International Student Outreach

International Student Outreach Program Over the past several years the Myrtle Beach Police Department staff noticed an influx in international students living and working in the Myrtle Beach area during the summer season. In addition to the increase in students, officers observed these students becoming victims of crimes more and more often. In order to address the issue the staff of the Myrtle Beach Police Department conducted research on the J-1 Program. In doing so, it was discovered that several other communities throughout the nation have also been faced with the issues that Myrtle Beach was facing. This included Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Myrtle Beach staff members reached out to these agencies and were provided specific program details related to what helped in their areas.

In the spring of 2011, staff members of the Myrtle Beach Police Department reached out to the Myrtle Beach community and surrounding areas to create a program to assist the J-1 students living and working in the area. After several months of planning the team created a program to work with the students, sponsors, community members and business owners to provide information and in some cases services to ensure the students have all the tools necessary to experience a safe, educational and pleasurable trip.

Since 2011, the International Student Outreach Program has met over 2,500 students from all over the world in the spring and summer orientations, through our website Myrtle Beach j1 Students as well as through events planned by our volunteer staff. Volunteers and boards members from the City of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach area Chamber of Commerce, the Myrtle Beach area Hospitality Association, the United States Social Security Administration, Horry County Adult Education, Horry County Transit Authority, North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, Horry County Police Department, Horry County Emergency Management, Coast RTA, Coastal Carolina University, Lacks Beach Service, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, Fresh Water Resources, Seacoast Vineyard Church and several other local business and churches, work together to continue to help ISOP grow each year. If you are interested in receiving more information about ISOP or are interested in volunteering, please contact, (843) 918-1806 or j1studentoutreach@cityofmyrtlebeach.com