This guide, designed to help institutions plan integrated information systems which will enable them to meet their needs for data on foreign students was developed during a 3-day seminar in February, 1984. The first of five chapters provides a brief introduction on how to use the planning guide. Chapter 2 contains information designed to guide the systems analyst in working with the foreign student adviser and foreign admissions officer to establish a system which will aid the institution in meeting mandatory external reporting requirements, as well as internal planning and administrative needs. Chapter 3 introduces the basic concepts of computerization and system design and provides guidance on the options available. The special needs of the foreign student office are discussed in chapter 4. Tips are provided for foreign student advisers for coordination with other departments, as well as the systems department, in collecting and using data. The final chapter provides a summary of what a model foreign student information system might look like. Appendices include resource lists of useful references and organizations which may be of assistance. In addition, a description is given of coding systems which are currently available for foreign countries, fields of study, and foreign educational institutions. Contains a 25-item bibliography. (GLR)