Advising for Study abroad and international students Blair McElroy, Interim senior international officer and director of study abroad

Introduction and Resources The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) manages the student services, immigration, faculty involvement, insurance, programs, partnerships, and more for incoming international students, faculty, and scholars and outgoing study abroad students. OGE has four units: Intensive English Program Office of International Programs US-Japan Partnership Program Study Abroad Office Flyers available at oge.olemiss.edu/resources: Study Abroad Advising Guide Supporting International Students Visa Advising Need advice assisting an international student? Questions about a study abroad program? Contact us! Location: 318 Martindale Phone: 662-915-1508 Email: oge@olemiss.edu

Advising study abroad students What is study abroad? Generally, going to another country to learn, but it is much more than that. Enrolling directly at another institution to earn credit Taking a course with a UM faculty member overseas Immersing oneself in an intensive language environment Experiencing a culture (history, religion, literature, philosophy, politics, art, law, business, public policy, values) first-hand Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone Often includes service-learning, internship, and research opportunities!

Advising study abroad students Study abroad is a valuable part of a student’s college experience, and you are essential to their success abroad! WHY DO STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD? Career opportunities Language acquisition Meeting new, different friends New and enjoyable experiences Earning credit while pursuing all of the above! SKILLS ACQUIRED IN BECOMING A GLOBAL CITIZEN THROUGH STUDY ABROAD Intercultural communication skills Increased tolerance of differences and empathy Language skills Maturity Deepened or changed academic and/or professional interests Self-reflection and personal growth (What do you believe? How do you view other people and cultures? What do you value?)

Advising study abroad students programs available UM-approved programs earn resident credit. These programs can be found by searching studyabroad.olemiss.edu FACULTY-DIRECTED PROGRAMS UM Faculty member teaches a pre-approved UM course to a group of UM students overseas Generally 2 – 4 weeks Faculty member assesses coursework and serves as resident director with additional responsibilities of supervisor, disciplinarian, problem-solver, etc. EXCHANGE PROGRAMS Students receive tuition waivers at the exchange partner, paying the more affordable UM tuition directly to UM through their Bursar Account. Partners often offer home stays, host institution mentors, and roommates. Student support is shared by the Study Abroad Office and the international office at the exchange partner. AFFILIATE PROGRAMS (sometimes called PROVIDER PROGRAMS) Affiliate programs are offered by the Study Abroad Office and facilitated by an affiliate organization (ISA,CEA, SAI, etc.). Many affiliate programs integrate language pledges, host institution roommates, and home stays. They also offer tours and excursions, which are usually included in the price.

Advising study abroad students KEY POINTS RESIDENT CREDIT ON UM-APPROVED PROGRAMS Students can study abroad and not get behind in their coursework with proper planning and advising MOST PROGRAMS OFFER COURSES IN ENGLISH Students do not necessarily need to be learning a foreign language to study in a non-English-speaking country STUDY ABROAD CAN BE AFFORDABLE! Generally, most financial aid and scholarships will apply to a term abroad. Encourage students to discuss their plans with the Financial Aid Office. ASK US QUESTIONS! Many exchange partners and affiliate programs are well-known for particular courses of study. Contact us if you have questions about particular locations or the best fits for your advisees.

Advising study abroad students Study abroad advisor responsibilities Listen: location, interests, courses, goals Define: programs, policies, deadlines Assist: website, applications, contacts on campus Review: costs, deadlines, goals, expectations Encourage! We also provide support for students in the form of cultural expectations and advice, pre-departure orientation, on-side support, registration, returnee support, and more!

Advising study abroad students Academic advisor responsibilities Courses If early, encourage saving electives or finding a specific location with required or recommended courses overseas. Ask for a list of desired courses abroad. Match, if possible, to courses in a student’s degree program. Remember, students can take any courses abroad. They don’t have to stay on track, but parents appreciate it! No guarantees of course placement until arrival. Course Approval Form Meetings with Study Abroad and Financial Aid Encourage!

Advising international students key points English Proficiency Varies Note vocabulary and speaking speed Struggling Students Cultural adjustment Language barriers Homesickness Different academic culture Visa Requirements WHAT CAN YOU DO? Suggest campus resources – Intensive English Program, Writing Center, Counseling Center, tutoring Have patience! Remember that these students are also UM students, they have just come a little farther and gone through a lengthy process to get to the US. International students return to their home countries and have the same loyalty to Ole Miss as domestic students. Advisors and faculty have lasting impacts all around the world through interactions with international students on campus. Reflect on how you would want a domestic UM student to be treated at a university overseas.

QUESTIONS? Contact Us! OGE – oge@olemiss.edu Study Abroad Office – abroad@olemiss.edu Office of International Programs – rleiter@olemiss.edu (students); bsmcleod@olemiss.edu (scholars) Intensive English Program – iep@olemiss.edu