International student guide
The UW is home to 8,000 international students representing more than 100 countries. International students, along with domestic students, work with Undergraduate Advisers to explore and plan for majors as well as other opportunities that are designed to develop and expand skills, talents, knowledge, and abilities throughout a student’s undergraduate degree.
Advising Guides
The advising guides below are meant to help you learn how to make the most of your time here at the University of Washington. They provide helpful tips, questions, and activities that will assist you as you acclimate to the University of Washington and higher education in the United States.
UAA Advising vs. ISS Advising
UAA Advising
Undergraduate Advisers are available to students to discuss academic planning, course selection, applying to majors and how to find academic resources on campus. Students can make an appointment or sign in to drop-in to speak to an adviser.
Undergraduate Advising is also a place to stop by during drop-in when you have a question and do not know where else to get an answer. If we do not have the answer, we will know where you can find it. Undergraduate advisers do not have accurate, up-to-date information on any student’s visa status.
ISS Advising — International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS) handles all questions and concerns related to international student visas. ISS provides guidance on maintaining F-1 or J-1 immigration status while attending the UW, processes F-1 and J-1 immigration benefits, helps students navigate university policy and understand F-1 and J-1 visa restrictions, ensures university and student compliance with immigration policies, and provides educational tools, including workshops.
ISS Virtual Front Desk & Drop-In Advising
ISS invites students to book one-on-one virtual appointments with advisers. All Virtual Front Desk and Drop-In Advising sessions are listed in the ISS Events Calendar. Meet with an ISS adviser.
Visa Information and Regulations
International Student Services (ISS) closely monitors immigration-related news coming from the U.S. government and the White House that may have an impact on our international student community at the UW.
Requesting Changes to Your I-20 or DS-2019
ISS maintains information on its procedures and the various forms you will need to request updates or changes to your I-20 or DS-2019. The information is arranged by topic or type of change.
Students on F-1 visas must understand the rules of their visa status before engaging in employment or work opportunities in the U.S.
Getting Connected on Campus
CIRCLE
CIRCLE (the Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange) is the UW’s primary portal to resources, community and activities that help international and domestic students maximize their Husky Experience, together.
Unite UW
Unite UW is a quarterly on-campus cultural exchange program that builds bridges between domestic and international students at the University of Washington. The program aims to engage student participants in cultural exchanges to enhance cultural understanding, overcome barriers and boundaries, inspire lasting international relationships and unify our campus.
FIUTS
To FIUTS (the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students), every student represents an opportunity to create a new connection — with students across our campus and people throughout our community.
Tuesday Tea
Tuesday Tea is a time to come together, de-stress and engage in meaningful conversations with peers and guests. Swing by CIRCLE to grab a cup of tea and practice mindfulness, chat with friends or get some work done. Occasionally, guests from various campus departments have tea with CIRCLE.
Student Advisory Board
The CIRCLE Student Advisory Board (SAB) is an undergraduate international student committee that offers guidance to CIRCLE’s professional staff on dealing with the unique needs of the international students at the University of Washington.
Other Resources for International Students
Scholarships and Other Financial Resources
Paying for college is a significant investment for any student and their families. However, there may be resources that can help cover the costs associated with attending college — the issue is understanding what financial resources are available and where to find them.
International Student Pride
When it comes to sexual and gender orientations, identities, and expressions, students who identify with nationalities and cultures beyond the U.S. can have vastly different ways of exploring, navigating, and understanding their queer and questioning identities. Learn more at International Student Pride.