International Student and Scholar Services

Contributing to Comprehensive Internationalization

Crisis Management

Office Administration

Orientation, Retention, and Student Services Programming

Student and Scholar Advising

NAFSA Letter to SEVP on 2021-2022 Academic Year COVID-19 Guidance

On May 6, 2021, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Dr. Esther Brimmer sent a letter to SEVP Director Rachel Canty, to thank SEVP for its April 26, 2021 COVID-19 guidance for the 2021-2022 academic year, and suggesting "additional clarifications to further help schools and students operate responsibly

Global Studies Literature Review—No. 11, March 2021

On behalf of NAFSA’s Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC), we are very pleased to introduce Issue No. 11 of the Global Studies Literature Review ( GSLR). The theme, "International Education in Times of Crisis: Connecting and Reimagining International Education," could not

NAFSA Peer-to-Peer Perspectives

NAFSA Peer-to-Peer Perspectives events are virtual roundtable discussions that are offered year-round with colleagues on timely topics. Share best practices, offer suggestions, and engage in discussions with your peers. NAFSA Peer-to-Peer Perspectives are a NAFSA member benefit. Nonmembers may

Mobility and Management - How Will Covid-19 Shape the New "Normal"?

International educators are planning for a return to student mobility – yet our community recognizes that this return will be a new “normal”. The COVID-19 pandemic will profoundly shape how institutions send students abroad and welcome new cohorts of international students. Institutions must grapple

Protecting International Students and Scholars from Scams

International students are vulnerable to scammers questioning their immigration status and requesting payment and personal information. In recent years, scammers have utilized increasingly sophisticated techniques to deceive and coerce students and can involve students’ family members as well

Effective Communication Plans and Platforms for the ISSS Office

Open and continuous communication between the institution, student and family is beneficial at all times, not just in times of crisis. This resource summarizes model practices for a communication plan to support students throughout their academic experience. Contributors to this resource include

Shifting Trends in International Student Mobility: Embracing Diversity and Responding to Change

Download the February 2021 Report By Ming Cheng, PhD Moving globally for international education experiences has increased significantly in recent decades. More than 5 million students studied in degree programs outside their home countries in 2017, and it is estimated that this figure will reach 8

The Biden Administration Regulatory Freeze Memorandum

Memorandum: Regulatory Freeze Pending Review. January 20, 2021. Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, from Biden Chief of Staff Ronald Klain at the direction of President Biden. Published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 7424 (January 28, 2021). Sets varied temporary stops

Biden Administration Immigration Portal

January 22, 2025

This NAFSA page contains links to significant immigration-related changes and initiatives especially relevant to higher education, instituted by the administration of President Joe Biden (January 20, 2021 - January 20, 2025). NAFSA Recommendations to the Biden Administration Visit NAFSA's Rebuilding

Liz Cosgrove Ford

Liz currently serves as Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services at the University of North Texas where she leads a team of F1 advisors and staff to support nearly 11,000 international students. Liz began her career in International Education in 2001 teaching English as a