International Student Resources w/ OISS

One of the things that characterizes MSU is its population of over 9,000 international students from more than 140 countries. Our community of international students have a long process of papers and legalities that they have to go through to be able to join us every fall. MSU has the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) here on campus that has the sole goal of helping those students come to Michigan State and achieve great levels of academic success. Without further ado, we proudly present Bryce Carlton, the Assistant Director of Engagement from OISS, to talk us through that process and answer some frequently asked questions. 

For further questions, contact MSU's OISS team via email [e-mail] or phone [phone].

What is The Spartan Orientation Station?

Nervous about starting at Michigan State? Worried about your class schedule, living away from home, or where to even start? The Spartan Orientation Station (SOS) is a podcast hosted by New Student Orientation staff and was created by students for students. This podcast will launch twice a week throughout the summer, and each episode will feature a unique interview with campus departments discussing their services, common misconceptions, and fun Spartan engagement opportunities. When you need help at Michigan State, it is okay to signal SOS! Don’t worry – MSU is there for you.

Intro music

You’re listening to the Spartan Orientation Station on Impact 89FM. The podcast by students, for students. Now, this week’s episode.

Johana: Hello hello! Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station, my name is Johana. I’m an international student from Mexico City. And… yeah!

Suryansh: Hello everyone, my name is Suryansh. I’m also an international student from India and I’m pursuing computer science and I’m a rising junior. And today we are the hosts for this podcast! So, today we’re gonna be talking about international students and Office for International Students, or OISS, here on campus. One of the key roles of OISS is to help students come to Michigan State University and achieve great levels of academic success.

Johana: Alright, so we proudly present Bryce Carlton the Assistant Director of Engagement from OISS, um, to talk us through the process and answer the major questions almost all students have. So, welcome!

Bryce: Great, thank you!

Johana: Um, can you introduce yourself and describe what you do for OISS?

Bryce: Yeah absolutely. So, uh, my name is Bryce Carlton. I am an assistant director in OI- OISS. I oversee our engagement initiatives which really focus on connecting and supporting international students and scholars, um, at MSU so, um, things that it includes are, um, international student orientation, um, and other programming and events that we run, um, on top of our advising which we do in OISS. So, we really focus on, um, designing programs to meet international student needs, um and creating community. So, um, part of my role is overseeing, you know, engaging with students on what those needs are and, um, planning those programs throughout the year and then, um, I also advise the caseload so I work directly with international students in both F1 and J1 status on their immigration, you know, needs and concerns.

Johana: (quietly) Alright.

Suryansh: Alright, thank you so much for the introduction. And talking about OISS. Um, I know that we have advising sessions with OISS and we, like every student gets assigned an advisor. So, can you talk more about OISS and what services it provides to international students, and how are the students supposed to meet with the advisors, and how can they approach them?

