Office of International Student Services

Welcome to the Office of International Student Services

The office of International Student Services (ISS) supports MSM’s international community as soon as a student Confirms, and continuing through their post-graduation endeavors! The majority of international students complete their education in the U.S. in F-1 status. The first step to gaining F-1 status is to apply for a SEVIS Form I-20, which is needed for the visa interview and to enter the United States.

After ISS reviews and approves your I-20 application, we will provide you with detailed instructions to schedule and prepare for your F-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

When our international student community arrives on campus, we gather for an orientation session to discuss legal work and training opportunities, acclimating to life in New York City, and legally maintaining status while studying in the United States.

Throughout the academic year, ISS provides weekly office hours, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for immigration-related questions and concerns. Living in another country can be overwhelming… we are here to help! See our full list of services at the bottom of this page!

Meet the Team

Michael Lockhart

Director of International Student Services
iss@xlqx.net
Isabel Eisen

Assistant Director of International Student Services
ieisen@xlqx.net

Apply to MSM

Contact Us

iss@xlqx.net

From Around the World to MSM…
Check out where current students come from!

Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
El Salvador

France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Iran
Israel

Italy
Japan
Kenya
Kuwait
Latvia
Lithuania
Macau
Mexico
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand

Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden

Switzerland
Taiwan
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
Venezuela
Vietnam

“The possibility to be surrounded by musicians of excellence from all around the world is the real unique value of the environment at MSM. In my experience a huge part of the growth that a musician can pursue is given by who shares our same path. And when our peers bring along their culture, the potential to create rare artistic outputs can become a reality.”

Antongiulio Foti

BM '22, Jazz Piano

Antongiulio Foti (Home Country: Italy)

“The office of International Student Services was one of the most important offices during my 6 years of studies at MSM. As international students, we need to do a lot of things with them, and once you are allowed to work part-time with CPT, they are the ones in charge of everything. Fortunately, Michael Lockhart and Laura Haley are wonderful and they are super attentive and efficient. They were always on time and they did everything possible even when I had a last-minute call for a concert.”

Ramón Carrero-Martínez

BM '19, MM '21, Classical Viola

Ramón Carrero-Martínez (Home Country: Venezuela)

Our Services:

Curricular Practical Training

After maintaining F-1 status for one year, students are eligible to apply for CPT! ISS hosts workshops to help students better understand this work/training benefit that accompanies F-1 status.
Optional Practical Training

ISS provides step-by-step video guides and one-on-one meetings with students who wish to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Academic Training

J-1 visa-holders interested in off-campus work authorization should inquire with the ISS office about how to begin an Academic Training (AT) application!
Social Security Numbers

Used for tax purposes, a social security number (SSN) is typically required once you have been hired for a job. ISS prepares students for their appointment at the Social Security Administration.
Taxes

In the spring, all students residing in the U.S. must submit tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Whether you earned income or not, we will assist you with this process!
Bank Accounts

Any students wishing to establish themselves at a local bank can visit our office for assistance. Becoming established at a local bank can help reduce international charges and fees, as well as help build a credit score.
Driver’s Licenses

Students interested in acquiring a driver’s license can visit the ISS office for assistance.
SEVIS Record Transfers

Are you transferring to MSM from another U.S. institution? We will work with you during the SEVIS transfer process.

Annual International Student Concert

Each spring, MSM hosts a concert in honor of you! Our international student community is comprised of dedicated individuals who have unified in New York City in pursuit of a world-renowned education at Manhattan School of Music. The richness in personality, culture, and musical background that each student brings to the School is demonstrated at this annual event. Selected musicians perform pieces composed by an artist native to the student’s home country. This magical performance summons lesser-known pieces from around the world, and invites the audience to hear music that has inspired and moved our international community throughout their personal journeys.