International Students & Scholars

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) advises and assists students through the complexities of U.S. immigration and visa and travel regulations, both prior to their arrival and throughout their stay at Smith. We assess the needs of international students and professors and facilitate their smooth transition to life at Smith and within the United States. Our office conducts programs and workshops on various topics throughout the year, and we act as a liaison and an advocate with governmental agencies and various college offices.

Important Updates

ISP Leader Application now live!

The application to be an ISP Leader for ISP 2024 is now open! Interested students are welcome to apply to help guide the Class of 2028 international students through their first days on campus and in the US. Applications are due by Sunday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

ISP Leader Application 2024

Family Travel for Graduation

For most students, your family will not need anything from us in order to apply for a tourist visa to attend graduation. However, if your family members are being asked by their consulate/embassy for an invitation letter for graduation, please see the instructions on the Travel section of our website!

Need a new I-20 or a Travel Signature?

If you are traveling internationally, you need to have a travel signature on your I-20 that is less than 12 months old when you return to the U.S.

Bring your I-20 to the ISSO and get it signed while you wait if you are still on campus. If you are off-campus, you can complete this Google Form, and we’ll email your new I-20 to you!

Visa and Immigration Issues

For details on Suspension of Routine U.S. Visa Services Worldwide; Continuity of F-1 Status during COVID-19; COVID-19 Travel Bans; Other Travel Restrictions; Public Charge Rule Change; and Unlawful Presence Memo Update, please visit the ISSO News & Announcements page.

Specifically for:

Entering Students

New Smith students gather around a campus map

Current Students

Graduated Students

Visiting Scholars & Faculty

The International Students and Scholars Office serves the needs of all international faculty regularly employed at Smith College and visiting faculty who are here for a semester or shorter under our Visiting Scholars Program.

Learn More

Our Mission

Throughout the year, we aim to:

Advise and assist students through the complexities of the U.S. immigration, visa and travel regulations, both prior to their arrival and throughout their stay at Smith.
Assess the needs of international students and facilitate their smooth transition to life at Smith and the U.S. Conduct programs and workshops on various topics throughout the year.
Act as a liaison and an advocate with governmental agencies and various college offices. Maintain links with departments and various college offices who work with international students.

Our Staff

Caitlin Szymkowicz

Associate Dean

Dean Caitlin works with international students to provide advice on all matters pertaining to immigration, visas, foreign travel, passports, work authorization, practical training programs and personal and financial problems.

Schedule an Appointment

Claire Seely

International Students & Scholars Adviser

Claire works alongside Dean Caitlin to provide advice on matters pertaining to immigration, visas, foreign travel, passports, work authorization, practical training programs and personal and financial problems.

Schedule an Appointment

Laura Gomez

Administrative Coordinator

Laura oversees the programs and events of the Lewis Center. She supports the international student preorientation program (ISP) as well as events and workshops throughout the year which encourage cultural sharing and provide space for conversations on world events and global issues.

Email Laura