International Student Coordinator - International Student and Scholar Services - UTK

1.2M inbound students (2025) +3%

1. India 363K

2. China 266K

3. South Korea 42K

4. Canada 30K

5. Vietnam 26K

9 international branch campuses in United States

OVERVIEW The International Student Coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville supports the retention and success of international F and J students through immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, and student programming. The role focuses on helping students adapt to academic and campus life while maintaining compliance with federal immigration regulations. This position also supports alumni through Optional Practical Training (OPT) advising and compliance maintenance.

• Advise international F and J students on immigration compliance, cultural adjustment, personal concerns, employment, and academic adaptation.
• Provide support for Optional Practical Training (OPT) issuance and maintenance.
• Advise students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and maintain related records.
• Assist with program of study updates, extensions, graduation follow-up, and ongoing student support.
• Communicate with students and stakeholders through Zoom, email, and in-person appointments.
• Develop content and coordinate sessions for international student orientation programs.
• Develop and execute programs, initiatives, trainings, and outreach activities for international students and campus stakeholders.
• Promote services and retention efforts for international students on campus.
• Participate in required work groups, internal meetings, and external meetings.
• Engage in professional organizations, regulatory review, knowledge updates, and trainings.

• One to two years of experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to F students and J exchange visitors.
• Knowledge of best practices for international services operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Skill working with integrated data systems and office productivity software.
• Legal authorization to work full-time in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship.
• Preferred:
  One to two years of direct experience in international education.
• Preferred:
  Experience working in an international services unit.
• Preferred:
  Skill using Banner and the Student Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS International student professionals play a key role in supporting student success, retention, and regulatory compliance within higher education institutions. By helping students navigate immigration processes, cultural adjustment, and academic transitions, this role contributes to a more inclusive and globally engaged campus environment. The position also supports institutional compliance responsibilities connected to federal regulations governing international students and exchange visitors.

• Highlight any experience advising students, especially in multicultural or higher education settings.
• Include examples of work involving immigration compliance, international programming, or student support services if applicable.
• Demonstrate familiarity with federal regulations related to F-1 and J-1 students when relevant.
• Emphasize communication skills, particularly experience working across cultures and with diverse populations.
• If you have used systems such as SEVIS, Banner, or student information databases, describe your level of proficiency clearly.
• Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of international student retention, orientation programming, and campus collaboration.