09
April
2019
|
16:24 PM
America/Chicago

Forum Focuses on International Students

Lily Swan poses for a selfie with Akilah Moy of UT Health Science Center and Hiba Elroz.On April 5, University of St. Thomas was the location for the biannual Houston Forum Meeting, a gathering of 120 attendees who provide services to international students. UST’s International Student and Scholar Services hosted the Forum, which rotates around institutions.

Attendees hailed from Houston as well as areas outside of Houston that fall under the jurisdiction of the Houston District Office of the Department of Homeland Security.

Participants held a range of positions including international student advisors, international scholar advisors and directors from Houston area colleges and universities.

Other guests included

  • A Customs and Border officer
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent
  • Student Exchange and Visitors Program representative
  • Department of Public Safety managers

During the meeting, representatives of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Public Safety shared updates relevant to working with international student populations.

“This is important not only to hear legal updates that may affect our student/scholar populations, but receive guidance on how to handle various situations and network,“ Lily Swan, director of International Student and Scholar Services, said.

International students who attend UST come from 53 countries. UST international students represent 9.1 percent of its population.