 Congratulations on selecting Villanova University. You have chosen an
exceptional school to pursue your higher education. We welcome you and we
look forward to helping you enjoy a fulfilling career at Villanova.
The
International Student Office (I.S.O.) can assist you with the transition
to your new environment. We hope this orientation book will be helpful in
providing you with some basic survival information.
We are here to advise
and lend a listening ear to students with any personal concern, such as
culture shock, loneliness, homesickness, etc. We serve as a source of information
concerning campus and community activities such as International Student
Club, International House in Philadelphia, host family program, Social Security,
driver’s licenses, health insurance, etc. We also can advise students of
their rights and responsibilities in US immigration matters such as visa
requirements and regulations, school transfers, extension of stay, travel
outside the US, work permission, practical training rules, etc.
Please come
in to our office as soon as possible after your arrival. We publish a monthly
newsletter, and maintain a bulletin board outside the office to keep you
updated on activities and subjects of interest.
Possibly your first adjustment
in the United States will be “jet lag,” a term used to describe the effects
of a new time setting on your body. The severity will depend on the distance
and direction of your travel. Some of the symptoms include sleepiness, loss
of appetite and feeling as if your head is still in the clouds! Usually
after a few days, you will begin to adjust to the new time, even though
you might be eating lunch here when at home it is the middle of the night!
Be sure to bring special items from your country with you such as photographs,
slides, books, maps, postcards, recipes, clothes - whatever you have room
to bring will be of interest to us in the I.S.O., and to your new friends
in this country.
There are many Americans as well as international students who can
gain much from knowing you. We look forward to getting to know you and
discovering the special talents you are bringing to our community.
Before your arrival you may want to visit our website at
www.villanova.edu
to view the campus. Once again, welcome and all the best during your stay
at Villanova.
Sincerely,
Stephen T. McWilliams, Director
Email: stephen.mcwilliams@villanova.edu
Debra K. Kwiterovich-Hoover, Assistant Director
Email: debra.hoover@villanova.edu |
