International Student Services

An image of some of the class of 2028 international students

Hello and welcome!

We are thrilled that you have chosen Rhodes College. As the Rhodes College vision statement says, we hope that your academic journey here creates a lifelong passion for learning, compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic and personal concerns into effective leadership and actions in your community and the world. The Buckman Center for Global Engagement is committed to providing comprehensive support and nurturing an inclusive campus community for international students. Our goal is to enhance the academic, social, and cultural experience for each student from admission to graduation and beyond. Our core services include providing advice and counsel on US immigration regulations and compliance, campus and local resources, as well as programming, outreach, and advocacy.

We look forward to meeting each of you and getting to know you during your time at Rhodes. Our office is on the first floor of Burrow Hall (right past the mailroom). Please stop by to see us or reach out to us at iss@rhodes.edu.

Services Offered Specifically to International Students:

  • Airport pickups in the students' first semester, including exchange students
  • Multi-day International Student Orientation
  • Dedicated Rhodes Student Associate for International Students, plus a volunteer team of International Peer Advisors
  • Advising about immigration and the maintenance of status
  • CPT/OPT application support, including F11 advising, and ongoing post-completion and STEM OPT support up to three years after graduation
  • Social Security Number application support and volunteer drivers to SSA Office
  • Bank account volunteer drivers
  • Phone/SIM card volunteer drivers
  • Sprintax income tax software 
  • Events and shopping trips each semester
  • English Language Support with Writing Labs and one-on-one tutoring from TEFL students
  • Support letters upon request, such as for Tennessee Drivers' Licenses and family members' tourist visas for commencement
  • Support during academic interruptions, such as for mandatory military duty
  • Study abroad/away advising in context with international student status
  • Referrals when needed, such as to Student Employment, Career Services, Financial Aid, and Residence Life
  • Maintaining international student files and records in compliance with federal regulations
  • Back-end SEVIS support required for each student