Center for Multicultural Affairs Global Awareness International Student Admissions Scholarship Opportunities/List

International Students and Scholars Support Services

Currently, there are over 300 international students and scholars representing 30 different countries enrolled at DSU.  Although their reasons for coming to Dickinson may vary, their reason for staying is primarily the same:  at Dickinson State University students get the support they need to succeed.  The staff of the Center for Multicultural Affairs is committed to helping you through every stage of your academic career, including admissions!   

F-1 and J-1 Advising

Basic Rules and Regulations
Dickinson State University is approved to admit students entering the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa at our institution.  Students who attend our university on these types of visas are required to know the rules and regulations governing their visas, including but not limited to:

• Attend the school they are authorized to attend
• Pursue a full course of study when required (12 credit hours)
• Make normal progress towards completing the course study
• Apply for extensions of program before the expiration date on the current I-20
• Follow procedures for transferring from one school to another
• Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session
• Refrain from working off-campus without authorization and limit work to 20 hours per week while school is in session if authorized to work.
• Report a change in address and name to the Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of the change
• Depart the US, apply for a change of status, or transfer to another school within 60 days of completing the course of study and any authorized practical training
• Maintain a valid passport

For more information about F-1 rules and regulations, go to http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm

Employment Counseling

On Campus Employment
International students who wish to work on campus at Dickinson State University are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week while school is on break.  Students do not need special permission to work on campus. 

Off-Campus Employment
International students may not work off campus without securing special written approval from Dickinson State University’s Center for Multicultural Affairs.  In some cases, you will also need the special written approval from United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Transition Support
To assist students with the transition to life and studies in the United States, students may enroll in a special one-credit hour course entitled “International Student Orientation Seminar.”  This semester long course provides students with an opportunity to learn coping skills and techniques from one another.  Other topics covered in the class include:

• Understanding culture shock
• F-1 and J-1 rules and regulations
• Health and safety in the US
• Residence life
• Academic policies and procedures
• Plagiarism and academic integrity
• Expectations of US professors
• Important campus resources
• Race and ethnicity in the US
• Reverse culture shock

Special lectures and seminars given throughout the semester provide students with opportunities to maintain current or the latest rules and regulations impacting their experience in the United States.  Students also are afforded one-on-one counseling on an appointment basis.

The Center for Multicultural Affairs also coordinates programs which enable international students to connect with Americans on a more personal level.

World Voices

Through a special collaboration with the Dickinson Public Schools and the Dickinson Catholic Schools, DSU international students can earn one credit hour by participating in a special program called, “World Voices:  Ambassadors for Understanding.”  The goal of the program is to introduce and build a deeper understanding of different cultures among K-12 school students.  To achieve this goal, international students “adopt” a US classroom to share their culture with.  International students team up with a teacher to develop four in-class presentations/activities which will broaden the local students’ understanding of the international student’s home country and culture.  For more information, please contact Marty Odermann-Gardner at Marty.Odermann.Gardner@dickinsonstate.edu or +1.701.483.2166.

Friendship Family

Dickinson State University is fortunate to have a community that cares about their international students.  Every year, American families living in Dickinson have offered to help DSU students gain a greater understanding of US culture through regular meetings and interactions.  

The families assist by helping international students understand the intricacies of American culture and provide them with many first-hand opportunities and experience some of the unique aspects of American life.

The Friendship Family Program is designed to give international students and American families an opportunity to create a greater learning and growing cultural experience.  The vision of this mutually beneficial exchange is to make community life more enjoyable and educational through increased personal interactions among people of different countries and cultural backgrounds.

FACTS:

• Involvement in the program is VOLUNTARY and not required.
• This is a GREAT program for students interested in learning more about American culture and having a better understanding of family life in the US.
• Friendship Families DO NOT serve as sponsors and will not provide financial support to students. 
• DSU students DO NOT live with their host families.
• BOTH participants should arrange to interact in person on a monthly basis.
• BOTH participants should be prepared to learn and teach many things about the other person’s culture and way of life.

IS this program right for you?

If you answered “YES” to all of the above, the Friendship Family Program is right for you! 

Our goal is to match as many students and families as possible.  We know how valuable this experience is to our students and our families and hope this program is a great start to a meaningful relationship for you and your American family!

For more information or to register for the Friendship Family, please visit the Center for Multicultural Affairs in May Hall or contact Ms. Desiree Johnson at desiree.m.johnson@dickinsonstate.edu or +1.701.483.2322.