Supporting international students is becoming increasingly complex. As immigration requirements, career uncertainty, and institutional silos collide, ISSS offices cannot be expected to catch every risk alone. What can institutions do to move beyond chaos? The answer may lie in empowered students, informed campus partners, and a new model of shared responsibility for international student success.
As CPT guidance becomes more restrictive, universities have an opportunity to strengthen cross-campus coordination and help international students keep building career readiness—even amid immigration uncertainty.
International students shouldn’t wait for OPT to prepare for their careers. Learn how early career readiness, professional development, and strategic planning can help students navigate an uncertain immigration environment.
SEVP increases scrutiny of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approvals, reminding DSOs that CPT must be integral to the curriculum, directly related to the student’s major, and required for degree completion.
What can higher education learn from HR? Discover how institutional alignment and organizational capability can strengthen student success in a changing world.
Employer partnerships matter, but cross-campus collaboration may be the missing link to improving international student career success in higher education.
A USCIS policy update revealed a bigger challenge: supporting international student retention through trust, guidance, and alignment.
Human-centered advisory systems may become critical as D/S uncertainty reshapes how undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students navigate institutions.
International students enter a relationship-driven economy, but fragmented campus systems often create major expectation gaps.
AI in higher education is accelerating change—but the real issue isn’t adoption. It’s misalignment across student support that impacts outcomes.
What D/S elimination means for international students—and why premium processing may not reduce risk. A systems-level perspective for institutions.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in conversations across higher education—university retreats, conferences, and cross-campus meetings. There’s a consistent theme: AI is becoming central to how institutions are thinking about the future. From keynote sessions to strategic planning discussions, the focus is clear—how to leverage AI for efficiency, innovation, and scale.
Nina currently serves as the Associate Director for Career Development and Placement at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, supporting students across master’s and PhD programs. Many of these programs enroll a significant number of international students.
Jennifer is a licensed psychologist who has experience with individual therapy. She helps both adults and young adults who struggle with difficult adjustments such as anxiety, grief and loss, as well as personal struggles with substances. Jennifer deals with a wide array of individuals, so her style focuses on collaborative, empathic, and non-judgmental. Jennifer has a passion for helping international students, and as an immigrant herself, she understands...
Dear Coach Kwan, This is my first year in the States after the pandemic and I will be graduating soon. I know networking is important, and I heard the holiday season could be a great time to network. How can I optimize this holiday seasons in the US for networking post-pandemic?
In those roles, my relationships with students have always been paramount. It's a side benefit to all of those who work in higher education, whether your role is student-focused or not, that you can help educate and expand knowledge and experiences for the campus community
As an immigrant, I understand first-hand the difficulties behind striving to succeed but not knowing where to start. Thankfully, I had wonderful mentors and supporters during my undergraduate years at UAlbany who allowed me to start my professional journey with confidence. It simply feels right to share knowledge and encouragement in the same way it was given to me.
“I believe all students deserve the support they need to be successful. In order to provide that it is imperative to understand each student’s unique needs. International students face all of the same challenges as local students, plus the additional weight of learning how to navigate new cultural expectations while still maintaining a strong sense of self.”
“As a first-generation college student who began my higher educational journey far from home, I understand the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with stepping into a new environment. The experience gives me deep respect for international students who travel even farther to pursue their goals. Throughout my career, I’ve been a committed advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I’m passionate about helping students from all...
“As an educator, I care deeply about supporting the success of my students in and out of the classroom. I had the opportunity to study abroad during my graduate work, where I learned firsthand what challenges and joys come with being immersed in a new culture”.
