Meet Foreign Student and Scholar Services

Foreign Student and Scholar Services mission is to assume responsibility for the general welfare of foreign students at The University of Montana-Missoula from admission to graduation and practical training. The office  provides direct support services, consultation, and liaison to help students and scholars achieve their educational and professional goals and to foster inter-cultural understanding and goodwill. 

Specifically,  the FSSS staff assist in the reception and orientation of foreign students; help with integration into the University and community; interpret immigration regulations and laws and assist students and scholars in maintaining their legal status and obtaining related benefits. Staff members also provide advice for academic and personal concerns, cultural adjustment, financial issues and other concerns that may arise.

FSSS works with the International Student Association and other student groups, as well as the Missoula International Friendship Program, to sponsor cultural activities, a speaker's bureau, a community hospitality program, leadership opportunities for students, and the annual International Culture and Food Festival. It coordinates the International Peer Assistant Program, a campus peer-mentoring program, and  offers orientation programs, workshops, educational field trips, and winter/summer break activities.

FSSS manages the International House, an on-campus activity center for inter-cultural events. The office works closely with other service and advising departments on campus to optimize those services and their visibility to foreign students and scholars.

In summary, FSSS services and programs include:

Pre-arrival and arrival assistance
Orientation programs International
Peer Assistant Program
Personal and academic advising
Financial assistance
Immigration advising
Liaison with community services
Speaker's Bureau
Educational field trips
International Culture and Food Festival
Missoula International Friendship Program
Management of International House
Coordination with the International Student Association and Nationality Clubs
Liaison with federal government agencies