Navigating new shores

Strengthening support systems for international students in post-pandemic America

Authors

  • Dr. Charity Alinda Bryn Mawr College
  • Dr. Patriece Campbell-Palmer University of Louisville
  • Dr. Marrian Mitry Northeastern University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/vqv2nt50

Keywords:

International students, Higher education, COVID-19 pandemic, Demographic cliff, Recruitment, Support services, Retention

Abstract

The U.S. has long been a top destination for international students, with over a million choosing it for higher education each year. Since the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the looming 2025 demographic cliff, universities are intensifying recruitment efforts, making effective support programs even more crucial. While many students thrive academically, others face challenges—not from lack of ability, but due to the complexities of adapting to U.S. academic culture, which can differ greatly from their own. Students value support services such as orientation programs, social activities, academic advising, and opportunities to form meaningful connections. They see these as essential to their success. To stay competitive, universities must continuously strengthen these systems to attract and retain qualified students.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Charity Alinda, Bryn Mawr College
    Dr. Charity Alinda is the Director of International Student and Scholar Advising at Bryn Mawr College and a Fulbright Scholar. In this role, Dr. Alinda works closely with international students and scholars from around the world, providing guidance and advocacy to support their success. He serves as the College’s primary liaison with key U.S. government agencies—including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of State (DOS), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). His areas of expertise include immigration advising, cultural adjustment, campus integration, and post-graduation opportunities. In addition, Dr. Alinda oversees the development, coordination, and implementation of programs and initiatives that enrich the academic, social, and cultural experiences of Bryn Mawr’s international community.
  • Dr. Patriece Campbell-Palmer, University of Louisville

    Patriece Campbell-Palmer, Ed.D., is a scholar-practitioner at the University of Louisville with more than 20 years of experience in international education. Her research interests include strategic enrollment management and integrative support and programming for international students.

  • Dr. Marrian Mitry, Northeastern University

    Dr. Marrian Mitry, Ed.D. is a Co-op Faculty and Assistant Director of Multidisciplinary Graduate Engineering (MGEN) Co-op in the Department of Engineering at Northeastern University. With a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University, Dr. Mitry is dedicated to supporting international students in their academic and professional journeys. Her research focuses on enhancing support systems for international students at U.S. higher education institutions. Prior to her current role, Dr. Mitry served as an Assistant Director at the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, where she gained valuable insights into the challenges international students face. She is passionate about teaching, advising, and connecting students with employers through Northeastern's cooperative education program, and is actively involved in various committees and professional organizations that advocate for international student success.

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Published

2026-11-11

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 20 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Global Mobility, Policy, and Internationalization

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Charity Alinda, Dr. Patriece Campbell-Palmer, Dr. Marrian Mitry

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How to Cite

Alinda, C. ., Campbell-Palmer, P., & Mitry, M. (2026). Navigating new shores: Strengthening support systems for international students in post-pandemic America. Journal of International Students, 16(20). https://doi.org/10.32674/vqv2nt50