This self-guided e-Learning course will lead participants toward developing a comprehensive and nuanced approach to improving their F-1 advising. Through real-world case studies, participants will gain skills to advise international students through the complexities of resolving status issues such as correcting errors, addressing visa and entry issues, supporting change of status, managing terminations and reinstatements, and more.
This is an intermediate-level course. In order to successfully apply the complex skills that are covered in this course, participants must have some prior advising experience or formal training. The content builds on the foundational competence that is gained from completing the “F-1 Advising: Getting Started” e-Learning course or the “F-1 Beginners” Core Education Program (CEP) Workshop, or formal on-the-job training.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify, interpret, and apply relevant law and government policy within your institutional and legal roles.
- Inform F-1 students of necessary actions to maintain status and obtain benefits.
- Assist new and continuing F-1 students with situations that affect academic success and intercultural adjustment.
- Coordinate with campus partners to provide services and resources for F-1 students.
Special Bonus: Participants will receive access to the NAFSA Adviser's Manual 360 for the duration of the course.
Ready to start learning?
When you register, you will have 60 days to experience your content when it's convenient for you! Look for your access link in your registration receipt, on your MyNAFSA page, or by going directly to the learning portal.
For details on registering and accessing, review the FAQ page.
Build Your Competencies
NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0 outline the abilities, skills, and foundational knowledge necessary for successful international educators. Learn more about NAFSA Competencies 2.0.
This learning content targets the competency categories of Compliance Management and Recruitment, Enrollment, and Advising.
Course Information
This digital course is designed to provide you with asynchronous, self-paced learning where you will complete approximately three hours of interactive content. It is on-demand and available immediately after purchase. This course is divided into four (4) modules, and as a learner, you will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with our subject matter experts, known as NAFSA’s e-Learning Deans, that will be monitoring the discussion boards and will support you throughout the course. Our e-Learning Deans will also be able to address any situation you are currently facing, as well as provide insights to your peers.
- Duration of Access: 60 days from the date of registration.
- Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes per module.
- Level: Introductory.
- Course Type: On-Demand, self-guided.
Course Components
Module 1: Ensuring Compliance: Regulations, Interpretation, and Institutional Policy
Module 2: Visa and Admission to the U.S. Issues
Module 3: Supporting Status Acquisition
Module 4: Addressing Student Status Issues and Crises
About NAFSA e-Learning Dean
Ms. Smith is a Senior International Student Advisor at International Services, USF World at the University of South Florida and has served the international student population at USF for more than 20 years. Her goal is to help international students maintain their visa status, and while they are studying at USF. Once they have graduated, she advises them and helps them maintain their visa status while on OPT and with their STEM Extension. Staying informed through professional development about changes in government relations and how they affect international students is of primary importance to her. She is an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. She has co-authored two chapters in a book called Crisis Management in a Cross-Cultural Setting, which is published and sold by NAFSA. She is currently an active member of Trainer Corps and has presented at Pre- Conference In-Person Workshops for F-1 Beginners and F-1 Intermediates on many occasions and has presented one virtual workshop. She enjoys building connections with colleagues as a Trainer Corps Ambassador and loves engaging with future co-trainers. Ms. Smith received both her B.A. in Professional and Technical Writing and her M.A. in Government and International Relations from USF. She spent a semester abroad in Wuhan, China teaching English. Ms. Smith is an avid world traveler and enjoys diversity in cultures.