Office of International Student Services
International Student Support at Etown
Each semester, Elizabethtown College welcomes students from around the world. Our international student community represents more than 20 countries and enriches our campus with diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures. As International Blue Jays study alongside their U.S. peers, we encourage them to share their cultures and show up as their authentic selves. You belong here—and we value you for who you are.
International Student Services provides educational and personal support through workshops and one-on-one guidance, including:
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Maintaining visa status
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Adjusting to U.S. culture
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On-campus and off-campus employment options
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Applying for a U.S. driver’s license
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Applying for a Social Security number
We support international students throughout their entire journey at Etown—from pre-arrival and orientation, through their academic experience, and into post-graduation work authorization. We are grateful to be part of your time here and honored to support you every step of the way.
Contact the office at oiss@etown.edu for more information.
Admitted International Student Resources International Student Employment Resources Curricular Practical Training (CPT) & Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International Student Services
Maria Petty, M.S. pettym@etown.edu
International Student Programs Advisor, PDSO
Applying to Etown as an International Student
We are excited that you are interested in Elizabethtown College! We are a small campus community with our international students representing over 20 countries across the world. Our International Blue Jays bring valuable perspectives and culture to our campus: welcome!
Please visit our International Student Admissions page to start your free application and learn more about what Etown can offer you!
International Leadership Assistants (ILA's)
ILA’s are student workers who directly support and assist international students in a variety of ways. They act as a resource to our international students, and are able to assist with questions about the campus, the community and the Etown experience. They work to make the transition to the U.S. and the international student experience as seamless as possible. ILA’s support and encourage our international students, and provide a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for all international students to be involved in extracurricular activities and events.
Spring 2026 Events
Join Us: Celebrate culture. Build connections. Feel at home.
Explore upcoming International Student Services events and be part of our global community. Our events are open to all students who are curious about the world, interested in cultural exchange, or looking to connect.
Questions? Contact Maria Petty, International Student Programs Advisor.
9
February
Lunar New Year & Setsubun
Join us for a combined cultural celebration of Lunar New Year & Setsubun as we welcome in the new year by making dumplings & invite good fortune through the Japanese tradition of throwing beans at evil spirits! This event is open to all students! RSVP preferred, but not required.
Date: February 9
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Demo Kitchen
23
February
International Family Dinner
Join us for a homecooked meal at our International Family Dinner! Come hang with friends, meet new ones, and share a meal together where there are no expectations other than being yourself. All are welcome! RSVP here
Date: February 23
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Demo Kitchen
11, 26
February
English Corner
English Corner is a peer-led conversation group designed to help students gain more confidence conversing in English. This is open to all students who would like to become more comfortable communicating with each other, whether you are a non-native English speaker, fluent in multiple languages, or you have social or speaking anxiety. This is an informal time in a supportive space for you to practice together!
Email oiss@etown.edu for more info or stop by office BSC 248 and see Maria Petty.
Date: February 11, 26
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: McCormick Classroom, High Library
24
March
International Family Dinner
Join us for a homecooked meal at our International Family Dinner! Come hang with friends, meet new ones, and share a meal together where there are no expectations other than being yourself. All are welcome! RSVP here
Date: March 24
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Demo Kitchen
12, 26
March
English Corner
English Corner is a peer-led conversation group designed to help students gain more confidence conversing in English. This is open to all students who would like to become more comfortable communicating with each other, whether you are a non-native English speaker, fluent in multiple languages, or you have social or speaking anxiety. This is an informal time in a supportive space for you to practice together!
Email oiss@etown.edu for more info or stop by office BSC 248 and see Maria Petty.
Date: March 12, 26
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: McCormick Classroom in the High Library
27
April
International Family Dinner
This is a Senior celebration for our graduating international students & friends! Join us for a homecooked meal at our International Family Dinner! Come hang with friends, meet new ones, and share a meal together where there are no expectations other than being yourself. All are welcome! RSVP here
Date: April 27
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Demo Kitchen
9, 22
April
English Corner
English Corner is a peer-led conversation group designed to help students gain more confidence conversing in English. This is open to all students who would like to become more comfortable communicating with each other, whether you are a non-native English speaker, fluent in multiple languages, or you have social or speaking anxiety. This is an informal time in a supportive space for you to practice together!
Email oiss@etown.edu for more info or stop by office BSC 248 and see Maria Petty.
Date: April 9, 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: McCormick Classroom in the High Library
8
May
International Family Celebration
The Office of International Student Services is excited to host the 2nd Annual International Family Celebration to honor and celebrate each of our graduating International Blue Jays. This special event will allow our community to connect with friends and family who have dedicated and sacrificed their time, love, and finances to support their education abroad. This event is open to all family members, friends, and mentors who can join, but we kindly ask for each attendee to RSVP.
Date: May 8
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Jay Lounge, Lower Level of BSC