As a new international student adviser, you need to get up to speed quickly to ensure compliance among F-1 students. This self-paced course brings you into the office of a typical university to work with and support their international students. Through six online modules, you will address the many challenges you will face in your advising role--from administering the initial I-20, visa and entry procedures, legal employment, and managing transitions.
This is a fundamental course that includes basic information on essential job responsibilities and is designed for both brand-new and job-seeking international advisers. More experienced advisers or other interested stakeholders may benefit if they have not had formal DSO or international advising training.
Learning Outcomes
- Perform basic compliance, reporting, and procedural tasks to support F-1 students to maintain status and obtain benefits.
- Identify the situations impacting the personal and academic adjustment and immigration status of F-1 students.
- Identify campus and external 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 six (6) 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: Your Role as Adviser and DSO
Module 2: Initial Procedures for Newly Admitted Students and Dependents
Module 3: Enrollment and Reporting Procedures
Module 4: F-1 Employment Options and Restrictions
Module 5: Travel and Re-entry in F-1 Status
Module 6: Managing Transitions
About NAFSA e-Learning Dean
Hunter Swanson is currently the Associate Director of the Center for International Education at Washington and Lee University. Hunter has worked in International Education for 14 years and has over 12 years of experience as a DSO and ARO. He received his Ph.D. from James Madison University in 2022. A longtime NAFSA member, Hunter has been a Trainer Corps trainer for two years and has frequently presented at NAFSA Region VIII and Virginia International Educators (VIE) conferences. He is also the former President of VIE.