International Student Ambassador Program
The purpose of our Ambassador Program is to provide new and continuing international students an opportunity to develop both meaningful social connections, easy access to peer knowledge, and resources that support a smooth transition into Monmouth University, setting them up for success throughout their program. Our International Student Ambassadors (ISA’s) will use their knowledge and experiences as students, to help international newcomers adapt to life in the United States by providing an open line of communication.
The members of this program provide students with a digital space for communication through the international student WhatsApp group. In addition to this, our ambassadors will look to schedule “check-ins” with our new and continuing international students to help them adjust to and remain supported throughout their time here in the U.S. All ambassadors are also active members in the International Club, working to provide opportunities and events for the international student population to get together and socialize with peers throughout the University.
One to World
Our office regularly partners with the organization One to World. Based out of NYC this organization works with international students located in the New York and surrounding New Jersey areas to provide programs that help students engage in their local communities. The organization does this by offering face-to-face experiences and programs that help students to build relationships with their peers and develop their understanding of contemporary life in the United States. Opportunities include sharing cultures and experiences in the classroom, having dinners inside local homes and volunteering your time through community service projects.
If you would like more information about the experiences One to World provides, visit their website or contact their director of membership and programs, Marisa Silva, at msilva@onetoworld.org.
International Club
Building off our Student Ambassador Program, our International Students Club aims to build a sense of community amongst our international student population combined with the rest of the Monmouth student body. The goal is to build a community where students can have peers who they can share their experiences, values and traditions with. The International Club hosts activities on and off campus every semester for our students to try to expand everyone’s cultural-awareness and learn more about life here in the United States. To make thing easy, all international students will automatically be added to the club roster once they have arrived.
The club leaders will host events for students who are unable to travel for holidays or to celebrate American national holidays by providing meals and company to our international population. Lead club members will present at all student orientations so that new students will have the opportunity to learn more about the club and upcoming events.
This past Spring semester a mix of international and domestic students visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York City to expand their knowledge of the tireless work the United Nation does to resolve conflict and help communities across the world. Each semester we aim to provide trips like this that help club members learn and grow whilst spending time with their internationally minded community.
International Student Newsletter
The International Student Newsletter was developed in Fall 2023 as a way to better communicate with the international student population on a monthly basis. The first week of each month during the semester our students can expect to receive the latest edition emailed to their student accounts. In every Newsletter, important reminders and information from the ISS office related to immigration will be highlighted. The newsletter will also regularly shout out our students’ achievements, recommends resources/events in and around campus, and showcases our universities continued growth/accomplishments.
*Editors of the International Newsletter consist of currently employed Global Education Office staff and student help. Current student employee editors are listed below:
Study in the States
The Department of Homeland Security created this resource for international students studying here in the United States to help with anything related to travel, immigration and requirements. This website has a depth of information on a variety of topics provided by the United States government to help students have a smooth transition.
For more information please visit the Study in the States website.
Immigration Attorney Resources
Internation Student Services has contacted the list of Lawyers below specialize in the immigration field and have confirmed that they will be able to assist in special cases for MU’s international students. Before deciding on seeking legal advice, please take the time to determine whether or not you are in need of a lawyer as this can be an expensive endeavor. If you decide to contact any of the lawyers below, state that you are currently an international student at Monmouth University and ask about a consultation, service fees, and available discounts.
Ana Raquel Reis Attorney at Law LLC
241 Monmouth Road, Suite 201
West Long Branch, NJ, 07764
Phone: 732-982-7573
Detzky, Hunter & DeFillippo LLC
45 Court Street
Freehold, NJ, 07728
732-780-3090
Goldstein and Cheung LLP
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1008
New York, NY 10038
212-374-1544
King English Immigration Law LLP
17 Broad Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-780-7100
Please Note: the Global Education Office is not responsible for the service provided by these lawyers. You are responsible for finding a lawyer that best suits your circumstances.
Tax Consultation Resources
As an International Student it is your responsibility and obligation to complete your taxes every year. If you have earned U.S. income or were physically present in the United States during the tax year you are legally required to file. The deadline to do this is April 15, 2024.
- Even if you did not earn any U.S. income in the previous year, you are still obligated to file the Form 8843 located here.
- If you were employed (for pay, on OPT) in the U.S. during 2023, you should have received a W-2 from your employer showing your total earnings. If you have not you will need to speak with your employer.
- If you worked on campus at Monmouth University during 2023, W-2’s should be mailed already or if not should be mailed out soon by the University.
- If you work off-campus (CPT) and have not received your W-2 you will need to contact your employer.
Please Note: the Global Education Office is not qualified to assist with filing taxes or able to provide answers to your tax questions.
Much like anyone else, individuals from our office will be seeking the assistance of tax professionals to submit our own personal taxes. You are entitled to select whoever you wish to work with to file your taxes such as Turbotax, H&R block, etc.
However, we would recommend you consider the company Sprintax since they are very reputable and work specifically with international students to submit their taxes.
Visa Wait Times
Applying for your visa in advance is important when making travel plans. Find out more information on current interview wait times at your embassy/consulate using this tool. You will find further information on global wait times here.
Inviting a Relative
If you have friends or family that you are expecting to visit you, it is most likely they will seek a tourist visa which would be unrelated to your current visa status.
In addition to the required documents asked by the U.S. consulate to apply for the tourist visa you should also have your family/friends include the following:
- A letter of invitation in English that includes the following information.
- The reason for the invitation (graduation ceremony)
- The length of stay (six months max)
- The place they are staying
- The source of financial support during their stay
- Enrollment verification form from registrar’s office
- A copy of your passport ID page and your I-20
- Financial proof of having enough funding to support themselves while here
We have also attached a PDF template which you can use. This letter can be given to your consulate when applying for a B-1 or B-2 Visa.