How to Seek Help
WE ARE Here to Help!
Penn State has dedicated professionals available exclusively to assist international students. We are a group of advising staff from the International Student and Scholar Advising, also known as ISSA. Our best interest is to support your success both inside and outside the classroom!
ISSA Advising Staff
Our team of Pre-Arrival advisers review your documents and issue Initial I-20s or DS-2019s. If you have any questions, be sure to e-mail them at international@psu.edu
Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, you will then continue working with an International Student Adviser (ISA). ISAs will answer questions about your immigration status, work authorization requests, driver's license requests, adjustments to new environment (language and culture differences), well-being, and so on.
Regardless of the Penn State campus you will be attending, you have resources available.
Meet the international student advising team Links to an external site..
Ask Immigration Questions to Internationale Student Adviser (ISA)
ISAs are trained in advising on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations. If you need help with immigration-related issues, do not ask your friend, orientation leader, academic adviser, professor, or anyone other than an ISA.
Each person's situation is different, so just because we suggest a solution or outcome to your friend does not mean the same applies to you. It is your responsibility to reach out to us about your situation. YOU are ultimately responsible for maintaining your immigration status.
The easiest way to reach ISSA:
1) Using the SUBMIT A QUESTION in iStart Links to an external site.
2) Setting up a zoom appointment with International Student Adviser via Starfish Links to an external site. (15-minute advising)
3) For Commonwealth campuses, see the Campus Contacts Links to an external site. page on our website for your international student adviser's phone number.
4) Email ISSA-adviser@psu.edu.This is a general inbox. You should only use it if you are having trouble accessing iStart Links to an external site..
On behalf of the staff at Penn State Global, WE ARE very eager to welcome you to one of the best universities in the world!