About NAFSA
NAFSA's Principles for International Student and Scholar Services
An institution that enrolls international students or invites
international scholars should recognize that individuals from different
cultures and educational systems have special needs for advice and
assistance. These needs must be met by services that are organized,
directed, and funded by the host institution. The scope and level of
such services is to some extent dependent on the number of
international students and scholars. Regardless of their number,
however, the presence of international students and scholars requires
certain basic levels of support which enable them to function
successfully in U.S. colleges or universities.
The following principles concern the provision of these essential services:
The following principles concern the provision of these essential services:
- The host institution should state clearly its intentions to provide special services for the international students and scholars it brings to its campus. These services should include:
- Advisory and counseling services.
- Mandated and technial services in compliance with U.S. government regulations.
- Coordination and liaison with the community.
- Regardless of the number of international students and scholars, the level of funding, or other circumstances, there must be one unit in the host institution that is responsible for coordinating these services, and there should be clear and widely acknowledged designation of responsibility for these services.
These duties may require full- or
part-time staff, depending upon the size of the clientele. Where
possible, it is highly desirable to have a single individual or office
designated to provide these advisory services.
The staff should be knowledgeable about U.S. immigration law and regulations.
The staff should be knowledgeable about U.S. immigration law and regulations.
- The institution should provide ample professional services that are fully accessible to international students and scholars. The intention of these services is to assure that maximum benefit is derived from the educational experience. The advisory services must seek to remove impediments and to solve problems on behalf of these individuals.
The advisory staff must work closely
with other campus and community resources which can be of assistance
before arrival and throughout the individual's stay.
An orientation program that introduces students to the physical environment, registration procedures, academic policies, housing, counseling and health services, visa requirements and INS regulations, financial matters, and social and intercultural activities should be provided.
Advisory services should be provided on an ongoing basis with respect to personal counseling, emergency needs, institutional policies preparation for departure, and reentry to home countries upon completion of stay.
The advisory staff serve both the institution and the students and scholars it enrolls; they should, therefore, perform an intermediary role and be a channel of communication between those individuals and outside agencies or institutions. The advisory staff should seek to bring an intercultural dimension to the educational programs of the institution and the general life of the community. Advisory services should include academic advising-performed either by faculty members or international student advisers.
An orientation program that introduces students to the physical environment, registration procedures, academic policies, housing, counseling and health services, visa requirements and INS regulations, financial matters, and social and intercultural activities should be provided.
Advisory services should be provided on an ongoing basis with respect to personal counseling, emergency needs, institutional policies preparation for departure, and reentry to home countries upon completion of stay.
The advisory staff serve both the institution and the students and scholars it enrolls; they should, therefore, perform an intermediary role and be a channel of communication between those individuals and outside agencies or institutions. The advisory staff should seek to bring an intercultural dimension to the educational programs of the institution and the general life of the community. Advisory services should include academic advising-performed either by faculty members or international student advisers.
- The advisory staff should exercise their duties in an ethical and professional manner. They must:
- Adhere to the regulations of the U.S. government, especially those of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
- Decline awards and unethical requests for service.
