Nature and the Scope of CUWAA International Services

The CUWAA Office of International Education is responsible for the internal and external international operations of Concordia University, which includes International Student Services, Study Abroad and International Relations, Programs & Partnerships. The Office of International Education is housed in the Concordia International Center (CIC) along with the Office of International Admissions. 

International Recruitment and Admission is designed to provide a seamless international student experience starting with international student recruitment activities leading to comprehensive admission support through the collection of paperwork and admission counseling services.  The admission team also provides immigration paperwork and support leading up to international student arrival and on-boarding at orientation.

International Student & Scholar Services  (ISSS) is part of the Office of International Education, housed within the Concordia International Center, with a focus on supporting international students and scholars from orientation to graduation/post- graduation work experience. We provide advising on F- and J-visa regulations, assist with travel guidelines, serve as a liaison between academic advising and student visa compliance, offer guidance on obtaining social security numbers, assist with on- or off-campus employment for international students/scholars, and process applications for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM Optional Practical Training opportunities, and visa extensions. We offer assistance with everyday life including information on food services, housing, transportation, health insurance, banking, tax preparation and assist our international students with appropriate referrals as needed. Our vision is to create a welcoming, supportive and culturally enriching campus experience for our international students/scholars and to build a strong global community of Concordians in mind, body, and spirit.

The Study Abroad Office links Concordia students to learning opportunities around the world, facilitating both short-term and semester-long academic programs abroad for undergraduate and graduate students. The office convenes a faculty advisory committee to assure academic excellence and oversees program evaluation, risk mitigation, faculty leader training, and travel insurance enrollment.

International Relations, Programs & Partnerships oversees Concordia’s international operations and relationships and on-campus international programming. Concordia has a number of international partnerships that are designed to be sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships between two or more universities. We engage faculty and staff from both universities to design academic program offerings, provide students with a world-class education, and develop international awareness, cross-cultural sensitivity, and professional competency. We plan on-campus programming to facilitate the smooth integration of international students into the campus community,  and to promote cross-cultural friendships and understanding.