an opportunity to learn about local and national history, visit historic landmarks and popular attractions, and enjoy the natural environment.
OIE staff strive to create a powerful connection amongst the international student population at ISU. The Ice Cream Social event at the beginning of the school year allows new students to make connections with university administrators and faculty in a casual setting, while the Homecoming and Thanksgiving programs later in the semester give international students an opportunity to learn about campus traditions and local customs while connecting with students, staff, faculty, and community members. Even before their arrival on campus, OIE staff are contacting new international students via Zoom webinars, pre-arrival emails, and other communication platforms.
On a more personal level, OIE staff meet with international students daily to discuss visa and employment issues, financial aid opportunities, health and wellness concerns, as well as academic and social questions. The team helps students find the right resources to address their needs as they adapt to life as students abroad.
The OIE advocates for international student issues, working with partners around campus to address student needs and concerns. For example, in partnership with University Housing Services, the OIE was able to offer 80 on-campus bed spaces for the fall semester to incoming upper-level international students with no penalties if a student had to cancel their contract due to visa issues.
OIE begins pre-arrival advising for new international students a few months before they arrive for the semester. This essentially takes the place of Preview, which is available for domestic or U.S.-based students. As soon as an international student is admitted, the international admissions team begins communicating with them for visa processing. At the same time, I-House staff communicates via email and various Zoom sessions tailored for their unique needs and time zones to walk them through Student Affairs matters and answer individual questions.
Three months before arriving in Normal to start her computer science master’s program, Darshita Patel attended a pre-arrival webinar with OIE Executive Director Roopa Rawjee and I-House Program Director Matt Schwab. It was at this meeting that she learned about the on-campus spots being held for international students and was motivated to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Patel explained that “before arriving, I filled out a questionnaire, and based on those answers, I was assigned a roommate that I am very compatible with. I love living on-campus because it is so close to everything I need, and utilities are included (in the rent). I’m only five minutes from Bone Student Center and only 10 minutes from other academic buildings and the Quad.”