Bryce: Definitely. So, uh, our main focus in OISS is immigration status and supporting our international students who are going through any concerns that relate to those, um, kind of far-reaching concerns that that status brings. And so we really focus on the student’s side with those F1 and J1 visas and the categories that come with those visas. So, any question that relates to the immigration status or, um, situation that comes up that may impact immigration status, or immigra- immigration status may have an impact on, is something that we are really happy to get involved with. So, um, we have a team of advisors who have, uh, caseloads of students and will work with them really from the beginning after students are admitted, all the way through their lifecycle as a student of a, a student at MSU, uh, and even beyond graduation if students stay and wanna get work authorization, uh, in the US. And so, those advisors really focus on understanding immigration regulation and assisting students as they, um, go through that academic cycle. Um, that’s our primary focus but we also acknowledge that there are particular issues that international students face that um, you know maybe the university or the US isn’t well designed to support so we really try to fill that gap. So uh, you know, one of our teams, uh, we call our ihealth team which really focuses on supporting international students who have concerns and questions about US healthcare. So whether that’s, you know, using MSU student insurance or engaging in the healthcare system. It can be very unique in the country you know, particularly the way our insurance billing works. And so we have a team that really focuses on understanding those systems and providing assistance when students need that care, you know. We have options on campus for- for healthcare, which are really great, but in some cases that's, you know, a need that’s off campus and so it can get very overwhelming and so that team really focuses on providing support in that way. Uh, in addition we also have a team, you know, that I’m leading that I mentioned earlier that’s focused on programming and engagement and so, you know, focusing on our communications and engaging with our students, um, on specific needs that are impacting international students. Um, as well as, you know, different events and programs. We partner with different government offices and bring them to campus and things like that as we can, um, after understanding, you know, what students need. And so, the last kinda thing I’ll mention is we also have our advocacy and outreach team which really focuses on supporting international students who are going through some form of crisis.so if that’s academic crisis, financial crisis, you know, personal well being, um, you know we are dedicated to supporting students and finding ways to do that. And so, um, you know, we have a wide range of ways to connect with us um, and you know, you’ll hear as a new student from your international student advisor in OISS directly with ways of, you know, the best way to contact us and how we advise. Uh, you know we do a lot of things over Zoom. Um, and, you know, have that option for students so they don’t have to come in physically to the office. MSU campus is big and our building is, it’s nice that we’re in the middle, but that means we’re not close to many of the residence halls and so, um, being able to connect remotely, um, we- we use an online program called MyOISS that oversees all of our requests. So that’s really the easiest way for students to be submitting information and needs to us that are specific immigration based. Um, and during the summer new international students will go through international student orientation which will introduce them to, kinda the way OISS operates and ways to connect with us, um, specifically when they have individual concerns.

Johana: Amazing. Um, so I know I’m an international student and we talk a lot about international students. But, who are international students?

Bryce: It’s a, it’s a good question because, I think, it’s a really individualized question. And, how the US government defines international students, how the university defines international students, um, and really how OISS defines international students may not line up with an individual picture of what being an international student is, right? So, our key focus in our office is the F1 and J1 categories. Those are immigration, uh, classifications from the government that are academic visas that students can use to enter the country and study. That does not mean that that’s the only definition of international students and there are certainly students at MSU in other statuses and are coming from a variety of backgrounds that make up the international student community. Um, so we have about 5,000 students on campus that identify as an international student in one form or the other, um, and we’re looking at around 140, uh, countries of citizenship or countries of birth represented in that number.

Johana: Um, alright! So, now we’re gonna move a little bit to working. I’m lucky enough to be able to work, um, as an international student cause it helps me provide some help and support to my parents. Um, are there opportunities for international students to work on campus or off campus?

Bryce: Yeah. That’s a, that’s a big question, it’s a good question. A lot of students have this question because it’s very expensive to study. And so, um, you know, talking about work in a general sense is a little challenging because it’s so based on individual status and situation. And so from an easy answer there are plenty of opportunities to work. There are lots of jobs at MSU that international students qualify for, um, and that, I would say that those are not positions that say, you know, international students can’t apply. Right, these are positions that are open to all MSU students. And so if your status allows you to work and you, you have that benefit, absolutely there are plenty of opportunities. I would say off campus as well, there are lots of companies in the East Lansing area and in Michigan who want to hire international students to work for them. Again, it’s based on status and are you eligible to seek those opportunities, but if you’re able to do so there are absolutely plenty of employers who are interested in hiring MSU students- who are interested in hiring international students that bring those unique experiences, um, and I’ve spent a significant amount of my time talking to students about how to get jobs and what to do with your status that allows you to work, so… plenty of opportunities if that’s something that fits your personal situation.

Suryansh: Yeah, um, I was also fortunate to have a job right off the first semester that I came to MSU. But then I was just thinking about like, some key, um, like problems to look after when you’re getting your first job as an international student because you may not have work experience before.

Bryce: Right.

Suryansh: So what are some of the things that you can, like, do to make sure that you can stand out in this crowd because you come from another country and, um, it might not be the same back home.

