International Student and Scholar Services

"You can literally gain everything from this place: professional development, academic success, lifetime friendships and valuable social connections, leadership improvement, and a better sense of global awareness and civic engagement and so much more." 

- Zhiting "Jack" Feng, double majored in biochemistry and ethics & public policy 

Our Mission

International Student and Scholar Services of the University of Iowa provides leadership in international education and intercultural learning through services to international students and scholars, their dependents, the University, and the surrounding community.  We enhance the academic, cultural, and social pursuits of our students and scholars through exceptional immigration and personal advising as well as outstanding cross-cultural programming and training.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO INTERNATIONALIZE THE CAMPUS

ISSS is more than the "immigration" office.  Although helping international students and scholars in F, M, and J status with immigration issues is a significant part of our work, with nearly 9000 in-person visits to advisors each year and thousands of electronic forms processed, we are also heavily involved in intercultural and adjustment programming for students and scholars, providing cultural competency and intercultural awareness training for staff and faculty, and supporting the Iowa City area community to be a welcoming place for international visitors.

Learn more about the programs and services we offer:

• Our resources for new incoming students and immigration assistance for current students.
• Numerous programs and activities for international students to participate in and make connections.
• Intercultural training programs for students, staff, and faculty.
• Support to ease the transition to living in the U.S. and Iowa City.
• Resources to help academic advisors and departments, including invitations to bring J-1 scholars to campus.
• Our annual Statistical Report, including information on countries of origin, areas of study, and biographical sketches of those who support internationalization on campus.
• Results of several assessments and surveys conducted by ISSS and others about our international students.
• The latest report by the International Student Committee on Initiatives to Support Internationalization and International Student Integration. 
• Recognition of the students, staff, and faculty who have earned our certificates through Building Our Global Community, Engaging Across Cultures, Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity, and the International Advocate award.

ISSS sees students on a walk-in basis in 1111 University Capitol Centre.  Students are not assigned to specific advisors and instead meet with the advisor available at that time.  

Summer 2019 Walk-In Advising Hours:

• Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Closed on Wednesdays