Programs & Events
Because International Student Programs serves as the primary support system for international, missionary and TCK students at Messiah, we strive to provide valuable programs, services and events that assist all students in getting the most out of their university experience—academically, socially, vocationally, and spiritually. Here are some ways we do that:
Messiah University seeks to offer each and every student the highest standard and quality of education possible. To ensure that each student has equal opportunity to excel, Messiah University offers academic support in various subjects areas.
Faculty advisors specific to the student's field of study are available to students from their first semester until graduation. Academic advisors are available to give academic advice and direction as the student navigates through the four years of academic requirements. Academic advising is required for all students.
Additionally, new students arriving from abroad for the fall semester are required to enroll in the Adaptation to U.S. Culture and Education class, a one-credit course designed to provide ongoing, in-depth orientation and cross-cultural adaptation to the U.S. and Messiah University. Students will meet once a week in an informal setting to discuss issues relevant to their adaptation to the American way of life and education system.
Please explore the following links for more information on some of the academic support services that Messiah University provides.
If you're an international student on an F-1 visa, part of your university journey will involve navigating federal immigration, tax and labor regulations. Serving as Designated School Officials (DSO), for the University, the Assistant Director of International Student Programs and the SEVIS Compliance Advisor work to ensure that every international student is properly advised on issues related to F-1 visas, and is available to assist with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) matters as well. In general, International Student Programs will assist students in navigating unfamiliar administrative terrain in order to help them succeed in what may seem a very foreign environment.
Current Messiah students are selected through International Student Programs and are expected to responsibly mentor new international, missionary and TCK students in their transition to the United States, and to university life at Messiah. Through training and first-hand experience, peer advisors are able to guide and support new international, missionary and TCK students in their first semester at Messiah, leading to a successful transition.
International Student Association/MuKappa (ISA/MuKappa) is an important campus organization for those students with international backgrounds. This dynamic student-run group further aids international, missionary and TCK students in making cultural adjustments. They provide an on-going network of encouragement, offer fun activities, plan trips, host Bible studies, and foster fellowship and understanding among their members. ISA/MuKappa also works to bring global awareness to the campus community and to the broader community outside of Messiah University. Their signature event is the well-known International Gala held each April.
Rafiki—meaning “friend” in Swahili—is one of Messiah's several special-interest houses. It is an on-campus residence and serves as an international friendship house dedicated to providing a place of support and fellowship for international, missionary and TCK students. Each year, a group of seven international, missionary, and TCK students are chosen to live in and manage the Rafiki House. These residents are responsible for fostering an environment that allows students to bond, share differences and similarities, and worldviews. The house also serves as a hub for ISA/MuKappa student activities from Bible studies to movies, dinners and game nights!
Want to live in the Rafiki House? Click here for more information about Special Interest Housing