Financial advising at Brown is consistent with the guidance available to all undergraduates, but we approach it within an international context. This means recognizing the unique challenges students navigate: from visa-related costs and responsibilities to family commitments abroad, cultural perspectives on money, and the essentials of managing U.S. financial systems.

Our team works closely with the Financial Advising Team to support international students through one-on-one advising and group conversations focused on:

• Developing budgeting and saving strategies that fit the U.S. context while reflecting individual priorities and responsibilities.
• Understanding credit scores, credit cards, and banking systems in the U.S., and how these tools shape financial independence.
• Anticipating and planning for personal, academic, and social expenses while balancing obligations at Brown and beyond. 
• Accessing financial resources from a cross-cultural perspective, including options for financing higher education as an international student.

We also support eligible aided international students (eligibility determined annually by the Office of Financial Aid) through specific initiatives:

• Travel Pilot Program: support with essential round-trip travel between Brown and a student’s home country.
• Break Housing and Meals: on-campus housing and meal support for aided students unable to return home during winter or summer breaks due to hardship circumstances.
• E-Gap Funding:  emergency financial assistance for unexpected and unavoidable expenses that may impact a student’s ability to continue their studies.

In addition to one-on-one advising, we offer workshops designed to build financial literacy and confidence. Recent topics have included:

• Life at Brown on a Budget – strategies for managing everyday expenses as an F-1/J-1 visa-holder.
• Planning Your Summer Budget – preparing for financial responsibilities during breaks.
• Life Beyond Brown: Post-Graduation Financial Planning – guidance for F-1/J-1 visa-holders as they transition into work or graduate study.
  
  To further support the transition to financial independence, all international seniors — both aided and unaided — are invited to participate in monthly financial cohort meetings facilitated by a member of our team. These small-group conversations provide an opportunity to reflect, plan, and exchange strategies with peers while preparing proactively for life after Brown. Additional details, resources, and upcoming workshop information are available on our Google Site, accessible to current members of the Brown community.