All of Mary Baldwin’s student services are available to international students and scholars. As an international student, you may be especially interested in the following:
Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement
www.mbc.edu/spencer_center/
ext. 7113 or ext. 7111
[located in Wenger Hall]
The Spencer Center provides:
- personal and cultural support for international students and scholars
- information about study and service opportunities abroad
- three-day International Student Orientation
- “MBC Ambassador” program
- Local Host program
- local community service information
- various programs throughout the year, including several field trips and outings for international students each semester
- a staff advisor for all international students, usually the Director of International Programs (in addition to their assigned academic, or faculty, advisor)
- this International Student and Scholar Handbook at (http://www.mbc.edu/docs/admin_docs/internationalstudenthandbook) which provides information about academic support, housing, dining, student life, transportation, shopping, community resources, worship, visa and immigration issues,emergency contacts, and other relevant subjects
- Drivers Roster that lists the names and phone numbers of MBC community members who, when available, agree to transport international students and scholars for a nominal fee (based on the rate for travel reimbursement approved by the business office)
Other International Student Services
International Student Orientation
All new international students participate in a three-day orientation program. In the fall, this takes place before general orientation for new students. The purpose of orientation is to help students become more familiar with the campus, its services, and the local community. International scholars are welcome to participate in the international student orientation. Students arriving for spring semester will receive an abbreviated orientation.
MBC 101: Introduction to College
New international students at Mary Baldwin College enroll in a special section of this course
each fall, focused on the different needs international students may have adapting to U.S. college life.
MBC Ambassadors
MBC Ambassadors are U.S. students with a special interest in international exchange.
- Each new international student or scholar is paired with an MBC Ambassador, who assists with the adjustment to campus life and the local community.
- Starting from the day you arrive on campus, MBC Ambassadors act as cultural, campus, and community liaisons for international students and scholars at Mary Baldwin College for the academic year.
- Their goal is to help the international visitors adjust to campus life and residence halls, become familiar with Staunton and local surroundings, integrate socially, and learn about classroom and academic expectations at Mary Baldwin College.
Local Hosts
Local Hosts are faculty, staff, or friends of the college who provide additional support to international students. Local Hosts may:
- help with airport and local transportation;
- invite students to participate in activities during the school year, such as:
- family meals
- shopping trips or outings
- holiday celebrations
- visits to cultural sites