Bryce: Right, yeah. So I think one of the things that I talk to students a lot about is, when they’re looking for those first jobs they’re like highlighting their personal background. It’s very true they might be coming from a different background from a lot of, you know, students who have been raised in the US, um, or have a not so global focus but that also brings a really unique skill set. And so being able to identify cross-cultural skills and different things that, you know, show how impressive it is that you’re studying here in the US if that’s not a country you identify as having spent a long time in or a country that you’re a citizen of. Um, I think, you know, one of the big factors is the government processes. There’s a lot of steps to jump through and, you know, the good news is that working for MSU is fairly easy, it’s a pretty straightforward process. Um, you know, one thing that kinda stands out is the Social Security Administration, everyone has to have a social security number to work and so everyone has to go through that step. If they don’t have one of those numbers, OISS is a resource in that space. So we are happy to assist, we go through documents with students, make sure they’re prepared and they have everything to make that as easy of a process as possible. Um, one of the really good things that MSU has is a strong career service network. And so, while that’s not necessarily an office that’s necessary to get a job on campus, um, you know, right when you’re starting your program, they can talk through things like job interviews and resume building, and those are skills that you might not have coming in your first semester. And so, um, it’s a good resource you can turn to if you need to. They really focus on assisting with that and there is specialty assistance with international students as well.

Johana: Okay. Well, so, as an international student I know having my community and people to me is really important for me. Um, I was really fortunate that during the time that I came, um, I was part of the international student orientation. Um, and I also, after that I had the opportunity to work as an INSO leader. Um, but, um, what are some student organizations that international students can be part of?

Bryce: Yeah. There are tons of just plain student organizations period, let’s just start there. There’s so many opportunities to get involved in any way that you want. And, um, it’s almost like one of those situations where it’s like, is there too many? Cause there’s so many that it’s hard to understand the opportunities you have. And the great thing that I hear form international students is that, the internationally focused RSOs are really strong and they do a really good job of connecting with new students and one of our focuses this year is making sure that all incoming new students know what those internationally focused student organizations are, so they know what opportunities there are if that’s something you wanna pursue. So, you know, there's a lot of cultural or identity-based organizations. Um, regional, um you know, from a global perspective organizations that I see students join. One of our really strong organizations is the international student association. And they really focus on the international student identity as a whole, where there are some other organizations that are more, you know, focused on specific identities. And then,there's also a really strong intersect between international and academics So a lot of the colleges or specific programs offer opportunity for international students to have a specific voice and place within those academic environments as well.

Suryansh: Yeah I definitely agree with that because when I was coming as a freshman, um, there’s an Indian organization that approached me right away. I had no idea that that is even possible. So I believed that they work with OISS and then they talked to me and they were like, if you need any help moving in and everything they were ready to help and they provided some good resources. And then they also did a small dorm tour so it was really amazing. So, I definitely think that was really good thing.

Johana: You know, now that you mention that, I think it’s super important to keep in mind that MSU does a really good job supporting international students and creating a really welcoming environment. Like, I think I came here when my brother was studying and the first thing that was noticeable for me was how amazing they accepted international students. Cause sometimes, okay let’s be honest it’s scary to come from another country, from another language to a place that you don’t know, um, about. So, yeah just fun fact I love La Comunidad its one of the best student organizations out there. They make me feel like home, so yeah!

Bryce: Absolutely, and you know that’s one of the things that OISS is really focused on supporting those student organizations and, um, one of the things that everyone has had some big impact with is COVID-19 and student organizations really faced a lot of challenges with the remote environment and there was good opportunity for students to engage but as we’re kinda moving into a space where there are less restrictions and less concerns, one of our focuses is to make sure that these student organizations supported by our office so that they can then, in turn, support students. There will definitely be lots of opportunities as students go through orientation, um, I know through NSO and transition to campus there’s lots of engagement with RSOs but, um, international student orientation will also be, you know, supporting those RSOs that are internationally focused and giving opportunity for them to be meeting new students.

Suryansh: Yes, like I definitely recommend checking out the organizations that are focused on (unintelligible) community because sometimes you tend to get like homesick because you are away from home, and then you go back like once a year maybe and then you miss the festivals, the people, so like I know that the Indian organization here did a lot of events and festivals and it was just wholesome. Like, I was missing home but then we went there, you had good food, you met people, it was pretty fun so yes. Um, talking more about international students I know that last year, in fact in one of these organizations there was a student who was talking about how he knew someone who lost his passport and basically he was dealing with some immigration issue because of that. So, can we talk about how we can solve this problem and how OISS can help you if you’re facing something like that?

