Our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team welcomes all new international students and scholars to our flagship campus, serving as the touchpoint for all of your questions about immigration, transitioning to the U.S., and making on-campus connections. We aim to provide a welcoming environment to promote and facilitate a successful educational, professional and personal experience for our international community.
Have an emergency?
If you're experiencing an issue with your immigration status ISSS is here to support you. Contact ISSS Director, Susan-Ellis Dougherty at (301)314-1713 or send us a message at isss_inquiry@umd.edu. You can also contact the UMD Police Department at (301)405-3333.
Please note that this emergency phone line is exclusively for urgent matters and should not be used for inquiries regarding OPT or CPT.
For the latest news and updates on visas and immigration, visit our Immigration News and Updates page.
New to Maryland? Start here.
Upcoming Events
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October 30, 2025International Coffee Hour
International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students & scholars (both domestic and international), meet UMD staff and faculty, and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks!
View Event Details for International Coffee Hour -
November 6, 2025
International Coffee Hour
International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students & scholars (both domestic and international), meet UMD staff and faculty, and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks!
View Event Details for International Coffee Hour -
November 13, 2025
International Coffee Hour
International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students & scholars (both domestic and international), meet UMD staff and faculty, and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks!
View Event Details for International Coffee Hour
Global Maryland News
Sarah Kistner’s Study Abroad as a Graduate Student in Cuba
“I wish I would have known more about the short term study abroad options. I often had a misconception that study abroad meant months away, but the short-term study abroad options fit perfectly into my graduate school schedule!”
Global Terps for a Greener Future: Building Sustainability Through Intercultural Collaboration
This summer, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) launched the Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF) initiative, a year-long project that empowers UMD students to strengthen intercultural competence while advancing sustainability in international education.
German Fulbright Students Dive Into U.S. Culture and Leadership With UMD
The University of Maryland (UMD) recently welcomed 24 undergraduate students from across Germany for a month-long journey of discovery, dialogue and leadership. The result: fearless ideas, global friendships and skills that will continue to shape them as future-ready leaders.
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Living & Working in the U.S.
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Engaging our international community is our top-priority:
Maryland's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving field of Information Systems, through its cutting-edge curriculum and interdisciplinary approach, provides me with the tools to turn over a new leaf and transform my passion for technology into a flourishing career.