The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is housed in Yamada International House located at 56 E. Union Street in Athens, Ohio. Our staff is ready to support students and scholars in F and J immigration status as well as the Ohio University community with understanding and supporting the international community.
Our office welcomes appointments in the morning between 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. (noon) and in-person visitors between 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. We are closed for lunch from 12-1 p.m.
International Student and Scholar Services offers multiple advising options to serve members of OHIO's international community. If you have a question or need support, drop-in for virtual or in-person advising or schedule an advising appointment.
Peer advisors are available during International Student Orientation to offer guidance about Ohio University or Athens, finding off-campus housing or answer other questions related to being a current student.
Diane has been at OHIO since 2009 and has held a leadership role in Global Affairs since 2011.
As Director of International Student and Scholar Services, her focus is on the relationships with the University community and the global stakeholders of ISSS in support of our international students' and scholars' success at OHIO.
I am a committed person who inspires positive interpersonal relations and always ready to learn new things.
Kierstin received her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Curriculum & Instruction (Global Education). Prior to joining OU, she had the privilege to study and work abroad in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. These experiences abroad developed Kierstin’s love for language, culture, and working with international students.
In her spare time, she likes to hike, read, and (attempt to) learn haegeum, a traditional Korean instrument. Her top bucket list goal is to travel to all 63 US National Parks.
Abby Conder serves as the International Student and Scholarship Services Associate Director and provides immigration advising to F-1 and J-1 students. She enjoys advocating for international education, and takes every opportunity to learn about different cultures.
An Ohio native, Abby spent nearly four years in China, both as a student (Lanzhou University) and as a faculty member at Zhejiang University of Media and Communications. Her experiences in China fueled her passion for international education.
She received her MA in International Studies from Concordia University in Irvine California in 2014. In her spare time, she likes to travel, read, and spend time with family.
Sophia Hower Nimmer received her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Higher Education Student Affairs. Throughout her academic pursuits, Sophia was able to study abroad in Salamanca, Spain; San Jose, Costa Rica; and completed an internship in Incheon, South Korea. Through her travels abroad Sophia fell in love with learning about new cultures and began the career trajectory of international education.
In her free time, Sophia loves to camp, read, spend time with friends and family, and travel both in the US and internationally. It is her life goal to visit every continent, including Antarctica.