Carmela Patton is the International Student Adviser.
As the international student adviser, Carmela Patton coordinates support services for international students and promotes international awareness and understanding on the campus in a variety of ways. Her office commits to ease transition from one cultural experience to another and helps international students to secure the most benefits from their Connecticut College experience.
The international student adviser offers guidance with F-1 visa-related questions, transportation, employment, healthcare, housing and other situations unique to international students. The adviser works actively with the academic deans and various offices concerning progress or difficulties for students adjusting to a new academic setting and cultural environment. She also serves as the faculty adviser to the International Student Association, new student orientation programs, and the international student newsletter.
International student support services include:
- Pre-departure details and first-arrival planning
- Information and assistance on immigration policies and regulations
- Odyssey. Before the general Orientation, international students are invited to attend Odyssey, a special pre-orientation program. Odyssey provides the opportunity for first-year international students and their parents to familiarize themselves with the campus and interact with each other prior to the arrival of the rest of the first-year students. It also provides the opportunity for students with visas to familiarize themselves with U.S. government regulations affecting F-1 visa holders. First-year international students arrive several days before classes start in the fall to attend Odyssey and the general Orientation program. Each new international student is assigned an IA (International Adviser), an older international student who can help with adjustment to life in the U.S. and Connecticut College.
- Housing arrangements: Connecticut College's academic year is divided into two semesters with a long break between mid-December and mid-January. Residence halls close for winter break and gain for two weeks' spring break during March. International students can make arrangements to stay during these breaks. There is no charge for room and board for students approved to stay over winter and spring break. Summer housing is available only if students have on-campus employment or are doing research over summer break. In this case, students may be responsible for a housing fee.
- Cross-cultural programming
- Guidance on internships through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Critical Training (CPT).
For more information on traveling and life on campus, please read the Handbook for International Students.