Campus Life at Wooster

1. Are special services provided for international students?
2. Are there student organizations with an international focus?
3. How are students housed?
4. Where/what do I eat?
5. When are school holidays?

Are special services provided for international students?

Coming to the United States as an international student is an exciting experience. However, the transition to a new place and new way of life may be stressful. The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) works to help international students have a positive experience at The College of Wooster. The OISA provides services to respond to the unique needs of students from abroad and organizes a variety of programs to support their valuable contributions to our campus.

Beginning with a Pre-Orientation Program, the OISA advises students on cultural transitions, academic success, and legal issues such as immigration requirements and tax compliance. The OISA maintains an e-mail list-serve to communicate with international students and publishes a monthly newsletter called COSMOS. International Week is an annual celebration planned in cooperation with the International Student Association and a number of other student groups and academic departments. Our students have made educational conference presentations on such topics as "The Third Culture Kid Experience" and "Relations between African and African American Students."

The Ambassadors Program invites Wooster students from diverse backgrounds to visit local elementary and secondary schools to share cultural insights, political views, religious perspectives, and athletic talents. Most international students also participate in the Friends of International Students Program, building friendships with one of over 90 host families in the Wooster community. Through these programs, international students make a valuable impact on the local and campus community.

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Are there student organizations with an international focus?
Student organizations focus on social, political, religious and athletic interests. Groups that focus on the needs and interests of international students include: International Student Association, UJAMMA (African culture), South Asia Committee, Projecto Latino (Latino and Hispanic culture), Cricket Club, Babcock International Program Hall, and the Ambassadors Program.

International students are integral members of our community and many become campus leaders. They become Resident Assistants and participate in organizations such as The Wooster Volunteer Network, Student Activities Board, and social clubs and sections. They sing in the Wooster Chorus, write for the campus newspaper, and play varsity and intramural sports. In general, all students at The College of Wooster are encouraged to become involved and to take on leadership roles in a variety of contexts all across campus.

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How are students housed?
Wooster has chosen to be a residential campus — which means that we provide on-campus housing for all students. All students are required to live on campus while they are enrolled at the College. A variety of living options are available. Students have the opportunity to choose a co-ed or single-sex residence hall, chemical-free living space, or even a hall with a special programmatic focus — like cross cultural living, volunteer service, language learning, or environmental concerns.

New students are assigned to a residence hall according to a housing questionnaire. You will receive notification of your housing assignment and roommate information before you arrive on campus. Regardless of where you live, you will be able to participate in a rich variety of social and educational programs throughout the residence hall system. After the first year, you will choose your own roommate and will have the additional option of applying to live in one of Wooster's small houses — made up of 8-20 men or women who "adopt" a volunteer service program together.

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Where/what do I eat?
Meals are served "cafeteria-style" in two attractive dining rooms, from to 7:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. A large variety of food is always available, and there is no limit as to how much you may eat or drink. If you are a vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, you should have no problem finding satisfactory meal selections. Common kitchens are available in all dormitories for students who occasionally prefer to do their own cooking.

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When are school holidays?
The academic year runs from late August through early May, with several additional vacation periods throughout the year. For many international students, it is not practical to return home during vacations. Residence halls and the cafeteria remain open for students during shorter vacation periods, at no extra cost. Dining services and most residence halls close for Winter Break, Spring Break, and for several weeks during the summer. Some students choose to travel or visit friends in the United States during these longer breaks. Others prefer to remain in Wooster, and are allowed to live in on-campus housing for a reasonable fee. International students are able to accept campus employment during break periods, and may work full-time (40 hours per week) when school is not in session.

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