Navigating UVA: A Comprehensive Guide to International Studies Office Services

The University of Virginia (UVA) is dedicated to fostering a globally aware and culturally diverse environment. The International Studies Office (ISO), a crucial part of UVA Global, plays a pivotal role in achieving this mission by offering a wide range of services, activities, and programs tailored to support the development of international students and scholars. This article provides a detailed overview of the support services available through the ISO and other UVA resources, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for international members of the UVA community.

Internal Resources for International Students and Scholars

The ISO serves as a central hub for international students and scholars, providing guidance and assistance on various aspects of their academic and personal lives at UVA. Whether you need help with academic advising, career support, or mental health resources, UVA offers a comprehensive network of services to help you succeed.

Academic Support

UVA recognizes that academic success is paramount for all students. Each school within the university provides advising support. International students can find specific information about their school's advising office and how to connect with their academic advisor.

Beyond school-specific advising, UVA offers several academic support programs:

Peer Academic Coaching and College Life Skills Coaching: These programs provide students with valuable skills and strategies to navigate the academic challenges of university life.
The Writing Center: The Writing Center offers in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous consultations to help students improve their writing skills.

Career Support

The UVA Career Center assists all UVA students, including international students, in their career development journey. The Career Center provides:

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Career advising: Guidance on career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation.
Career fairs: Opportunities to connect with potential employers and learn about job and internship opportunities.
Mock interviews: Practice interviews to help students build confidence and improve their interviewing skills.
Alumni network: Access to a vast network of UVA alumni who can provide career advice and mentorship.
Internship and job search assistance: Support in finding and applying for internships and jobs.

For graduate students, PhDPlus is a university-wide initiative that prepares them for careers in various sectors and fields. PhDPlus hosts regular events and maintains a list of internship opportunities.

English Language and Cultural Support

The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) provides English as a Second Language (ESL) services at UVA. CAELC's mission is to provide leadership on issues related to ESL and intercultural communication and to help members of the UVA community attain the linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States.

CAELC offers various programs and services, including:

English Conversation Partners: This program matches international students with native English speakers for relaxed conversation, English language practice, and cultural exchange.
The Language Consultant Program: This program is open to adult family members of UVA affiliates and provides language support and cultural orientation. A monthly newsletter keeps participants informed about upcoming events and resources.

Mental Health Support

UVA is committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its students. Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a range of resources, including:

Individual and group therapy: Confidential counseling services to address personal and academic challenges.
Wellbeing coaching: Support in developing healthy habits and coping strategies.
Fitness plans: Assistance in creating personalized fitness plans to promote physical and mental wellness.
Addition recovery support: Resources for students struggling with addiction.

Students can schedule an initial assessment through the Healthy Hoos Portal. CAPS offers emergency walk-in appointments during normal business hours and has providers available after hours by calling 434.243.5150. Students can also access TimelyCare's "TalkNow" service to speak to a mental health professional in minutes, anytime. All care through CAPS is confidential.

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Multicultural Student Services

Multicultural Student Services (MSS), as part of the Office of the Dean of Students, promotes inclusion and engagement for historically underrepresented students. MSS provides resources, programs, and advocacy to support the success of these students.

Multilingual Outreach Volunteer Effort (MOVE)

The Multilingual Outreach Volunteer Effort (MOVE) program provides opportunities for multilingual individuals to use their language skills to make a positive impact on UVA and the Charlottesville community. MOVE connects multilingual volunteers with immigrant and refugee speakers of other languages to help them access information about crucial community services.

Connecting with the UVA Community

Building connections and finding community is an essential part of the international student experience. UVA offers several programs and initiatives to help international students connect with their peers and the broader UVA community.

Hoos Connected at UVA

Hoos Connected at UVA brings together groups of students to get to know one another while discussing the key components of making meaningful connections. Led by two trained upper-class student facilitators, groups of 6-10 students engage in activities and dialogue about what brings us together, what can keep us apart, and how these things manifest at UVA.

International Student Support Circle

The International Student Support Circle is a weekly space for students to reflect on the experience of being an international student with others who are navigating similar challenges.

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VISAS (Volunteers with International Students, Staff, and Scholars)

VISAS (Volunteers with International Students, Staff, and Scholars) offers a semi-structured weekly chat group and make new friends in the cozy Language Commons. VISAS Café is open to family members of UVA affiliates, as well.

Legal Support

UVA provides legal help on a wide variety of legal matters, including representation in Charlottesville/Albemarle area courts. No fee is charged for consultations.

Key ISO Staff Members

The ISO is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting international students and scholars. Some key staff members include:

Associate Director, International Students & Scholars Program: Adrienne has been steeped in international education from birth. as an international student from Korea. She married an international student from the U.K.
Responsible Officer J-1 Program, International Student & Scholar Advisor: Polly Lawson joined the ISSP team in February 2021 as the Responsible Officer for the J-1 Program and Designated School Official.
International Student & Scholar Advisor: Caren Freeman is an International Student & Scholar Advisor, co-founder of the Citizen Leader Fellowship, and co-facilitator of the International Student Support Circle.
International Student & Scholar Advisor: Seth is a passionate international education advocate and has worked in the field for over 10 years.
International Student & Scholar Advisor: Lora joined the ISSP team in February 2024, where her primary responsibilities include managing the inbound exchange program and advising J-1 students.
International Student and Scholar Program Coordinator: In her work with the ISSP, Grace supports the Global Greeters program and Global Peer to Peer Mentorship program.

Important Information for J-1 Visa Holders

International students and scholars on a J-1 visa should be aware of specific requirements related to travel and visa renewal.

Travel Signature

If you are in J-1 status and intending to return to continue your program at UVA, you must obtain a “travel signature” on your DS-2019 before you go. Please note we do not have walk in advising hours. Upload your DS-2019 form and passport. If you have J-2 dependents that will be traveling their forms will need to be signed as well. You don’t necessarily need a travel signature every time you go abroad. Virgin Islands (St. John, St. Thomas, and St. requires a recent travel signature on your DS-2019 only. You may return from these places with an expired J-1 visa as long as your DS-2019 is valid, and you have obtained a recent travel signature.

Visa Renewal

If you need to renew your J-1 visa, you must apply at a U.S. embassy. embassy, please contact the mission you intend to visit for this purpose. Application procedures and processing times vary widely by location. Check before your travel plans are finalized. You should anticipate significant delays especially during peak periods, e.g., the start of the academic year, or over the winter holidays.

Navigating Changing Immigration Policies

The ISO provides guidance to international students and scholars on how changing immigration policy could affect them. This includes guidance on the Presidential Proclamation of June 4, 2025 restricting entry to the United States for nationals of 19 countries.

Entry Requirement for Europe

The Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling to most European countries for a short stay, began operations in October 2025 with full implementation by April 2026.

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