A Brazilian English teacher chatting with staff

Participant Support

Why is participant support important?

With over 45 combined years in international education, ISP staff know that a holistic approach is what makes programs successful. Participants' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing is fundamental to meeting their program goals and experience.

24/7 Emergency Support

As prepared as any person can be, emergencies happen. For ISP participants, who are away from home, an emergency can be especially stressful. International Short Programs has an emergency line, available 24/7 to all ISP participants, specifically for emergencies. Should there be an emergency, ISP staff will support a participant through everything to the best of their ability.
Kansai students with ISP staff

On-Campus Wellness

There is a medical office on the KU campus, Watkins Health Center, that can handle most non-emergent medical needs. It has a pharmacy in the building, and also houses Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Health Education Resource Office (HERO), offices that address mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Watkins Health Center

Watkins Health Center

Recreation Services

One of the best places to meet people and to relieve stress is the Ambler Recreation Center on KU's campus. With indoor and outdoor activities available and plenty of equipment, the Rec Center is often one of the favorite amenities for ISP participants.

Recreation Services

Inside the Ambler Recreation Center

Thorough Orientations

Upon arrival, ISP staff provides thorough orientations for all programs. These orientations are customized to each program, depending on the needs and time constraints of the program. Orientations can include tours of the KU campus and downtown Lawrence, how to use the bus system, program expectations and rules, bank account creation, and immigration check-ins.
Ohmi Brotherhood High School Participants learning how to find their way around campus.

Technology Support

Security and accessibility are top priorities to technology at KU. ISP staff know that being able to reliably reach family and friends back home, access program materials, and being able to use KU technology is important to each program. During program orientation, ISP can provide information on effectively using KU technology. Throughout the program, ISP staff will also be available to help if issues come up.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows taking pictures by Clinton Lake