FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Journal of International Students (JIS)?
The Journal of International Students (JIS) is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to research on international students, global mobility, and international and comparative education. JIS is published by STAR Scholars Press and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. ISSN (Print): 2162-3104 ISSN (Online): 2166-3750

What topics does JIS publish?

JIS welcomes high-quality research related to: International students, Internationalization of higher education, Global student mobility, Study abroad and exchange, International faculty and scholars, Intercultural communication, Global competence, Artificial intelligence in international education, Language learning and multilingualism, Mental health and student well-being, Immigration and education, Refugee and migrant education, Student success and belonging, International partnerships, Comparative and global education, Equity, diversity, and inclusion, Sustainability and global education, Technology, social media, and digital learning, etc.

Which citation style should I use?

All manuscripts must follow the APA Publication Manual (7th Edition).

Should I use the JIS manuscript template?

Yes. Authors are strongly encouraged to prepare manuscripts using the official JIS template before submission. Download the JIS Template and place your article text in the template format.

Can I submit two versions of my manuscript?

Yes. Authors may upload: A complete version with author information. A blinded version without author identifiers for peer review.

Are tables allowed as images?

No. Tables must remain editable Word tables.

Can I use AI to write my manuscript?

Authors may use AI responsibly for language editing and writing assistance. However, manuscripts containing more than 50% AI-generated content will be automatically declined. Authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of their work.

Why are some manuscripts desk rejected?

Desk rejection is a normal part of the editorial process. Common reasons include:

  • Outside the journal's scope

  • Failure to follow author guidelines

  • Poor organization or writing quality

  • Weak theoretical or methodological contribution

  • Excessive AI-generated writing

  • Ethical concerns or plagiarism

How many reviewers evaluate a manuscript?

Most manuscripts are reviewed by three independent reviewers.

How long does the review process take?

Typical timelines are:

  • Initial editorial screening: within 7 days

  • Peer review: approximately 90 days

  • Submission to acceptance: approximately 90 days

  • Acceptance to publication: approximately 60 days

Timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and revisions.

Publication Fees (APCs)

When is the APC charged?

Only after a manuscript has been accepted following peer review.

What are the current APC rates?

  • Student first author: USD $500

  • Special Issue article: USD $1,250

  • Standard article: USD $2,500

The APC covers editorial management, peer review coordination, copyediting, typesetting, DOI registration, production, online publication, and long-term digital archiving.

Are APC waivers or discounts available?

Yes. Authors with financial need may apply for support through the Scholars in Need Publication Support Program or the Humane Letters Grant. Priority is given to graduate students, early-career researchers, authors from under-resourced institutions, and scholars from low- and middle-income countries.

Applying for financial support does not influence editorial decisions.

Can I propose a Special Issue?

Yes. We welcome proposals from experienced scholars interested in leading a Special Issue on a timely topic.

Must Guest Editors recruit all manuscripts?

No. Guest Editors are encouraged to invite submissions, but JIS also promotes approved Calls for Papers through its website, newsletter, email campaigns, and social media.

Is JIS Open Access?

Yes. All published articles are openly accessible and receive a DOI.

Can I archive my published article?

Yes. Authors may share and archive their published articles in accordance with the journal's licensing policy.

How can I increase the visibility and citations of my article?

We encourage authors to:

  • Share the DOI on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, ORCID, Google Scholar, Academia.edu, and institutional websites.

  • Present the research at conferences and webinars.

  • Include the DOI in presentations, CVs, and email signatures.

  • Ask university communications offices or libraries to feature the publication.

  • Cite the article appropriately in future related research.

Does JIS promote published articles?

Yes. JIS regularly promotes articles through its website, newsletter, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and other communication channels.

Can I be featured as a JIS Author Spotlight?

Yes. Send a professional headshot, short biography, article title, and DOI to the editorial office. Selected authors are featured in the JIS Newsletter and social media, reaching approximately 33,000 scholars, educators, and higher education professionals worldwide.

Who should I contact with questions?

For general inquiries, manuscript submissions, peer review, APCs, Special Issues, Author Spotlights, or technical questions, please contact:

Journal of International Students (JIS)
STAR Scholars Press
Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Email: contact@jistudents.org
Website: https://jistudents.org

Our editorial team is committed to providing timely, professional support throughout the submission, review, and publication process.