Find the support and guidance you need

Whether you’re new to Iowa or nearing graduation, our staff are dedicated to enhancing the academic, cultural, and social pursuits of our students through exceptional immigration and personal advising. Learn how we can help support your success both inside and outside the classroom.

student lying on pentacrest in front of Home sign

F-1 Students

As an international student pursuing a full course of study at the University of Iowa, there are a lot of resources available to help you navigate your way through academic pursuits and living in Iowa. In our F-1 student section, you’ll find information related to academic and cultural resources, employment options, maintaining your status, and more. We are so happy to have you here!

J-1 Students

As a student participating in an exchange or sponsored program, you no doubt want to make the most of your experience here at Iowa. In our J-1 student section, you’ll find information on adjusting to life in Iowa, academic resources, maintaining your status, and more. Welcome!

Appointments

Meet with an ISSS adviser during our virtual and walk-in advising hours.

family at apple orchard

Life in Iowa

This program is designed to assist you in adjusting to life and the academic system here at Iowa. Don't miss these cultural events, academic sessions, and career series.

members of the iPeer mentorship program

iPeer Network

The iPeer Mentorship Program pairs new international students (mentees) with returning international students (mentor) to provide support to new international students for their transition and personal development, as well as to empower them to become leaders on campus. 

students sitting on ped mall talking and smiling

Guide to Living in Iowa City

This guide is packed full of good advice and recommendations for living in IC. 

Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity participants showing certificates

Intercultural Training

International Student and Scholar Services hosts a number of intercultural training programs, many of which are geared toward undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Upcoming Events

EAC: Enhancing Your Intercultural Insight (Advanced) promotional image

EAC: Enhancing Your Intercultural Insight (Advanced)

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Designed for participants who have attended the Developing Your Intercultural Insight session and completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Participants in this advanced session will revisit the IDI by discussing real world applications. Participants should attend the session prepared for in-depth discussions about the IDI and its application. Participants who completed the IDI in a previous semester will have the opportunity to complete the IDI again and sign-up to attend a follow-up 1 hour meeting with a trained IDI facilitator to discuss their intercultural growth.
BGC: Enhancing Your Intercultural Insight (Advanced) promotional image

BGC: Enhancing Your Intercultural Insight (Advanced)

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Designed for participants who have attended the Developing Your Intercultural Insight session and completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Participants in this advanced session will revisit the IDI by discussing real world applications. Participants should attend the session prepared for in-depth discussions about the IDI and its application. Participants who completed the IDI in a previous semester will have the opportunity to complete the IDI again and sign-up to attend a follow-up 1 hour meeting with a trained IDI facilitator to discuss their intercultural growth.
Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour promotional image

Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 3:30pm to 4:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Starting Jan. 18, Life in Iowa (part of International Student and Scholar Services) and International Student Support and Engagement invite international students and scholars at the University of Iowa to join them for a weekly coffee hour every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at T.Spoons coffee shop (located in University Capitol Centre).
BGC: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts promotional image

BGC: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts

Monday, April 10, 2023 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
In this two-part interactive session, you will learn about the four intercultural conflict styles. You will discover your preferred cultural approach for resolving conflict and that of others by completing the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) inventory developed by Dr. Mitchell Hammer. In addition, there will be opportunities to apply ICS concepts in practice through discussion and case studies.
View more events

Employment Tips for International Students

The Pomerantz Career Center has a special page dedicated to international students. 

View employment tips

COVID-19 FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19, specifically as it relates to international students and scholars.

Read FAQs

Mental Health Resources for International Students

Access information specific to your needs

View resources

Follow ISSS on social!