Washington University defines an international student as a student who is not a citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States.
Washington University has a commitment to international education. Its faculty consists of many distinguished scholars from the United States and around the world. With an increasing number of international students enrolled at Washington University, the campus is cosmopolitan in nature. (At present, approximately 1,500 international students are affiliated with the University.) As the international community has expanded, the number of academic and social programs reflecting a commitment to international education and cultural exchange has also grown, and further growth is anticipated.
Washington University prides itself on hosting a truly international community. As well as having students from each of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Students and faculty also come from over 110 countries around the world. Whether from the United States or another country, Washington University students are encouraged to broaden their international perceptions by participating in cross-cultural experiences.
Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
The mission of the OISS at Washington University is to provide social, cultural, and academic support; English language instruction; and information on governmental regulations for international students and scholars. OISS also facilitates cross-cultural understanding within the University and the St. Louis community. The OISS has a staff to facilitate programs to help students adjust to life and studies in the United States. The staff provides English language instruction and advice to those who need help with personal, financial, and legal matters as well as governmental regulations. The office also provides information on passports, visas, housing, and community resources.
As a reflection of its commitment to international education, Washington University, in 1972, established Stix International House, a center for international activities and affairs. This house, formerly an elegant private home, was donated to the University in the will of Ernest Stix. In addition to providing office space for the staff of the OISS and the Office of International & Area Studies, this building serves as a focal point for international activities at the University.
Orientation
To assist students in adjusting to their new environment, the OISS sponsors a comprehensive orientation program to supplement the new student orientation provided by other departments. This program provides incoming students with information regarding University services (housing, health services, transportation, student activities, etc.) by facilitating communication between international students and representatives of these services. Community organizations of interest to international students (the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Revenue [Motor Vehicle Registry], the Social Security Administration, etc.) also participate in this program. The orientation program includes campus and city tours, and other social activities.
The orientation program begins a lasting relationship through which the OISS helps international students become familiar with the intellectual, social, and cultural environment in which they study and live. During the remainder of the academic year, the OISS serves as the catalyst for the initiation of other programs.
Be Our Guest Dinner Program
The Women’s Society of Washington University and the OISS jointly sponsor the Be Our Guest Dinner Program in which international students are invited to share a meal with a local family in their home. The program is designed to serve as a casual introduction to American family life, and gives both the hosts and guests an opportunity to share their cultures.
Speak English With Us
Through the Speak English With Us program, members of the local community volunteer to assist Washington University international students in improving their conversational English language skills. There is no cost involved in the program, and meetings are structured by each student and volunteer. Sessions are usually one hour a week at a mutually agreed upon time and location.
Explore Campus & Community Program
At Washington University, we want students to explore all the possibilities available to them on campus and in St. Louis. International students arrive one week before new student orientation to participate in our Explore Campus & Community program.
Explore is designed to help international students move into the residence halls, get their bearings on campus, make new friends, learn more about their academic strengths and interests, and become involved in student life. University professors give special lectures about St. Louis and American culture.
Students then take city and architectural tours to gain a better understanding of the neighborhoods and communities. They learn where to shop; where to eat, receiving tips on the best frozen custard stand, neighborhood restaurants, and how to order pizza; and where to play, participating in trips to the zoo, science center, and other St. Louis cultural sites. By the end of Explore, students are so well acclimated to campus and St. Louis that they are great resources to the students who move in during general registration!
For information on international programs, please contact:
Office for International Students and Scholars
Washington University
Campus Box 1083
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
USA
Phone: (314) 935-5910
Email: oiss@wustl.edu