Did you know that November 12-18, 2013 is International Education Week? The Department of State and U.S. Department of Education (ED) co-host this annual event to promote and discuss the benefits students around the world encounter by studying in other countries.

As you participate in International Education Week, remember that you can use government resources year round for help with the international F and M student process. The Department of Homeland Security and Study in the States partners, like the Department of State and ED, have resources for both students and designated school officials (DSOs).

• The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the bridge for information between government agencies involved in the F and M student process and uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to monitor F, M and J nonimmigrants in the United States.
  • A student will interact with SEVP in a variety of ways from making sure to attend an SEVP-certified school and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, to calling the SEVP Response Center with questions.
  • School officials use SEVIS to apply for SEVP certification, a principal designated school official uses SEVIS to apply for recertification, and designated school officials use SEVIS to make updates to the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School to Enroll Nonimmigrant Student,” and maintain student records.
• The Department of State interviews and grants visas to potential F and M students who want to travel to and study in the United States. A student who receives acceptance to an SEVP-certified school can apply for an F or M visa at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of States also manages EducationUSA to provide students in 170 countries with information about studying in the United States.

• ED has informational tools like the College Navigator to help students pick the right school. DSOs also can learn more about accreditation from ED.

For more information on our partner agencies and how they can assist you during your part of the international student process, follow our Here to Help blog series. For more information on recent international education trends, read the 2013 Open Doors Report.

Source:

• International Education Week; Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs