International MBA Students
A diverse student body is integral to developing the university’s global mindset, and Georgetown encourages students from around the world to join the community of scholars and professionals at the McDonough School of Business. Our MBA students hail from 46 countries across the globe. In addition, many of our students speak more than one language and have lived, studied, or worked abroad.
International MBA Students Resources
For MBA Students, Patrick Frazier (Patrick.Frazier@georgetown.edu) is the International Student Advisor.
Office of Global Services (OGS)
The Office of Global Services serves as a resource for schools, faculty, and administrators engaged globally and for international students and scholars here on campus. Our mission is to serve and support the Georgetown community in engaging a more open and connected world.
The Office of Global Services continues to work in a hybrid work mode. We are currently offering hybrid advising during our regular business hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To schedule an appointment or reach an advisor or staff member, please visit our Contact Us page.
Please use this link to schedule a virtual appointment with OGS Advisors, Patrick Frazier
Questions? Contact internationalscholars@georgetown.edu
OGS Team created an International Student and Scholar Services Canva Page:
OGS Office Hours (Spring 2024)
Questions for OGS?
If you want to connect with Office of Global Service (OGS), you can meet Patrick Frazier at McDonough School of Business.
You can view his schedule for Spring 2024 on the table
Immigration & Visa
Immigration & Visa Resources
Academic Updates Impact Student Visas
Please notify OGS of any presumed May 2024 F-1 or J-1 graduate whose degree completion is in jeopardy.
All of the following issues listed below have immigration implications for F-1 and J-1 students:
Early completion
Leave of absence
Incomplete courses
Suspension or withdrawal
Termination
Academic integrity violations
Study abroad and research abroad
Please contact the student’s IS Advisor anytime these arise. The earlier we know about an issue, the better we can help the student prepare for its effects.
Optional practical training (OPT) Resources:
Optional practical training (OPT) Resources:
What does the process look like? More information available on OPT Process Guide for MBAs
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Resources:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Resources:
What does the process look like? More information available on CPT Process Guide for MBAs
English Preparation Courses
English Language Resources https://georgetown.app.box.com/s/zsxjrpysgx76jc7l2pajzbb1t0o1wp4i
LEARNING IN A GROUP SETTING
Georgetown University’s English Skills for Graduate Students program. English language training courses at Georgetown University’s English Language Center for both incoming students and family members/spouses.
- Intensive English Program (full-time and part-time courses during the day)
- Evening and Weekend English Program (part-time, evenings, & Saturday) – Enroll early for discounted registration
Apply by: May 10, 2023 through the ELC application | Course dates: June 21-July 12, 2023
Program structure: 18+ contacts hours per week, Monday-Friday
LEARNING IN AN INDIVIDUAL SETTING
If you are more comfortable with individual, customized study and coaching, we recommend B-Speak: English for MBA Students
Customized, one-on-one lessons conducted online by certified language trainers, designed to increase your fluency, accuracy, writing, and comprehensibility of business English. Courses are offered 12 months a year and can help you to:
- improve your pronunciation and build your confidence when speaking English in social, professional, and academic settings
- expand your vocabulary
- perfect your grammar
- strengthen your business writing
-increase your knowledge of U.S. customs and business etiquette
Your unique language challenges are the focus; North American business is the context. Students will take an English assessment before and after completing the course providing a good measure of improvement. Learn more about the program and reg
ister for a flexible schedule.
Students who complete 30 hours of B-Speak coaching by July 25 will be reimbursed $300 upon enrollment at Georgetown McDonough.
Faculty Resources
MBA International Students Buddy Program
MBA Program Ambassadors created the MBA International Students Buddy program that connects first and second-year MBA students. Second-year students have already gone through the transition process and have gained valuable experiences in settling into DC and Georgetown, co-curricular at McDonough, academics and career development, navigating the opening term, etc. They can offer a unique perspective. Applications took place during Summer 2023 and are currently closed. If you have questions, please reach out to: mbaprogramambassadors@georgetown.edu
Save the date:
Kickoff Event - MBA International Buddy Program (Oct 04, 12:30pm)
Closing Event for Buddy Program (April 10th, 12:30pm)
Additional Resources
Welcome Website (username: mcdonough; password: hoyasaxa)
Phone: Learn about telecom operators in the US.
