International Students and Academic Staff
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) opened in 1936 as the numbers of international visitors to the University began to grow. Today it serves approximately 3,200 international students, 1,200 international academic staff, and Cornell’s host departments.
The Office assists individuals and families who come to Cornell from other countries to study, teach, or conduct research. A staff of 11 work to provide information and assistance with immigration, pre-arrival and arrival, tax and labor regulations, and personal concerns. In addition, the ISSO promotes cross-cultural awareness in the Cornell and Ithaca communities through educational programming, including orientation, cultural adjustment, cross-cultural communication, and trips and cultural activities to enhance students’ and scholars’ stay at Cornell and in the United States. Its goal is to serve as an information service for the Cornell, Ithaca, and surrounding communities and to promote the benefits of international educational exchange.The ISSO offers international students and scholars an array of services to support their academic programs and personal and professional goals:
- Pre-arrival and arrival assistance
- Cultural adjustment and orientation programs
- Advising on immigration regulations and federal and state laws
- Federal and state tax advising for non-residents
- Academic staff/faculty employment authorization and advising
- Personal counseling
- Emergency financial assistance for students
- Trips and special events
- Support of Campus Club Friendship Partners Program
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Features
International Students and Scholars Office
The International Studies and Scholars Office (ISSO) offers visa, immigration, and travel information for international students and scholars leaving and reentering the U.S. along with general travel resources and links to: airline, rail, car rental sites, American youth hostels, and discount travel sites.
English for International Students and Scholars
The School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions offers non-credit courses in the Fall, Spring, and Summer for visiting scholars, students, spouses, and anyone else seeking improvement in various English skills. Courses focus on grammar and conversational activities to give practice in reading, writing, listening and speaking English. Field trips are scheduled to provide opportunities for discussion with native English speakers and insight into American culture and history.
International Academic Staff and Host Departments
International Students and Scholars Office
The International Studies and Scholars Office (ISSO) offers visa, immigration, and travel information for international students and scholars leaving and reentering the U.S. along with general travel resources and links to: airline, rail, car rental sites, American youth hostels, and discount travel sites.
