International Students and Scholars Office
Gang Wang, 32 Sayre Drive, Coxe Hall, Bethlehem, PA, 18015-3123; (610) 758-4859. Fax (610) 758-5156. E-mail: intnl@lehigh.edu. http://www.lehigh.edu/~intnl/
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) is a university-wide resource for students and scholars from abroad, and for U.S. students and faculty who are interested in the global focus. Its mission is to provide support services for international students and scholars to ensure maximum opportunities for them to achieve their goals; be a resource to the faculty, staff and administration on issues related to international students and scholars, cross-cultural communication and diversity; support the University’s efforts to internationalize the campus; and create an environment where the Lehigh community is exposed to a multitude of cultures, traditions and viewpoints by presenting internationally-focused academic, cultural and social programming.
Services
A variety of cross-cultural programs are initiated by the ISS, including undergraduate and graduate orientations, spouse conversation groups, seminars on immigration matters, international tax advising, Thanksgiving Dinner, the International Bazaar, monthly social programs, and The International Update Newsletter. Lehigh is a member institution of Phi Beta Delta, international honorary society.
The year for international students and scholars at Lehigh begins with the International Orientation. Orientation takes place in conjunction with other programs offered by the undergraduate admissions office and/or graduate departments, starting immediately before the university-wide orientation at the beginning of each semester. Orientation is strongly recommended for all new international students and scholars. Issues discussed include filing for a social security number, opening a banking account, health insurance, and adjustment to university life at Lehigh and to the United States. International Orientation is a time to become accustomed to life in America, and to meet other foreign students. Each person receives a Guidebook for International Students and Scholars.
Additional Special Services for International Students
Career Services: Advising and special workshops for careers for international students are provided.
Food Service: For undergraduate students on the meal plan, menus meet the international dietary needs of the students. There is a stir-fry bar and balanced meals for vegetarian diets.
Health Center: Fully staffed medical personnel meet both the physical and personal needs of all students. The Counseling Center has special services for international students.
Immigration/Visa Advising: Complete service is provided by ISS.
Learning Center: Free tutors are provided in writing, math and science.
National Clubs: Home country clubs from all regions of the world are established on campus. They form an important part of the cross-cultural dimension of the campus, providing social events, films, and international dialogue.
Phi Beta Delta, International Honor Society: Lehigh’s Beta Pi chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the international honorary society with chapters across the U.S. and overseas, is an important international organization on campus. The purpose of the society is to honor those involved in high academic achievement and service in the international dimension, and to foster international exchange on campus. The honor society has three categories of membership: international students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement at Lehigh; U.S. students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement in the pursuit of international studies including study abroad; faculty and staff distinguished in international endeavors. Gisela M. Nansteel, Chapter Coordinator.
Religious Services: Services for all the major religions are on campus or nearby, including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist.