NAFSA's Principles for the Provision of Community Services and Programs

The presence of international students and scholars on campus and in the community involves cross-cultural relationships and provides opportunities for increased global awareness. Individual contacts and the sharing of a variety of social and professional activities provide the opportunity for mutual appreciation of different cultural patterns and national aspirations.

Although it may serve a wider constituency at the state or national level, the college or university is an integral part of the community in which it exists. Colleges and universities which enroll international students and scholars should make, in cooperation with the community, every effort to assist these students in their adjustment to life in an American community. They may also enhance the education of international students and scholars by offering a variety of experiences, both on campus and in the community, which will ensure that optimum benefit is derived from the period of study in the United States.

Institutions should be receptive to approaches from the community and should, if necessary, take the initiative in establishing a relationship with the community (a) to explain the needs of international students and scholars, (b) to identify the resources represented by international students, and (c) to explore and make full use of the willingness and ability of the community to provide services and programs.

Through the office of the international student adviser or its equivalent, institutions should provide assistance, advice, and information as requested by the community for the development of programs and services for international students and scholars. These efforts should be evaluated periodically.

Community programs and services should adhere to the following principles:

1. Community groups and organizations should seek to provide programs and services that enhance the experience of the international students and scholars while increasing the level of international and intercultural awareness in the community.
2. Community programs and services should be developed in cooperation with the university office that provides on-campus service to international students and scholars. Each should be competently designed and conducted and, where possible, coordinated with other community efforts.
3. Community programs must embrace a sensitivity to, and appreciation of, the religious, cultural, and national backgrounds of international participants and a proper regard for confidential personal information that may be offered by international and American participants.
4. Community groups and organizations should provide professional training for volunteers and paid staff to ensure that programs are competently administered and community resources effectively used.
5. Community groups and organizations should periodically evaluate their programs, policies, and services in light of their established goals and the changing needs of international students and scholars.

Revised by the Committee on Ethical Practice and approved by the NAFSA Board of Directors on May 27, 2001.