ABOVE: Highlighted on the map are just a sampling of countries from which international Hollins students have recently originated.
The International Student Engagement Office at Hollins University is committed to providing guidance and assistance to incoming international students. We work closely with a variety of departments on campus, including Admission and the Career Center to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.
Through the International Student Engagement Office, international students have access to assistance with their F-1 visas, guidance on federal immigration regulations and support for those pursuing post-graduation employment (OPT).
Erin Carney
Director, HU Connect and International Student Engagement Office
carneyek@hollins.edu
(540) 362-6089
New International Students
Welcome to Hollins! We’re so excited to have you join us in Roanoke, Virginia.
Please review the Pre-Arrival Information for F-1 Visas, and familiarize yourself with the visa application process. Once you’ve received your I-20 from the International Student Engagement Office, you’ll need to make a visa appointment at your local consulate or embassy.
If you’re a current F-1 student in the U.S. who has been accepted to Hollins, please complete a F-1 Transfer-In Form and return it to Erin Carney.
The International Programs Office is responsible for advising our international students on all aspects of the F-1 visa application process, as well as assisting them with maintaining their status during their undergraduate or graduate program. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
International Student Check-In
All F-1 visa holders are required to complete their semester check-in prior to the second week of classes. Please complete the F-1 Registration Form and bring it to the International Student Engagement Office during regular business hours at the start of each semester.
Current International Students
It is important that all F-1 students understand their reporting responsibilities and how to properly maintain their status while in the U.S. Please review the following resources for more information on your F-1 Student Responsibilities, Travel on an F-1 Visa, and how to pay taxes during your program of study.
For any questions about these and other topics, please review the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the International Student Engagement Office.
Graduating or Transferring Students
Students who are in their final semester at Hollins are encouraged to review their post-graduate options. All F-1 students who have finished their program of study enjoy a 60-day grace period, which begins after the “session end date” listed on their I-20. This grace period can be used to apply for OPT, begin a new degree program at another institution or simply to travel around the U.S.
If you’re interested in applying for OPT, please review the regulations outlined on the Working as an F-1 Student page. The International Student Engagement Office also offers an optional OPT orientation in the Fall and Spring for seniors in their final semester.
Any student who has been accepted to a new program in the U.S. must complete the F-1 Transfer-Out Release, before their record can be sent to their new university. You will also need to supply the International Student Engagement Office with your official acceptance letter from the school you will be attending.