Campus Partners and Resources Supporting International Students

The unwritten rules of professional communication in American business—such as navigating small talk, executing direct salary negotiations, and presenting ideas aggressively in meetings—can feel highly intimidating if English is your second language.

• UM English Language Institute (ELI): Build professional confidence, develop advanced professional speech patterns, and access intensive language readiness courses through the UM English Language Institute.
• Intercultural Adaptation Coursework (ANTH 104): Learn to deconstruct foundational American values, communication styles, and corporate social expectations by exploring specialized course offerings outlined on the UM Global Engagement Resources Guide.

F-1 and J-1 immigration laws change frequently and place strict regulations on when, where, and how long you are legally allowed to work in the United States. Navigating the application processes for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) requires strict attention to federal deadlines.

• UM International Students & Scholars (ISS) Office: This is your primary, mandatory resource before accepting any professional role. Access policy updates, timeline tracking, and official application portals through the UM ISS Resource Hub.
• ISS Legal & Work Authorization Forms: Download necessary documentation and submit direct tracking requests for CPT authorizations and J-1 academic training requests using the UM ISS Immigration Forms Portal.

Job application formats vary wildly around the world. Many international students are accustomed to templates that include personal demographic data, photographs, or exhaustive educational summaries. U.S. recruiters reject these layouts instantly. You must learn to build a skills-forward, privacy-compliant U.S. resume.

• Intercultural Career Coaching: Meet with our staff at the ELCS to format your employment history according to standard U.S. recruitment benchmarks and build a targeted outreach strategy.
• ELCS Career Competencies: Explore UM’s Career Competencies to see how your unique adaptability and problem-solving skills translate into high-value assets to top employers.
• Application Guides and Templates: Check out our How Do I...Write a Resume or CV or our Create a Cover Letter pages to see our top resume and cover letter tips, advise, structure, and even templates you can download and use at your leisure.

Arriving in a new country means leaving your existing personal and professional connections behind. Breaking through the “hidden job market” in Montana or the broader U.S. requires building relationships with local mentors who understand the hiring landscapes.

• Missoula International Friendship Program (MIFP): Connect with local Missoula community leaders and regional business professionals who provide hospitality, community introductions, and informal networking channels via the MIFP Network.
• Handshake Global Network: Leverage your university account to find national and regional employers who have a verified history of recruiting international talent and sponsoring working visas via Handshake.
• UM Alumni Association: Use the University of Montana Alumni Association to actively search for and connect with international alumni on their Griz Career Network. This community is full of eager UM Alums ready to mentor current students and share real-world industry insights.

• Search for Jobs & Internships: Use Handshake to Search for CPT/OPT-Friendly Employers
  • Visit Handshake and use the filters: “Will sponsor or doesn’t require U.S. work visa” and “Accepts OPT/CPT”
    • These filters help you quickly find jobs that may be open to international students. Employers are asked these questions when submitting job postings, so it removes some of the guesswork
  • Find an On-Campus Job: Browse On-Campus Jobs for opportunities that allow you to work while attending UM. These roles often do not require CPT or OPT authorization.
• Forage: Build Skills and Confidence: complete free, short-term projects from global companies.
  • Tips for International Students Using Forage:
    • Add program completions to your LinkedIn and resume
    • Talk about your experience in interviews to show global perspective
    • Focus on companies with international reach (like Deloitte, GE, Citi, JPMorgan)
    • Use the platform to improve professional English and decision-making
• Consider a Micro-Internship: short-term, paid, flexible projects that help you gain U.S.-based experience and build your resume.
• Get Support and Practice:
  • Identify and Work with a Mentor: Find Mentorship Resources to connect with someone who can support your journey as an international student. 
  • Build Your Resume: Check out our Resume Tips and Templates. Resumes in the U.S. are typically one page and focused on skills and accomplishments. Most employers prefer a resume over a CV.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Visit Ace the Interview for out top interviewing tips and practice your skills with Big Interview.
    • For ESL learners: Check out Big Interview ESL Playlist for tailored preparation tools
• Gain U.S. Work Experience:
  • Volunteer to Build Experience: Volunteer through VolunteerUM to connect with local organizations and communities while gaining skills and expanding your network.

• Office of Student Success: Central hub for advising, tutoring, peer support, and graduation planning.
• The Writing Center: Tutoring to strengthen writing, presentation, and public speaking.
• Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising for undeclared, pre-health, or first-year students.

• Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
• Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
• Dean of Students Office: Provides crisis response, referrals, and conduct support.
• ASUM: Student government advocating and providing campus services.

• International Student Orientation: Programs to help support new students transition and connect
• Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
• The Branch Center: Intercultural hub for identity groups, programs, and connection.
• Campus Recreation: Fitness, outdoor, and wellness activities for all students.
• Curry Health Services: Primary health care and wellness services for UM students. Includes general medicine, pharmacy, dental, counseling, and other wellness services.
• Housing and Dining Services: On-Campus housing and meal plans with accommodations.
  • Living Communities: Residence Halls built around shared interests and lived experiences.

• Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.

• International-Focused Nonprofits in Missoula: This list of organizations includes a range of smaller nonprofits focused on cultural exchange, refugee and immigrant support, and international development (e.g., Freeflow Foundation, Indigenous People Foundation).
  • Soft Landing Missoula: offers long‑welcome support for refugee & immigrant families; volunteer site. Long‑term support, youth programs, and entrepreneur spotlights for refugee & immigrant families.
• Missoula Cultural Council/Arts Missoula: Supports multicultural programming and connects diverse communities, including Latine residents, through the Missoula International Festival and other events. 
• The World Affairs Council of Montana: organizes speaker series, global education programs, and student engagement initiatives across the state.
• Missoula Women’s Business Network: fosters a supportive community where women connect, learn, and access resources to enhance their personal and professional growth.
• Missoula Young Professionals: provides civic involvement opportunities designed to engage the next generation of leaders through networking and volunteer events that aid in professional and personal development.

• EducationUSA: is a U.S. Department of State-supported network that offers guidance on studying in the U.S., student visas, and scholarships.
• Institute of International Education: supports academic mobility and manages programs like Fulbright, as well as emergency assistance and international student research.
• International Student Services Association: supports international high school and college students with resources for adjustment, integration, and educational success.
• American Graduate: Jobs Explained: is a PBS-backed public media initiative offering media-rich career guidance for school and college leavers.