International Student Services at Biola

The mission of the department of International Student Services (ISS) is to serve, educate, and empower global undergraduate and graduate students at Biola University. Our intent is that our global students thrive in an increasingly globally minded Biola community.

Over 400 students (about 7% of the Biola student population) do not speak English as their first language and are citizens of countries other than the United States. Biola also has a large number of students from globally mobile families (missionary, military, business, and third culture “kids”). These students come here to study from over 40 different countries, and each one is a distinct and valuable gift to our community.

The diversity that comes from their experiences enhances our environment of faith and learning. Their presence and scholarly contribution will assist the university in attaining its pursuit of becoming a recognized global center for Christian thought.

Our department works in partnership with other departments and volunteers from the surrounding community, to offer the following primary services for our international students:

• Cultural adjustment, transition, and acclimatization
• Financial counseling
• Academic advice and referrals to appropriate departments
• Counseling on global student issues
• Practical services and support
• Servant-Leadership development
• Global ministry and education development

The ISS Department works with global students to provide a rich, diverse array of life experiences and co-curricular education for the Biola global student community. We seek to partner closely with many of the departments/divisions on campus, as well as churches, organizations, volunteers, and academic institutions outside the Biola campus in order to maximize cultural exchanges, provide intercultural training, and promote learning and development.