International Student and Scholar Handbook - USC Student Affairs ...

WelcomeWelcome from the Office of International Services01On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of International Services (OIS),it is my pleasure to welcome our new students and scholars to the TrojanFamily! Last year, USC hosted over 5,900 international students from 110different countries. At the same time, close to 1,600 visiting scholars andprofessors from abroad taught and conducted research at USC.We truly are an international university, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, one of themost diverse metropolitan cities in the United States. During your time here at USC,you will have the opportunity to explore and experience this incredible range of culture,perspectives and people, both on- and off-campus.Additionally, you can take advantage of the hundreds of activities and organizationson-campus and in the surrounding area. You can join clubs and student groups, participatein community service programs, and attend educational and cultural events.For example, you can become part of the International Students’ Assembly (ISA), oneof the largest student assemblies on campus that oversees close to 15 nationalitygroups as well as international campus events. Here at USC, we see education as largerand richer than just what happens in the classroom or lab, and I encourage you to getinvolved.The mission of our office, OIS, is to do everything we can to help our internationalstudents, scholars, faculty and staff. We want you to make the most of your USC experience.So whether you are here for a semester exchange or for several years, OIS staffare available to advise you on a variety of topics, starting with helping you understandthe immigration rules and regulations affecting your stay in the U.S. Moreover, ouroffice offers a number of academic, social, cultural and recreational programs for youthroughout the school year. This handbook is meant to be used during your time hereas a resource and a supplement to SCampus, the general USC guidebook.So come by our office to say hello or contact us if we can be ofservice to you. We have regular advising hours throughout the weekand are available by phone and email. We wish you the very best asyou embark upon your university experience and look forward tojourneying with you during your time here at USC!Sincerely,Tony TambasciaExecutive DirectorOffice of International ServicesINTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR HANDBOOK 1