Enhancing the International Student Experience: Insights to Inform Practice
Strengthening Connection, Support, and Engagement Across Watts College
Report prepared by:
Yvonne Apolot and Bothwell Piason
PURPOSE
To listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and take actionable steps to ensure that international students not only succeed—but belong.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Yvonne Apolot
Yvonne Apolot is a Master of Public Policy student at the School of Public Affairs, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. Originally from Uganda, she brings a global perspective shaped by her time living and working in Shanghai, China, which deepened her understanding of the challenges international communities face especially around access, belonging, and cultural adjustment
Yvonne currently serves as an IDEA Scholar and project assistant with the TraIN program at Watts College, where she supports student engagement and equity-centered initiatives for STEM students. She has a strong interest in inclusion, community development, and sustainability practices.
Passionate about creating spaces where international students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed, her work reflects a deep commitment to cross-cultural understanding and institutional responsiveness.
Bothwell Piason
Bothwell is a doctoral student at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He is an international student from Zimbabwe who has studied in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe before joining Illinois State University for his masters in Criminal Justice Sciences.
His research interests revolve around social justice issues of underserved populations, victimology, justice-involved individuals, and international criminology. In all the countries he has studied in, he has engaged in community projects.
As an IDEA scholar, Bothwell was moved by experiences of being an international student, and he took an interest in advocating and standing up for international students within Watts College, to present their needs, promote their visibility, grow their enrollment, and create an inclusive space for them.
Laying the Foundation
Watts College is home to a vibrant and growing community of international students whose diverse perspectives and presence enrich our commitment to inclusive public service. This report captures student insights and institutional recommendations, shaped by lived experiences and a collective aspiration for meaningful change. Its purpose is clear: to listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and take actionable steps that ensure international students not only succeed but also genuinely belong
The recommendations outlined here are based on feedback gathered during the International Students Online Meet and Greet held on February 28, 2025, a significant milestone marking deeper engagement between international students and institutional leadership at Watts College. This inaugural event was designed explicitly to elevate student voices, identify common challenges, and explore opportunities for enhancing inclusive support structures
The session featured introductions from IDEA Scholars Yvonne Apolot and Bothwell Piason, followed by welcoming remarks from Associate Dean Dr. Megha Budruk. Representatives from the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) provided essential guidance on work authorization, visa processes, and strategies for maintaining connections post-graduation.
Breakout discussions, facilitated by the IDEA Scholars, encouraged open dialogue about student experiences and needs The event concluded with a summary of key insights and reaffirmation of leadership's commitment to ongoing student support. Importantly, students emphasized their desire for continued dialogue through future in-person events and requested opportunities to engage with international staff currently employed at ASU, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility in fostering a sense of belonging.
Enrollment data from Spring 2025, showing 138 international students across various schools within Watts College, underscores the necessity of consistent and comprehensive support at college-wide levels, reinforcing the importance of these collaborative efforts.
International Student Representation by Country
This column chart displays the number of international students at Watts College by country of origin (2024–2025). With over 30 countries represented, the chart reflects the cultural and academic diversity that informs the recommendations on the next page.
International Students: School & Academic Level
This grouped column chart shows the number of international students across schools within Watts College, divided by academic level (graduate and undergraduate) It helps guide support efforts based on students’ academic levels and school affiliation, and informs the recommendations below.
Student Insights
In breakout sessions facilitated by IDEA Scholars, international students shared candid reflections about their experiences at Watts College. These discussions highlighted key areas of strengths as well as opportunities for improvement. The below themes emerged:
Strengths Highlighted:
Strong academic support from faculty and advisors
Responsive and supportive interactions with ISSC staff.
Opportunities for Improvement:
Institutional Connection & Belonging
Students desire deeper connections, increased visibility, and more opportunities to feel part of the broader college community.
ISSC Presence & Resource Accessibility
Limited in-person ISSC support at the Downtown campus, as most resources and events are primarily located in Tempe
Difficulty accessing resources due to location constraints and availability.
Communication and Information
Fragmented information regarding available support resources. Need for clearer, more centralized communication channels.
Cultural and Social Integration
Feelings of cultural isolation and limited opportunities for meaningful social interaction within the college community.
Strategic Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS
Establish a Dedicated International Student Support Presence at the Downtown Campus
PROPOSED ACTIONS
Increase accessibility to immigration and visa advising services through a dedicated ISSC presence at Watts College.
Establish a college-based alumni connection network that includes international students.
INTENDED OUTCOME
Enhances service access, strengthens alumni-student ties, and fosters long-term engagement.
Develop a Watts International Student Handbook
Enhance Communication of Academic and Professional Resources
Connecting international employees with the students to cultivate a stronger international community at Watts.
Facilitate Community Integration and Cultural Exchange Events
Offer Faculty and Staff Cultural Responsiveness Training
Include visa/work information, housing and neighborhood tips, local grocery and food resources, transit guidance, and resource directories.
