Enhancing Support for International Students Using Artificial Intelligence in Academic Advising

The increasing global mobility of higher education students and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming academic advising, particularly for international students. When thoughtfully integrated, these technologies can enhance efficiency, access, and student outcomes while preserving the relational and culturally informed role of human advisors. However, AI deployment also raises critical considerations related to equity, ethics, and cultural responsiveness, as international students may face language barriers, differing educational norms, and algorithmic bias. This study examines current applications of AI in international student advising, highlights the challenges and opportunities for human–AI collaboration, and proposes strategies for culturally competent, ethically grounded, and effective hybrid advising models. Findings suggest that leveraging AI to handle transactional tasks allows advisors to focus on mentorship, intercultural guidance, and relationship-building, fostering belonging, academic success, and overall student well-being.