International Student Services at U.S. Colleges: What to Know

International Student Services (ISS) offices on U.S. campuses provide campus services and an abundance of resources to assist with everything from visa issues and orientation to activities throughout the year.

“ISS typically means International Student Services, so these offices exist to assist and support international students during their time studying in the United States,” says Lynne Vanahill, director of international support services at the University of Kansas.

She describes that students abroad can consider ISS as “their home base at their new university—a place to start from and come back to whenever they feel lost or unsure.”

Here’s how students abroad can best use their school’s ISS office, before and after they arrive on campus.

What to Do Before You Go

Before applying or enrolling in a college, prospective international students should get in touch with the school’s ISS office.

Explore the School’s ISS Webpage

Numerous ISS offices provide individual consultations with advisers via live chat or video calls. Students may also email or call the office.

“If students can’t find what they need, they’re welcome to email us or attend one of our webinars for prospective or newly admitted students,” Vanahill says.

She further states that KU’s ISS office collaborates with admissions staff to deliver pre-arrival webinars on such issues as “*How to Request an I-20*” for visa application and “Campus Life at KU.”

Numerous ISS offices employ social media (such as Instagram and X) to distribute updates and communicate with students. Future students can DM them or attend live Q&A sessions.

Obtain Visa and Immigration Advice

Whether it’s about securing a student visa or processing wait times, students should reach out to ISS early with any immigration-related questions.

“We welcome all inquiries, but we’re the only official source of immigration guidance at the university,” says Rick Lane, director of international student services at the University of Illinois—Springfield.

Lane encourages students to “bring all questions about their non-immigrant student status—how to get it, maintain it, maximize benefits, etc.—to us.”

What to Do Once You’re on Campus

After arriving, students should take full advantage of all campus resources and support offered by their ISS office.

Look Into Advising Services

Some ISS offices provide advising that goes beyond visas and immigration, helping with academic, cultural, social, and personal concerns.

Lane suggests students visit the ISS office in person or contact staff by phone or email with any issues.

“They feel comfortable talking to us, both because our advisers have diverse international living experience and because we’ve built a trusted relationship with them even before they arrived in the U.S.,” Lane says.


Jody Pritt, Penn State’s assistant vice provost for international student and scholar advising, advises that students ought to go first to the ISS office for guidance. The office can introduce them to other campus services as well.

According to Pritt, Penn State’s ISSA staff ensures that students get access to cultural assistance and community programs.

“We’re a supportive team of advisers working together to create meaningful and transformative experiences for international students during their time here,” Pritt says.

Participate in Workshops

After enrolling, students should take advantage of ISS workshops on topics like travel, financial management, and more.

“I attended many of these workshops,” says Mustafa Al-Qadi, an Iraqi national who earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from KU in 2019.

For instance, he attended workshops such as “Optional Practical Training and Academic Training for International Students,” “Essentials of Car Ownership for International Students,” and “Income Tax Workshop for International Students.”

UT Dallas has workshops too, e.g., “Study Abroad for International Students,” which are organized a few times a year.

“Every semester, we bring together sessions with various campus departments on issues such as student safety, health, transportation, and career readiness,” says Josephine K. Vitta, senior director of international student services at UT Dallas’ International Center.


Pritt mentions Penn State’s ISSA office hosts employment workshops every semester to make students aware of career opportunities.

“Students want to learn about careers, and we want to provide them with the information they can use to access those opportunities as easily as possible,” Pritt says.

Join Trips and Activities

ISS offices also arrange year-round activities and trips, such as summer activities at some schools, to assist students in discovering their new community.

Vitta reports UT Dallas’ International Center plans local excursions to sporting events, museums, and others, assisting students in learning about American culture.

At Penn State, foreign students have advisers and coordinators who organize off-campus experiences, Pritt says.

“From outings to Niagara Falls and New York City to traveling to nearby farmers’ markets and historic sites, students receive varied opportunities to explore,” she adds.

Al-Qadi says some of his favorite ISS-organized activities at KU were international trivia nights, Kansas City trips, and BBQ events. These services made him feel more welcome and included.

“This had a tremendously positive effect on my academic, social, and cultural experience at KU,” he states.