International Student Resources

As an international student, we understand that it can be overwhelming trying to navigate a successful academic life in an unfamiliar environment. CASA coaches are here to help you!

Tips for International Students

1. Know the difference between your CASA coach and your faculty adviser.
   • Each USF undergraduate student is assigned an academic success coach (CASA coach) and a faculty adviser to support your journey at USF. Your success coach will provide you with academic/personal coaching and connect you to the right resources, while your faculty adviser will help you develop an academic plan to stay on track to graduate.
2. Know who your CASA coach is and connect with them once a semester.
   • You can find your CASA coach in the Student Hub under "My Success Team" and make an appointment with them through the Student Hub.
   • Your coach can help explain U.S. classroom expectations, grading, and academic policies, and different resources USF offers.
   • Talk to your CASA coach about major/minor exploration, any challenges you're facing, or just let them know how things are going!
3. Meet with your Faculty Adviser regularly.
   • You can find your faculty adviser in the Student Hub under "My Success Team"
   • Talk to your faculty adviser about course selection, academic advisement, and to create a graduation plan
4. Be a part of the vibrant USF community by participating in USF events like sports games, clubs and organizations, and University Ministry.
5. For travel, work authorization, and visa questions, be sure to contact International Student and Scholar Services.

CASA Support for International Students

• We collaborate with the New Student Orientation, International Student Orientation, Cultural Centers, and CAPS to hold workshops and programs addressing international student concerns.
• We have coaches who are able to speak various languages including: Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Spanish.

Additional Resources for International Students

• International Student and Scholar Services: Provides international student orientation, immigration advising, documentation processing, and more for USF international students
• International Student Association and other cultural clubs: Student organizations at USF you can get involved in
• Conversation Partners Program: This is an Academic English for Multilingual Students (AEM) program that matches its international students with highly proficient English speakers in the USF community
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Talk to them about cultural adjustment and stress management associated with your academic and personal life
• Learning and Writing, and Speaking Centers: Free services including subject-specific tutoring, academic skill development, writing assistance, and communication-related support
• Student Disability Services: The University offers many services to students with disabilities including academic accommodations, residential accommodations, transportation, etc.