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Hosting Overseas Advisers

Campus Host Guidelines

Question (Q). What is a Campus Host?
Answer (A). A Campus Host is a foreign student adviser or other education official on a U.S. university campus who agrees to arrange a program of activities for an overseas educational adviser to help the visitor gain a better understanding of the U.S. higher education system from a first-hand perspective, particularly the admissions process and the campus experience of an international student at the host institution.

Q. Who are Overseas Educational Advisers?
A. Educational advisers work at one of the over 400 Department of State-affiliated overseas educational information centers. Advisers provide information to prospective students on study opportunities in the U.S. including application procedures, financial assistance, standardized tests, and pre-departure orientation.

Q. What are the benefits of becoming a Host?
A. Benefits to your college or university include:
Public Relations - many of today's world leaders studied at U.S. colleges or universities. Each year millions of international students contact overseas educational advisers for information on studying in the U.S.
Diversity - International students increase campus diversity resulting in mutual understanding and cultural awareness
Financial - International students contribute over $12 billion each year to the American economy

Q. What are a Host's responsibilities?
A. Hosts ensure advisers gain a thorough understanding of the college/university admissions process and of international student life on campus. Programs should include visits to as many of the following institutions as possible:

• Community college
• Public four-year institution
• Private college
• Graduate school
• Research university
• Selective college or university
• Historically Black or Hispanic college or university

Q. How can I become a Host?
A. Please contact:
Educational Information and Resources Branch
U.S. Department of State - SA-44, Room 349
301 4th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20547
Phone: 202-619-5434, Fax: 202-401-1433, E-mail: advise@state.gov

Educational Adviser Training

Centers are found in a variety of locations including U.S embassies, Fulbright Commissions, bi-national centers, and non-governmental organizations. The Branch provides centers with educational reference books and training opportunities.

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
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• 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 web site, 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

Checklist For Campus Hosts

• Obtain the program objectives of the visiting adviser
• Develop program with Suggested Campus Visit Components
• Make local/logistical arrangements, such as transportation, lodging, meetings, etc.
• Brief all who will be meeting with advisers
• Contact adviser(s) prior to program start with itinerary as well as any necessary information on weather, food, allergies, etc.
• Arrange pickup to and from airport, if necessary
• Mail materials at end of week using address labels provided by advisers

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