International Student Community at Hardin-Simmons University
At HSU, we are passionate in taking care of our international students! Even before you step foot in Abilene, our friendly staff is hard at work to provide the best educational experience we can offer. HSU provides our international students with a dedicated international office to make sure you are supported well when you come and study at our university. See for yourself why our international students are having the time of their life at HSU. We cannot wait to welcome you to the HSU family.
The Office of Global Engagement (GE) is the dedicated international office to help you feel supported when you come and study at our university. The GE office is in the Connally Missions Center and our staff is available Monday and Tuesday 8:00AM to 6:00PM and Wednesday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM. You may also contact us via email at globalengagement@mblayst.com.
The GE office provides various services that are important for international student during their stay at HSU, a listing of these services are described in more detail here:
A full-day student orientation is provided for all new international students at HSU. We strive to make the transition smooth for international students through this post-arrival orientation. We will help you with the various dimensions of basic life needs such as cultural norms and culture shock, health insurance, cell phone and bank account setup, on-campus employment, driver’s license/social security setup, and direction to other campus resources.
For the Spring 2025 semester, international orientation is scheduled for January 10th and 11th. All new international students are required to attend this international orientation with the Office of Global Engagement. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Global Engagement by e-mail at globalengagement@mblayst.com
Transportation is important for international students within the city of Abilene. A group of volunteers who love international students help provide essential transportation to group events and for important needs such as airport pickup/drop-offs, Sunday Church, Friday Greens’ family dinner, Walmart, hospital and emergencies, etc. For other basic transportation needs, you will need to schedule a local Uber or taxi service.
The GE office provides only essential transportation needs by appointment or schedule only. If you need to request transportation, please complete a transportation request form:
US law requires international students to take responsibility to maintain their student visa status without violation. The Office of Global Engagement will help you with international student advising and immigration services so that you can easily maintain your visa status while studying here at HSU.
Our Designated School Officials (DSOs) are here to answer your questions and advise you in maintaining your status and the documentation processes for your visa. Our office also provides support for OPT (Optional Practical Training), CPT (Curricular Practical Training), Visa renewals, Program Extensions, Reduced Course Loads, and other important immigration needs that our international students may encounter. An international student advising appointment is also conducted each semester with a DSO after their academic advising to ensure you remain in good status with your immigration.
In order to serve international students well, immigration advising and international student advising with a DSO is by appointment only and must be requested ahead of time. To request an appointment with a DSO, please click the following link below:
Health insurance in the U.S. is very important as medical costs can add up quickly and be difficult to pay if not insured. To meet U.S. Department of State guidelines and protect our international students, HSU requires all international students to purchase the HSU group policy through the International Medical Group (IMG). HSU will automatically enroll you in the HSU group plan with IMG each fall and spring semester and place an insurance charge on your student account. International students are welcome to have another health insurance policy in addition to the HSU group plan, but you must still purchase the HSU group plan to insure proper coverage the entire time you are enrolled at HSU.
For questions regarding the HSU group plan, please contact the Office of Global Engagement by e-mail at globalengagement@mblayst.com.
Once you are enrolled, international students are guaranteed to have a place to stay on our safe campus where you can easily access all our resources! HSU offers community residence halls, campus apartments, and campus houses all in convenient walking distance to classes, dinning halls, and student activities.
To learn more about living on campus, please see our information about Living on Campus.
International students are allowed to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours/week. This can be a great way to start your work experience, build your resume, and help cover some of your expenses.
Once you have been accepted to a part-time position on campus, you will need a Social Security Number. Please come by or contact the Office of Global Engagement for further instructions by e-mail at globalengagement@mblayst.com.
The vision of the International Student Fellowship (ISF) is to create a fellowship of people who are passionate about the international student community and to act as bridge builder between the HSU community and international students. ISF organizes various international events to introduce international culture to the HSU community and provide ongoing help on special needs for international students. These events include a semesterly International Welcome party, International Week, “Lunch-and-Learns”, and the End of Semester party.
If you are interested in joining or learning more about the International Student Fellowship, you may contact them or follow them directly or contact the Office of Global Engagement for further instructions.