The office provides orientation and ongoing assistance in adjusting to new and unfamiliar academic and cultural environments, including introduction to the U.S. systems of insurance, health care, law, traffic, employment, etc. The OISP staff act as liaisons with academic departments and a variety of U.S. government international agencies.
Assistance is available for emergency situations involving international students.
International students who need to withdraw from classes or the university should see a member of the OISP staff before doing so. The office provides, upon request, certification letters for currency release or military deferment, and immigration documents for travel, for change of nonimmigrant status and for bringing family members to the United States. The OISP produces a newsletter each semester that informs the Georgia State community about immigration law and programs of interest to them. Staff members advise and support the more than 20 international student organizations. In addition, the OISP sponsors many programs throughout the year to utilize international students as educational resources on our campus.