Friday Factoid: Ongoing International Orientation at the Stanford GSB

With approximately one-third of Stanford’s MBA students having been born outside the United States, the GSB provides a wide variety of support services for its international students. Before arriving on campus, admitted international students receive information crucial to the logistical and social challenges they may face, including how to obtain a study visa for the United States, how to obtain a U.S. Social Security number and how to adapt to an American classroom environment. Once on campus, first-year students from outside the United States are strongly encouraged to share their perspective in the “Global Context of Business” course and can attend seminars and workshops designed to increase their confidence and improve their skills in written and spoken English via the Management Communication Program. And of course, international students frequently participate and lead clubs, including the Africa Business Club, the Europe Club, the Asian Society and the Middle East and North Africa Club. To help with their international career search, students can count on a dedicated international career coach. The Bechtel International Center also offers additional support for international students, including U.S. employment and tax workshops, and advisory services on visa and immigration issues. The center also hosts an International Playgroup for children and an International Women’s Circle. Finally, the center provides modest stipends for the spouses of MBA students to pursue their educational and career goals through the Spouse Education Fund.