Essential Tools
for International Student Success
A Training Series for Higher Ed Staff & Faculty
July 27 - 29, 2026
Join a live, Zoom-based training cohort providing strategies for optimizing the international student experience on your campus and tools to champion this population.
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Designed for staff and faculty who are not professional international student advisors, this training is open to participants from any college or university department or people interested in a career in international education.
International students and scholars are vital to campus communities, regional economies, and the future workforce.
As colleges and universities navigate policy uncertainty, changing student needs, and growing concerns around belonging and career readiness, professionals across campus need practical tools and shared strategies.
Session #1:
The Big Picture
Session Topics:
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Defining ‘international students’ & implications of visa status
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International enrollment trends and projections
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Student motivations and concerns about the U.S.
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Combating misperceptions about international students
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Identifying critical areas of staff/faculty impact
Facilitators: Dagmara Karnowski, Assistant Director for International Student Advising, The Pennsylvania State University
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Time/Date: 9:30am-11:30am, Monday, July 27, 2026
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Session #2:
Rules & Regulations
Session Topics:
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The phases and hurdles of the international student “lifecycle”, pre-arrival through post-graduation
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Exploring intersectionality with student compliance issues
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Identifying institutional policy and process enhancements
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Supporting international students into employment
Facilitators: Charity Alinda, Director of International Student and Scholar Advising; Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Global Initiatives, Bryn Mawr College
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Time/Date: 9:30am-11:30am, Tuesday, July 28, 2026
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Session #3:
Effective Integration
Session Topics:
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Identifying and addressing symptoms of culture shock
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Thinking critically about use of language and frames of reference
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Breaking down barriers to international student integration
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Strategies to build a more welcoming campus
Facilitators: Mia Song, Director of the Office of International Services, Thomas Jefferson University, Center City
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Time/Date: 9:30am-11:30am, Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Session #4
Bonus Consultation
For participants who enroll for all three sessions - meet for an hour one-on-one with IHP staff to discuss international student support:
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Honing student policies and processes
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Advising students on
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Assisting students with culture shock and integration
Facilitators: IHP staff
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Time/Date: pending your availability!
Meet our Regular Facilitators
Our facilitators are all international student experts local to the Philadelphia region.
Dagmara Karnowski, MA
Manager of Commonwealth
International Student Advisers
International Student and Scholar Advising
Penn State University
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Facilitator for Session #1: The Big Picture
Dr. Charity Alinda
Director
International Student and Scholar Advising; Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Global Initiatives
Bryn Mawr College
Facilitator for Session #2: Rules & Regulations
Mia Song, MA
Director
Office of International Services
Thomas Jefferson University
Facilitator for Session #3: Effective Integration
Katie Kramar
Program Manager
International House Philadelphia
Co-facilitator for all sessions
Sign Up for the Training
How to Enroll
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Register for the training HERE
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Receive an invoice via email from IHP
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Receive introductory materials & Zoom link(s) from IHP
Fee Structure
The training sessions build on one other to provide a comprehensive package, but participants can also take just one or two.
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1 session = $150
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2 sessions = $250
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3 sessions = $300
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Participants who register for all 3 sessions are eligible for a free consultation on international student support best practices with IHP staff.
Discounts
IHP will provide a 10% discount to participants from:
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Penn State University
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Bryn Mawr College
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Thomas Jefferson University
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Any StudyNJ member institution
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Any StudyPA member institution
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Any PACIE member institution
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Contact us to inquire about discounts for group registrations of 3 or more people
Contact Us
Questions? Get in touch!