Academic integrity in practice Classroom expectations and participating norms Independent learning and critical thinking Applied learning, internships, and career readiness

CULTURAL & SOCIAL NAVIGATION

Understanding U.S. diversity, equity, and inclusion Race, identity, and intersectionality Building community and belonging Communication styles and cultural fluency Navigating unfamiliar systems and expectations

PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL GROWTH

Networking and relationship-building Developing confidence and agency Teamwork and collaboration Becoming a global citizen Owning your learning journey

Institutions | Rajika Bhandari

The Whole International student framework

Beyond Orientation: A New Model for International Student Success

U.S. colleges and universities are navigating a rapidly shifting global landscape. International enrollments are under pressure. Competition is intensifying. And many students are arriving with heightened uncertainty about their experience in the U.S.

In this environment, international student success is no longer optional—it is a strategic priority that is central to institutional sustainability and global competitiveness.

The Whole International Student Framework helps U.S. colleges and universities respond to this moment with a holistic, research-driven approach and workshop series to supporting international students academically, culturally, and socially.

BRING THE Whole international student framework TO YOUR CAMPUS

Whether you are looking to pilot a workshop, launch a multi-session series, or embed a comprehensive program into your student experience, the Whole International Student Framework can be tailored to your needs.

Let's Start the Conversation.

Schedule a conversation

Request a proposal

The whole international student framework

A customizable workshop and learning series aimed at bridging the gap between admissions and success

designed for impact across campus

International Students

Build confidence before and after arrival
Navigate academic and social expectations
Develop skills for long-term success

Senior Leaders

Strengthen your internationalization strategy
Better articulate the value of international students
Use data and insight for campus-wide alignment

Faculty

Improve classroom engagement with international students
Better understand learning differences and expectations

Student Support Staff

Gain practical tools for advising and support
Access ongoing professional development

Our program complements existing services, aligning with orientation, advising, and student support systems, helping campuses take a more coordinated, proactive, and student-centered approach.

Dr. Ozan Say

Director, Office of International Students and Scholars

Yale University

Dr. Rajika Bhandari’s session offered an affirming, inclusion-centered perspective on the lived realities of international students and scholars. She named the often unspoken academic, social, and cultural barriers that many face. More importantly, she provided practical strategies and a mindset “roadmap” that helps students and scholars feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. It was a timely, thoughtful conversation that strengthened our collective commitment to building environments where members of the international community fully belong.

international students are prepared to arrive...
But not always to thrive

International students arrive on U.S. campuses highly prepared--academically and logistically. Yet many struggle in ways institutions don't always anticipate.

Preparation focuses heavily on admissions, testing, and rankings
But success depends on navigating academic norms, cultural expectations, and social integration

At the same time, institutions are:

Facing increased competition for international students
Being asked to demonstrate stronger student outcomes
Seeking more holistic, campus-wide approaches to student success

The Gap is Clear

Students are prepared to get in...but are they ready to thrive?

Why Invest in the Holistic Experiences of Your International Students?

Differentiate themselves in a competitive global market
Increase student satisfaction and retention
Strengthen word-of-mouth and alumni advocacy
Align internationalization with institutional strategy
And ultimately, strengthen enrollment and yield

STRATEGIC OUTCOMES

flexiblE & scalable

Interactive Workshops

(In-Person or Virtual)

Faculty & Staff Training Sessions

Pre-Arrival & Orientation Modules

Leadership Briefings & Strategy Sessions

Multi-Session Student Learning Series

Panel Discussions & Campus Dialogues

Programs can be delivered as standalone sessions or as a comprehensive experience.

WHAT WE cover

The framework focuses on the three dimensions most critical to international student success:

THREE DIMENSIONS

01.

A strategic framework for international student success

02.

Grounded in 25+ years of research and practice

03.

Informed by lived international student experience

04.

Designed for both students and institutions

05.

Focused on academic, cultural & social integration

Not Just Another Workshop: 5 Reasons

led by:
dr. rajika bhandari

International higher education expert, scholar-practitioner, and former international student.

25+ years across academic, nonprofit, and private sectors
Widely recognized thought leader in international education
Experienced speaker at U.S. campuses nationwide
Extensive engagement with students, faculty, and leaders
Engaging, practical and thought-provoking approach grounded in deep research on international student mobility and in storytelling
Lived experience as a former international student navigating the U.S. education system