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Hosting Overseas Advisers - Suggested Visit Components and Sample Schedule

Suggested Campus Visit Components

Admissions Office
Advisers review documents to learn:

• Why applicants from their countries are accepted or rejected
• How the transfer evaluation process works
• How foreign academic credentials are judged
• Polices on early admissions/early decision/early action
• Institution's expectations regarding standardized tests, academic background, letters of recommendation, essays/personal statements, and financial requirements

Financial Aid Office
Advisers learn how decisions on financial aid packages are made.

International Student Office
Advisers meet with foreign student advisers to:

• Discuss positions, responsibilities and daily routines
• Observe advising in process
• Compare adviser's pre-departure orientation program with university's orientation program focusing on content duplication or areas that should be included

Campus Tour (include visits to residence hall, dining hall and university bookstore)

Lunch (at local dining facilities on campus)

Meetings with Students from Home Country

Adviser Presentations
Advisers may make presentations on advising center, educational system in country, culture and environment, visa processing, testing issues etc. Possible venues include local Rotary Club, staff meetings.

Computer/Technology Training for Adviser

• Student computer lab with web master
• Technology - Based on adviser skill level. Possible activities include chance to create own website, learn PowerPoint, etc.

Classroom Visits (ESL facilities, TOEFL prep class)
Advisers learn about classroom standards and expectations including participation, assignments, attendance and punctuality, interactions with professors in the classroom and during office hours, writing papers, etc.

Health Center
Advisers learn about the U.S. health care system and what issues international students encounter.

Campus Security
Advisers learn what safety/security issues international students encounter.

Campus Ministry/Religious Center
Advisers learn about how the university accommodates students of various faiths (especially important for students from Islamic countries).

Career Service Office
Advisers observe a student internship and talk with student about his/her experience.

Departmental Visits

• Meetings with different faculty members (adviser may request this)
• Athletic department to discuss athletic scholarships
• Provide organizational chart of department/university
• Process for the selection of graduate assistants (if graduate institution)

Library
Library staff may develop a mini research project for advisers to learn about library services.

Sample Schedule

Day 1:
Campus tour and enrollment presentation from a student perspective

Day 2:

• Registrar briefing on grading, assessment and transcript issues
• PowerPoint presentation on using PowerPoint to teach
• Meet with students from home country

Day 3:

• Session on admissions and scholarships
• Discretionary scholarships, sports scholarships
• Examples of how the admissions process differs at different institutions
• Policies on handling graduate e-mails and inquiries
• Graduate College briefing and research update

Day 4:

• Free day followed by dinner with host family

Day 5:

• Visit to a farm (other points of interest)
• Visit to a private university
• Discussion on paid internships for business students.
• Admissions staff tips on:
• What students should ask prospective universities
• How to make a successful application
• How to arrange a campus visit

Day 6:

• Session on co-operative education and how it is gaining popularity in the U.S.
• Visit to International Education Services
• How to review web pages when deciding where to apply
• Review of visa issues
• Visit to the Study Abroad department
• Campus safety issues
• Session on TESOL
• Teaching Assistantships - how to qualify

Day 7:

• Visit to Community College
• Presentation on operation and effectiveness of distance learning
• Session on English language programs - what to consider when applying

Day 8:

• Sessions on graduate and undergraduate case studies
• How foreign transcripts and degree certificates are evaluated
• How to ensure a fair assessment
• How students should present their documents

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