International Student and Scholar Services
The official source of information and support for international students and scholars at the University of Iowa.
Announcements
Recently, the University of Iowa announced that students with exceptional financial need can apply for financial assistance from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). While this funding has been available to U.S. citizen students in the past, we’re happy to say that this time it will also be available to international students. That means that any international students who have experienced unanticipated financial hardship will be eligible to apply for this financial assistance to cover either the cost of attending the university or emergency costs related to COVID-19.
International students will be able to apply for this funding through an application which will appear in MyUI in October. We will send another message once the application is ready, but we wanted to send this message now to let international students know that they are eligible. There will also be a second round of funding during the spring semester for students who have a need at that time.
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.
Walk-In Hours
Zoom and In-Person Walk-In Hours
Quick Links
- Students, Staff, and Faculty who have received certificates of recognition from ISSS
- Review Important Dates for orientation
- Annual Statistical Report
- Subscribe to the ISSS activities listserv for students
- Subscribe to the ISSS immigration listserv for departments
- ISSS Facebook
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