Overview/Description

The International Support Center (ISC) is a dedicated institutional unit established to provide comprehensive academic, administrative, and social support to international degree-seeking students throughout their study period at FCMS. The Center operates as a single, centralized entity exclusively serving international students, staffed with at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) professional, ensuring continuity, accountability, and effectiveness of services.

In accordance with international quality assurance and ranking requirements, the ISC does not exist merely as a nominal office; rather, it actively designs, coordinates, and delivers services and events that promote student integration, well-being, and academic success.

The ISC provides continuous advisory, operational, and developmental support, ensuring international students are fully integrated into the academic community and campus life, thereby enhancing retention, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

Services of the International Support Center

The International Support Center performs the following functions:

1. International Student Engagement and Integration
   Organizes structured events for international students, including freshman orientation days, welcome sessions, and peer-mentoring programs
   Facilitates cultural, academic, and social integration into campus life
2. Immigration and Visa Support
   Provides advisory and procedural support related to student visas, residence permits, renewals, and compliance with host-country regulations
   Acts as a point of contact between students and relevant governmental or immigration authorities
3. Language and Academic Support
   Coordinates or delivers language support classes and language competency courses
   Supports students in meeting academic language requirements and improving communication skills essential for academic success
4. Information Management and Digital Presence
   Maintains a dedicated and regularly updated webpage specifically for international students
   Publishes guidance on visas, orientation, language support, scholarships, and student life

Director of the International Support Center

The Director of the International Support Center is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, and operational oversight of all international student support services. The Director ensures that the Center’s activities are aligned with FCMS strategic plan, internationalization goals, and global standards for international student services.
The Director serves as the primary institutional authority on matters related to international student support and acts as a liaison between international students, administrative units, academic departments, and external regulatory bodies (e.g., immigration authorities).

Key Responsibilities of the Director

• Strategic planning and development of international student support services
• Oversight of compliance with immigration and visa regulations
• Coordination of student integration, orientation, and support programs
• Monitoring service quality, student satisfaction, and institutional impact
• Ensuring the maintenance of a dedicated international support webpage

Membership of the International Support Center