To some students, the International Studies Office (ISO) is more of familiar ground than to others -- namely, international students are automatically associated with the office due to their status at the University. The ISO, however, is becoming increasingly familiar to more students without foreign passports, thanks to its study abroad programs.
"International students have been coming to U.Va. since [the program] started, especially after World War II," Rebecca Brown, the director of the ISO said.
In fact, a State Department document from Oct. 15, 1952 shows that the University was invited to join the Exchange Visitor Program, which supported and allowed international students and visitors to the United States.
Formerly under Student Affairs, Brown said the ISO now operates under the Office of the Provost.
"I think that was an appropriate move because International Studies is dealing mostly with academic issues rather than student life issues," Brown said.
Having said that, Brown said the ISO differs from similar offices at other universities.
"We're somewhat unique if you look at some peer schools, like Virginia Tech," Brown said. "They have their international student issues in one office, their study abroad in another and their international faculty support in a third office. As opposed to that separate group of offices, at U.Va., all these offices are consolidated under ISO's roof."
The ISO is structured around three areas: international student and scholar services, community of exchange visitors and study abroad.
Richard Tanson, the senior international student and scholar advisor, said one of the major roles of the ISO is to provide international students with as much support as possible.
"It is important for international students to understand that it really is a focal point for us to have international students become as integrated as possible to have a fully global institution," Tanson said. Full integration would "make U.Va. one of the most exciting places for students and scholars."
Tanson pointed out that the legal status of international students is one of the key issues at the ISO.
"One of our most essential mandates is to inform our international students with the most up to date information in their legal status in the United States," Tanson said. "I think that is one of the areas where we are in most contact with international students."
Confirming Tanson, Yasemin Erseven, a fourth-year College student from Turkey, said she feels she is most acquainted with the ISO for her visa situation.
"As an international student, I do have to get my visa signed every time I leave the countrym and they have always been very helpful with that," Erseven said.
The ISO offers many programs to its international students through intercultural programming at the Lorna Sundberg International Center. These programs include international woman's groups and ESL programs, the student-run Mentoring and International eXchange (MIX) program and new student orientations.
Erseven also said she found the ISO to be quite involved during her first couple of days at the University.
"When I first came, the ISO had a lot of orientation programs with older international students getting us accustomed to things," Erseven said. "And that is very important when you arrive in a country where everything from language to customs is different. It makes your first days a ton easier when you have someone helping you out."
Another important role the ISO plays in the university community is study abroad.
Study abroad advisor Mary Jo Bateman said she has seen an increasing number of students wishing to spend a semester abroad.
"It seems like there is a higher number of students wanting to go abroad every year, and it is not necessarily limited to a certain area," Bateman said. "There are lots of students interested in going to new places to learn Chinese and Arabic, more non-traditional places such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. But we also still have a steady stream of students going to our traditional programs such as Valencia and Lyon."
Currently, the University offers programs in diverse locales such as Tibet, Australia, Peru, Jamaica and Italy.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 5 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