Loans (without cosigner) – Prodigy Finance and MPower
English Language Resources https://georgetown.app.box.com/s/zsxjrpysgx76jc7l2pajzbb1t0o1wp4i
OGS Academic Culture Guide (PDF) https://georgetown.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b17dc7a746cf42e438d84cc9&id=1446122f04&e=b1bdcf9b34
Academic Integrity in the Global Classroom: https://internationalservices.georgetown.edu/departments/academic-integrity-tips/
Georgetown Writing Center https://writingcenter.georgetown.edu
Academics
English Language Resources | Georgetown Writing Center | Academic Resource Center (ARC) | OGS Academic Culture Guide (PDF) | Quick Academic Integrity Tips I Recruiting Guidelines for Teaching Faculty
Mental Health
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) | Student Health Center (SHC) | OGS Self-Care
Student Health Services: Self-Care Brochure (PDF) | Hoya wellness Wheel | List of Confidential and Free Student Health Services
On-Campus Mental Health and Wellness Resources | Helpful Apps and Links
Understanding U.S. Health Insurance: Overview of Health Insurance for International Students
Maintained by Georgetown's Office of Global Services is this guide to international scholarships and private lenders by country of citizenship.
This page of resources for international students is put together by the University of Rochester.
Rowe: FINANCIAL AID FOR LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Other Resources for International Students
Maintained by Georgetown's Office of Global Services is this guide to international scholarships and private lenders by country of citizenship.
This page of resources for international students is put together by the University of Rochester.
SAFETY
Know Your Rights: If You are Stopped at the Airport (PDF) | If You are Stopped By Police (PDF)
Campus & Neighborhood Safety: Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) | LiveSafe App Campus Safety FAQs (PDF) | Saferides
Career Resources
Interstride: An integrated platform to support international students and alumni at every step of the way, from admissions through graduation
How to Answer: Will You Now or in the Future Require Sponsorship to Work in the US?
Top mistakes made by international students during the job search process
Interstride H-1B Sponsorship Finder: The Interstride H-1B Sponsorship Finder is a free Chrome extension that shows companies sponsoring H-1B visas on your favorite job boards like LinkedIn, Google Careers, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Add to Chrome now to find jobs and internships at US companies that sponsor the H-1B now.
My visa jobs: Search for which companies have historically sponsored H1-B visa and green card for international candidates in the US.
What visa options are available for students who wish to stay in the U.S.?
OPT: 12 months + OPT STEM: 24 months = Total of 36 months
Non-U.S. MBA students hold either F-1 or J-1 visa status and are eligible to work in the U.S. immediately after graduation for 12 months (F-1) to 18 months (J-1) without requiring company sponsorship. In addition, many F-1 students opt into STEM-focused MBA courses, an added benefit is eligibility for a two-year extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT). When paired with a STEM designated role after graduation, this academic track qualifies F-1 international students for a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduating.Longer term U.S. work authorization is available through the H-1B visa which does require company sponsorship. Other visa options include L-1 intra-company Transferee, TN Professional Worker (available to Canadians and Mexicans working in certain fields), and E-3 U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement Professional Worker (available to Australians), amongst others.
Off-Campus Authorization Required for Your Students: Paid and Unpaid Positions
All F-1 and J-1 Students must receive work authorization through OGS before participating in both paid and unpaid off-campus experiences. Please direct students to the OGS Employment page for complete eligibility and application requirements.
20 Hours Per Week Limit
The total employment/internship activities (on- and off-campus work, paid and unpaid) of F-1 and J-1 Students may not exceed 20 hours per week during required academic terms. OGS has a regulatory obligation to terminate the immigration status of students who work more than 20 hours in any week.
F1 MBAs are not authorized to work off-campus in their first year. Please reach out to Patrick Frazier for more information.
Student and Scholar 2022 Tax Obligations
The OGS Tax website helps international students and scholars understand their tax obligations. We provide access to tax preparation software to help nonresidents prepare tax forms. OGS will have updated tax information published on its website in February, including access to virtual tax workshops.
