International Students

Directorate of International Student Advising (DISA)

The Directorate of International Student Advising, which is the authorized representative for Penn State for international students and scholars with the Departments of State and Homeland Security, is committed to providing international students and scholars the highest level of expertise in advising, immigration services, and training in support of Penn State's teaching, research and outreach objectives.

We Welcome You to Penn State

Over 5,000 international students and approximately 1,000 scholars are a part of the Penn State community. DISA works with international students throughout their academic careers, from admission to graduation by providing services in the areas of: pre-arrival immigration documents, immigration advising, pre-arrival advising, general advising (including cultural and social advising), and administration of grants and loans for international students.

DISA staff are dedicated professionals who will provide advice, information and referrals on matters related to international students. The staff will provide training and information to faculty and staff seeking assistance.

Assistance is available in person, by telephone, and/or by email. DISA encourages anyone seeking help to contact us.

Prospective Students

Most international students come to Penn State on F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, they need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from Penn State. Pre-Arrival Advising, within The Directorate of International Student Advising (DISA), issues the "initial entry" I-20 or DS-2019 documents for most students. However, they also provide information and services to international students who will study at Penn State in other visa / immigration categories. Pre-Arrival Advising is the source for questions and/or guidance for all new or prospective international students as they navigate the pre-arrival steps required to enroll at Penn State.

If you are considering Penn State for your academic career, explore the options in the left hand column to locate information regarding how to apply to Penn State, financial guarantee requirements, obtaining an I-20/DS-2019 and much more.

Prospective International Students can contact Pre-Arrival Advising at:
Telephone: (814) 865-6348 Email:

Current Students

For those students who are currently enrolled or who will enroll soon, you will find the information on rules and regulations governing international students as well as services and important links in the left-hand column. The information included on these pages will help you in maintaining valid student status as it pertains to your legal stay within the United States. In addition, there is information on employment, travel, applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license, applying for a social security number and other important resources.

International student advisers are available during walk-in hours or by appointment to you on matters about immigration and visa concerns, employment, academic issues, financial issues, health and health insurance, and other concerns. They may refer you to other resources.

Stop in to visit us in the University Office of Global Programs Lounge in 410 Boucke Building. Our lounge provides a comfortable space for internationals, staff and faculty to relax, chat, watch television or take advantage of our game tables.

Walk-in advising hours for international students are:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Thursday and Friday - 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
Telephone: 814-865-6348
Email: