International Students and Scholars Office
Coxe Hall, 32 Sayre Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3123
Tel: (610) 758-4859
Fax: (610) 758-5156
E-mail: intnl@lehigh.edu
Website: http://global.lehigh.edu/oiss
iHome (online system for international students and scholars): https://iss.lehigh.edu
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is a university-wide resource for students and scholars from abroad and the Colleges and departments who host them. The mission of OISS is to empower Lehigh's international community through holistic support and advising in order to create global-minded citizens. OISS accomplishes this mission in a number of ways:
- OISS educates international students and scholars on how to maintain their immigration status, we advise faculty, staff and departments on what is required to host international students/scholars, and we ensure that the University is in compliance with immigration regulations.
- OISS strives to be well-connected to other offices and departments on campus in order to support the entire experience of our international students and scholars.
- OISS provides international programming designed to bolster the professional and personal development of our international community. We also provide an avenue for our represented countries and cultures to share and engage with the greater campus community.
- OISS continually advocates on behalf of our students and scholars regarding immigration, academic, and personal matters to ensure that their voices are heard within the Lehigh community and beyond.
- OISS aims to facilitate ways for our international students and scholars to engage beyond the Lehigh campus.
Services
While core of the work that OISS does is related to immigration compliance, we also offer a variety of cross-cultural programs, including undergraduate and graduate orientations for incoming international students, seminars/workshops on immigration benefits and pathways, International Education Week in November, the annual International Bazaar in April. OISS also offers regular social programming and off-campus excursions.
The academic year for incoming international students at Lehigh begins with the International Student Orientation. Orientation details are available on the OISS website, and this orientation is mandatory for all incoming International students. OISS partners with offices around campus to address topics specific to the international student experience, and takes place immediately before university-wide orientations (department/College-specific for Graduate students, through the Office of First Year Experience for Undergraduates). At International Student Orientation, students will learn how to maintaining immigration status, apply for a social security number, open a banking account, gain understanding of the U.S. health care system, and connect with peers about adjusting to university life at Lehigh and in the United States.
Additional Special Services for International Students
Center for Career And Professional Development
Advising and special workshops for careers for international students are provided.
Dining Services
For undergraduate students on the meal plan, menus meet the international dietary needs of the students. Students with dietary restrictions or concerns can meet with the Lehigh Dietitian.
Health AND WELLNESS Center
Fully staffed medical personnel meet both the physical and personal needs of all students.
COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
The Counseling Center has special services for international students.
Immigration/Visa Advising
Advising about immigration compliance is provided by OISS.
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Free tutors are provided in writing, math and science.
INTERNational AND CULTURAL Clubs
Clubs from all regions of the world are established on campus. They form an important part of the cross-cultural dimension of the campus, providing social events, films, and international dialogue.
Religious Services
Services for all the major religions are on campus or nearby, including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist. The Chaplain's Office can provide additional information.
