US Citizens Living Abroad & PRs
Congratulations on your acceptance to LMU! The Office for International Students and Scholars is here to help students like yourself. We understand that you are either a U.S.Citizen or Permanent Resident and that you will not need a visa to studying the U.S. With that being said, we also understand that you may have only lived in the U.S. for a short amount of time or in some cases not at all! Although our name is the “Office for International Students” we consider you a vital part of our community. Our office is a resource for you and is described by some students as their home away from home. Our office hosts many fun activities throughout the school year that are created for students just like you. We start off the year with a week-long orientation program for students that are coming from outside of the U.S. This orientation is a great way for you to get ahead of everyone else that is starting their first year at LMU. You get to move in early, meet other new students coming from abroad, participate in workshops that will help you adjust to LMU both socially and academically. The orientation also includes fun excursions around Los Angeles including a trip to Disneyland! Feel free to explore our page and let us know if you have any questions!
Just Ask Them...Current LMU Students that lived outside of the U.S.
 | Akapot "Rex" Chantraporn
Class Year: Senior
Major: Animation
Minors: Studio Arts - Multimedia
Countries' I've lived in: Thailand (14 and a half years) USA (3 and a half years and 2 years while at LMU)
I have been at LMU for two years. I'm currently a Junior. This is not my first time here in Los Angeles, but it's the first time of being away from my family. International orientation was one of the most memorable moments of my life. I found many good friends that I can share and relate my experience with. And so the following year, I became a multimedia coordinator for the international orientation, which once again gave me an opportunity to get to know more people and become very good friends. One thing that I like about LMU is that it is the perfect location for me; big entertainment companies are all around here, which gives me a better chance of getting a great internship experience. |
 | Lena Noureldin
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Communication Studies
Countries' I've lived in: Saudi Arabia (8 years), Egypt (1 year), and USA (9 years)
I have been at LMU for 1 year so far. I am a freshman. International Orientation was a great and very beneficial experience for me personally. It is a good time to make friends you will have for the rest of the year. As well as getting to know the Los Angeles area and finalize anything you need for the year with the OISS Coordinators. It was an amazing experience and i loved every moment of it. |
 | Nicole Uy
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Minors: Chinese
Countries' I've lived in: Philippines (All my life) : USA (1 year at LMU)
Orientation: I had a great time during the International Orientation! It's definitely a good learning experience since you not only learn more about life here at LMU and LA, but you also get to meet new people from all around the world. On campus involvement: I am currently a member of the LMU Accounting Society and PANGAEA. At times, I also volunteer to do community service events. Lastly, I work for OISS Front Desk (such a fun job :D) and as a TA for Chinese Professor. |
 | Ana-Sofia Alcaraz
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: English
Orientation: Hi, I'm Ana-Sofia Alcaraz and I'm an English major. I'm Mexican, born and raised in San Diego, California until I was almost 17 when I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for almost 3 years. I've been studying at LMU for almost one year now. I was a little unsure if I should attend international orientation or not when I first decided to study at LMU but I decided to go and I do not regret the choice. International orientation is not just for people from other countries, but for people who have moved around or lived outside of the United States, for people like you and me who will be far from our families. It's a great way to meet new people and to meet counselors, older students, and peers you can trust. Hopefully, I will meet you all soon! |
 | Ryan Latchmansingh
Class Year: Class of 2010
Major: Film and Television
Countries' I've lived in: Trinidad & Tobago (19 years ) & USA (5 years).
During my time at LMU apart from being an active member in the film school, I was an Resident Advisor for two years in a freshman residence hall, on the club soccer team for 4 years, as well as a member of TLC (The Learning Community). I also was an Orientation Leader for both the LMU orientation program as well as the International Student Orientation. All 4 years I also worked as a student worker for the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs. Since I graduated I was selected to receive additional funding to extend my senior thesis film that I shot back home in Trinidad & Tobago. Currently I am preparing to work on a Paramount feature film that will be shot in Nicaragua. I had a great time while I was studying at LMU and encourage all of you to take up as many opportunities as you can. |
 | Kathleen Foster
Class Year: Class of 2011
Major: Biology
I am a biology major. I was born in Wisconsin where I lived until I was 5.Then I moved to France where I lived for a year before moving to England for 4 and a half years. After that I moved to Australia where I've been for the last 10 years, except for the 4 years I've been in the US at LMU. I have dual US/Australian citizenship. I am the team manager for the LMU Rowing team, A Student Athlete, an iMentor, and I worked as an International Coordinator for 2 years. I do research in the biology department, was Vice President of Pangaea International Club and I work on campus at the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). I have been very busy during my time at LMU but I wouldn't have it any other way! Enjoy every minute of your time at LMU, it will disappear faster than you can imagine. Get involved and make each experience a memorable one because your 4 years at LMU are truly what you make them! |
What is the iMentor Program?