International Bears

International Programs at Missouri State University

All new international student orientation attendees, volunteers, and staff in front of the citizen scholar bronze statue, a female figure in academic robes holding up the globe

Orientation sets the stage for success at Missouri State

New International Student Orientation prepares students for academic, social, and emotional well-being at Missouri State University.

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Over 200 international students attended New International Student Orientation on August 8 and 9.

Arrival

Students from around the world began arriving in Springfield in early August. Missouri State staff provided complimentary airport pick-up. Student volunteers involved in Global Leaders and Mentors and the Chinese Student Leadership Program reached out to new students even before arrival. New students received help with housing, buying the necessary supplies to set up a home, and making sure they felt welcome in Springfield. Volunteers also helped new students take care of campus necessities, like picking up a Bearpass. They also helped new students update their records at Magers Health and Wellness. One student volunteer from the US remarked that she learned a lot through helping others. She felt she gained empathy and understanding of what it must be like to move to such a new and different place.

Orientation

Orientation spanned 2 days and included information on a variety of campus resources as well as academic and cultural tips. Student volunteers continued to guide new students through the orientation process.
 
Representatives from a variety of campus offices presented information, including:
  • International Services – on-campus employment, steps to getting a driver’s license, immigration, and adjusting to life in Springfield
  • BearCLAW – how to seek help at the Writing Center or use tutoring resources
  • Academic Integrity – a primer in academic integrity expectations in the US
  • English Language Institute – resources available in the ELI for current Missouri State students
  • Registrar – how to use my.missouristate.edu to manage student accounts
  • Financial Services – when, where, and how to pay bills
  • Academic Advisement – how to find your advisor, steps to register for classes
  • Counseling Center – ways students can access free mental health resources at Missouri State
  • Magers Health – using the campus health center and international student insurance
  • Title IX – information on programs and resources offered by the Title IX office
  • University Safety – safety tips and resources available to Missouri State students, like safe walks
  • International Friends – ways to get involved with local families and the Springfield community
  • Global Leaders and Mentors – the importance of getting involved on campus
  • Career Center – finding internships and marketing your international experience
Student leaders gave new students a tour of campus so they felt comfortable finding their way around. Students also learned about Missouri State spirit from the Missouri State Foundation.

BEAR UP

The Missouri State Football Bears offered the second annual International Bears Football Clinic. Coach Stec and the team led new students through drills and taught the basics of the game. Students met players and began building friendships during the clinic and the meal that followed.