IU South Bend Support for Refugees, Asylees, and Permanent Residents

The Office of International Student Services collaborates with colleagues throughout campus to meet your specific needs.

Admissions

• Assistance with academic document translation
• In-house credential evaluation (it is unnecessary to submit your documents to an external evaluator)
• English proficiency testing (for other ways to strengthen your language skills, you'll find more resources here)
• Immigration documentation review and referral for assistance

English Language Development

IU South Bend's provides support to non-native speakers through its ESL program and other services.

• IU South Bend ESL Program
• The Writer's Room

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students in permanent resident, refugee, and asylee status are eligible to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

• First-year students are matched to a specific financial aid counselor, but all admitted students may meet with a counselor to understand how financial aid is determined and distributed in the U.S.
• Those in refugee, asylee and permanent resident status are eligible for institutional aid and many of our scholarships.

Health Care and Counselling

IU South Bend features a Community Health Care Clinic and a Dental Hygiene Clinic on campus.

• The Student Counseling Center offers culturally-sensitive counseling to all enrolled students.
• Health insurance enrollment assistance is available through our partner, HealthLinc.

Career Services

• Career Discernment tools.
• Assistance in creating a resume and preparing for job interviews.
• Job search databases and other resources

Orientation, Ongoing Support and Special Activities

In addition to the many support services and activities open to all students, the Office of International student Services offers a number of services that focus on the particular needs of the international community.

• International Student Orientation is an option for all international students either in place of or in addition to our domestic student orientation. We offer one full session and at least one make-up session per semester.
• The International Student Peer Mentor Program (Fellesskap) brings students from around the world together for regular meetings and activities that include celebrations, resource development, and field trips to places of interest.
• Document translations (driver's license, marriage licenses, etc.)
• Referral to legal services
• Full calendar of activities and events to celebrate international traditions and perspectives and introduce American customs and folkways