International Student Services at A-State
International Student Services at Arkansas State University is designed to help international students feel welcomed, adjust more easily to a new environment, and have a more meaningful learning journey in Jonesboro. It's not just a place for handling paperwork, but an important part of international students' living and learning experience at A-State.
An important point of contact to help international students settle in
International students at A-State come from many different countries and bring very different expectations about studying, culture, and life in the United States. International Student Services exists to make that journey clearer, friendlier, and less lonely.
The current mission of International Student Life at A-State is to help international students feel at home, thrive academically, and become active members of a diverse and dynamic campus community.
Key support services for international students
According to A-State's current Student Handbook, International Student Services provides information, programming, and a range of services for international students, including orientation for new students, activities, retention services, and immigration advising.
Orientation upon arrival
- Orientation for international students is a very important step before classes begin.
- This is when students become familiar with the campus, academic procedures, and requirements to complete after arriving in the US.
- A-State also makes clear that orientation is mandatory for incoming international students.
Support during your studies
- Retention services help international students feel more stable throughout their academic journey.
- International Student Services is also the place to go when you need help understanding administrative steps and campus processes.
- Support is available both when you first enroll and throughout your time at A-State.
Immigration advising
- This is a very important part of the experience for international students.
- The university's Designated School Officials create and update immigration records related to student status, CPT/OPT, and any related changes.
- Students should reach out early if there are changes to their studies, address, employment, or academic plans.
Activities, trips, and cultural experiences
- International Student Services also organizes social programs, trips, and cultural excursions.
- This is a very effective way for international students to expand their experience beyond the classroom.
- These kinds of activities also make it easier and more natural to get to know a new community.
Community connection is a truly valuable part of the international experience
Alongside academic and administrative support, one of the most meaningful parts of studying abroad is the feeling of being connected. The spirit of the former International Community Friends program remains very relevant today: creating opportunities for international students to meet the local community, experience American culture more closely, and build lasting memories during their time at A-State.
What "community friends"-style experiences can offer
Based on the spirit of the original program, community connection and volunteer activities are often especially helpful for international students during their initial period of adjustment.
Everyday life interactions
- Taking students shopping or helping them get familiar with initial daily needs.
- Sharing lunch, dinner, or meeting up on weekends.
- Helping students better understand the local rhythm of life in Jonesboro.
A host-family-style connection
- Some students feel more at ease when a local family or group accompanies them during the initial period.
- This helps make the experience of American culture feel closer and more real.
- It can also help students build confidence in everyday English communication.
Recreational and community activities
- Watching movies, game nights, picnics, or small get-togethers.
- Watching sports games live or joining campus/community events.
- Creating memorable moments outside the classroom.
Trips and exploration
- Short excursions, cultural outings, or community trips.
- In line with the social programs, trips, and excursions that A-State currently emphasizes.
- Helping international students understand America not only through lectures but also through lived experience.
More than an office — a whole student community
In addition to International Student Services, international students at A-State can also connect through student organizations. The 2025–2026 RSO list currently includes the International Student Association, whose goal is to promote wellbeing, build an inclusive community, and foster connection across campus.
International Student Association
This is an ideal space for international students to meet one another, share experiences, and feel less isolated in a new environment.
The wider campus life
A-State's Student Life also emphasizes that this is a place where "there's a place for everyone," with many ways for students to build their own community on campus.
Frequently asked questions about International Student Services
What does International Student Services support?
Is orientation mandatory for international students?
Does International Student Services help students adjust to life in the US?
Can international students connect with other student communities on campus?
What if I need support in Vietnamese before arriving at the university?
Want to learn more about support for international students at A-State?
Contact the Vietnam Office of Arkansas State University for further guidance on orientation, life in Jonesboro, support services, and how to prepare before enrollment.
This page was translated from Vietnamese and is being reviewed by our admissions team.
Updated August 22, 2026