Supporting International students at Ohio State

Suci Nazier’s academic journey has taken her across teh globe. The third-year doctoral student earned her bachelor’s degree in Tanzania and her master’s degree in the Netherlands,both far from her home in Jakarta,Indonesia.

Accepted into the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Nazier came to The Ohio State University to pursue her PhD, aiming to graduate in 2028 with a degree in health and rehabilitation sciences.

The International Student Experience Workshop Series

For the past two years, Nazier has actively participated in the university’s International Student Experience Workshop Series. She finds the workshops valuable and consistently attends.

“I’ve participated so many times,I’ve lost count,” she said. “we get emails about the panels, and I always check my schedule. I feel like maybe my experience as an international student can help incoming students.”

The workshops, which began in 2015, were created to better support international students at Ohio State.

Responding to a Need

According to Caroline Omolesky, program officer for sponsored programs and academic liaison in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), the workshops arose from a clear need identified by faculty and staff.

“I get a lot of emails from faculty and staff,” she said. “‘How do I handle this situation?’ ‘I want to be sure I don’t impact a student’s visa.’ Or just, ‘I want to be sure I’m

What the Workshops Cover

The workshops address common questions and concerns related to supporting international students. Topics include:

• Visa regulations and compliance
• Cultural sensitivity and communication
• Academic advising for international students
• Resources available to international students on campus

Why These Workshops Matter

These workshops are crucial for creating a welcoming and supportive surroundings for international students.They equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to effectively assist students navigating a new academic and cultural landscape.

By providing clear guidance on visa issues, cultural differences, and available resources, the workshops help ensure international students can focus on their studies and thrive at Ohio State.

Key Takeaways

• The International Student Experience Workshop Series began in 2015.
• The workshops were created in response to requests from faculty and staff for guidance on supporting international students.
• Workshops cover topics like visa regulations, cultural sensitivity, and available resources.
• Students like Suci Nazier actively participate, sharing their experiences to help incoming students.

Publication Date: 2025/10/09 19:19:18