• Tax workshops/counseling
Immigration Services
• Holiday celebrations and home–stays
Issues related to compliance with U.S. Immigration laws for F–1 International Students and his or her dependents are being undertaken by the Immigration Services of the Office of the Registrar. For Immigration Services assistance, please contact (562) 777–4007.
• International graduation ceremonies
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• International student mentor groups
• Global leadership development, community/spiritual development, social justice, and ministry
International Student Services
• Co–curricular cultural exchanges and education
The mission of the department of International Student Services (ISS) exists to support and empower international undergraduate and graduate students in their transition and accommodation at Biola University.
• Advocacy and representation for student issues
The ISS Department works with international students to provide a rich, diverse array of life experiences and co–curricular education for the Biola international student and community. We seek to partner closely with many of the departments/divisions on campus, as well as churches, organizations, volunteers, and academic institutions outside the Biola campus in order to maximize cultural exchanges, provide intercultural training, and promote learning and development. The International Student Services office is located in the Upper Level Student Union Building. Director: Ivan Chung, M.Div., ext. 4008, off–campus (562)777–4008. The department website is found at www.biola.edu/ internationalstudents/.
Our intent is to be an international haven and global center for Christian thought and multi–cultural development.
Over 380 students (~7% of the Biola student population) do not speak English as their first language and are citizens of countries other than the United States. These students come here to study from over 40 different countries, and each one is a distinct and valuable gift to our community. The diversity that comes from their experiences enhances our environment of faith and learning. Their presence and scholarly contribution will assist the University in attaining its pursuit of becoming a recognized global center for Christian thought. Our department works in partnership with other departments and volunteers from the surrounding community, to offer the following primary services for our international students:
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is committed to ensuring equal treatment, educational opportunity, academic freedom, and human dignity for students with learning, physical and psychological disabilities. The Learning Center actuates this commitment by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities and medical conditions, assisting in advocacy, educating the Biola community about disabilities, and by ensuring legal compliance with state and federal disability laws, the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For more information, contact Disability Services at The Learning Center at (562) 906–4542.
• Cultural adjustment, transition, and acclimatization
• Immigration and employment compliance
• Financial counseling
• Academic advice and referrals to appropriate departments
• Counseling on international student issues
We have the following programs in place to accomplish our service objectives:
• International Student Association/International Graduate Student Association
• Prayer and fellowship community
• Cultural friendship partners and host homes
• 4–day New International Student Orientation – Fall Semester
• University–wide training in intercultural issues
• Council retreats, association retreats, outreach retreats
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