Increase awareness and accessibility of academic and professional resources through improved communication channels, such as newsletters and online platforms
Offer in-person sessions and mentorship opportunities to provide guidance on social, academic, and professional questions and challenges.
Establish an international student association for connection and advocacy.
Initiate a host family or community ambassador program
Organize cultural dinners, city tours, and inter-college meetups
Helps students acclimate quickly and reduces unnecessary logistical burdens
Greater awareness and use of academic and professional resources
Stronger sense of community and belonging
Improved social, academic, and professional support
Higher student satisfaction and retention
Builds social capital, strengthens community belonging, and supports peer advocacy.
Expand Support for International Student Families
Promote equitable access to campus and college jobs.
Focus on identifying non-verbal signs of struggle, encouraging academic dialogue, and culturally aware engagement
Provide resources for accompanying family members (e.g., child care information, K–12 schooling, family events).
Include family-inclusive programming during orientation and welcome weeks.
Cultivates a more inclusive and affirming campus climate for international students.
Supports students holistically by addressing the needs of their accompanying families.
Recruitment Recommendations
Drawing from student insights, the following recommendations highlight practical ways Watts College can strengthen engagement, communication, and support for prospective international students ensuring a welcoming and seamless transition from recruitment through arrival:
Engage international alumni as ambassadors and peer mentors through virtual sessions, regional chats, WhatsApp groups, and one-on-one outreach. They can share firsthand experiences at Watts and highlight career outcomes to build trust with prospective students.
Create region-specific webpages that include tailored enrollment requirements, visa information, scholarship opportunities, and admissions guidance. Translate content into local languages where appropriate and include regional admissions contacts.
Feature alumni from various countries in short videos or blog posts, focusing on their success in fields relevant to their home regions and their professional achievements in the USA
Conduct region-specific digital recruitment campaigns with customized messaging, locallanguage support where applicable, and mobile-optimized content to increase engagement across prospective international students.
Host region-focused virtual open houses and interactive sessions with current students and alumni. Supplement these with virtual campus tours and informative webinars for international students unable to visit in person.
Present tuition fees, merit-based and region-specific scholarships, visa requirements, associated costs, and application procedures on user-friendly, easily accessible webpages. Emphasize clarity and eligibility to support informed decision-making
Expand peer networks that connect current international students with incoming students prior to arrival, offering guidance on academics, student life, and cultural adjustment. Improve digital onboarding tools to provide timely, easy-to-navigate support throughout the transition process.
Conclusion and Next Steps
We invite leadership to carefully consider the insights outlined in this report, thoughtfully implement necessary actions, and sustain an ongoing dialogue with international students to ensure lasting impact. Specifically, we recommend prioritizing the following initiatives:
Establish a Dedicated ISSC Office at the Downtown Campus
Creating a dedicated ISSC presence at the Downtown campus would greatly enhance accessibility to immigration and visa advising for Watts College students, placing essential services conveniently close to their academic environment and daily lives.
Develop a Comprehensive Watts International Student Handbook
A tailored handbook providing clear, practical guidance on visa and employment procedures, housing and neighborhood resources, local grocery and dining recommendations, transit information, and a directory of key support services would equip international students with critical resources, facilitating their successful integration and ongoing success.
Enhance Community Integration Initiatives
Strengthening community integration efforts through the formation of an international student association would foster meaningful connections and advocacy opportunities. Connecting international employees with international students would cultivate the Watts international community. Additionally, initiating a host family or community ambassador program and organizing regular cultural events such as dinners, city tours, and inter-college meetups would actively promote cross-cultural engagement and a deeper sense of belonging.
Watts College remains committed to fostering inclusive communities and dedicated service to them. By thoughtfully implementing these targeted recommendations, leadership can further build upon existing strengths, elevate the international student experience, and ensure meaningful, lasting outcomes. We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration as we collectively advance our shared mission of student excellence and success.
ACKNOWLEGMENTS:
We acknowledge Arizona State University for fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers student-led initiatives providing the foundation for this work, made possible through the collective support of individuals and offices across Watts College of Public Service and community solutions.
Special thanks to Associate Deans Dr. Chandra Crudup and Dr. Megha Budruk for their strategic guidance, resource stewardship, and unwavering commitment to student-centered change. Their leadership was instrumental in shaping the goals and outcomes of this initiative.
We also extend appreciation to the Office of Inclusive Design for Equity and Access (IDEA), especially Dr. Mary Mathis Burnett, for her thoughtful guidance and valuable design contributions.
Additionally, we recognize IDEA Scholars Isaac Akapnitis, Isabella Castillo, and Dr.Trey Jenkins for their collaborative support, in making the event a success
Gratitude is due to Angel Caldera and the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) team for their ongoing support of international students, ensuring that students felt seen, heard, and supported during the event.
We are equally grateful to the deans, faculty, and staff across Watts College for their meaningful engagement and continued commitment to inclusive growth and student-centered support. In particular, we thank Dean Cynthia Lietz for her leadership and support in advancing efforts that uplift and include our international student community.