The team at the Office of International Engagement have been like ducks: Calmly swimming on the surface, feet paddling furiously below. It has been an eventful year, and we have many projects and successes to share. Our creative work often stems from conversations with students, staff, and faculty. Our compliance responsibilities are driven by administrative regulations and policies.
International Student and Scholar Service (ISSS) works closely with International Admissions to provide regulatory advice to new and continuing students. Spring 2025 was a busy and uncertain time for us as we supported students and faculty concerns about visa revocations and increased scrutiny of international students. From assisting students with questions about traveling back to their home countries to meeting newly admitted students via monthly Zoom sessions to answer questions as they begin their orientation to Illinois State University, the team stepped up to provide information and encouragement.
Did you know that Illinois State has welcomed 110 new international students in fall 2025? This group comprises 24 undergraduates and 86 graduate students. Students arrived from more than 30 countries, with the largest groups from Zimbabwe (14), Ghana (13), India (10), Nigeria (8), and Bangladesh (7). The STEM-designated Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was the most popular choice, with 19 new students enrolled.
International Student Orientation is a highlight for the entire team. We collaborate with several key units on campus to ensure that new students are well prepared for their first semester at Illinois State. Information Technology, the Redbird Card office, the Dean of Students Office, Student Accounts, Emergency Management, University Police, to name just a few, taught students about American systems, policies, and practices.
This year we invited Professor Liesel Mitchell from the Department of Accounting to lead a session focused on financial literacy. Additionally, new students appreciated practical advice and recommendations from continuing students who joined them at lunchtime. Did you know that our International House and Special Program team offered a specialized orientation for new international athletes this year? We also supported our women’s basketball team recently with a recruitment initiative, and we are delighted that we contributed to a successful recruit!
Global engagement often starts from a casual conversation or an unexpected opportunity, which are invaluable. We also look at moving from opportunity to strategy. We have spent the last year conducting a program audit of our study abroad programs to assess student interest and viability. Several stakeholders provided constructive feedback that led us to our process improvement project. We anticipate this being completed in 2025, so please stay tuned.
Recent collaborations include agreements with the University of Murcia in Spain and Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand. These partnerships expand opportunities for intercultural learning through the Mennonite College of Nursing and short-term student teaching experiences through the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center.
Did you know that in academic year 2026 the Office of Study Abroad offered 72 programs that sent 362 students abroad? The largest number of students belong to the Big Red Marching Machine who performed at a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Kilkenny, Ireland. We are in the process of renewing four memoranda of understanding and 14 student exchange agreements with help from the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, Export Control, and the Office of the Comptroller.
We look forward to engaging with faculty at International Faculty Cafe (please look for our monthly email invites), with students at Conversations Cafe, and at monthly lunch and learn workshops. The Office of International Engagement website has more information.
