Applying to college is an exciting time that marks the next step toward fulfilling the goals of many young adults, and Full Sail University is an institution where students from around the world learn, connect with others, and develop the professional skills necessary to pursue their career dreams.

Of course, along with the excitement of starting a new chapter comes questions of housing, visa processing, and more, and Full Sail has a team of experts dedicated solely to helping make the collegiate experience as seamless and trouble-free as possible for hundreds of international students every year.

So, who is this team of experts and how can they help you?

Meet the International Department

The department of International Admissions, Enrollment, and Student Services consists of 50 members whose primary goal is helping every international student navigate how to attend university, while setting them up for success in and out of the classroom, and keeping them informed throughout their academic career.

By offering services ranging from housing and transition guides to financial advisement and employment opportunities, the International department works to ensure that students worry less and focus more on their education.

"We provide one-on-one guidance as well as various workshops," says Lina Al-Wali, Director of International Admissions, Enrollment, and Student Services. "We guide them through every step of the process, from submitting their application, obtaining their visa, finding housing, opening a bank account, completing taxes, obtaining a social security number, driver's license, health insurance, and applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT)."

The department currently has team members hailing from nearly every continent who speak over a dozen languages, and they are ready and willing to offer support.

So, what's the first step?

Talk with An Admissions Representative

Before starting at Full Sail University, you'll need to schedule an interview with an Admissions Representative where they will help you choose a degree program that works best for you, explain admission requirements, and make sure that you've completed the steps found on the International Application Checklist to ensure a smooth enrollment process.

Your Admissions Representative will also be available to answer any additional questions that you or your parents may have or help set up a tour of campus.

Obtain a Visa and Housing

Once a student has been successfully enrolled, they will be guided through the steps for obtaining a F-1 student visa including mock interviews with a Full Sail liaison, resources detailing best practices for successful embassy interviews, and scheduling an embassy interview itself.

Students will also be given guidance for securing housing near campus in addition to learning about roommates, renters insurance, and utilities. Full Sail continuously updates its registry of available apartment communities and provides helpful tips in this housing guide we've developed just for international students.

Stay Connected

Feelings of homesickness and isolation are not uncommon for international students. Fortunately, the International Student Society (ISS) – a student club with members hailing from all over the globe – brings Full Sail's international community together to promote solidarity, learning, and compassion while providing opportunities to network and create lifelong relationships. In conjunction with their international advisors, international students will have a constant support network from their start date to graduation.

"I had a pretty cool advisor from day one, from before I even got to Florida, and she really, really, really helped me feel more at ease," says Recording Arts graduate Alberto Alcantara. "One of the best things she did was introduce me to another Venezuelan student that was already there for a couple of months…he ended up being, literally, my best friend there. Over the course of the next couple of years while I studied there, it really got a lot easier."

The ISS regularly hosts events where students can celebrate each other's cultures and traditions and offer mentorship programs that connect new students to student leaders and, later, allow them the opportunity to become mentors themselves. This mentorship program runs in conjunction with the Full Sail's Alumni Ambassador Program giving international alumni to stay connected with the international Full Sail community while serving as representatives within their home countries.

For scholarship guides, fact sheets, and more information about international students at Full Sail, check out the International Admissions page. If you're ready to apply or have more questions, contact an Admissions Representative at 800.226.7625 or request more information today.