International Liaison (IL) Program
The International Liaison Program was created to help the quickly growing international population in the undergraduate colleges adjust to their new environment in the United States. International Liaisons (ILs) are found in each college and are undergraduate students (non-freshmen) who have attended a cultural training and are committed to serving the Rice international community. The ILs will help facilitate transitioning of international students (with a focus on the incoming students) as they adjust to life in the US and in the colleges. They will report any incidents to a Chief IL and will serve as liaisions between the students and the OISS. This will also allow for opportunities to help students who may need the services of their Masters, RAs, the Counseling Center, RUPD, etc.
The IL pilot program will be managed by a student coordinator who will be hired and supervised by Cory Owen, an OISS advisor. ILs will be expected to be a role model to other students in their college and be available for internationals who may have questions about adjusting to life at Rice. The ILs will receive a yearly training that will discuss common cultural issues and how to help students. The OISS will be available with more training as needed.
Students can find the ILs in their colleges by their bright yellow placards for their doors. We will also have updated contact information available online soon. The goals of the ILs to be proactive in interacting with the more reclusive and shy internationals and to ensure there is a friendly face around so no one ever has to sit alone at lunch. We will also host two events a year to integrate the international population into Rice.