Bryce: Yeah it’s, you know, always terrifying when you lose important documents and, um, you know things like passports also come with heavy price tags and so, you know, there’s a level of support that OISS can provide because oftentimes students choose to bundle those documents and keep all of their important documents secure in one place. Well if that’s the thing that gets lost or stolen, then it’s everything and there’s so many repercussions that come with that. And so, you know, I’ll say right off the start I’ve worked with the MSU police office many times from a theft standpoint. You know, whether that’s off campus or not even in the East Lansing area, um, sometimes students don’t realize it right away but they think it’s an issue of theft, the police are happy to support that as a case right away. Um, and really, you know, step in if that’s something where they can do an investigation. Um, OISS gets involved when it’s related to more of the immigration document piece. OS, the majority of international students who are an F1 or J1 status will have a specific paper document called an I20 or a DS2019. Um, we’re moving away from having those as physical paper documents which makes this concern a little less frightening because it’s easy to replace when it’s digitalized. Um, but, that’s something where we can engage and create documentation, new copies because those are documents that oftentimes students will need to work with their home countries’ governments. Right, so OISS has no passport control authority, we can’t issue a new passport, but we can advocate for you to work with your government to get that process moving quickly. Uh, you know the majority of countries outside the US have some form of presence here in the country and will work with you to get a new passport issued. And so we can help provide documentation so that they can expedite those processes. You can show there’s a need and they can get that moving pretty quickly.

Johana: Alright.

Suryansh: Yeah, that is really relieving to know because I consider myself as someone that loses stuff easily. But yeah, definitely take care of that. And talking about documents, I know it was taxation season just now it ended, and it was a lot. So, I know that international students, we have a lot of differences when it comes to, like, taxation, and there are like different kinds of forms that we need to fill. And sometimes students can get confused so as to which resource to use. Um, so can we talk more about what is the best way for international students to just go through the whole process and make it, like, easier for them?

Bryce: Yeah, absolutely. US taxes are one of the worst things in this country, let’s be very honest here. It is a process, uh I file my own taxes and I feel like every year I am just like risking the government's ire because I don’t know what I’m doing, right? So, um, everyone who works in the US is taxed. What that taxation looks like is very individualized, it’s very, you know, related to immigration status because there are something called tax treaties where different governments have agreements with the US that kind of note how much taxation their citizens are going to face while here. And part of that’s, you know, based on taxation in their home country at the same time. And, you know, the US maintains a variety of these agreements with a variety of countries which makes it difficult to parse out. Uh, the great news is we have a really good resource on campus through the College of Law. They run a tax clinic and the tax clinic is a great resource for students who are facing unique challenges and issues when it comes to taxes. Um, they assist OISS and we kind of partner in the spring when it’s tax season to run some workshops and get some information out about filing. And there are resources to help you prepare your documentation, um, and get it submitted in a timely manner cause there is a deadline that can be intimidating. And so, between OISS and the College of Law tax clinic we really focus on getting all the information that students need out every spring. The good news is that it’s not something that happens continually throughout the year. Taxes, you know, will be taken from your paychecks if you’re working, but then in the spring we’re really focused on getting information out about what you need to do, what documents you need to file, and the deadlines and resources to make sure you’re filing appropriately.

Suryansh: Um, and I have a question about that actually. So, a lot of my friends last year we were really confused about this because a lot of us did not work but we were told that we still had to file taxes, so we were like not sure how that works. So can we talk more about people who did not work in the academic year but they still had to do taxes?

Bryce: Right, and that’s a very scary thing to hear, like I didn't work and have income so how am I supposed to be paying on these taxes? And the good news is that that’s not the expectation. Um, you do have to file some things, so anyone who’s physically present in the country essentially needs to let the government know, like, I was here and then either declare if they had income and it needs to be taxed, or if they did not have income. And so, uh, a part of that communication we- we send in the spring is, you know, if you had income during the previous year this is what you need to do. If you did not have income, this is a completely different process that you’ll follow which does feel like filing for taxes but it’s not the government's gonna come back and say, well now you owe us all this money. It’s more of notifying them, I didn’t actually work.

