How does international student support compare at Washington University in St. Louis and American University?

Neither university has a clear across-the-board advantage in formal immigration advising: Washington University in St. Louis’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) and American University’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) both handle F-1/J-1 compliance, immigration documents, travel questions, work authorization, and new-student orientation. The more meaningful difference is the environment around that support. American may feel more practical and internationally connected for a student who wants to use Washington, D.C. as part of college life, while WashU may appeal to someone seeking a more campus-centered undergraduate experience with international advising embedded in a residential university setting.

At WashU, OISS is the central resource for immigration and transition matters, including guidance on CPT/OPT, employment rules, tax-related resources, and maintaining visa status. International students also have access to the university’s broader academic infrastructure, such as advising, tutoring, writing support, and school-specific career services. Its St. Louis setting tends to make the campus community a major source of day-to-day social and cultural connection, which can be especially comfortable for students who prefer a cohesive residential environment.

American’s ISSS provides comparable visa and employment support, including immigration advising and orientation programming. AU’s D.C. location can add real practical value for students interested in international affairs, public policy, diplomacy, communications, or organizations with global work, since the city offers embassies, NGOs, international institutions, and internship possibilities. At the same time, students should be prepared to navigate a more urban, decentralized lifestyle and to plan carefully around transportation, housing, and the cost of living.

For cultural support, both schools offer international student communities, student organizations, and programming designed to help students meet peers across national backgrounds. American may offer a more visibly global setting because of its location and internationally oriented academic culture. WashU may feel more personally manageable for a student who wants close campus ties and less reliance on the surrounding city for community.

Before deciding, compare each school’s current international orientation schedule, availability of one-on-one immigration appointments, career advising for international students, and policies around campus housing during breaks.