International Students

Below is information on:

• Undocumented/DACA Student Support Contacts 
• Discussion Groups 
• Class Offering 
• Additional Resources

Undocumented/DACA Student Support Contacts

Additional resources:

• Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

• U.S. Department of Education's Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth

Intersectional Discussion Groups

URDreamers

This group provides support for students that are either undocumented or have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status, so that they can connect with each other. It is also for allies so that together the group can bring awareness for immigration reform here at on the University of Rochester campus and in the City of Rochester community.

Safe Haven Group: A Weekly Gathering for Support and Discussion at this time of Political Transition 

This group provides a safe supportive space for students impacted directly or indirectly by the American political transition, policy shifts, and social upheaval therein. These impacts may include but are not limited to crises of immigration, bias incidents and discrimination, and uncertainty about the future. In addition to helping you feel supported, the experience of being in a group can also help you to provide support for others in similar circumstances.

We welcome undergraduate and graduate students to share their experiences as they strive to balance very different contexts and realities. The group will meet once weekly during the spring semester and will be co-facilitated by therapists from the University Counseling Center.

Meetings will be approximately one hour with an optional 10 min self-care transition activity for those who can stay after the meeting.

This is an open group, which means that coming to one meeting does not mean you have to come every week. However, we recommend that you come to at least three meetings in a row in service of providing continuity of support for yourself and for others. You are welcome to come to as many meeting as you would like.

Surviving Crisis Abroad: A Support and Discussion Group for International Students

How do you study and stay focused when there is chaos and crisis in your home country or region and you are thousands of miles away?

The group aims to provide a safe supportive space to those students involved directly or indirectly by international areas in crisis (war, natural disaster, political strife, etc). 

This group is meant to support you while you navigate being in a competitive academic setting while being from or knowing loved ones from international areas in crisis. The experience of being in group can also help you to provide support for other in similar circumstances.

We welcome undergraduate and graduate students to share their experiences as they strive to balance very different contexts and realities. The group will meet once a month during the academic year and will be co-facilitated by therapists from the University Counseling Center.

This is an open group, which means that coming to one meeting does not mean you have to come every month. You are welcome to come to as many meetings as you would like. Co-sponsored by the University Counseling Center, International Services Office, and the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center.

Class Offering

CAS 120: Exploring Intercultural Competence: Preparation for the Global Citizen (Offered Spring Semester; Four Credits)

What is intercultural competence? What is intercultural communication? How does one become interculturally competent in their increasingly globalized lives? Intercultural competence provides the tools needed to interact with other cultures, socioeconomic statuses, political beliefs, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions, gender identities, abilities, and religious affiliations. Learning with and by people of different backgrounds encourages collaboration and fosters innovation and creativity, thereby benefiting the entire community.

This course will be interactive and discussion based. Discussions will include guest speakers, reading personal narratives, as well as using popular media. Assignments will encourage students to conduct research, create an intercultural activity, and interact with people by conducting interviews. This course culminates with a group project, allowing for integration of theory and practice.

CAS 170: U.S. Life: Customs and Practices (Offered Fall and Spring Semester; Two Credits)

Through this course students will explore campus, community and American culture, enhance their intercultural competence, and build academic skills to improve their success in the American classroom. Students will compare cultures through a variety of readings, in class discussions, blogs and outside class activities. Topics include verbal and non-verbal communication, education systems, ethics, relationships, perception, beliefs, values and norms.

Additional Resources

Referrals

• Bias-Related Incident Report: If you know of an incident motivated by age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation of the targeted person or group, please fill out the Bias-Related Incident Report.
• CARE Report: If you are concerned about an individual student, either yourself or a friend, please fill out an Individual CARE Report. For more information on the CARE Network, please visit the CARE website.
• Community Concern Report: If you have a concern that impacts the University community, such as a humanitarian concern, or any other issue that you would like to bring to our attention, please fill out the Community Concern Report.
• Concerns Related to Sexual Misconduct: If you need to report an instance of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, please visit the website for information on resources and reporting options.
• Emergency Assistance: If you feel an incident presents a threat to the health or safety to anyone in the University Community, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.

Interfaith, Non-violence, Leadership, and Volunteer Opportunities

• The Interfaith Chapel
• The M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
• Rochester Center for Community Leadership (RCCL)
• Medallion Program

International Affairs and Travel Resources

• Center for Study Abroad
• International Educational Week (IEW)
• Office of Global Engagement
• Updates and Information on the Federal Immigration Executive Order
• University Health Services (UHS)
• Rochester Global Connections (RGC)

Parent and Family Resources

• Parent and Family Relations