Culture shock

The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) provides immigration and campus support services for Emerson’s international student community:

- We offer immigration advising for students in F-1 status, exchange visitors, and others on matters related to U.S. study, work authorization, and international travel
- We support international students with cross-campus resources for academic success, community integration, leadership development, and career preparedness
- We promote campus organizations, events, and initiatives that reflect Emerson’s global voice

International Student Affairs falls under Emerson’s Office of Internationalization and Global Engagement (IGE). Together with our partner offices – Education Abroad and Domestic Programs (EADP) and English Language Learning (ELL) – IGE provides strategic vision and support for college internationalization initiatives.

Intercultural Student Affairs at Emerson centers humanity, compassion, and education at the forefront of everything we do. We honor, celebrate, and validate the narratives of marginalized voices, and in turn, support community-based advocacy, reflection, and action. In short, we want to create and hold space where people can be who they are.

The Center for Spiritual Life is Emerson’s inclusive, multifaith hub for religious and spiritual programming, support, and education. Our team of chaplains and student leaders work to foster a campus environment where faith traditions and spirituality can be practiced freely and wholly. Through one-on-one conversations, retreats, lunches, and meditative gatherings, we seek to provide spiritual nourishment to our campus.

College is a time filled with many changes, transition, excitement, and challenges. Most students, at one time or another, experience various personal, emotional, and/or interpersonal concerns. During these times, it can help to reach out for support from friends, family, academic advisors, spiritual supports, and professional counseling. At ECAPS, we strive to help students build on strengths and address these concerns in ways that allow them to make the best of their college experience. We offer free and confidential individual, couples, and group counseling, as well as consultation and workshops.

Education Abroad & Domestic Programs is committed to providing Emerson students with opportunities to explore their academic goals and expand their cultural knowledge in international settings and global environments. The experience of living in a new country can alter how you view yourself, the world and your own country. In addition to Emerson-sponsored external programs, students can enroll for a semester of study through non-affiliated universities and other study abroad programs. Depending on your academic and professional goals, we will support you in finding a program suited to your needs.

The Social Justice Center works with and supports individuals and communities through personal and systems advocacy, community-centered projects, and radical care. We believe in individual and community self-determination and work in support of the agency of students, faculty, and staff, especially those from marginalized groups. We engage in an ongoing practice of praxis—reflection and action—and work to deepen our own liberatory practices and to create liberatory spaces for others.

The Student Care and Support Office receives referrals from students, faculty, staff, etc. about students of concern. The Office works with key partners on campus to provide support for those students with a goal of helping them succeed academically and personally.