International Student Success Center

International Student Orientation takes place prior to the start of the first-year Orientation. Depending on the class size, the International Student Orientation program ranges from one to three days. This orientation is specifically designed with you, our international students, in mind. Our typical International Student Orientation includes interactive sessions with our international student ambassadors on topics like culture shock, cross-cultural communication, living with a roommate, and more formal sessions on topics like maintaining legal status in the US and how to make the most of your Assumption experience.

Once you are enrolled, you will receive information from us about Orientation and other resources that will be available to you as an international student.

This is work that is authorized while you are studying for your degree and must be related to your major and approved by the academic program you are enrolled in and a DSO from the ISSC. You can begin the CPT approval process by setting up a meeting with a DSO to talk about the regulations and procedures for CPT approval. Learn more about CPT.

This is work that is authorized after you complete your degree and should be related to what you studied at Assumption. The federal government needs to approve this type of employment before you can begin working. Students complete and submit federal form I-765 3 months before they graduate as it may take that long for the federal government to approve your application. If approved, you can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after you graduate. There is also the option for a 2-year STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) extension for students who studied in these areas and plan to work in a STEM-related job. Please set up a meeting with a DSO to begin the application process. Learn more about OPT.

International students are allowed to work on campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) per semester and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during breaks (summer & winter). International students work in a variety of offices at Assumption such as Admissions, Student Affairs, Testa Science Labs, and Taylor Dining Hall. International students are allowed to work off campus under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). CPT and OPT give international students the opportunity to put into practice lessons they have learned in the Assumption classroom.

Before you make any travel arrangements please contact the ISSC to learn about possible travel restrictions and documentation requirements. View the most recent list of government travel restrictions and alerts.

As an international student you’re in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, usually F-1. For the most accurate and up-to-date advice, we ask that you rely on information provided by the International Student Success Center; however, there are many useful websites that cover basic regulations and make you aware of your rights and responsibilities, some of which are included here.

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): All immigration services and enforcement are under one of the following three areas of the DHS:
• Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS will do most adjudication of immigrant and non-immigrant benefits either at their local office or through the mail.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The CBP is charged with border patrolling, customs service, and immigration inspection at ports of entry; a CBP agent will be your first contact upon entering the U.S.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): In addition to the SEVIS program, ICE also handles immigration and customs investigations, customs air and marine interdiction, immigration and customs intelligence, and detention and removal.
• Exchange Visitors Program: This program provides opportunities for international individuals to travel to the U.S. in order to teach, study, conduct research, or receive on-the-job training.
• Immigration Terminology: Use this convenient glossary to sort through and get more information on the words and phrases associated with immigration and visas.
• U.S. Embassy and Consulate: This website is an excellent resource for researching specific visa application procedures in your country.
• USCIS Office in Boston: This website offers directions and hours of operation for Boston’s USCIS office.
• Vermont Service Center: Most applications for benefits are filed at the Vermont Service Center; you can use this website to download immigration forms and find out the processing time and case status of an application filed with the center.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): If you ever find yourself in need of assistance from an immigration attorney, we recommend that you make sure said attorney is a member of the AILA.

The Cross-Cultural Center serves as a community center for students, staff, and faculty to enhance their multicultural awareness and participate in educational programming. Learn more about the Center.