Your Future Starts Here
“I came here from Ecuador when I was 18 years old … In Chicago, everything was new for me—the campus, the city, and the people. I’ve been open to meeting new people from different backgrounds, and getting out of my comfort zone has really added to my artwork.” — Trinidad Vasconez, SAIC student
International students have been an integral part of the SAIC community since our founding in 1866, and now our 3,300+ student body includes those from 80 countries. Our diverse faculty, visiting artists, and international students combine to provide a rich, global perspective around creative expression and dialogue—all at one of the world’s top ranked art and design colleges.
A Creative Community in a World-Class City
Students from around the world come to study art and design at SAIC. With student groups for nearly every interest and events throughout the year, you’ll find your community right here in the rich creative capital of Chicago.
80
countries represented among SAIC's student body.
International Students & Community at SAIC
"If I had not come to the United States from South Korea for graduate school, I would not have had the profound experience of discovering my own resilience, adaptability, and core self. You'll find that inner wisdom, too, within SAIC’s vibrant, creative community as your practice grows and career begins." — President Jiseon Lee Isbara
Khushi Shah (BFA 2025)
Hometown: Ahmedabad, India
“At SAIC, I learned how to embrace the process of making—not just the final outcome—while pushing the boundaries of creativity and discovering my authentic artistic voice.”
Jung Soo Kim (MFA 2025)
Hometown: Seoul, Korea
“[At the School,] I began to understand how artists create a community and build narratives to support one another, which I believe is crucial as an artist.”
Jason Luo (BFA 2022)
Hometown: Wuhan, China
“SAIC gives artists freedom when it comes to disciplines. I did not expect that I could focus on filmmaking while studying new media and technology on the side.”
Voted the Best Big City in the US
Voted the “Best Big City in the US” by Condé Nast Traveler for nine years in a row, Chicago is a global cultural center that’s full of opportunity. It’s also a diverse city of neighborhoods and strong communities, a welcoming place where creativity thrives.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, Campus Security is dedicated to protecting the learning environment of each student.
• All campus buildings have controlled access via ID and have Campus Security staff stationed at the entrances.
• SafeRide, SAIC's on-demand, free ride-sharing service provides evening and overnight transportation between campus buildings and designated transportation stops during fall and spring semesters.
• Walking campus escorts are available 24/7.
• In the event of an emergency, Campus Security will provide updates via cell phone text messages, voice messages, and/or email. Parents can also sign up to receive the alerts.
• Incoming students receive a safety orientation on navigating the city and its public transportation.
On-Campus Support
Office of International Student Affairs
International Student Affairs provides guidance and advising on F-1/J-1 visa-related regulations and provides resources in the form of workshops, presentations, one-on-one advising, and social events to help international students achieve their academic and personal goals. Our goal is to support and advocate for international students to help create a globally diverse campus community.
English for International Students
International students are vital to SAIC. You bring diverse experiences and perspectives that encourage us all to question our assumptions, imagine new possibilities, and embrace a global outlook. Some undergraduate international students take English for International Students (EIS) classes before starting their Liberal Arts and Art History classes. EIS classes focus on developing academic English proficiency and fluency as it relates to the arts.
Career & Professional Experience (CAPX)
CAPX advisors prepare students and alumni to develop unique career paths that are creatively satisfying, challenging, and rewarding. We can help you identify your strengths, skills, and values, and can assist you in exploring career options, fellowships, and grant opportunities; connecting with alumni and professional networks; developing professional portfolios and establishing an online presence; and applying for internships, jobs, and other professional opportunities.
Korean & Chinese Advising
SAIC's Korean Student Advisor and Chinese Student Liaison assist students in adjusting to campus and the US culture by building a supportive community, identifying personal and emotional concerns of students, and providing appropriate resources and referrals. They collaborate closely with academics and student services departments to provide support and assistance to students.
Campus Life
SAIC has an active campus fueled by our student groups, organizations, and leadership opportunities. With scores of student groups and organizations and a full schedule of events, SAIC’s Campus Life office offers countless ways to get involved in the SAIC community. From school-wide events such as the Halloween Ball to film screenings, and from weekly Latin dancing and yoga classes to philosophy discussions and art critiques, you can indulge in almost any interest.
Photo by Alan Jay Epstein
Office of Campus Enrichment
The Office of Campus Enrichment leads SAIC's dynamic schoolwide strategy for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism (DEIA+AR). The office works in collaboration with other SAIC leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and key stakeholders.
Wellness at SAIC
Whether you’re finding your way as a first-year or preparing for a thesis show, how you're feeling is going to affect your creative energy and focus. That's why SAIC works with you to care for both your physical and emotional health. In fact, our holistic approach to student well-being has earned the School an Active Minds Healthy Campus Award.
SAIC’s Wellness Center provides empathic and compassionate support and care. Here, you'll find counseling and health services, along with the Disability and Learning Resource Center, whose staff supports and empowers students who need accommodations.
“It has been amazing to watch the countless ways our child has thrived at SAIC. They’ve honed their skills, learned so much, and made so many connections—both with faculty members and other students.” — Parents Sachin and Rachna Doshi
International Student Life at SAIC
With scores of student groups and organizations, there are countless ways to get involved in the SAIC community. Check out recent international student events on campus.
Year of the Snake Celebration
International Student Mixer
Ramadan at SAIC
Our Global Network
With more than 30,000 alums around the world, the SAIC alum community is a thriving network of individuals who are making an impact on their communities, wherever they are.
International Alumni in the News
Apply Now
Our staff is here to help you on your journey to Chicago. Meet with our admissions counselors, take a virtual tour, and learn more about our visa application process.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ADMISSIONS PROCESS
"My own experience studying in the US from Canada changed my life, and my time at SAIC has continued to highlight the transformative power of education. I am confident that you will find the resources and support to thrive here." — Martin Berger, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
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Contact Us
Sullivan Building
36 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60603
Chicago, IL 60603
Office of Admissions
800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100 admiss@saic.edu
Office of International Student Affairs
312.629.6830 intaff@saic.edu
