Pre-Arrival Information
ISSS provides comprehensive pre-arrival information to all incoming new and transfer international students in F-1 and J-1 status as well as international scholars in J-1 status. Information regarding travel and entry into the U.S., housing, tuition and fees, expenses, health care and insurance, ISSS services and programs, and much more, helps international students and scholars to prepare for their arrival at the University of Miami.
International Student Orientation (ISO)
International Student Orientation (ISO) is a pre-orientation program sponsored by ISSS for all new and transfer University of Miami international students in F-1 and J-1 status. ISO is held at the beginning of each semester (August and January) and complements campus-wide orientation programs for incoming students by providing them with information and experiences that will assist in their transition to living and studying in the U.S. ISO is a wonderful opportunity for students to make new friends from around the world and get to know the ISSS team!
International Student Orientation (ISO) Fellows Program
The International Student Orientation Fellows are a dynamic team of continuing international students who facilitate discussions and activities during International Student Orientation. All ISO fellows complete an application process followed by an interview. Be sure to keep an eye on ISSS’ announcement for ISO Fellow applicants!
International Student Mentorship Program (ISM)
The International Student Mentorship (ISM) program, led by the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO), is a unique opportunity and program designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of incoming undergraduate international students in F-1 status. If you are an incoming undergraduate international student and would like to connect with a current UM student or have general questions about life at UM, the International Student Mentorship program is just what you are looking for. Through ISM, you will be matched with a currently enrolled student who can share their knowledge and experiences, direct you to resources, and help you get involved on campus.
International Student Resource Fair
Each fall, ISSS hosts the International Student Resource Fair for all new and continuing international students. This event offers students an opportunity to interact one-on-one with representatives from a variety of campus resources available at UM and to become familiar with these resources.
Assistance with Personal and Adjustment Problems
ISSS assists UM international students and scholars in coping with personal and adjustment problems. There may be times when you face personal problems, experience difficulties with adjusting to life in Miami, or cope with a crisis. If you encounter such a challenge, please contact us. We will connect you with an ISSS Advisor who can assist and/or provide you with available resources. Remember, you are not alone!
Advise the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO)
ISSS advises the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO), a student organization that serves as an umbrella to all international student organizations at UM. All University of Miami international students are automatically members of COISO! For a rewarding and memorable experience, be an active member of COISO, where you will meet international students from all over the world! Connect with COISO on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the organization and upcoming events.
Immigration Advising
ISSS provides immigration advising services for students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status as well as assistance in applying for benefits afforded by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State. Benefits include travel and re-entry to the U.S., employment authorization in the U.S., program extension, and issuance of immigration documents for eligible dependents. All international students are required to complete the Online Immigration Session, which provides detailed information on maintaining immigration status.
Employment Information and Authorization
ISSS assists international students who may be eligible for job opportunities on- and off-campus with employment information and work authorizations. The F-1 Employment Session Online highlights the different types of employment available to international students in F-1 status and guides students through the authorization procedures. On-campus employment does not require authorization by ISSS.
GLACIER Tax Prep Program
Each spring, ISSS provides UM international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status with access to GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP). This user-friendly online tax preparation program allows UM international students, scholars, and dependents to determine their tax status and assists non-residents for tax purposes in completing their required tax forms for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Liaison with Sponsoring Embassies, Government, and Agencies
ISSS serves as a liaison between University of Miami international students and scholars and their sponsoring embassies, government, and agencies by providing information and assistance to all parties involved.
Financial Assistance
Emergency Loans
ISSS offers short-term, small emergency loans of up to $500 for international students who have F-1 and J-1 status who experience an unforeseen financial emergency. The Loan Application for Students in F-1 and J-1 Status is available online, and approval is determined on a case-by-case basis.
International Student Grant
Available through the Office of Financial Assistance and Employment, the International Student Grant assists undergraduate international students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties. Applicants must currently be a junior or senior with a 2.0 GPA or above (freshmen and sophomores with compelling cases will also be considered). Funding is limited, so submit your application in as early as you can. Click here for information on applying for this grant.
Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for United States Study
IIE’s comprehensive guide of funding opportunities for international students and professionals makes it an invaluable resource for students worldwide. Visit Funding for US Study Online to access an extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organized and maintained by IIE.
Only for University of Miami Exchange Visitor/Scholar Program Participants (foreign faculty and researchers):
Orientation for Exchange Visitor Program Participants
ISSS provides all incoming international scholars in J-1 status with an online orientation. This mandatory orientation session assists incoming international scholars with their transition to living and pursuing their academic endeavors in the U.S. It provides important information on maintaining immigration status in the U.S., health insurance requirements, local community resources, and life and customs in the U.S. Incoming international scholars are required to complete the International Scholar Orientation Online Session including the quiz at the end of the session, no later than upon their arrival in Miami.
Cross-Cultural Activities for Exchange Visitor Program Participants
ISSS offers a variety of cross-cultural activities to UM scholars in J-1 status as well as their dependents in J-2 status. Invitations are distributed approximately one month prior to each event and include details about the event and how to confirm attendance. We welcome all UM international scholars and their families to join us for these activities, to learn about U.S. and local culture, history, and institutions, and to meet fellow UM international scholars.
In Fall 2024, we offer the following cross-cultural activities:
- August 10, 2024: Miami Marlins Baseball Game
- September 14, 2024: Visit to MiamiHistory Miami
- October 5, 2024: Miami Boat Tour
- November 9, 2024: Social Mixer
