The University of Rochester is home to a vibrant and diverse community of students from over 100 countries in the world.If you’re an international student like me, this article’s for you. Life as an international student can be difficult— you’re far away from family and friends, you probably stay on campus for breaks like Thanksgiving, and you don’t get to see the people you love so often. The International Services Office (ISO) is dedicated to making the transition smoother for incoming international students and supporting current students as well. I’ll be doing a spotlight on ISO today!
What is ISO?
The International Services Office is part of the Office for Global Engagement. ISO is the go-to office for all immigration-related services for international students, faculty, and scholars. They have resources, services and events available for the international community of University of Rochester.
How can ISO support you?
- Visa and immigration services
- Cultural & social programs
- Work & career guidance
- Personalized support & resources
ISO hosts a number of programs to welcome new students and provide a space where international students can get to know each other. Their main events are as follows:
- Rochester Global Connections events
Events like picnics, square dancing, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner are included in this category. These events allow students to engage with the community through cultural activities.
- International Student Orientation Program
This program gives you an overview of immigration regulations, US culture and customs, taxes and legal matters, as well as a formal welcome to campus and the city of Rochester.
- Day trips
ISO takes you to see local sights for free, such as Niagara Falls and Canadice Lake. They also take you on trips to places like the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG).
- English Conversation Groups
If English is not your first language and you want to practice it with a few people, this opportunity will be great!
ISO has a lot of resources for international students. They can also provide information and refer you to US attorneys (immigration, civil, etc.), legal rights and responsibilities, cultural adjustment tactics, medical and financial emergencies, etc.
A few upcoming notable events:
- ISO private ice skating event (March 29)
- Free Movie Night: Rom Com Edition (April 10)
If you’re an international student, don’t hesitate to reach out to ISO for any support that you may need. Their office is located in College Town, and there are Zoom drop-in hours as well. ISO is there to help!