If F-1 and J-1 Students or scholars have questions, please refer them to the FAQs on the Tax website.
Student and Scholar 2023 Tax Obligations
U.S. tax filing is a legal requirement. International students, scholars and all dependents who held F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 status and were physically present in the United States in 2023 must file at least one tax form, even if no U.S. source income was earned.
OGS emails international students and scholars each February when U.S. tax filing resources are updated for the prior calendar year:
Detailed instructions and FAQs
Free access to Sprintax for federal nonresident filing preparation
Sprintax virtual workshops
OGS staff cannot provide individual tax advising: Students who have questions beyond the published guidance should contact a professional tax specialist.
University-Related Fall, Spring Break & Summer Travel
Do you have students planning to travel internationally during spring break or the summer? Be sure to have groups and students complete the Travel Authorization process at least 4 weeks before their intended departure date. Please be sure to award any funding for these opportunities with sufficient time for students to complete the authorization process. The review and approval of applications cannot be expedite
Inviting Family Members and Friends to Visit
During your studies at Georgetown or during a period of post-completion work authorization, you may wish to invite friends or family members to visit you. Sharing your Georgetown experience with loved ones is a wonderful opportunity, and we are eager to help you welcome them to the United States.
Resources and Useful Links
Faculty & Administrators Website | J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
International Student and Scholar Safety
OGS Safety | When Government Officials Request Student Information
Academic Support
English Language Resources | Georgetown Writing Center | Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Academic Integrity
Student Academic Culture Guide (PDF) | Instructor Academic Integrity Tips
Hiring International Employees
Hiring and Inviting International Students and Scholars I Recruiting Guidelines for Teaching Faculty
Mental Health
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) | Student Health Center (SHC) | OGS Self-Care
Upcoming Events
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop - (MBA International Students) (Feb 07, 2024 - 5pm, 370 Case Room or Zoom) - RSVP on HoyaConnect
International Student Advisor, Patrick Frazier will discuss the steps required for F1 students in the MBA Program to obtain Optional Practical Training (OPT). A review of the process and timeline for approval of your authorization for employment will be discussed. Post approval requirements and maintenance of F1 status while students participate in practical training will be highlighted. Students in attendance will be allowed to ask questions as time permits.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshop - (MBA International Students)
(Feb 14, 2024 - 12:30pm, 350 Case Room or Zoom) - RSVP on HoyaConnect
International Student Advisor, Patrick Frazier will discuss the steps required for F1 students in the MBA Program to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT). A review of the required documentation will be discussed and students will be given a template of what their offer letter should resemble. A timeline will be suggested to assure you receive authorization to begin your mandatory internship on time. Students will also be given guidance on how to apply for a Social Security Number 30 days prior to their start. Questions from the live audience will be taken as time permits.
OGS Workshops for students about U.S. work authorization
Feb 7 at 1:00 pm - H-1B & Post-Graduation Visa Alternatives
Feb 8 at 2:00 pm - OPT Concepts
Feb 9 at 11:00 am - OPT Application Mechanics
Feb 21 at 12:00 pm - OPT Concepts
Feb 23 at 12:00 pm - OPT Application Mechanics
Global Festival (Nov 06 to Nov 11, 2023)
Georgetown McDonough MBA program held its annual International Festival, celebrating the international and cultural diversity within the MBA community. The McDonough School of Business has a long, long tradition of hosting an International Fest that celebrates the diversity here at Georgetown. Our community represents over 40 countries. However, this year, the International Fest has gotten a makeover, and now we present the... MBA Global Fest!
This year, the Global Fest aims to offer an immersive opportunity to experience all our students' vibrant and varied cultures by sharing food, art, and cultural performances from various national backgrounds. Specific events information will be sent out soon. Please also keep an eye on your inbox for a separate email that will be sent out asking for volunteers to sign up to help organize and also participate in our events. Following the success of last year's celebration, we are excited to announce its return, promising to be even grander and more captivating than before! The festivities will commence on November 6th, culminating in a spectacular finale on November 11th late afternoon onwards which includes the annual potluck and performances in Lohrfink.
Connect with SGA VP of International Students:
Francisca Chinyamakobvu ffc9@georgetown.edu
Questions, concerns or suggestions?