Office of International Student Services

Whether you are a first-year or transfer student from abroad, a student with dual citizenship, an American expatriate, or a permanent resident of the United States, the Office of International Student Services looks forward to meeting you and helping you make your way at Knox College.

International Pre-Orientation Program

The International Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP) is provided as a supplement to New Student Orientation, and participation in both orientation programs is required for F-1 visa students. IPOP will ease international students' transition to living and studying in the United States. 

Permanent Residents and U.S. citizens living abroad are also welcome to attend IPOP. If you would like to attend, please contact the Office of International Student Services.

Resources for Students

Maintaining F-1 Status
Immigration status is your legal permission to remain in the United States under specific conditions related to certain visa categories. Make sure you have all the information you need about getting a visa and preparing to enter the U.S.
 
Travel
International travel requires advance planning and careful attention to detail. Most importantly, make sure you have all the required documents with you to re-enter the United States. You must have a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 provided by a Designated School Official (DSO) before you leave the country. Without a valid travel signature, you may not be able to re-enter the U.S.
 
Employment
International students are permitted to work in the United States, only under firm immigration regulations. Any unauthorized employment violates your legal status and compromises your ability to remain in or return to the United States.
 
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is an employment authorization available to F-1 students for work experience that is considered an integral part of a student's curriculum or academic program.
 
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is an employment authorization most students use to gain work experience in their field of study after graduation.
 
Taxes and Social Security
Every person in the United States who earns money (from a job, from non-qualified scholarship, etc.) must pay income tax and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN facilitates the reporting of your wages to the government and determines eligibility for Social Security benefits. 
 
Life in the U.S.
Vital information about health and wellness in the U.S., banking, and cell phones.

International Fair
Learn about the International Fair, held annually in January.

After Knox
Information about the opportunities your F-1 visa provides after you graduate.

Cultural Centers and Student Organizations

Cultural centers and student organizations play an important role in the lives of many Knox students. Four cultural centers—International House, A.B.L.E. Center for Black Culture, Casa Latina, Asian Cultural Center and the Human Rights Center—promote cultural awareness and are open to all members of the Knox community.

Knox students are involved in more than one hundred organizations, which include cultural and political, religious, academic, social, and student governance organizations, as well as others. Joining a organization—or taking on a leadership role—is a great way to become involved at Knox.

Scholarships

Financial aid packages for international students remain essentially the same during your enrollment at Knox. Families and sponsors are responsible for paying increases in the comprehensive fee, which generally range between 4% and 6%. An international student may be eligible for private educational loans if you are able to find a credit-worthy United States citizen or permanent resident to co-sign for you. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more details.