International Admissions — Student Life
To help ensure a smooth transition into
University life, we offer international students a variety of services—including
support services, student organizations and clubs, and English-language
instruction. These services include the following:
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) assists international
students, employees, and their dependents with immigration, pre-arrival,
orientation, academic, and cultural adjustment issues. The office provides
a comprehensive orientation program that helps students understand the
campus and their legal rights and responsibilities, and introduces them
to the Tuscaloosa community. Registration for academic courses follows
orientation. Throughout the academic year, ISSS sponsors a number of
seminars to keep the international community informed of immigration
issues; co-publishes a newsletter two times each semester; and co-sponsors
educational, cultural, and social events in conjunction with international
student clubs and community organizations.
- With generous support from the Rotary Club,
ISSS maintains and coordinates the Rotary International Student Center,
an on-campus social center and home for 12 U.S. and international students.
- The International
Student Association (ISA) represents all international students
and seeks to promote academic, social, and cultural interaction among
all students at the University. ISA and a number of other international
clubs sponsor a wide variety of activities throughout the year, including
monthly coffee hours, Oktoberfest, Diwali, Chinese New Year celebrations,
and the immensely popular International Festival. In addition, ISA
sponsors parties, day trips to regional areas of interest, and a friendship
program that matches interested international and U.S. students.
- Tuscaloosa's International Friends (TIF) is
a community organization dedicated to providing opportunities for international
visitors to learn more about life in the United States, and for local
residents to learn more about other cultures. TIF sponsors picnics, dinners,
parties, and a friendship family program.
- The English
Language Institute (ELI) provides noncredit courses for students
who need intensive instruction in English. Undergraduate students who
successfully complete the ELI's advanced levels, or who obtain a score
of 500 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),
may apply for admission to The University of Alabama.