Karen Edwards, Assistant Dean and Director of International Student Affairs Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, Third Floor
641-269-3703

The mission of the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) is to support, in cooperation with other offices, the educational experience of international students. The office provides a Pre-Orientation for New International Students each fall, before the all-campus orientation begins. The program includes discussions of cultural adjustment, academic expectations, regulatory information and campus resources. The program also provides social activities that help new students become acquainted with their peers. OISA offers airport transportation from Des Moines International Airport for new students who are participating in pre-orientation.

New students who are U.S. citizens living abroad are welcome to attend Pre-Orientation for International Students and often find it beneficial to their transition. Please contact the OISA for more information.

OISA provides support for international students, including personal and cross-cultural counseling, a nonresidential Host Family Program, a biannual newsletter, employment and immigration workshops, international speakers and programming, and off-campus trips and activities over break. It also coordinates an International Speakers Program to facilitate education outreach in the local community.

OISA advises the International Student Organization (ISO), which provides student-initiated educational and social events designed to promote international understanding and friendship among international and U.S. students.

E-mail the OISA staff for more information: strong@grinnell.edu; or edwardsk@grinnell.edu.