The city of Houston has long been known for being one of the most diverse cities in the nation, with Lone Star College welcoming nearly 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries. The American Association of Community Colleges recently ranked LSC the No. 1 community college in the nation, having the largest number of international students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year.
LSC recently hosted the Houston Forum for International Educators where nearly 90 registrants (including 26 institutions) discussed updates regarding F-1 visas and other services designated to international students and scholars in the Greater Houston area and other jurisdictions that fall under the Houston District Office of the Department of Homeland Security.
“The Houston Forum for International Educators serves as a sounding board for all who serve international students such as standalone language institutions, community colleges like Lone Star College, four-year universities and medical schools,” said Perzen Akolawala, LSC executive director, International Programs. “We discuss innovative approaches and best practices in the field of international education.”
The biannual forum is a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking among professionals in international education. This year, LSC and other attendees shared local, state and federal government directives that will affect its business processes and advising policies for international students holding F-1, J-1 and H1B visas.
“The Houston Forum gave Lone Star College and others an opportunity to learn the latest developments that will greatly help our international students,” said Akolawala. “This event also gave us a collaborative space to discuss student cases and pain points and brainstorm solutions to complex situations.”
The LSC Office of International Programs provides international students with innovative education and customized support to help them achieve their long-term goals. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/International-Students.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.