For international students considering the United States, the decision of where to pursue a degree looks very different from just one year ago. Questions about safety, travel, work permission, and long-term stability have moved to the center of the conversation — alongside academics and campus life.
And while recent data shows international student enrollments declined by 17% this past year, many students remain undeterred. These students — and their parents — need to know they will be safe and supported by the community they find in the United States, now more than ever.
At schools like the University of Wyoming, the same advisors, advocates, and support teams remain in place — with an even deeper focus on student safety and well-being. People like Manuela Hofer-McIntyre, Managing Director of Wyoming International and a longtime advocate for the international student community, are reshaping programming to meet the needs of today’s students during a time of policy change.
We spoke with Hofer-McIntyre about her hands-on advising approach, how students can prepare for today’s rules, and how the town of Laramie — where the University of Wyoming is located — has continued to support its international students.
“I was born and raised in Austria and came to Wyoming for graduate school. Then, 20 years ago, I decided to stay,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “Laramie is my home.”
A Safe, Welcoming Home in Laramie
The University of Wyoming is the heart of the community in Laramie, driving both the local economy and daily life in town. Students, faculty, and staff account for approximately 40 percent of the total population.
“The two things that stood out when I first came here were the natural beauty and the people, who were incredibly inclusive and curious—in the most positive way,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “They really always wanted to know about me and where I’m from, and that hasn’t changed. The students still report having that same experience today.”
A Community that Looks Out for Each Other
Laramie consistently ranks as one of the safest towns in one of the safest states in the US. The close-knit community looks out for one another and extends that same care to international students.
“Students consistently report feeling safe on and around campus, even walking home late at night from somewhere downtown,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “Once, it was cold and snowing and we saw a younger person with a suitcase heading for the dorms [so] we gave them a ride. In many places that might feel uncomfortable — but here, the community knows the students, and they watch out for them.”
From offers of rides by locals to police officers who go out of their way to build friendly relationships, Hofer-McIntyre has heard several stories from students that show they feel valued and safe in Laramie, and especially on campus.
“We’re a small town with a big community and the students are our main focus,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “Safety is a huge factor here. Our campus is a little town within our city. Students have everything there that they need.”
Proactive Support for Today’s Rules
Hofer-McIntyre acknowledges that the international student experience today requires greater attention to detail, especially around travel and employment.
“I teach a ‘Live, Learn, Grow’ course every semester for our first-year students, which is like an extended orientation,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “This year I’ve changed it up completely.”
In addition to helping students process anxiety and culture adjustment, the course now focuses on practical preparation — from documentation to travel planning.
“We cover what tools students can use to manage stress, how it shows up in the body, and how to handle it,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “But then we also had a big meeting last week where we invited international students to just talk about the upcoming travel to prepare them for what could be complicated.”
Be Ready Before You Travel and Follow the Rules While on Campus
Hofer-McIntyre emphasizes that documentation matters more now than ever.
“When I studied abroad, I traveled internationally to meet some friends and I forgot my visa. They faxed my documents and I was able to return to the US without a problem. Today, this would be a really big issue. So we really take the time to make sure that we prepare students for anything that might come up.”
For international students who work on campus, Hofer-McIntyre also considers it the university’s responsibility to make sure they follow protocol and prevent any problems.
“International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week,” she explained. “The rules haven’t necessarily changed — but enforcement is stricter. It’s my job to make sure students know the rules and understand their rights.”
Hofer-McIntyre covers several best practices and safety precautions with international students before the first break in classes. She tells students to:
Register early for classes and carry documentation that shows they are enrolled and expected back on campus
Carry a valid visa and an I-20 with a current travel signature
Keep International Students & Scholars (ISS) contact information with them when they leave Laramie
Hands-On Advising and Real Care
Many of the international students currently enrolled at the University of Wyoming find themselves in a tough spot: they are in the middle of their program, but are also unsure if the United States is the right place to finish their degree. It’s a stressful situation that Hofer-McIntyre and the student support team are quick to help address.
“When students share their fears in a safe group setting, they learn that others have similar fears and that they are not as alone as they thought,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “It’s especially impactful for students from cultures where you don’t always talk about these sorts of things. And the students are really amazing in the support they show each other.”
In addition to modifying her “Live, Learn, Grow” first-year course from normal culture shock and classroom etiquette themes to a place where students can talk about what they are going through, Hofer-McIntyre also makes sure she and her staff are available in person for one-on-one sessions and more.
“We are very connected to our students. All of them know my team and everybody in the ISS center,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “We personally connect them to all the resources on campus, and I have an open-door policy. My students can come in anytime.”
Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
The University of Wyoming recently achieved Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, making it one of the top research universities in the United States.
Surrounded by the Snowy Range Mountains, the university offers Division I sports, international food options, outdoor recreation, and cultural offerings — all within a small-town environment. There is plenty to do for students, and most University-sponsored events are free.
“If someone wants clubs and nonstop nightlife, Laramie might not be the right fit,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “But for students who want strong academics, community, and incredible nature, it’s a great place to be.”
In addition, students receive the support and care of Hofer-McIntyre and the ISS team, which helps ease many concerns when students arrive.
“The attention [of] and connection to staff and faculty on campus is very different,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “We are deeply engaged with our students and we personally connect them to all the resources on campus that they might need.”
For families weighing whether the United States is still the right place to study abroad, the answer is deeply personal. For those who decide that it is, the University of Wyoming offers something that’s increasingly rare: a safe research-driven university where international students are seen, supported, and genuinely cared for.
“These days bring an added layer of responsibility for students. It would be ideal if they could just focus on their studies, their coursework, and then have a little bit of fun, but now there’s this additional layer to worry about,” said Hofer-McIntyre. “Our job is to make sure students are informed, but that it’s also as easy as possible for them. It’s hard work, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
Explore the University of Wyoming’s international student resources >