International Student Support Adviser, Pre-Arrival
Penn State UniversityAbout the role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn State Global is seeking an International Student Support Adviser at an Intermediate Professional level to join the International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA) team for their Pre-Arrival Advisement. ISSA oversees immigration compliance, advisement, and support for approximately 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty across the University. Penn State Global is an area of growth and opportunity for those seeking a career in the field of international education.
Position Summary:
The International Student Advisor will provide high-quality services to prospective and newly admitted international students. Key responsibilities include:
Advising students on immigration options, visa issuance, and port-of-entry admission processes.
Evaluating financial and immigration credentials to determine eligibility for Department of Homeland Security certificates of visa eligibility.
Serving as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for issuance of certificates of eligibility for F and J visas.
Preparing and presenting enrollment trend reports.
Recommending, developing, and implementing communication strategies targeted at both external stakeholders (students and families) and internal stakeholders (Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, professional schools, and academic departments).
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Ability to access government systems requiring U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Minimally requires a bachelor’s degree or higher (typically in fields such as higher education administration, international education, public policy, or related areas) and at least one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with a diverse population.
Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and adaptability to new software and database programs.
Experience with international student populations (preferred).
Key Attributes:
This role requires excellent organizational skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate cultural competence, sensitivity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Work Environment:
Penn State Global supports flexible work arrangements when they align with the unit’s needs and the role's essential duties. This
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s