Two international students from the University of Minnesota system have been awarded the Josef Mestenhauser Student Award for Excellence in Campus Internationalization. An undergraduate student from the Crookston campus and a graduate student from the Twin Cities campus were formally recognized at a ceremony on April 30. This award is given to students for outstanding contributions to international education and acknowledges important work being done by students at the University of Minnesota to internationalize the curriculum and campus.

Barbara Kappler, assistant vice provost of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), will be stepping down from her role in May. She has been a vital part of ISSS for more than 30 years, and a driving force for intercultural initiatives across campus. ISSS serves more than 7,000 students and scholars, and its 32 staff support the University’s mission and internationalization efforts.

Four international students at the University of Minnesota have been awarded the Colonial Dames of America scholarship.

The scholarship, offered by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, is for current graduate and professional degree-seeking international students who plan to further their careers and make impacts in their home country.

The 2025 recipients are:

The Students Crossing Borders living learning community brought together students from all over the world to live together, sharing their cultures and forming lifelong friendships. Alumni of the program recently gathered for a reunion weekend to celebrate 10 years since they met in Middlebrook Hall.

International students recently learned how to become more effective and inclusive leaders at a leadership retreat organized by International Student and Scholar Services.

At the two-day retreat, international student leaders led participants in discussions and exercises to enhance communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. The goal was for students to leave with a personal leadership philosophy, a clear set of goals, and actionable strategies to lead confidently within diverse teams.

International students and scholars learned about the U.S. elections process at events planned by International Student and Scholar Services and Small World Coffee Hour.

At “U.S. Government and Elections 101,” David Schultz, Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies at Hamline University, explained the electoral college, and how even Americans are confused by the way U.S. elections actually work.

We understand the U.S. government system and elections are very complex. How do these systems work? How do they impact you as an international student or scholar? 

A panel discussion will take place at 3 p.m., with panelists speaking on topics such as federal, state, and local government systems, U.S. voting and election processes, government protections and rights for non-citizens, involvement in student government, and other related topics.

The University of Minnesota’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is celebrating 150 years of international students on campus.

The University first welcomed its international undergraduates in 1874, where they made up less than 1% of the student body. Today, international students make up 11% of the student population with more than 5,200 students from 140 different countries.

ISSS's advisor training is held once per semester. It is intended for new or seasoned academic advisors, Graduate Program Coordinators, career counselors, and student services staff who work with international students.

Content includes:

Meet International Student and Scholar Services staff and learn more about their services.