Johana: Yeah, I think it’s super important to know that as an international student you actually have a whole group of people working and trying to help you. Um, cause sometimes it’s really easy to forget. Like, I’ve been here for like five years and I know sometimes I’m like panicking about stuff and then I’m like, oh wait I have actually someone I can reach out to. Um, so yeah just an advice, always keep in mind OISS like if someone ever asks me what should I do, if they’re an international student the first thing I say is, just contact OISS. It’s the- it's so easy to just-

Suryansh: Yeah, especially during tax season be on the lookout for an email, because there’s a lot of information from OISS and there’s a good, good presentation that they provide you that makes it super easy for you to do it. I just did it, it was a lot easier when I followed their advice than last year when I had to look for all these forms and just talk to people and figure out what to do. So yeah.

Johana: So, now that we talk about hard, what are some, like, common challenges or issues you see in first year international students?

Bryce: Yeah. When I think about this it’s really, I like to remind myself that everyone who’s a new student is a new student and there are a myriad of challenges that come with being a new student in university. And so, you know, there’s gonna be things like homesickness, there’s gonna be things like having a roommate, there’s gonna be things like dealing with the dining plan, and going to classes, and having your own schedule. I think that all those challenges apply to all new students. And international students have an extra layer to all of that. And it’s, you know, in most cases, immigration status, And so, all of those are compounded by this constant awareness of, I have specific expectations that I need to be meeting every day. And so, when I talk to students about this question it’s, all of my decisions I have to make just like everyone else does but I have to be thinking about it in the lens of my status. So, there are specific enrollment requirements, there are specific travel expectations, there are specific restrictions on employment. And so, all of those decisions you wanna make as a new student are- are more challenging because of that. Um, I, you know, academic systems are different across the world and so transitioning to the US academic system can be challenging for some students. Um, and so that’s a big transition, let alone cultural adjustment. Um, US culture can be very different from the culture in student’s home countries. And so, um, you know earlier we mentioned, um, you know, like homesickness and finding identity and community. There are resources that are there but it doesn’t change the fact that you are experiencing that as an individual. And so, um, you know, between immigration expectations, and cultural adjustment, and academic standards, um, it can really compound and then impact all of the challenges and facets of being a new student.

Suryansh: Yes, like I totally relate with all these problems. I mean, especially like homesickness or be- the change in the academic system. And the thing that I realized was, the best thing you can do is just reach out to people. Like, people are here to help. This is your school, this is your new home at least for the next four years or so. So you should definitely reach out to people, everybody is here to help you and it just helped me a lot when I was willing to, like voice my concerns.

Johana: And I think Bryce said something that has... it’s still on my mind. Every student is a new student and sometimes we think that domestic students don’t go through homesickness, or, like, cultural shocks. But for me it was really easy to just have people from the US that were going through the same stuff, like home- homesickness. Like I have friends that were struggling like, hey I miss being home, and stuff like that. So it was like, okay so I’m not alone it’s not only the international community, there are others who are struggling through the same stuff. So, yeah I think that’s one of the most common challenges too, that we forget that even though we’re international students, we’re Spartans first.

Bryce: Yeah

Suryansh: Yes

Bryce: Absolutely

Johana: Um, and then, (unintelligible) talking about being a Spartan, what’s your favorite part of being a Spartan and working for MSU with students?

