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!
-Photo credit to violinist Minjoo Moon, currently earning a Professional Studies Certificate at MSM. Her photo, visible at the top of the page, depicts a green tea field near her home in Boseong, South Korea.
Meet the Team
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Michael Lockhart
Director of International Student Services
iss@shengmeiting.net -
Isabel Eisen
Assistant Director of International Student Services
ieisen@shengmeiting.net
Contact Us
From Around the World to MSM…
Check out where current students come from!
![](http://ljmt.shengmeiting.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2122_WorldMapGraphic_Artboard-02.jpeg)
Argentina Australia Barbados Belgium Brazil Canada Chile China Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark |
El Salvador Finland France Georgia Germany Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Indonesia Iran Israel |
Italy Japan Kenya Kuwait Latvia Lithuania Macau Malta Mexico Netherlands New Zealand |
Norway Portugal Romania Russia Singapore Slovakia South Africa South Korea Spain |
Taiwan Turkey United Kingdom United States Venezuela |
“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.”
BM '22, Jazz Piano
![](http://ljmt.shengmeiting.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Antongiulio-Foti-1.jpeg)
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.”
BM '19, MM '21, Classical Viola
![](http://ljmt.shengmeiting.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Testimonials_Ramon-Carrero_Compressed.jpg)
Ramón Carrero-Martínez (Home Country: Venezuela)
Our Services:
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Curricular Practical Training
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Optional Practical Training
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Academic Training
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Taxes
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Bank Accounts
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Driver’s Licenses
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SEVIS Record Transfers
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.
Student Showcase Concerts and Webcasts Archive
15th Annual International Student Concert
14th Annual International Student Concert
13th Annual International Student Concert
12th Annual International Student Concert
11th Annual International Student Concert
10th Annual International Student Concert
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.