Over 400 international students call East Tennessee State University home. For over 100 years, students from around the world have moved to the region to attend ETSU.
Recently, ETSU took a new step forward in supporting these students through the creation of the new International Enrollment and Services Office.
The launch of this office demonstrates ETSU’s investment and support for international students on-campus and helping students from around the world reach their educational and career goals. Previously, these efforts were spread out across multiple offices on campus. Now, they have been consolidated to provide increased levels of support to both current and potential students.
“Our team is excited to move into a brand-new chapter of serving students,” said Director Caleb Bennett, who previously served as associate director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. “We’ve worked to consolidate three different units on campus and believe that this will help us to better serve international students at ETSU. Our mission is for current and prospective students to feel like they have access to the resources they need to be successful.”
The new office, located in the Ada Earnest House on ETSU’s main campus, offers resources that help students navigate the application process, maximize their scholarship opportunities and engage with the Buccaneer community once they arrive.
Resources offered include:
- A proactive approach to international recruitment, reaching out to students worldwide.
- A seamless and efficient process to welcome international students through admissions, transcript evaluations and scholarship awarding.
- Employment opportunities and support through Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training.
- Fostering a vibrant community at ETSU through international and cultural on-campus events.
- Facilitating the J-1 Research Scholar program, an important program administered by the U.S. Department of State.
Bennett said that people come first at ETSU, and that the new office is an example of that value.
“This is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive support for international students and enhancing their overall campus experience,” said Bennett.
The university aims to be an inclusive and diverse place, and even hosts conferences and events with well-known researchers and presenters from across the country.
Learn more about the many ways ETSU supports international students throughout their time as Buccaneers. For more information, email international@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-8321.
