The Juggling Act: Academics, Culture, and Immigration Presented by the Office of International Students & Scholars University of California, Santa Barbara May 2016

Overview Trends and highlights in International Education What does the Office of International Students do? What is SEVIS? International student lifecycle Academic calendar and federal reporting requirements Cultural adjustment Activity! FAQ’s about regulations Identifying “at risk” international students Important resources for international students Discussion! Resources for those working with international students Conclusions Questions & Answers

Trends and Highlights In 2015, the international student population in the U.S. increased by 10% nearing 1 million! This is the highest growth seen in over 35 years Highest increase is coming from India and Brazil, with significant growth from the region of Latin America IIE Open Doors

Trends and Highlights Top Countries of Origin 1.China (304,040) 2.India (132,888) 3.South Korea (63,710) 4.Saudi Arabia (59,945) 5.Canada (27,240) 6.Brazil (23,675) IIE Open Doors Top Destination California New york Texas

Trends and Highlights Top Fields of Study 1.Business & Management (197,258) 2.Engineering (196,750) 3.Math & Computer Science (112,950) 4.Social Sciences (75,951) 5.Physical & Life Sciences (73,838) 6.Other Fields of Study (73,176) IIE Open Doors

What does the Office of International Students do? Serves as liaison between various government agencies and the university Issues “Certificates of Eligibility” for international students to study at their school Provides support and advocacy to international students on campus Maintains international student records and reports certain information to SEVIS

What is SEVIS? S tudent E xchange V isitor I nformation S ystem It is an electronic reporting system that connects schools to the Department of Homeland Security Students are issued “Certificate of Eligibility” through SEVIS to study in the U.S. Form I-10 (F-1 students) DS-2019 (J-1 students) DSO/ARO are required to report certain information to SEVIS, including a student’s: 1.Arrival at the school 2.Current living & mailing address 3.Enrollment status 4.Academic program information

International Student Lifecycle Accepted Applies for “Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS- 2019) with the OISS Applies for student visa Attends orientation and checks in with the OISS within 30 days of arrival Classes begin Works towards degree requirements Applies for post- completion work authorization Graduates Begins working, transfers to new school, or leaves the U.S. Cultural Adjustment

Academic Calendar & Federal Reporting Requirements 30 days Instruction begins New international students must attend orientation and check in with OISS Deadline to add/drop classes SEVIS Registration Deadline to change grading option Instruction ends Timeline

Cultural Adjustment International students are faced with adjusting to: Expressing themselves in English on a daily basis inside and outside the classroom (slang, idioms, etc.) Living on their own and being away from their family and friends Adapting to new teaching methods and academic expectations Different types of food and stores

Cultural Adjustment: Activity! In groups of 3 to 5, discuss the following questions: 1.You are an international student going to study abroad in a country whose language is not your first language for the first time. What are your concerns? What questions do you have prior to arriving? What are your expectations? 2.Have you studied abroad, traveled abroad, lived abroad? Discuss some of the struggles you had, frustrations, things you enjoyed, things you wish you would have know ahead of time, how you adapted, etc. 3.Have you worked with or advised an international student? What situations did you encounter?

Frequently Asked Questions Full-time enrollment Employment Change of major or program level Academic probation/dismissal Academic dishonesty/misconduct Concurrent enrollment Online classes

Full-Time Enrollment Full-time enrollment is required Exceptions can only be made in special cases with proper documentation submitted to the Office of International Students: Initial difficulties with the English language Difficulties adjusting to American teaching methods Improper course level placement Valid medical reason Less than full-time study is needed to complete degree program Documentation is required for SEVIS reporting

Employment On-Campus Employment Part-time/less than 20 hours per week while school is in session (F-1 and J-1 students) Can work full-time/more than 20 hours per week during annual vacations (F-1 and J-1 students) Authorization is NOT required for F-1 students, but IS required for J-1 students Off-Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (F-1 students) Optional Practical Training (F-1 students) Academic Training (J-1 students) Off-campus employment due to economic hardship

Change of Major/Degree Students need to report any change in major or degree level Their “Certificate of Eligibility” needs to be updated The major and degree level impacts certain benefits of their student visa

Academic Probation/Dismissal Serious consequences for international students If it leads to suspension, they may need to return to their home country They need to meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss options

Academic Dishonesty/Misconduct Similar to probation/dismissal Student may need to return to their home country The student should meet with an International student advisor to discuss options

Concurrent Enrollment F-1 regulations state that “DHS regulations provide that an F-1 student may be enrolled in two different Service-approved schools at one time as long as the combined enrollment amounts to a full time course of study” School policy usually determines students ability to take courses at another institution

On-line Classes Regulations allow for international students to enroll in one on-line class per quarter/semester School policy usually determines a students ability to take on-line classes

Identifying an international student at risk, or in need of additional help What to look for: Change in academic success Change in behavior or mood Change in appearance or poor hygiene What to do: Talk to the student Refer them to campus resources (counselling, tutoring, etc.) Contact an International Student Advisor so that they can follow up with the student

Campus resources: Counselling services Career services Tutoring services Recreation center Student clubs English conversation groups Professors and TA’s are there to help! Student – teacher relationships in other countries may be very different Students may not be aware that it is acceptable and even encouraged to talk to their professors and TA’s Important resources to share with international students

Discussion Time What does your office do to help support the international student population? How do you stay connected and on the same page as the Office of International Students? What tools or information would help you better serve your school’s international student population?

Conclusion International students face many adjustments when coming to study in the U.S. Academics, culture, and immigration all interact with one another shaping a students experience It is important to remember that international students are subject to different rules and restrictions than domestic students Become best friends with your school’s Office of International Student’s!

Institute of International Education – Open Doors Released every November Provides yearly updates on trends and international student data NAFSA Offers national and regional conferences on everything related to international education Your campus’ Office of International Students Resources for those working with international students

Questions?