Some of this work was originally published on Interstride.com
Finding and maximizing campus resources can be a daunting task for any student, and even more so for international students. American college life requires students to be proactive. While every campus is different, there is a plethora of resources available at Villanova to international students. It’s up to you to find, take advantage, and piece them together. In the United States, as opposed to many other countries, your school or major has a large influence on the groups you join, the friends you make, or even the spaces you spend the most time in.
As an international student, many of these resources can help you to create a valuable support network and ensure your success before, during, and after your studies. Some common types of resources you can leverage at colleges and universities include career services, student organizations, advising offices, and more. This guide will help you find and leverage these resources, and set you up for success as an international student.
Academic Advising Centers
Academic Advisors are staff and faculty members that can be helpful in answering questions about your course of study, class selection, and relevant opportunities in your area of study that aligns with your career aspirations. As you navigate the unfamiliar, and adjust to life in the U.S., academic advising is an important resource to utilize to ensure you stay on track to graduation.
Office of International Students & Scholars
The Office for International Students and Scholars offers a myriad of services to international students, including assistance with immigration rights and responsibilities; educational, social and personal counseling; cultural adjustment; and campus and community activities. They are located in the Connelly Center, Second Floor and are available to meet with students Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They can be reached at 610-519-4095 or by emailing Hubert WhanTong, directly here
Office of Intercultural Affairs
The staff here in this office focuses on making our community more inclusive and celebrating the unique contributions of diverse students at Villanova. We create programming that enhances underrepresented student experiences, develops cultural competency and fosters spaces for inclusive engagement.
You can browse their programming and upcoming events here.
Villanova International Students Organization (VISO)
Villanova’s premier student organization discussing all things international, this organization serves as a great opportunity to connect with friends, network, and event attend cool events that focus on professional development, celebrating heritage, and community building.
You can contact their President, Simran Mishra, at smishra2@aorellanvillanova-edu
Villanova Career Center
Aimed at all things professional development, the Villanova Career Center is a centralized office on campus that helps with a wide range of topics: from building your resume, to job search strategies, to hosting career fairs to meet with employers. If you are interested in learning more about a particular industry, you can book an appointment with one of our counselors on Handshake. Alex Karlesses, Assistant Director of Career Development, is our International Student liaison and would be happy to meet with you. You may also meet with our Graduate Student Career Services team.
Villanova Writing Center
The Villanova Writing Center provides a comfortable atmosphere for your one-to-one session with a qualified tutor. Bring your paper, assignment, and an open mind and we’ll do our best to help you improve your writing. Feel free to use our online resources, writing guide or 30-Minute Workshop handouts. The Writing Center is located in room 210 Falvey Library, and you can book an appointment using our appointment scheduler.
Patricia B. and Gary M. Holloway University Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is available to help you with personal and emotional concerns.
With a variety of services and resources, the Counseling Center helps students function optimally with regard to emotional, academic, social and psychological issues.
In-person, individual counseling services are available on-campus to all students, graduate and undergraduate. University Counseling Center telehealth appointments with Villanova University counselors may be available on a limited basis with the caveat that clients must be physically located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under Pennsylvania law.
ONLINE APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM
You may schedule an appointment in any of three ways:
- Call 610-519-4050 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Stop by the Counseling Center at our physical location on the Villanova University campus(206 Health Services Building).
- Submit the above form to receive a call from the Counseling Center to schedule your appointment.
You will be offered an appointment time that works with your class schedule. Appointments are usually available within a week of your request.