Bryce: Yeah. I um, I think I have three things. First one, it’s very easy, it’s beautiful here. Um, I went out on a nice walk during my lunch break today and it’s just like such a nice campus. It’s so big and sprawling and beautiful outside and like, yes it can be very cold in Michigan in the winter but like there’s also beauty in that. So, I love being in East Lansing because it’s such a nice campus to be at. Um, you know, one of I think the most impressive things about MSU and our students and our alumni is, no matter where I go, I find MSU community. So, it doesn’t matter if I’m here in East Lansing, it doesn’t matter if I’m travelling to New York. Doesn’t matter if I’m abroad and I’m in Japan and I see people wearing the MSU Spartan logo and, you know, that’s something I hear students talking about, it’s what I hear staff and faculty talking about. That, no matter where they go, you’re finding that MSU community. And I think that’s really cool because there’s a lot of students, like let’s acknowledge it’s a massive school which produces a lot of people, but then everyone feels like that identity as being a Spartan. And so, in many ways it’s also a really small community. Um, and then I think, you know, I work for MSU because I enjoy working with international students and I find the contributions they bring to the institution to be incredibly important. And so being able to have conversations like this, to meet new students, to assists them with their problems that is, you know, the goal of OISS and that’s my passion and so, um, you know just kind of ending with some of the points you guys are bringing up is like, being willing to talk to people and ask questions, not only of your peers and finding community, but also going to OISS, going to your- your instructors. Um, that’s the way to be successful. And so, it can be very overwhelming and very intimidating, it’s a big system, but individually we’re all here to support you students and we want those questions, and we want those problems to come to us to help students overcome them.

Suryansh: Yeah, like I think you cannot describe the MSU spirit until you experience it, because if you go to like game days you don’t know any of these people, you’re just sitting with them and then you’re just chanting the MSU song, and then you’re just in the school spirit, and it’s just a whole another feeling. And MSU does have a really big outreach because I remember coming back from India last fall and I was in the flight and I just happened to run into someone who was also coming to MSU. And I was just wearing my Spartan hat and they’re like, oh you’re from MSU? I’m like, yeah! Then they’re like, go Spartans and everything. And I was like, well at least I have someone to talk to throughout the flight, because it is a seventeen-hour flight, so...

They laugh

Suryansh: It was pretty funny, yes.

Johana: So just, our last question. Um, so, I heard you mention international student orientation.

Bryce: Yes.

Johana: So, are there any special orientation programs or resources available to students?

Bryce: Yes, uh, and this is a very important thing to discuss, because, um, international students go through NSO, um, as new admitted students, like fall new admitted students do. But, we also offer a program called International Student Orientation, which is specifically focused on addressing a lot of these concerns, um and preparing students for these challenges that we’ve mentioned today. And so, um, international student orientation is broad, um, it’s recently kicked off, and we’ll start as a predeparture online program before students you know, head to East Lansing. Um, then we have an arrival and transportation assistance for students, to help them connect from more regional located airports and get them specifically to campus. Um, international students can participate in international student move-in, get to campus a little early, get settled, participate in our in-person welcome and international student orientation program, and then transition to in-person NSO and move through that full, like, welcome experience as all students are on campus.

Johana: Amazing, and are the students getting all this information through their email? Do they have to follow you somewhere?

Bryce: Yes, so MSU email is like king, like you need to be reading your MSU email. And I know no one wants to because it’s still like summer, and I know some students are still, like, finishing high school and finishing their programs and like, not thinking about it yet. But unfortunately, we start now because there’s so much going on, so um, MSU email key, need to be reading it all the time. We’ll be sending a weekly communication with information. International student orientation, we hire current students to assist with, um, all the questions new students have, so, uh, those orientation assistants will be reaching out to new students who are in their cohorts. It’s nice because, uh, OISS we follow a cohort model so the students who, uh, new students are meeting as a part of international student orientation will be in their cohort throughout their program and meeting with the same advisor, And, uh, there will be that consistency so, um, you know, you can follow us on social media we have Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, um and information will be there but really, MSU email, that’s the most important one.

Johana: Yeah, well...

Suryansh: Definitely be on the lookout for the emails from the OISS. I was a student who was in contact with the OISS a lot before coming to campus cause I just wanted to make sure everything was right and I was on track with coming to campus, so... yes definitely be on the lookout for the emails.

Outro music fades in

Johana: Yeah and just remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help, OISS is here to help you. And thank you Bryce! It was really nice to have you today.

Suryansh: Thank you so much for coming here today and talking to us.

Bryce: Absolutely, thank you for having me.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Spartan Orientation Station on Impact 89FM. Let us know what you think by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at @msu_nso.