Support Services for International Students and Scholars

Internal Resources

Academic Support

Advising support is available for each school; find more information about your school's advising office or how to find your academic advisor here. 

There are several academic support programs including peer academic coaching and college life skills coaching, and the Writing Center offers in-person and synchronous online and asynchronous consultations. 

Career Support

The UVA Career Center supports all UVA students through career advising, career fairs, mock interviews, an alumni network, and more. They assist students with the career development process including internships and searching for jobs. 

PhDPlus is a university-wide initiative to help prepare graduate students for jobs in every sector and field. They host regular events and maintain a list of internship opportunities. 

Center for American English Language & Culture

English as a Second Language (ESL) services at the University are offered through the Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC). CAELC is charged both to provide leadership on issues related to ESL/intercultural communication and to help members of the University of Virginia community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States.

English Conversation Partners

Get matched with a conversation partner and enjoy relaxed conversation, English language practice, and cultural exchange. The Language Consultant Program is open to adult family members of UVA affiliates, as well.  For more information, email VISAS (Volunteers with International Students, Staff, and Scholars) [email protected]. 

For more information visit the English Conversation Partners website.

International Center

From cooking classes to English language programs and field trips, the Lorna Sundberg International Center is a hub for exploring both cultural differences and local community. Sign up here to receive the monthly newsletter. 

Mental Health Support

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers resources to support students' mental and emotional well-being, including individual and group therapy. It also offers services such as wellbeing coaching, setting up fitness plans, and addition recovery support. 

You can schedule an initial assessment through the Healthy Hoos Portal. CAPS offers emergency walk-in appointments during normal business hours, and has providers available after hours by calling 434.243.5150. Students can also access TimelyCare's "TalkNow" service to speak to a mental health professional in minutes, anytime.

All care through CAPS is confidential. 

Multicultural Student Services

Multicultural Student Services (MSS), as part of the Office of the Dean of Students, aims to promote inclusion and engagement for historically underrepresented students.

Multilingual Outreach Volunteer Effort (MOVE)

Use your language skills to make a positive impact on UVA and the Charlottesville community. The MOVE Program is looking for multilingual individuals to help immigrant and refugee speakers of other languages gain access to information about crucial community services.

Parents Guide

Are you a parent or family member wanting to know more about UVA? Learn more and find additional useful links here. 

Schedule an Appointment with ISO Advisor

Feel free to schedule an appointment with an advisor in our office if you are unsure where to turn for information, advice, and support. We would be happy to help!

For more information visit ISSP Connect.

Social Support 

The Contemplative Sciences Center promotes health, belonging, resilience and flourishing through an array of drop-in classes, programs, and apps. Join the mailing list. Download the self-care checklist. Join a mindfulness meet up. Send suggestions through the program request form.

Hoos Connected at UVA brings together groups of students to get to know one another while discussing the key components of making meaningful connections. Led by two trained upper-class student facilitators, groups of 6-10 students engage in activities and dialogue about what brings us together, what can keep us apart, and how these things manifest at UVA.

The International Student Support Circle is a weekly space for students to reflect on the experience of being an international student with others who are navigating similar challenges. 

VISAS ((Volunteers with International Students, Staff, and Scholars) offers a semi-structured weekly chat group and make new friends in the cozy Language Commons. VISAS Café is open to family members of UVA affiliates, as well. (Children must be accompanied by adults.) Email VISAS ([email protected]) for more information. 

Student Organizations

Discover unique opportunities to connect with peers at University of Virginia from cultural organizations, academia to hobbies! 

For more information visit the Student Organization website. 

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services provides low-cost, confidential legal assistance to University of Virginia students. We provide legal help on a wide variety of legal matters, including representation in Charlottesville/Albemarle area courts. No fee is charged for consultations. All fees are minimal.

 

UVA Global

UVA Global is a unit of the Office of the Provost.