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

2. 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:

3. 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!

4. 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?)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. 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!

10. 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.

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