International Students

International students are an integral part of the vibrant Vanderbilt community, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to our campus. At Vanderbilt, you can explore ideas, have fun and grow as a person.

International students are an integral part of the vibrant Vanderbilt community

International Student & Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is a team of passionate and experienced international educators dedicated to advocating for and supporting the international community at Vanderbilt.

ISSS hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year to help international students and scholars connect with each other and with the university and Nashville communities. Examples of these programs include World on Wednesdays, International Education Week, an annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Winter Staycation activity series. Below are two additional programs:

  • First Friends
    First Friends is an annual program that facilitates cross-cultural exchange through friendship, connecting international students with Americans on and off campus.
  • EAT!
    EAT! is a free program that provides international students and scholars a chance to enjoy American food and culture with a local family.

You will also receive information from ISSS about joining its GroupMe, where you can connect with other international students and scholars throughout your time at Vanderbilt.

International Student Resources

Timeline

As you begin to plan for your journey to Nashville and Vanderbilt, please review this visual timeline to prepare for your next steps.

Visa Process

International students admitted to a degree seeking program at Vanderbilt University and who need to apply for a visa should complete the I-20/DS-2019 request process through ISSS.

Before Your Flight

Explore advice before boarding flights to Nashville, a list of suggested items to bring, and information about arriving to the U.S.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is the mandatory orientation program for all international first-year undergraduates. Domestic students currently living abroad and international transfer students are also welcome to attend, but it is not required.

After International Student Orientation, first-year international students will attend the mandatory CommonVU Orientation.

After International Student Orientation, international transfer students will attend the Transfer Student Orientation.

Move-In

While most information on the Welcome Website applies to all students, move-in for students with international addresses differs from first-year student move-in. International student move-in is Wednesday, August 14. Room assignment information will be emailed to all incoming first-year students on or around August 1 and transfer students on or around August 11.

Learn more about move-in and how to prepare.