The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)’s unique support services for international students underpins a memorable study experience in one of the oldest, most respected research universities in the United States. Among the support services available to international students are the following: (1) International Welcome Team; (2) First-year Experience and Transition Programs such as the weekly workshops for incoming international students, weekly workshops for incoming international students, one-on-one Academic Success Coaching, Study Stops tutoring sessions and opportunities for international students to practice their English language proficiency; and (3) New Student Enrolment Webinars.
A welcoming face at the Lincoln airport
International students are welcomed by the International Welcome Team the moment they set foot at the Lincoln airport. The welcome team, composed of upperclassmen who are also international students themselves, provide the much-needed assurance and a welcome face for new students who come to the United States.
The International Welcome Team ensures that new international students transition smoothly into the United States, the city of Lincoln and UNL – their new home for the next four years or so. The team is mobilised every school term to pick up the incoming international students from the Lincoln airport, answer their last-minute questions and take them shopping for essentials. They are prepared to give tips and advice based on their own experience as international students at UNL. They maintain contact with the new students by hosting events for international students as well as conducting training sessions for volunteers to join the welcome team in a year or two.
First-Year Experience and Transition Programs
According to UNL’s International Recruitment Specialist Brent Schmoker, the First-Year Experience and Transition Programs provide (1) weekly workshops specific to incoming international students, (2) one-on-one academic success coaching which includes assistance and support tailor-fitted to their individual concerns, (3) on-campus tutoring sessions with upperclassmen (and women) who share their knowledge in their respective fields or degree programs and (4) numerous opportunities to hone their English language proficiency.
“These activities are aimed to nurture the relationship forged from the International Welcome activity and help new students perform well in their studies given the unique challenges that they face in a new country,” Brent points out.
New Student Enrolment Webinars
The university conducts a series of webinars every school term to help students integrate into university life. Among the webinars done are familiarisation tours and sessions on the study destination, academic and cultural expectations, safety, visa requirements, transfer credits and all other issues affecting international students. The two upcoming webinars are:
23 July – How (and When) to Pay Your Student Bill
1 August – Ask Us Anything
For the last webinar session, aptly titled, “Ask Us Anything,” international students can practically ask anything under the sun, Brent says.
“The webinars are especially handy because they can be watched in the comfort of your own home at any time!” he adds. For those who may be unable to attend the live webinar or missed a session that’s useful to them, they can access the recording of the webinars here.
